Help: A-Levels subject combo

[Sillyboy]

Originally Posted by anne_choc

Hi everyone. I just started my A-levels this month. I am interested in Mathematics and Actuarial Science. The subjects I have chosen are Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Econs. I am a bit concerned that this combo might narrow down my choices a bit too much when it comes to career options and so on...
I was thinking of replacing Econs with Chemistry as I feel i would go along better with Chem...but Econs is said to be useful if i pursue Actuarial Science

The thing is I decided on my subjects based on the field i want to pursue. Now I have a feeling i should go with my interests in the subject instead.
I need help...please advice
Thanks!

Go with what you like and most importantly, what you think you can do well in. I did Economics A levels but unfortunately, I have forgotten most of it now. I have friends who are actuarial trainees now and they didn't mention anything about Economics being useful at all. The most important aspect is still Mathematics, particularly probability and statistics so don't worry about the Economics bit of it.

[anne_choc]

Originally Posted by Nicholasng925

Hello! Some questions that I have to ask before giving you advice, how deep is your interest on Mathematics and Actuarial Science? To what extent that you know about Actuarial Science, and how dedicated are you to be a qualified actuary?

It's true that Economics gives you an upper advantage should you really go for Actuarial Science. Chemistry, in my opinion, is not that relevant to Actuarial Science, and in fact, not relevant at all. Not that I'm discouraging you to take Chemistry, but if you really think you should choose your subject based on your interest, go for it. My friend did Maths, FM, Physics and Chemistry, and now he's going to the same university with me to read Actuarial Science. But thing is, he doesn't know anything about Economics.

Again it might sound insignificant as the economic theories and stuffs would be taught again in the university but it's always good to learn something earlier, no? In the end it boils down to you.

Well, I would say I enjoy Mathematics the solving, the brain smashing and all that comes with it. Discovering that Actuarial Science is related to probability and calculating risk and so on...I began making that an option as well..though making a decision on that basis sounds a bit too childish...but i was keen on having some sort of direction

I was also looking into a degree in Mathematics as it would give me a wider option of careers as compared to one in Actuarial Science (of what I have looked up la)(pls correct me if Im wrong)

I have looked up on Actuarial Science, the field and the exams and so on...but how dedicated am I to go all the way...havent reached there yet....still in the -figuring out- process....

Yes I understand where you're going with the Economics and all...but would it be weird if someone who is keen on the actuarial field but is not so in Economics?
About Chemistry...choosing it would also widen my options in a different way later on wont it....not that I have anything in mind currently

Thanks you so much for you input... I will see how Econs goes...

Originally Posted by Sillyboy

Go with what you like and most importantly, what you think you can do well in. I did Economics A levels but unfortunately, I have forgotten most of it now. I have friends who are actuarial trainees now and they didn't mention anything about Economics being useful at all. The most important aspect is still Mathematics, particularly probability and statistics so don't worry about the Economics bit of it.

Thanks for the advice! I will go with what I can do well in...but have yet to start Econs so will have to see
Thanks a lot again!

[frostbyte13]

Well, the benefit of studying Economics at A-level for Actuarial Science that I've associated, other from being helpful in your future career as an actuarist (now that it has been supposedly debunked by someone's friend here) was that it still helps you understand the certain aspects of the world. Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the work of most actuarist dealing with risks within the realm that is somehow tied to some economical concept or thought? Like calculating the premium rate suitable for life insurance by right should involve knowing about certain facts about the economical climate as that can reflect on how much it should be charged. I mean, I don't know. Maybe actuarists work on models that have already taken this into account, but wouldn't it complement or in other words, make you understand what needs to be accounted into your keyed in digits? At least that is my perspective of what Economics can be potentially useful for a future actuarist. Another benefit I can say is playing with numbers and a working knowledge of Economics could be beneficial in helping you play with money in stock market analysis and such.

Either way, would like to share that a friend of mine who is interested to pursue a career in Actuarial Science did inform me that some universities (I think he mentioned Macquarie, Australia) did not require foundational knowledge of Economics for undergraduate level as it would either serve them little purpose or it can be picked up easily during the first year. He was my classmate for Economics until he dropped out and told me this as his reasoning.

[Sillyboy]

Originally Posted by frostbyte13

Well, the benefit of studying Economics at A-level for Actuarial Science that I've associated, other from being helpful in your future career as an actuarist (now that it has been supposedly debunked by someone's friend here) was that it still helps you understand the certain aspects of the world. Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the work of most actuarist dealing with risks within the realm that is somehow tied to some economical concept or thought? Like calculating the premium rate suitable for life insurance by right should involve knowing about certain facts about the economical climate as that can reflect on how much it should be charged. I mean, I don't know. Maybe actuarists work on models that have already taken this into account, but wouldn't it complement or in other words, make you understand what needs to be accounted into your keyed in digits? At least that is my perspective of what Economics can be potentially useful for a future actuarist. Another benefit I can say is playing with numbers and a working knowledge of Economics could be beneficial in helping you play with money in stock market analysis and such.

Either way, would like to share that a friend of mine who is interested to pursue a career in Actuarial Science did inform me that some universities (I think he mentioned Macquarie, Australia) did not require foundational knowledge of Economics for undergraduate level as it would either serve them little purpose or it can be picked up easily during the first year. He was my classmate for Economics until he dropped out and told me this as his reasoning.

You are absolutely right frostbyte. In fact, Nicholasng925 mentioned that Economics is useful for actuarial matters and I agree. Did a little research myself and found that there are two compulsory examinations on economics, one business, the other financial.

[frostbyte13]

Thank you for agreeing Then again, A-level is just a stepping stone to certain fields of study. It's not necessary to say you cannot venture into Actuarial Science without a foundational knowledge of Economics when all of us know that at the core, it's still Mathematics. In this example yes, but it's clearly not for certain specific fields of study though. Even Law undergrad hopefuls informed me that most prestigious universities offering Law do not expect their applicants to have Law in their A-level. Anyway, I would still say that it would complement your study to take Economics and also just to educate you on some basic economical problems within the reality of life. If you are more interested to pursue another subject however that is up to your absolute discretion and of course, with counselling from your lecturers.