Saugus

Is this seriously the HARDEST undergraduate Econ class, or does it get even worse from here on out?

I got an EIGHT out of TWENTY on my first prelim. The first 14 were true/false. It got curved to a C/C+, but still. This class is insane and I don't know how to study for it other than problem sets and reading.

I'm trying to pull off a solid 'B' in this class, but if it gets even harder from here, then I'll probably just drop the Econ major and go with Gov/Sociology or something. The problem with that is that it will weaken my investment banking chances.

*Sigh* If only a Gov/AEM double major were possible...

mikeyc765

Hardest? If you pick your classes right. The only mandatory classes are 3130, 3140, and 3210. 3140 and 3210 should be easier. Yes, there are some more mathematically intensive courses that are harder than 3130. Game theory comes to mind as does the advanced econometrics sequence (3190-3200). Course difficulty also varies by professor. Talk to your TA's/professors/other classmates to figure out how to study. "Reading" is a terrible way to study. Do whatever you can to make sure you are "thinking" while studying, meaning engaging your mind with whatever is being taught. Knowing the problem sets is a good first step and can usually guarantee a B in a course. Do some extra problems in the textbook at the end of chapters and figure out how to come up with question (then answer them) from your notes/assigned reading. I bet if you google something like "How to study in college" you'll find useful tips. The most important thing in my opinion is to figure out how to not read, but engage.

Saugus

Yeah, I was planning on Applied Econometrics (3210) over Statistics and Econometrics. How bad is it? I'm not going to take Game Theory-- I'm not going to grad school in Economics.

A junior told me that Intermediate Macro was easy, so I'm not too worried about that. I'm sure I can pick five electives with the least amount of math possible. My main problem with this class is that I'm not going to get anything out of it in the end when I have such a low proficiency with the material. Except for a dent in my otherwise pristine GPA, that is. -.-;

So wow, if I'm careful with what I pick, then I have my hardest Econ class out of the way in the first semester of my FRESHMAN year? Dang.






On another note, I'm considering a triple major in Gov/American Studies/Econ. I'm taking so many Gov classes out of personal interest that I'm going to be WAY past the eight... But American Studies requires 12, which means I would need 20 classes between those two. Ugh.

mikeyc765

I did 3190-3200 and that is difficult. From my understanding, 3210 is relatively easier, but there is a lot of material covered in the semester. And it's still a step up from the statistics classes in other departments.

I see no reason to triple major just for the sake of it. Nothing wrong with taking a lot of classes in a major without taking enough to get the major.