Q&A for How to Become a Scientist

It depends on the particular path you choose and how well you excel in that field. For some, science is incredibly difficult, so becoming a scientist would also be difficult. Science comes naturally to other people, so it wouldn't be as difficult for them. However, science is complicated regardless of the field, so you will inevitably find it challenging no matter what.

You should read anything about science that you can get your hands on -- textbooks, science websites, topical science books, etc.

To become a scientist, you must at least take physical science, mathematics and biology. Mathematics are very important in science, especially calculus and algebra.

You can indeed become a doctor and a scientist, but not in a short amount of time. It's a very long journey.

In addition to the obvious science courses, you'll also need a strong background in math and statistics. From a conceptual and historical standpoint, some education in philosophy also wouldn't hurt.

That heavily varies with the type of field the scientist is working in. But yes, most of the jobs involving investigation in science requires great skills in mathematics. Math is nature's language. Scientists learn and use this language to investigate. A physicist has to be very proficient at physics. A scientist working on agriculture needs to have a good knowledge about biology, characteristics and behaviors of plants, and so on. So, deciding what field of science you want to work in, and go on from there.

It just takes practice and dedication. Study hard in school and, after you do your homework, you can watch math videos and go onto math websites.

The field of scientific study you ultimately choose comes down to your interests. What fascinates you the most about the world? What do you want to learn more about? What do you want to discover? Figure these things out, then pick the field that answers these questions.

It depends. If you love science and school, then becoming a scientist takes work and perseverance, but is enjoyable.

There isn't one single salary. Your salary will be determined by many factors like your qualifications, location, field, etc.

You should score above a 90% to be highly knowledgeable.

By creating new ideas,and always thinking about something new in your research.

Of course! There's no age requirement for becoming a scientist. If you have a good idea, you should run with it.

Study hard and pass your exams.

Watch a video about the specific topic, then re-read your lesson.

Being a scientist is time-consuming and mentally demanding. It's possible to have a side job, but it could affect your main work. However, it depends on what the other thing you want to do is and how much free time you have that you can fit it into. There are, for example, scientists who are also writers or professors. And you can always change careers if you find that being a scientist is not satisfying.

If you want to be a "space scientist," then I'm assuming you're very interested in space and the rules governing the stars and planets. If so, approach it from a scientific perspective and you will soon see that there is no scientific proof for the validity of astrology. If you want to be a scientist, you have to learn to base your views on practical evidence and proof. If you continue to base your beliefs on superstitious nonsense, you will never become a scientist.

Many years. The bullet under Step 3 summarizes the years involved and estimates around 12 years.

"Bio" means biology, so "biochemistry" refers to a class that focuses on the chemical processes within and relating to living organisms. Whether or not you need this class to become a scientist would depend on what type of scientist you wanted to become.

You should consider studying biochemistry so that you can study both biology and chemistry pretty heavily!

Most scientists wear lab coats while on duty, but it can also be a suit or uniform.

You should study STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in order to be an astronaut.

If you are a student, then first pass your 10th exam. After passing 10th you can take PCM (physics, chemistry and maths) or PCB (physics, chemistry and biology). Then go to a better institute like IIT, study hard and become a professor, research scientist, etc.

You can, but you'll have to take out lots of loans and apply for lots of grants. It's definitely possible though.

You can start at any age. As a child, you should try to become more curious about the world around you and get good grades at school. When you get to middle/high school, work as hard as you can in math, physics, biology, chemistry, and literacy/English. Figure out what subject you want to specialize in and look for colleges that have good programs in that area.

Astronomy would be the appropriate science that you should study.

You may be able to get away with not specializing in computer science, but it's unlikely you could become a scientist without a background in math. Perhaps you could look into the field of Earth Science.

You could, but it would be a very long and difficult path.

Focus on science and math classes. When you read to learn outside of school, choose books pertaining to that field.

Research the different fields. The best one will fit both what you enjoy and what you are good at.