<p>So, Econ is heavily impacted, and you really do need to be the best of the best to get into this major, let alone this school. Like near perfect GPA, at least 3.75 to be even stand a chance.</p>
<p>ive never been good at math, actually im terrible. im in my second semester, got placed into intermed algebra, taking intermediate algebra right now and my grade is a 76%. (im taking all math classes up until PreCalc P/NP though)</p>
<p>Prereqs for Econ: Macro Econ, Micro Econ, Calc 1, Calc 2.</p>
<p>My question is: is this gonna be even possible for me? Is Calculus that much harder/different from intermed algebra? Also, how math-intensive are the econ classes?</p>
<p>If you’ve been admitted to LA with this major, were you one of those people who already had strong backgrounds in math? What advice would you give to someone like me?</p>
<p>Honestly, if math is not your strong suit, MAYBE economics is not the right major for you. </p>
<p>I can tell you, for lower-division econ classes, you are not going to need any sort of high-level math; it’s pretty much simple multi/div, percentage… etc. </p>
<p>To answer your other question. Yes, imo, calc is going to be much harder than intermed algebra, espcially calc 2. Look, if you are really set on economics and willing to put in the work (emphasis on work… alot of work), it’s achievable. Still, you should definitely ask yourself if economics is the right choice for you.</p>
<p>The truth is economics is very math laden .</p>
<p>So if you are struggling in a beginning math class i would re-think the major.</p>
<p>math is very involved at the upper division level . not so much at the econ 1/2 level</p>
<p>At those level it’s basically supply and demand and factors that shift either curve on a macro/micro level . Once you get to upper division work you need calculus which is much more difficult than Intermediate Algebra .</p>
<p>Don’t do econ “for the money” as many would say do it if you really enjoy it. If you don’t enjoy /struggle with math now save yourself the trouble and find something else you enjoy. </p>
<p>However if you want to continue on the econ math i would suggest going to your schools tutoring everyday working on every problem and just work your ass off. Nothing is impossible and nothing is accomplished by saying that you can’t do it. </p>
<p>So i will just say do what makes you happy if you want to major in econ then get ready to work your butt off</p>
<p>upper div econ classes require a lot of calculus? i heard it was mostly deriving and integrals…</p>
<p>Unfortunately the guys above are right. Some people just can’t do math, and it seems like you won’t manage to finish your math pre-reqs on time. Keep in mind you won’t be able to P/NP the calculus courses. And for most people, Calculus is MUCH harder than algebra/trig.
You could always stay an extra year to hone your math skills though.</p>
<p>I’ve taken upper div econ courses at both UCSC and at UCB. If you can pass calc 1 and calc 2, you should be perfectly fine. Most UCs offer a route that is non-math intensive, but I really wouldn’t recommend that path if you are serious about economics. It would basically entail you finding the econ courses that do not list much math pre-reqs and that usually includes econ history courses, economies of foreign countries, or just random theory courses that just recycle ideas from intro to micro/macroecon. </p>
<p>However, there are required courses that you normally have to take and that usually includes derivatives and other calc related items (most people start to see this in Intermediate Microeconomics). If you are truly interested in economics, you should also think about taking a stats course and then an upper division course in econometrics. It will prove to be VERY useful in economic research and investment.</p>
<p>Otherwise, I’ve seen people who started my UC with precalc and they eventually fought their way to multi-variable calculus. You just really need to push yourself and start seeking help in the areas that you are weak in. Calculus is completely different than algebra and starts to go beyond just memorizing formulas. Those who succeed the best actually understand the theories, not just regurgitate them come test time.</p>
<p>as long as you don’t take upper div econs that require lotta math you shud be fine (many econ classes require only basic calculus, like really basic). also, consider taking electives outside of the econ department like demographics or business classes. but again, if you wanna do pure econ theory like game theory, advanced microecon, or econometrics stuff… you HAVE to take those math classes. You don’t need to love them, you just have to ace them =)</p>