Is This Even Doable?

<p>I plan on double majoring in mathematics and economics, but I have a keen interest in philosophy and intend to minor in that on top of my two majors. Does that seem doable, or would it be too much workload?</p>

<p>If you take 18 credit hours every semester plus as much summer school as you can than it MAY be possible in 4 years. If not you’re looking at 5-5 1/2 years.</p>

<p>Depends on the school.
Depends on the core classes.</p>

<p>At my school it’s doable if you take a lot of your core classes at summer school/test out.</p>

<p>I would say it’s probably doable.</p>

<p>Math is one of those majors that can tend to have a lot of electives. I would recommend pure mathematics, not applied, and as basic an economics degree as possible (no bells and whistles attached).</p>

<p>And, if the chips are down, stay a Summer semester to knock out some core. Easily doable, especially if you have a fair amount of AP credit.</p>

<p>Do you think it would be possible to triple major in these subjects?</p>

<p>If you have a ton of AP/IB/etc. credit, and if the three majors you choose don’t have a glut of required classes, and if your university’s regulations are sufficiently lenient, and if you’re prepared to stay a Summer semester and take a heavy load every semester you’re at college… yes.</p>

<p>I would be able to more realistically answer your question if you tell me (1) where you’re going, (2) which three degrees, and (3) how much AP/IB/etc. credit you have.</p>

<p>On a somewhat-related note, I would advise against triple majoring. It seems like you’re just struggling to get pieces of paper at that point. I would strongly recommend considering a primary major in your favorite subject (or, ceteris paribus, the best paying one), a secondary major in your second favorite field (or, ceteris paribus, the second best paying one), and then a minor in the tertiary field. Also, I would ask yourself if you really need to minor at all… I would recommend picking one or two things, and sticking with that.</p>

<p>EDIT: I just saw it’s math, philosophy, and economics. Those actually complement each other fairly well. I think that this would be fairly doable, provided you have a leg up with pre-college credit and are prepared to work hard.</p>

<p>Thanks for you help Aubern, here are the answers to the q’s you asked just in case they change anything:</p>

<p>1) Going to Stanford
2) You already know, but to re-iterate for others: mathematics, economics and philosophy.
3) This is a list of APs I’ve taken:</p>

<p>Calc AB and BC
Micro/Macro econ
US Gov
AP Physics B and both Cs
APUSH
AP Psych
AP Euro
AP EnvSci
AP Bio
AP Chem
AP Stats
AP English Lit
AP English Lang</p>

<p>Edit: Forgot the English APs.</p>

<p>That’s a lot of AP credit. Depending on how many credit hours Stanford is prepared to give, I’d say go for it.</p>

<p>I would seriously recommend you put together a curriculum that you think satisfies the requirements for the triple major, and then let a counselor at the school see it. That is the only way you’ll know for sure.</p>

<p>There are always people who have a tremendous capacity to learn (the folks that do law school AND med school, for instance). But at some point you just can’t juggle all the balls and you have to choose a path. Hopefully that path includes some fun stuff like an intramural sport or soaking up some rays or just reading a trashy novel – and fun stuff is important for mental health. </p>

<p>What good is a triple major if you are so swamped with tasks that you don’t have a circle of friends or a minute to relax?</p>

<p>It’s not just a question of whether or not you can physically get to all the classes and get the homework turned in – it is a lifestyle choice. </p>

<p>I worry that you will burn yourself out and be proud (even arrogant) but friendless and charmless at the end of the four plus years. What about a “minor” in some of these things?</p>

<p>I have to say I agree with Olymom. College is as much about the educational experience as it is the social experience. And, though you may want to learn as much as possible, it will ruin your college experience. Plus, it’s not like you’re going to be an accountant who gets paid to question the meaning of life. Economics also has a lot of overlap with math, so that seems a bit unnecessary. But if you’re truly interested in all three, and can’t sacrifice any of them, just do a minor. You’ll soon discover that college can be as fun and sociable as it is interesting.</p>