Comments on: Preliminary Examinations http://b.oxinabox.net/2008/09/16/preliminary-examinations/ Because c.oxinabox would have sounded like a porn site. Sat, 26 Dec 2009 08:54:45 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Mel http://b.oxinabox.net/2008/09/16/preliminary-examinations/comment-page-1/#comment-46 Mel Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:42:33 +0000 http://b.oxinabox.net/?p=105#comment-46 Econs at LSE is extremely mathematics-based -- in fact, it's known for being exceptionally so -- but this isn't the case in many other universities. Saying that you need to be good at Math in order to do Econs at undergraduate level is like saying you need to excel in Physics in order to attain a degree in Architecture. The field is very broad, and it's definitely possible to snag an undergraduate degree with minimal GDC involvement (at least in the US; the UK isn't nearly as flexible.) However, if you're planning to take Econs to PhD level, that's a whole different story. That could be because I'm of the somewhat cynical belief that Economics in this age is all about statistics, but it seems Greg Mankiw is in agreement: http://gregmankiw.blogspot.com/2006/09/why-aspiring-economists-need-math.html I'd advise you to look into US unis a little further. London may be charming, but their education system is SO lacking compared to that of the US. And I'm not talking about things like weather, food, chillax-ness... I'm talking about things like flexibility (where the US pretty much bitchslaps the UK), the novelty of the experience, the amazing alumni support provided by many good US schools. When compared to stuff like that, which will make a significant difference to the rest of your life, "charm" doesn't quite cut it. Lemme know if you need help. Econs at LSE is extremely mathematics-based — in fact, it’s known for being exceptionally so — but this isn’t the case in many other universities. Saying that you need to be good at Math in order to do Econs at undergraduate level is like saying you need to excel in Physics in order to attain a degree in Architecture. The field is very broad, and it’s definitely possible to snag an undergraduate degree with minimal GDC involvement (at least in the US; the UK isn’t nearly as flexible.)

However, if you’re planning to take Econs to PhD level, that’s a whole different story. That could be because I’m of the somewhat cynical belief that Economics in this age is all about statistics, but it seems Greg Mankiw is in agreement:
http://gregmankiw.blogspot.com/2006/09/why-aspiring-economists-need-math.html

I’d advise you to look into US unis a little further. London may be charming, but their education system is SO lacking compared to that of the US. And I’m not talking about things like weather, food, chillax-ness… I’m talking about things like flexibility (where the US pretty much bitchslaps the UK), the novelty of the experience, the amazing alumni support provided by many good US schools. When compared to stuff like that, which will make a significant difference to the rest of your life, “charm” doesn’t quite cut it.

Lemme know if you need help.

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