u/PomegranateSingle602

Hello!

I leave for my REU next week. I’m so excited; I was accepted into this one only and really lucked out. I’m doing exoplanet research (physics & math major).

What was everyone’s experiences like, especially in a physics or math-focused program? Was it more self paced or team led; did you have an office space or did you have the freedom to work wherever; etc.

Tips and advice and anything of the sort is also appreciated! I don’t have any expectations, honestly, other than I am enthusiastic for my work and location.m

Edit; I’ve talked a little with my mentor but I’m just curious on what everyone’s experiences were like :))

Hello!

I am about to be a rising junior at my university in the US. I am planning to pursue graduate school & a PhD in theoretical physics after graduating in 2028, but I'm not sure what type of program I should look for.

Outside of my research, I've been reading books about theoretical physics to build my conceptual knowledge. I recently read Hyperspace by Michio Kaku and realized that the really theoretical concepts - unified field theory, time travel, wormholes (what Einstein and Hawking worked on) - interest me. I've also been interested in black holes and dark matter, and early universe evolution and formation.

I am doing astrobiology research (exoplanet analysis) this summer, a career I've also been interested in, so I'll have to see if that is something I will debate going to grad school for.

I know that's a lot of different interests, but I feel like there are so many different topics and concepts to purse in astrophysics and it's a lot to think about! Any tips for what types of programs I should look for? Universities to look into would also be helpful (international or in the US), but right now I am trying to figure out what I should look into with programs.

Thank you in advance!

Hello! I’ve been using YNAB since the start of the year, and I absolutely love it.

However, I’ve been struggling a bit with my mindset. Since I am able to rearrange my money better, and see categorically what I have spent, I feel like I’ve had more permission to spend my money (especially since I have a HYSA that is tracked separately, so I feel more comfortable knowing I have a big set aside).

Has anyone else felt this way, and if so, do you have any tips on how I can continue to fix my mindset? Thank you in advance!