Hello. I am currently a sophomore at Northwestern University and am not sure about my post-college plans. I am majoring in mathematics and economics and thinking about going into a career in actuarial science after college. I am thinking of graduating a year early (after 3 years) with a double major in math and econ so that I can start my career a year earlier and so that I can save a year’s worth of tuition/fees/room&board (roughly $37k) in case I decide to change career paths and go to graduate school. Or if not I can always just use it for something else. I can also start working a year earlier to see if actuarial science is really what I want to do.
If I stayed for a fourth year I could pick up a third major in statistics and get a Kellogg Managerial Analytics Certificate. However, as this is being added to an already analytic math and econ major from an elite university I’m not sure how much this would add to job prospects anyway. I also am not particularly fond of doing work for classes and do not really have interests in staying senior year for the “college experience”.
I feel like for me personally I am interested in graduating early, saving money, and starting post-college life a year earlier. It seems to give me more options moving forward. However, I think my parents would rather I stay for 4 years.
So what I am asking the College Confidential community is for graduates with some perspective what would you do and what else might you consider? It is sometimes hard to see the big picture of life while in the middle of college which is why I ask. Thank you and I appreciate any advice.