UCR for Econ or UCSC for mathematics

College Majors Math/Computer Science Majors
1

Howdy,
So I’ve had quite the wild ride with colleges. I applied to the UC’s as an Econ major. Riverside accepted me as an Economics major. Santa Cruz said I could join as a non-impacted major (the only one listed I would consider is math). And Davis and San Diego waitlisted me.

I know math would technically be better if I want to do a graduate Econ degree, but I’m scared I’ll pick math and end up not liking it. Currently, I’m in Calculus 1B (Second Semester Calc) and I’m really enjoying it, but last semester I was in the same class and had to drop because I hated it. My first CC semester I was in Stats and loved it so much I almost made it my major.
In my head, a math major sounds really baddass, but I’m worried I won’t be able to stick with it. Is a math major really difficult once you get past the first couple calculus classes?
Also, is UCSC for math even better than UCR for Econ?
Stats
Major: Economics
Gpa: 3.06
Igetc: done
Accepted: UCR, UCSC (kind of)
Waitlisted: Davis, UCSD
Rejected: UCSB, UCLA

2

For a math or statistics major, you would be somewhat behind, since most math or statistics majors have completed multivariable calculus and linear algebra in their sophomore year. However, it may be possible to complete the math major at UCSC within six quarters even then.

Upper division math courses do focus on proofs. UCSC MATH 100 would be an introduction to proofs that you can take to see how you like it.

https://economics.ucsc.edu/academics/undergraduate-program/majors-minor/index.html lists the qualifications to get into the economics major at UCSC.

If you want to go on to PhD study in economics, you may want to take multivariable calculus, linear algebra, real analysis, and calculus-based probability theory even if you do not major in math.