<p>I´m a new transfer student at Stanford, and I´ve been doing really well so far---well, a 3.7 GPA during my first two quarters. And then the third quarter hit.</p>
<p>I took the Econ class from hell, and barely managed to get a C after working like crazy, hiring a tutor, etc.</p>
<p>Even before this class, I´ve had a lot of issues with the way Economics is taught at Stanford---it´s very mathematical instead of conceptual, doesn´t have a lot of history or political economy classes, etc. I fell in love with Economics before I came to Stanford because I was entranced with authors like Hayek, von Mises, Adam Smith (in the original, baby!), and more modern writers such as Hernando de Soto and Amartya Sen.</p>
<p>I´m concerned, though, that this bad grade is the proverbial writing on the wall: perhaps I´m in the wrong major, especially since I´m hoping to go to law school (to do international business law or similar) and need good grades.</p>
<p>I could still switch majors to International Relations (I´ve never taken a Poli Sci course in my life, but I´ll be doing one this summer while studying in England, so I´ll see how I like that). But I feel like Economics has a sort of prestige---you know, the blustery "no cream puffs for me" sort of thing.</p>
<p>What do you guys think? Any Econ majors out there? Does my intense dislike for graphs and Lagrangians mean that I´m the wrong place? Should I get out before my GPA is entirely trashed?</p>
<p>Yes, you are in the wrong place. Try switching to IR or Poli Sci and focusing on political economy; you'll still get to work with economic concepts while avoiding the more mathematical side. </p>
<p>You have to evaluate your options...what do you want: 1) the "prestige" of an Economics degree or 2) the prestige of being a lawyer from a top school? From what you mention, it sounds like you'll have to choose. Also, keep in mind you can do a master or a PhD in Economics later on -- even if you don't major in Econ. Good luck.</p>
<p>I don't think you can base it all off one class early on. I would try one more class, with a different emphasis and different professor, and let that give you a chance. I had a similar experience (albiet I got a B+ in my first class) and now am an econ major with one of the highest GPAs in the department, and I LOVE it. Don't let one class convince you that you shouldn't major in economics.</p>
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I´m concerned, though, that this bad grade is the proverbial writing on the wall: perhaps I´m in the wrong major, especially since I´m hoping to go to law school (to do international business law or similar) and need good grades.
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<p>Firstly.......do some asking around about the remaining Econ courses. Have you met with anyone from the department? Tell them your goal and the result in the most recent course. As to what you like versus what you are forced to take. Econ is econometric modeling in many instances. Econ is not magic entre into law. Perhaps you would be much advised to look for another degree option. W/O knowing what gave you trouble math wise it is hard to advise you. Was it the concept or the calculations? Either way it isn't a reflection on you personally but rather a getting to know what you are good at, passionate about and able to perform most easily. That is a part of the college education. Why beat yourself up for a goal that isn't quite so necessary for law school.</p>
<p>Does my intense dislike for graphs and Lagrangians mean that I´m the wrong place?</p>
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<p>Probably. Talk to upperclass econ majors before you switch. Sounds like you're more interested in political and social theory, or economic philosophy, than in the actual dismal science. If there isn't a track within the Stanford econ major designed for your interests, then switch. There's nothing wrong with that! Major in the field that interests you the most, and you'll do better and be better situated for law school.</p>
<p>Thanks for replying! I've heard that you have walked the path that I'm interested in pursuing---from community college to prestigious university (in my case, Stanford), to law school. Stanford Law is a dream for me.</p>
<p>It's a bit off topic, but do you have any suggestions for me? Anything from specific academic suggestions, career suggestions, even psychological suggestions (it's been a big jump for me, psychologically, from community college to the elites).</p>
<p>Anything I should be sure to do? To avoid? (I think we're in a very different sort of boat than those who go directly from prep school to the elites.)</p>
<p>(And feel free to PM me if you prefer. I just posted this publicly so that lurkers in the same position might benefit.)</p>
<p>Personally I am interested to hear your psychological commentary. How is it that you believe you differ from boarding directs? Less confidence or more drive? Please recall that there are boarding directs who have come to elites as first generation college students. I am most interested in what your experiences have been w/ regard to competition. Thanks for sharing what you have so far. It is good to read this on CC and there are plenty of lurkers.</p>