<p>I am currently a sophomore at Washington University in St. Louis.</p>
<p>This past summer, I did research on what kind of career I want to go into and decided on becoming an actuary. I was previously planning on doing a Finance major, so I thought adding a second major in Mathematics would be fitting in order to pursue actuarial career path.</p>
<p>However, now I am kind of in a dilemma because not many profs/career advisors know too much about the career path at WashU. Also, it seems that not too many WashU alumni are in the field, to my disadvantage. I was thinking of giving up some prestige and going to maybe Georgia State or some other school that excels in actuarial science in order to get some realistic advantage in pursuing the field, not to mention saving some money.</p>
<p>My cumulative gpa is 4.0 at WashU. And I am an international student. If that helps in giving advice. Also, WashU social life is fine, but not great.</p>
<p>Any suggestions or ideas??</p>
<p>Also, if you do suggest me transferring, are there any schools you might recommend?</p>
<p>The great thing about being an actuary is that you don’t need to major in actuary science to do well on the exams. If you love your school, there is no reason to move. Instead, reach out to the actuary community in St. Louis for advice and support. Why transfer and give up any possible merit aid?
According to the Society of Actuary website, several of the classes at Washington U are already approved for VEE requirement, so you shouldn’t have a problem meeting requirements there. Most people pass two exams before graduation so that they are qualified for a job once out.
From what I have heard, Wash U has a great career services department. I would meet with someone there to see about internships and opportunities in the area.
Also, check out the closest club on this list for networking, mentoring advice:
[Actuarial</a> Clubs](<a href=“http://www.soa.org/professional-interests/areas-of-interest/aoi-actuarial-clubs.aspx]Actuarial”>http://www.soa.org/professional-interests/areas-of-interest/aoi-actuarial-clubs.aspx)</p>
<p>Unless you have a financial problems, then it isn’t worth it to transfer. You don’t need to major in actuarial science. As long as you can pass the exams, then you are fine. I’d imagine that the WUSTL name would help you during your job search. You are not going to get a “realistic advantage” by going to Georgia State, in fact, it will probably put you at a disadvantage.</p>
<p>I agree that you do not need to transfer. Majoring in Finance and/or math, plus passing at least two exams, will be fine. The only disadvantage is that actuarial firms may not come to WashU, so you’ll have to send out resume. If you do want to transfer, I suggest the University of Wisconsin at Madison. They offer an undergraduate major in Actuarial Science in the business school, which normally starts in your Junior year, so you would not be behind. They have many actuarial employers comes to career fairs there and those firms actively rectruit undergrads.</p>
<p>I don’t think you need to transfer, but if you choose to, you should set your sights even higher. With a 4.0 GPA at WashU, you would be a candidate for any school. If you’re transferring for better job prospects, don’t waste your time with Georgia State. Think Princeton, Harvard, etc.</p>
<p>So it seems that transferring is a bad idea.</p>
<p>Chardo// your comment is interesting. It seems that the only top school with an actuarial science program is UPenn. But I guess transferring to any other top school with a strong math program and job recruiting would be a good choice for me. But would I really have such chance at those top schools? It would be amazing to go to those schools, but even with a 4.0 GPA, I think it would be quite difficult. Plus, I am a sophomore.</p>
<p>Mythreesons// I have actually looked into UWM but their application period for fall semester next year is already closed…</p>