I'm planning on pursuing an actuarial science degree and want to apply to colleges that are highly regarded in this field. What should I look for in a program, and which schools do you recommend?
When considering a college for actuarial science, it's crucial to look for factors such as the program's reputation, faculty expertise, successful placement of graduates in related jobs, the program's curriculum which should cover or align with the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) exams, and opportunities for internships or hands-on experiences.
Below are some colleges well-known for their actuarial science programs:
1. University of Pennsylvania: The actuarial science major at UPenn is housed in the Wharton School, allowing students to study business, finance, and economics alongside their major.
2. University of Wisconsin-Madison: This institution has a dedicated Actuarial Science, Risk Management, and Insurance Department. The program has been named a center of "Actuarial Excellence" by the SOA.
3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: UIUC boasts a notable Actuarial Science program, offering first-hand experiences through internships and research opportunities.
4. Purdue University: It has a strong program and offers a lot of extra-curricular opportunities like the Actuarial Club.
Please bear in mind, that it's equally important to also consider the overall fit of the college including location, size, and culture in your college selection process, not just the specific program.
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