Math and Physics is too hard


I am planning on studying civil engineering at university (I have already applied and been accepted to a few places) however I don't feel confident about my maths and physics abilities, my marks at school are better than average but sometimes I don't understand things quickly and I keep being told that university maths and physics is far more difficult than high school math and physics. I'm worried that regardless of how hard I work, I won't be able to cope and I'll disappoint my parents (both my parents are naturally good at maths and physics and my dad is a civil engineer)

Thank you in advance!
posted by Wawa on June 21, 2014

Answer by Amelia Scharrer

Hello Wawa!  First off congratulations at being accepted into colleges! It sounds like you have some very exciting choices in front of you.  Let me start by telling you that math and physics in a very small part of engineering.  I still do not under differential equations, and I am very good at my job.  I can also tell you that I had several classes that required me to spent many hours sitting with the professor or TA or tutor going over the material until I understood it. Any university you choose will have resources for you to get the tutoring you need. 

My last piece of advise is to follow your own dreams and skills.  You say your parents are very good at math and physics and your dad is a civil engineer, but you do not talk about your excitement for the field.  I love being a civil engineer, but it is not the right career for everyone. If you are not excited about it you could look at some of the other engineering fields, or maybe a different field of study all together. You can get through the difficult classes, and being excited about what your learning will help. 

Good luck!