I'm currently a freshman @ Barnard College in NYC, and I'm having trouble deciding what to major in.
I thought about being an economics major, but then heard from family friends that a statistics or math major is more attractive. My college offers a dual degree called econ-math, which seems like a sweet deal. However, I'm not stellar at math. I was average in high school, but I'm currently taking Calc 3 and it's not a smooth ride. The issue is, I enjoy math, but I'm not doing well grade wise.
I know GPA is top priority when it comes to resumes in addition to other things like leadership, interest, and interviews. But is it worth sacrificing your GPA for a dual degree in econ-maths? In comparison to the econ major, the econ-math major requires additional math courses like Calc 2, Intro to probability and statistics, linear algebra, analysis and optimization, and 2 math electives, but one less econ elective.
I alternatively considered Econ and CS dual degree (Columbia CS Dept advising), but didn't enjoy java as much as I wanted to. I could also minor in statistics or mathematical sciences (math, CS, stats) instead of doing the dual degree in econ-maths. I am currently interning at a fintech startup and I think I would also like to consider other roles besides working in IB, but I'm still learning what careers are available.
Thanks in advance
Of all the math classes you listed, analysis is the only one that is even remotely difficult (but it's very difficult); if you think the other math classes you listed are hard you aren't going to be able to do anything quantitative in industry anyway. So on that basis, if you think the econ-math major (as you described it) is going to give you a lower GPA, then definitely don't bother with it because it isn't going to give you that much utility.
Barnard is a great school, but you're still going to want to focus on getting a high GPA. If you can't do that with a double major with math, just focus on Econ. You can't sacrifice your GPA for anything in a finance track, it will be hard to get interviews. Or coming from Barnard you might get the interview, but it might be hard to get the offer. The only profession I've seen people really get in with low GPAs is engineers.
If you feel that you are handling Econ well, the addition of a minor in Math, Psychology, or a language would be icing on the cake. But, only add the minor if you can maintain top GPA.
Statistics would be great as well as a minor, possibly the best to be well rounded for a finance role, but I didn't see it on the list of minors.
https://barnard.edu/areas-of-study
Thanks for your reply! There is a minor in statistics, but I feel the courses are not great in comparison to the courses required in statistics : http://catalog.barnard.edu/barnard-college/courses-instruction/statisti…</a">see here.
There is additionally another major called Math-Stats, but depending how I do, I think it's safer to stay with Econ! I have an issue with accepting I cannot pursue math because I always envisioned I would study high maths in college. I guess this is reality?
If you look at the minor, the courses are:
STAT UN1101 Introduction to Statistics
STAT UN2102 Applied Statistical Computing
STAT UN2103 Applied Linear Regression Analysis
STAT UN2104 Applied Categorical Data Analysis
STAT UN3105 Applied Statistical Methods STAT UN3106 Applied Data Mining
Compared to the Math-Stats Core, which seems more rigorous and applicable based on other posts:
Statistics required courses
STAT UN1201 Calculus-Based Introduction to Statistics
STAT GU4203 PROBABILITY THEORY
STAT GU4204 Statistical Inference
STAT GU4205 Linear Regression Models
And select one of the following courses:
STAT GU4207 Elementary Stochastic Processes STAT GU4262 Stochastic Processes for Finance
STAT GU4264 Stochastic Processes and Applications
STAT GU4265 Stochastic Methods in Finance
I am probably going to go the Econ w minor in something route. I plan to shop the Calc 2 class and see how it goes for the first midterm. If it doesn't go well, I can drop it without penalty. Even if it goes well, I fear I am not capable enough to take linear algebra and analysis and optimization.
This statistics minor looks solid. There is definitely a lot of useful material for finance in these courses. It looks fairly reasonable to handle as well. I think you'll be ok if you sign up for it.
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