<p>so fall semester I was in the mechanical engineering track, but with already a few weeks left in the class, I can tell this isn't the right major for me so now I'm thinking about the AMS track, (Applied Math and Statistics),I just want to know how good do you have to be in math, i did good in calc 1 in hs and i will probably get a b in calc 2
I understand classes will progressively get harder but do you have to be natural in math or is dedicated studying can get you through?
Also, I'm planning maybe becoming a actuary, so what classes besides the AMS classes may be helpful so I can take the two tests, should I be taking economics classes or finance classes?</p>
<p>“I understand classes will progressively get harder but do you have to be natural in math or is dedicated studying can get you through?”</p>
<p>I don’t necessarily think that is true. I, as well as a bunch of my friends, thought Calc 2 was the hardest. I know at UVA 2 is the most failed class on campus and Calc 1 is second. Calc 1 and 2 tend to be “weed-out” classes, and 3 and DiffEq, and subsequent ones are often not as demanding. JMHO</p>
<p>Really? because i don’t find calc 2 as hard and im taking the theoretical version and not even the AMS(apparently in my school the AMS version is easier than MAT, but i didnt know better since its my first semester and chose MAT) version, which i do find annoying, so how do you think I’llfair?</p>
<p>Quick point. I think taking economics (macro and micro), finance, and accounting could all be helpful to your prospective interest in becoming an actuary. </p>
<p>My very smart husband (double majored in physics and biology at Harvard) did reach a wall in math, he cleverly took that last course pass/fail. It was quite a few levels beyond the typical Calc 2 and 3 curriculum. I think you’ll be all right, just be sure to ask for help the minute you don’t understand something. </p>
<p>You need to review the programs at your school. You need to discuss things with an advisor there. Different majors are placed in different areas of different schools. Actuarial Science could be in the Business school. Some schools have separate math and statistics departments, and no such major as you list. Each of the choices you list make different uses of math type skills. See your career advising center to take aptitude and interest tests. These can help you see how much like others in any given field are and could help you decide. </p>
<p>We here on CC don’t know the details of how things are done at your school (I know one it is not). We don’t know enough specifics, nor do we want to or should, to be more helpful than experts on your campus.</p>
<p>My son could have written your post. Exact same situation. He is doing applied math with a concentration in statistics and at his school, they emphasize doing five courses in an area of application. He’s going to do economics. He found Calc 3 to be tough, but he is getting through it. His school has one class with proofs that I fear may be very tough for him, but the rest seem like they would yield to simple hard work. He scored over 700 on the math portion of the SAT so he is strong at math, but certainly not someone who is just naturally gifted or anything like that. I think the applied math major is considerably easier than just doing a straight BS in math where there is more theoretical coursework.</p>