<p>Hello, I'm new to this site, but after much searching i realized this is exactly what i was looking for. So...
Since I was old enough to read and enjoy science fiction books i've wanted to be one of those physicists who experiments with weird things like elementary particles, and anti matter. Is this an attainable dream or should i find a more sensible goal? And if this is what i want to do, which college is the best?</p>
<p>Thanks!
Elise</p>
<p>Who knows...but that sounds like what I would like to do too.</p>
<p>Is it just like a dream weird kids have, like other kids want to be doctors and teachers and firefighters, is it like one of those things ur supposed to grow out of?</p>
<p>Well as for it is it possible, you should ask yourself how good are you with math and science. If you are very good then yes it is possible. If you are going to get into high level research like that you need to go to a very good physics grad school. Undergrad doesn't matter so much, but the bigger the name the better your chances are for that really good grad school. Right now, I would put Berkely, Columbia, MIT up there for good schools.</p>
<p>hey GuitarShredder05, do you rock?</p>
<p>Ok Synthetic Angel, but i guess teh question then is how good is very good?</p>
<p>Hey Elise,</p>
<p>Although extreme proficiency in Math and Physics is a must for research in such a field, you won't be into such hard stuff until 3 years later. So for now, just focus on what you love doing best and meeting all academic requirements. When you get there, Math and Physical calculations won't just be a bore (if you don't really like them now) but they'll be an absolute necessity and you'll learn to be good at them. So dream on. If you don't dream, no dreams will come true. i dream a lot and my dreams come true.</p>
<p>Seriously, there was a time (a year ago) I began to hate maths seriously, and I just took it with levity. But now, I know I need it and I love so much now. I am so eager to learn more and more and dig in. So that's it. What you are now doesn't count, what you will be does.</p>
<p>Well, if you can't pass a calculus class, then physics will never be anything more than a dream for you. If you can pass calculus with a decent grade, but had to work hard, you should look into teaching high school physics. If you are good at math and don't really have to work for it, you can expect to get into a decent school and probably do research to some extent eventually. If you are math god who doesn't even need a teacher and can completely teach yourself calculus, then research and teaching will probably be your life if you major in physics. (Note: I use caculus because it is a general high level math for high school, and because it is used a lot in higher level physics.)</p>
<p>yeah Synthetic Angel, I agree with you but not completely.</p>
<p>Being a math guru doesn't necessarily mean physics research's gonna be your life!</p>
<p>a math guru could even spend most of his life playing the piano or chess!</p>
<p>so taking AP calc in 10th grade is a good thing</p>
<p>I wasn't saying that being a math guru = physics research, I was saying if you want to do physics research you really need some math skills. Taking AP Calc in 11th or 12th is fine. It doesn't matter when you take it, but it is a pretty good indicator of math skills.</p>
<p>"hey GuitarShredder05, do you rock?"</p>
<p>I suppose I do.</p>
<p>Back to the topic: Natural talent is often over-rated. If physics is something you really want to do, you're going to find a way to make it work. Just because you can do Calc doesn't mean that physics will be enjoyable or worthwhile. You don't need to be a Calc wiz; However, you need to have a passion for what you do.</p>
<p>Although often natural talent is a stimulant for a subject which makes it enjoyable.</p>
<p>I have to disagree with you. I think for something as high level as physics (and you will need a Ph.D. for research), you will have to have a natural talent for numbers. A lot of physics right now, especially the top level stuff, is just theoretical mathematics because they have no way to test it. I don't think people who are trying their best could cut it. You can study your butt off for the test, but if you can't fully understand and built apon this stuff, then you won't be able to go far in physics. Natural talent is required IMHO.</p>
<p>'I wasn't saying that being a math guru = physics research, I was saying if you want to do physics research you really need some math skills. Taking AP Calc in 11th or 12th is fine. It doesn't matter when you take it, but it is a pretty good indicator of math skills.'</p>
<p>yeah, i realized this a few seconds after posting my reply.</p>
<p>natural talent or no natural talent, if you don't work hard, you aren't going to get anywhere.</p>
<p>as Edison said: 'Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.'</p>
<p>you gotta sweat!</p>
<p>Ok, Synthetic Angel, i wasn't saying natural talent is unimportant, i was saying natural talent(for example math) usually leads a person to enjoy doing well in math, therefore likely finding a job in something they enjoy and are good at.</p>
<p>I agree that natural talent is important. In fact, it is a prerequisite. But in the long run, hard work plays MUCH MUCH more of a role in making a successful mathematician or physicist. Trust me.</p>
<p>Well before I get too far into this, define "natural talent."</p>
<p>natural talent-the ability to do well at something without putting much work into it</p>
<p>therefore, if you do put a fair amount of work into it you really excel</p>