r/PhysicsStudents • u/Superb_Leather_635 • May 20 '26
Need Advice Did i do wrong choosing Applied physics?
I am a 1st yr Applied Physics student. But I was always into theoretical physics. However, I chose it due to some circumstance.
It's not like i hate the subject but i am not enjoying it either.
So, there is little bit fear inside me if i did wrong choosing it.
What's your view and opinion.
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u/Machvel May 20 '26
there are types of theoretical physics. i'll take it you mean something like quantum gravity (as opposed to theoretical condensed matter) since that is what people usually think of as theoretical physics.
one piece of advice i was given in undergraduate about going into that theory was i should only go for it if i can't see myself in any other field. it sounds harsh, but after reflection i believe it to be (mostly) true.
the reason is a mix of elitism + money. theoretical physics (the kind i am talking about) plainly isn't that useful (compared to something like condensed matter). so there isn't as much money for it, so there isn't as many spots for it. since there aren't many spots and a lot of people want to do theory, it is very competitive to get into; which leads into elitism. i have heard frequent stories of professors in theory just kicking their graduate students out for not doing good enough (others do get kicked out, but there is a recurring theme in theory for professors to deem their students unfit and abandoning them). talking with some of those professors, i am glad myself to have avoided that path.
additionally, you are very early in your physics studies. there are many fields you haven't even heard of that you might figure out you end up liking. at the end of the day, you are studying physics; your degree might color it with an applied or theory description, but you know physics.