Hey all,
I am currently a first year physics major at UCLA. I’m about to finish up my third quarter and I have been having an extremely difficult time. I haven’t been doing too well in my math and science classes, I struggle to earn about a B- average. My major GPA is a 2.6. I figure I have three options: stay at UCLA and tough out being a physics major, switch schools (most likely to a Cal State), or stay at UCLA and switch my major.
- I've always envisioned myself as a physics major, I am very interested in the field, however I feel like it is hard to keep up with the quarter system and that I have a different learning style than expected from most professors. It seems as if they expect you to be able to read the textbook and learn on your own. I want to do research in physics, but if I am struggling right now, it seems unlikely that I would be able to earn a PhD. Without a PhD, I would not be able to do the type of research I am interested in.
- Physics at a different school could potentially suit my learning style better and be more hands on, not to mention a semester system could relieve a lot of stress.
- There is another major at UCLA that I could see myself doing, however, it is a humanities major and I have also seen myself as a more science-y person.
It gives me anxiety to think of making such big changes, whether that be a school change or a major change. I’m pretty stuck and don’t know what to do from here, any advice is appreciated.