<p>I hear that the actuary exams are on the hardest professional exams to pass. I want to be an actuary because math and econ are the only subjects I like. I good but not great in both subjects. (for econ, all i took for macroecon at community college and got the highest grade, but then again it was community college, btw, im a high school senior right now).</p>
<p>I applied as an engineering major to all my schools, but now I don't feel like being an engineer (even though i havent taken any classes). I dont like science, and i know engineering has a lot of science involved in it. I want to change my major to statistics (bc i hear this is the ideal major for actuarial science) right after i go to college, but the only thing holding me back is the fact that i might not be able to pass the actuarial exams. </p>
<p>A full list of my stats can be found here: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/case-western-reserve-university/1695096-chance-me-to-case-western-engineering-electrical-engineering.html#latest">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/case-western-reserve-university/1695096-chance-me-to-case-western-engineering-electrical-engineering.html#latest</a></p>
<p>so, if you guys can give me advice to whether or not i have the math fundamentals to succeed in actuarial science, that would be great. </p>
<p>btw, i havent taken statistics yet, but i like math in general (as long as it isnt proofs). </p>
<p>suppose worst case scenario, i dont end up not being able to pass my exams, what other careers can i pursue with a statistics degree (i might also get an economics minor).</p>
<p>You’re a secondary-school senior, applying for undergraduate admission, aren’t you? Moreover, aren’t the actuarial examinations frequently taken by post-Bachelor’s, entry-level practitioners (and, only rarely, the preliminary-level exams taken undergraduates)? My point in posing these questions is to indicate that any career-actuary appraisal of your current (high school and teenage) background, aptitudes, and achievements is very likely to be misleading. Obviously, you will learn a LOT in undergraduate school (you haven’t even taken a survey-level statistics course yet). The early courses you take in actuarial science and statistics will provide a FAR more meaningful assessment of your professional potential than current, well-meaning speculation ever could. </p>
<p>My son is majoring in actuarial science, and is currently a junior in college. He did no special preparation in high school and, like you, strongly preferred math and economics over other disciplines. He had never taken a statistics course before college, although he enjoyed the “probability” chapters in his high school math classes. He has already passed one exam and is studying for a second. </p>
<p>These days, it is actually somewhat common for college students majoring in actuarial science to take two, three and even four exams before they graduate (with the caveat that four exams would be rare and exemplary for an undergraduate). The companies who interview at my son’s college expect and prefer at least one passed exam to qualify for even a summer internship. Colleges with true actuary programs will include preparatory classes as part of the curriculum for the major. Find a college with one of those programs.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that a good actuary program does require you to take not only calculus, but linear algebra and differential equations as well. I understand that the upper level statistics courses themselves can get very complex. You must really enjoy all kinds of math to embark on this career path.</p>
<p>thanks for the advice</p>