Hey folks! I'm seriously considering majoring in Economics when I'm off to college. Does anyone have any insights on what some of the best undergraduate programs are for Economics, or any personal experience with this? Hoping to find a school with a strong program that's not UChicago level hard :)
Sure, would love to help! While many associate the University of Chicago with a strong Economics program due to the "Chicago School of Economics", there are many other colleges and universities that offer extensive and highly regarded Economics programs.
Stanford is an excellent choice if you're looking for a strong program that's not as strictly demanding as UChicago. Its curriculum provides a strong grounding in economic theory while also developing skills in decision-making and policy.
Harvard also has a highly ranked Economics program, it's renowned for economic theory and econometrics. However, it does have a reputation for being rigorous.
MIT is known for its rigorous and math-intensive Economics program, which emphasizes analytic and quantitative methods in economics.
If you're looking to combine Economics with policy, you might consider Princeton's unique Woodrow Wilson School of Public Policy and International Affairs, where you can concentrate in economics and public policy.
On the West Coast, besides Stanford, the University of California, Berkeley also offers an excellent Economics program that combines the study of common economic models with extensive empirical study.
I'd also recommend investigating liberal arts colleges. They typically feature smaller class sizes, which can be beneficial for such discussion-driven majors. Amherst College, Williams College, and Swarthmore College all have strong analytics-focused Economics programs.
Remember, the best program for you will depend on your specific interests and career goals in Economics. Some programs may emphasize theory more, while others may prefer a more practical or policy-focused approach, so it's important to do research and consider what type of curriculum and school environment you prefer. Lastly, these are all highly selective institutions, so it's essential to have safety and match schools on your list as well.
Best of luck with your college search!
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