Importance of Potential Double Major
Hey all, freshman here at Williams College who wanted to inquire about the potential importance of a double major. For some context, I had initially planned to major in econ, but have been told that a quantitative double major could help my case at top banks. I’ve taken some stat courses (which I’ve done very well in), but I am not particularly enthralled at the the thought of more; stat and math are just not enjoyable subjects to me despite being fairly easy. I have, however, taken a liking to art history, which I feel I would enjoy double majoring in. In light of what I’ve been told, I wanted to inquire as to whether double majoring in ARTH over STAT would significantly impact on my candidacy at top BB/EB. If ARTH really would negatively impact my candidacy, should I just solely major in Econ instead? Would a stats double major really make that much of a difference? Would love to get some color from folks at banks and PE firms who might have some insight on the situation. Thanks!
Do something you like. Knowing art will ad a dimension to ur personality that so many lame hardos could never imagine having. Extra points if you one day attain Greenwich raised beautiful art gallery manager
Based on the most helpful WSO content, a double major in a quantitative field like statistics or math can indeed bolster your analytical credentials, which are valued by top banks and private equity firms. However, it's not a strict requirement. Many successful candidates have broken into finance with non-quantitative or even humanities majors, provided they excel in their primary major (like economics) and demonstrate strong skills through internships, networking, and extracurriculars.
If you genuinely enjoy art history and believe it will keep your GPA high while allowing you to focus on excelling in economics, it could still work in your favor. Banks and firms often value candidates who are passionate and well-rounded, as long as they can demonstrate the necessary technical and analytical skills through coursework, internships, or self-study (e.g., financial modeling, Excel, etc.).
That said, a stats double major could give you an edge in showcasing quantitative rigor, especially if you're targeting roles that emphasize data analysis or technical skills. If you're not enthusiastic about stats and feel it might drag down your GPA or overall experience, focusing on excelling in economics and supplementing with relevant skills (like basic programming or financial modeling) might be a better route.
Ultimately, the decision should balance your interests, strengths, and career goals. If you can maintain a strong GPA, gain relevant experience, and network effectively, your choice of a second major (or lack thereof) will likely have less impact.
Sources: Best Undergraduate Double Major at a Non-Target B-School?, Majoring in Wall Street?, Williams College: Econ/Pysch Major or Econ/Math Major, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/does-major-matter-at-uva-columbia-brown-etc?customgpt=1, Why Investment Banking? Sample Answers
I don’t think either would make a difference
Doing a double major will do nothing but make your schedule busier and harder to get a high gpa. Take easier classes during your first two years, get high grades, and get as much experience as possible.
My view is that stats as a second major could maybe possibly slightly boost your chances at a better first role out of school. Is that worth it if you don't like it? Nah. On top of that, art history will make you more interesting and well-rounded, which matters more over the course of a career. Not to mention the program at Williams is possibly the best in the country at the undergrad level. I say follow that opportunity since you won't have it later in life.
Michael Lewis got an Art degree from Princeton, so it probably won't close any doors. But I think that if you're going to get an unrelated major, you have to grind so much more.
Also, I don't understand how you're good at math and stats but don't like them. I've never come across someone being good and not liking them.
im a usamo qual and lowk hate math lol
No shot dude
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