<p>Okay so I am high school senior next year and attempting to find colleges that offer majors I could see myself following. Is it a good idea to major in actuarial science or something similar like mathematics, statistics and economics? I gather firms care more about the number of exams passed more than the degree or the school but are the programs offered especially helpful in passing the exams? I am also curious what schools would be best for a major like actuarial science or mathematics at a high level on the east coast. I have looked at close schools like Upenn, Robert Morris, and Etown that offer actuarial programs but any suggestions would be great!</p>
<p>Being an actuary depends on passing the exams, not having the degree. Many pure math or stats majors become actuaries. Broaden your net to include good math schools. What are your stats, what is your home state, and what can your family afford?</p>
<p>Many people are attracted to actuarial science because of the pay. (Sort of liker petroleum engineering.) However, you should understand what being an actuary really means. A friend’s daughter thought she wanted to be an actuary. She switch majors 6 weeks into freshman year. She selected her school specifically for the actuarial science major. Big mistake.</p>
<p>Erin’s dad, What are some good math schools in or near PA? and as for stats I am assuming you mean test scores so 2150 on SATs, and 5 on BC calculus and 5 on Stats AP test. I live in York PA. And I recently won a 48,000 dollar scholarship but my parents make about 85,000$ a year combined so finances are important for me.</p>
<p>MrMom62, do you have any experience on being an actuary and what it means? And I think I would enjoy the job because I love statistics and math but I am looking at schools that offer 2-3 majors i am interested in just in case.</p>
<p>I know one actuary, but I don’t know much about it, or at least not enough to tell people whether they would like it or not. I know he was the lone survivor of a whole series of tests to get to the top of the profession. My advice would be to talk to actual working actuaries before heading down that road. It can be a rewarding career, but only for the right people. Being primarily attracted to the money is usually the wrong reason to do anything.</p>
<p>The following are schools selected by the actuaries as among the best.</p>
<p><a href=“Universities & Colleges with Actuarial Programs (UCAP) | SOA”>https://www.soa.org/education/resources/actuarial-colleges/actuarial-college-listings-details.aspx</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://www.beanactuary.com”>http://www.beanactuary.com</a> has information about preparing for actuarial exams and careers.</p>
<p>A major in actuarial science not necessary, since the needed preparation can be done under another major, like math, statistics, or economics. When a specific actuarial science major is offered, or an actuarial suboption of another major is offered, it just provides a convenient check list of courses to take for actuarial preparation.</p>
<p>I feel like there are tons of articles about there about being an actuary, because the field has become hot recently. Aside from BeAnActuary.com, you can look at</p>
<p>The Bureau of Labor Statistics (<a href=“http://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/actuaries.htm”>http://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/actuaries.htm</a>)
The Society of Actuaries (<a href=“https://www.soa.org/about/about-what-is-an-actuary.aspx”>https://www.soa.org/about/about-what-is-an-actuary.aspx</a>)
This article (<a href=“Careers: Why become an actuary? | The Actuary”>http://www.theactuary.com/features/2012/04/careers-why-become-an-actuary/</a>)
This one (<a href=“A working life: the actuary | Work & careers | The Guardian”>http://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/oct/07/working-life-actuary</a>)
Actuary Mom (<a href=“http://www.actuarymom.com/2011/03/actuary-mom.html”>http://www.actuarymom.com/2011/03/actuary-mom.html</a>)</p>
<p>I’ve seen more by using a Google search and especially looking through news articles. One recent article was about how actuarial work will change with the passage of ACA and health insurance becoming an ubiquitous thing - the workload will get heavier for actuaries now, and their models may become more complicated particularly in the healthcare industry as more (and sicker, poorer) people sign up for insurance. I have heard people say that they greatly enjoy the work, but even the people who like it joke about how isolating it is. The more neutral to negative say that it can be lonely, frustrating work, and that you only get noticed if you make a mistake. Of course, the pay is wonderful. Actuaries average $93,000 a year.</p>
<p>I do believe that most actuaries actually didn’t major in actuarial science in undergrad. A math or statistics major with some business classes will prepare you to pass the exam - but BeAnActuary.com and the SOA website list the colleges at which you can satisfy requirements through VEE too.</p>
<p>You should also know that there are TONS of careers that require people with strong mathematical and/or statistical skills.</p>
<p>I am interested in becoming a actuary but I am not going to major in it since it is not that necessary. A major in mathematics, statistics or any classes in those, finance and business is good enough. The actuarial science major helps a lot with tests, but a major is big and what will happen if you decide to not continue the test process of 5-7 years? I am going to major in mathematics and take business finance classes and MINOR or concentrate in actuarial science to keep my career options open with my major. With a major in actuarial science… it is only worth it if you go into the field. With a major in the math or finance department and a minor in actuarial science, you will learn what is necessary and more. But it is up to you. ;)</p>