I need help I want to be a scientist but I love it all what do I pick? (advance, material)

[Mr.Wolf]

I love science I want to go to college for it but heres the thing all science interest me I don't know what to pick so I need help on what to write a thesis on. I'll admit o don't know everything and I only know a little in every category but I am willing to learn everything. Only thing is I'm not a genius so I figured out that I can probably one master one subject so my problem is finding the one subject that helps humanity the most. So I need help if any9ne can help please chime in, I welcome it.

[davidt1]

Learn math and chemistry first. A solid background those areas will get you ready for many of the branches of science.

[Dirt Grinder]

Originally Posted by davidt1

Learn math and chemistry first...

You should also be able to write well, as there will be LOTS of writing.

[jacqueg]

Originally Posted by Mr.Wolf

I love science I want to go to college for it but heres the thing all science interest me I don't know what to pick so I need help on what to write a thesis on. I'll admit o don't know everything and I only know a little in every category but I am willing to learn everything. Only thing is I'm not a genius so I figured out that I can probably one master one subject so my problem is finding the one subject that helps humanity the most. So I need help if any9ne can help please chime in, I welcome it.

So you're still in high school?

Don't worry about benefiting humanity right this instant. Just pick a topic of the day, and write about that. Look at the last science test you took. Was there a question on that test that you not only knew cold, but you could have written more if they'd asked or if you'd had time? That's a clue. Write about that.

Another clue might be a news article reporting on something that made you think "wow, is that cool or what?" Write about that.

If you keep on following that "wow" factor, you'll grow into where you are meant to be. And that in itself will benefit humanity.

[HTY483]

Originally Posted by Dirt Grinder

You should also be able to write well, as there will be LOTS of writing.

Judging by the original post it's an area where the OP has a lot of room for improvement.

[Milky Way Resident]

Originally Posted by Dirt Grinder

You should also be able to write well, as there will be LOTS of writing.

This is a very important point to consider. A lot of people who pursued scientific careers when I studied went in the the assumption that it would be the complete opposite of literature and that all they would be doing is studying theory/conducting experiments.

[jetgraphics]

Originally Posted by Mr.Wolf

I love science I want to go to college for it but heres the thing all science interest me I don't know what to pick.

Let's get our terms straight - - -

SCIENCE n. - The systematic study of the nature and behavior of the material and physical universe, based on observation, experiment, and measurement, and the formulation of laws to describe these facts in general terms.

In other words, a scientist is one who is curious about the physical universe, and intensely observes, experiments, and carefully measures "stuff."

If you're already involved with "scientific" hobbies like studying weather, biology, physics, or chemistry, you will enjoy a career as a scientist. A good scientist is thorough, painstaking, and obsessively concerned with accumulating facts that support or refute the hypothesis he is testing.

If you have no scientific hobbies, you had better start a few before you commit to an expensive and time consuming education in a discipline you may not like.

In the past, kids relied on Edmund Scientific for supplies. They've changed over the years, but may still be a good source for special items.
Scientifics online from the Edmund Scientific catalog

You should study as much mathematics as you can - and if you can get tutoring, do so. There is no better foundation for a scientific career than mathematics.
You will also need to become adept at writing, especially if you choose a field in which you have to write grant proposals and professional reports. And if you can study a second (or third) language, do so. Most if not all advanced degree programs require proficiency in two or more languages. Of course, your choice in languages is dependent upon your chosen major and the most predominant language of research papers. For example, if you've chosen chemistry, German is a popular choice - since there are many German pioneers in chemistry.

Though Latin is not popular in high school, proficiency in Latin translates well to many scientific endeavors. Many scientific terms are derived from Latin. For example, the abbreviations on the Periodic Table of the Elements refer to their Latin forms. Ex: Sodium (Na) is natrium. Lead (Pb) is plumbum (and the root of the word "plumbing"). Gold (Au) is aurum.
Ditto, for Greek. Geography (from Greek γεωγραφία, geographia, literally "earth description".)

The earlier you start, the more proficient you will be when it is time to choose your career.

Addendum:
Start a notebook to record your endeavors.
What to write?
Anything, everything. Questions. Answers. Ideas. References.
How much to write?
Imagine you are writing for the benefit of a complete stranger. In other words, do not assume the reader will know what you were thinking. Put it all down on paper. When you come back to those notes, in 30 or 40 years, you will be glad you were so thorough.

OP: you have to think about 1) what interests you and 2) what you're good at.


You might like physics, but if you can't see yourself doing differential equations for 9 years (you'll need a PhD to have any chance of being a practicing scientist), then it's not for you.


Bad at memorizing massive amounts of facts? Organic chemistry or biology may not be for you.

Originally Posted by Milky Way Resident

This is a very important point to consider. A lot of people who pursued scientific careers when I studied went in the the assumption that it would be the complete opposite of literature and that all they would be doing is studying theory/conducting experiments.

I *adored* covering those students' reports in red ink when I was teaching. So many people would get so upset that they got the right result but still got a C because of their awful writing and inability to explain what they did.

[Debsi]

Academic writing is already hard enough to read. I can't imagine it without punctuation.

[orionstars]

If you're still in high school, concentrate on math, physics, chemistry, biology, and English and writing classes. Also if they offer electives in computer science and electronics, and related topics, take those.

Attend any science extra curricular activities and clubs.