Hi all,
I am a 2013 A Level graduate who is looking forward to apply to NUS and NTU. I understand this topic has been discussed an umpteen times but I have slightly specific questions regarding this. I hope someone can shed some light on them.
1)
I am passionate about the theories and the larger concepts in economics, but I am dismayed at the possible fact that NUs Econs is mainly driven by mathematical rigour and not theory. (I read this somewhere in the forums but i forgot the link) As someone who enjoys writing economics essays, this knowledge is certainly quite a big shock to me because i dislike having to do complex mathematics.
Is the above fact true, or is it just a myth? If it is true, why is it so?
2)
How does NUS Econs compare with NTU Econs in terms of content, teaching, and the quality of graduates based on past records? Is NTU Econs very different from NUS Econs? While I appreciate how NUS Econs is well-established as a faculty, I don't believe NTU Econs is inferior to NUS Econs in any way. I hope a NTU graduate can enlighten me on this.
3)
Oh yes, what are my chances of being admitted into NUS FASS and NTU Econs with a score of ABB/CC (I messed up my GP)? Do I need to retake my GP on another year?
Thanks so much in advance!
Nah, I got a C for GP.
Originally posted by Tk koh:Nah, I got a C for GP.
Originally posted by Tk koh:Nah, I got a C for GP.
1)
I am passionate about the theories and the larger concepts in economics, but I am dismayed at the possible fact that NUs Econs is mainly driven by mathematical rigour and not theory. (I read this somewhere in the forums but i forgot the link) As someone who enjoys writing economics essays, this knowledge is certainly quite a big shock to me because i dislike having to do complex mathematics.
Is the above fact true, or is it just a myth? If it is true, why is it so?
***
Not entirely correct...the math can be heavy, but that's because if you could back qualitative statements with quantitative means, a theory can be studied from yet another perspectives.
Not every branch of Economics is all about math. Some like transaction cost theories, philosophical economics, have little math involved because of the associated difficulties.
If you are asking about financial, international, or even better, quantitative economics, then of course math would be rigorous there!
If you like Economics but aren't terribly besotted with the math, then look for fields within Economics that you are keen on, and work towards them. Appreciate them for what they are and do not try to avoid the math. What is the point?
The true difficulty of the math in any case, is not the execution of it. Why should that be? Anybody who does the 10 years series, or the computer softwares for the matter, can do it.
It is the design and formulation of the math behind the problem-solving that is truly difficult.
You will need to be more than good at math to excel at Economics. You must be creative, and you must be curious. And you must know what you are doing.
Saying that you like the "larger theories" but dislike the math, is the equivalent of saying that you like managing people at work, but you dislike what they are doing anyway. Are you then sure you are up for Economics, the Queen of the Social Sciences?
SBS2610D, well said. I agree with what you have said. Econometric modelling is used to test the validity of a theory. A theory should not just be a belief. It should be tested rigorously with mathematics with empirical data to test the degree of its validity.