Maths in BSc Stats & Econ: Is it unpredictable?

[Madhav]

I've just cleared class 12 this year with PCM. I'm considering a BSc in Statistics or a BSc in Economics. In class 12, the integrals chapter was pretty unpredictable – the tougher questions seemed to come out of nowhere. Differentiation and integration sometimes got lengthy and complex. The real issue was I didn't practice regularly; I'd only solve problems once in a blue moon. I'm okay with basic calculus, but in exams I often wonder where to even start, especially when trig and calculus are mixed.

Is the math in a BSc Statistics program also unpredictable? Can I get good with regular practice, or does it become really confusing? I've heard you learn a lot of concepts and then have to apply them, which can get messy.

Same doubt for Economics – how much hard work does it need and is it unpredictable?

Should I go for either of these degrees?

[Kavitha]

I'm thinking of the same path but I'm not sure about the college-level economics curriculum. I'm a PCM student and decent at maths. Is the coursework manageable or really tough?

[Mukesh]

Hey, I'm also planning the same but I'm quite confused about future prospects. Which college are you aiming to get admission into?

[Shanta]

College-level economics isn't too hard, though a paper like econometrics can give you some problems.

[Anjali]

I think maths and stats in these degrees are more applied. Check out standard books like Chiang, Hammond or Gujarati to see what topics are covered – they're heavy on calculus and algebra, with some real analysis. Econometrics will be something new, and you won't see much trig. You can also look at the detailed syllabus of the programmes you're interested in for a clearer picture.

Economics itself feels a bit more abstract because you work with models that have unrealistic assumptions. I don't really get the doubt about it being unpredictable.

Bottom line: the more you practice maths, the easier it gets. If you want to pursue economics long term, you'll need maths unless you go for a policy or purely theoretical route. Economics is a huge field – do some research and see if you're serious about entering it.

I don't have much info on stats.

[Kartik]

I have the same doubt. I'm going for a BSc Statistics degree. From what I've seen, the difficulty is more like HSC board level rather than entrance-exam level, so with enough practice it should be fine. Which college are you targeting?