So I really love Physics and evolutionary biology but it seems like that’s an uncommon route to go down. Is there any good reason outside following my bliss to have that combination or should I follow the typical math and physics combo? I feel like the former will make me stand out a bit more (I would like to do something relating to exobiology perhaps) considering the minor program that I would be doing in biology is almost as many classes as my physics major. It would show flexibility to my mindset as the biological sciences and physical sciences often operate differently… or are it simply more beneficial to get the math major considering I will have to take a lot of non-required but suggested math courses already. Thankss y’all.
Do you know what you want to do after college?
If you want to pursue physics, it is very unlikely that you will be able to pursue evolutionary biology as well and vice versa. In this sense, you should probably just stick to getting really good at what you see yourself doing. You can take a few classes in other things on the side, but there is no need to pursue a minor. It won’t impress anyone in physics that you also studied evolutionary biology. They will be more impressed if you are really good at physics and–of course–math might make you stronger at physics.
All this being said, are you sure that physics is what you want to study? I have seen a lot of people in physics and/or math in similar positions. They often feel like they like physics/math even though they really don’t. Often, they feel very pressured to study physics/math because they feel that it is what is expected of them (I started as a math major for 1.5 years before switching to something in the humanities). They feel that these fields are just what smart people study and that since they are a smart person, they should study these fields as well. They are also often concerned with impressing people.
I ask, because I see traces of this in your question. You say that you love evolutionary biology, but are hesitant to study it. You also seem concerned with standing out and impressing others. Additionally, you seem not too excited about doing a physics math combo.
Consider the possibility of just studying evolutionary bio. Does this sound appealing to you? Does this sound more enjoyable to you then studying physics? If so, seriously consider just studying evolutionary biology. You may be happier in the long run.
Anyway to discern that outside of college classes and reading haha! I just really love them both!
Study what you’re interested in. You don’t have to know exactly what you want to do after college right now. If you want to study physics and biology, go for it. But don’t do it to show ‘flexibility’ or for any other reason other than the fact that you just happen to really like both.
Who cares if it’s uncommon? You don’t have to do something just because it’s already been tread or a standardized path.
1 Like