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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]How would you help him reach his goal? He is a math fanatic and wants to study physics in college. He got a nearly perfect score on both the SAT and ACT. This is a kid who spends his free time watching science videos or spending hours upon hours escaping into his own world of thinking about the universe/space.

Does he need to do certain activities? Should he attend certain schools?

His goal is NASA or conducting research.

Thanks for any guidance. [/quote]

That was my goal 20 years ago!! Then after my PhD I got a research position at NASA.  I worked there for 6 months and moved to oil and gas.  Even back then they paid twice as much for nearly the same type of work.  I think I make more than twice my experience level at NASA even now - and I have a ton more in savings, sent my kids to nice private schools, have a ski and beach condo, etc.  NASA is just a brand, like Exxon, but doesn't offer anything tangible, like energy.[/quote]

Me again... forgot to answer the question.  I was top of my class, near perfect scores, like your son.  I got an Honors undergraduate which won an award at LPSC in Houston.  This gave me good contacts for grad school, which was paid by NASA.  I won about 5 more research awards and had about 10 publications when I finished my PhD.  They asked me to apply before I graduated.  Everyone I know in NASA research has a similar story.  Also similar to me, many of the smarter ones quit when they realize they can make multiples in private startups or at majors.[/quote]

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