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Hey everyone, I’m a first-year CS student.

I originally got into trading through strategies I found online, mostly around short-term/day trading, and trying prop firm challenges. I’ve blown three challenges so far, which made me start questioning whether the issue is my psychology, the strategies I was using, or whether the edge in most day-trading strategies online is actually real.

I’m already familiar with basic technical analysis, candlestick charts, and a lot of the trading concepts commonly taught online, but I’m starting to question how much of it actually holds up.

Recently I started learning about quant trading through Roman Paolucci’s channel, and it made me want to move toward a more systematic and data-driven way of thinking about markets.

I’m now more interested in medium/long-term trading, fundamental analysis, options, and quant-style approaches. I’m mainly here to ask for advice about trading, school, what to learn first for quant, and how to build a realistic path from where I am now.
May 16, 2026 · 12:39 AM · 31 views · Commons
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Jordan FOUNDER
@jordan Options Monastery · May 16, 2026 · 12:58 AM
FOUNDER
Technical analysis is pretty much astrology for trading. Yes, the real money lies in fundamental and quantitative analysis (and some other things, but those are the most important generally). I would recommend you start studying statistics and the basics of options, supposing you don't already know all about them. Some of the simplest strategies (short vol, momentum) still can be extremely profitable, so if you want some initial strategies to look at I'd start there. I'm no expert by any means though, so take this with a grain of salt.
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@quantguild
Roman Paolucci Mod Trader FOUNDER
@quantguild · May 16, 2026 · 02:39 AM
Trader FOUNDER
Trading is about positioning and survival - nobody has permanent edge or a 1:1 strategy that always makes money. Accepting this is the first step.

I would recommend picking where you’d like to spend your study: do you want to make markets? Discretionary or algo trade? All of those are different.

Unsure? Focus on learning different products and asset classes and start taking RISK (yes that means you might lose money so trade small, but it’s going to be the rest of your life in this space.)

Love the thoughtful post, hope this helps
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@pretoninho
Pretoninus II Mod Trader FOUNDER
@pretoninho Solaris Traders · May 16, 2026 · 08:36 AM
Trader FOUNDER
Survivre et durer !
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