Data Science Major Looking to Approach Day Trading Systematically — Where Do I Start?

Question

Hey everyone,

I’m interested in getting into day trading and want some direction on where to start.

A bit about me: I’m very disciplined and process-oriented. I play poker seriously on the side and study Game Theory Optimal (GTO) strategy — focusing on mathematically balanced, long-term profitable play. Over the past year, I’ve logged ~100,000 hands and am up just over $5k. I understand variance, bankroll management, and emotional control.

I’m also a data science major, so statistics and quantitative thinking aren’t new to me.

Here’s what I’d really like insight on:

•	Where does someone start learning day trading properly?

•	What books or resources would you recommend?

•	Is trading primarily self-developed strategy, or is there a structured learning path?

•	How quantitative/statistics-heavy does it get at the retail level?

•	Is full-time trading realistically achievable, and what kind of timeline are we talking about?

I’m willing to put in serious work and treat this like a craft. Not expecting to “get rich quick” — I’m more interested in whether the skill can be developed systematically over time.

Appreciate any honest guidance from people further along the path.

Posted Feb 26, 2026, 8:13 AM UTC

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