Economics-- What's it like? (1 Viewer)

[NoFaceValue]

Hey everyone,
I'm new to this forum, but it seems like a great place-- especially before my HSC subject selection (I am currently in year 10)

Next year, I am considering taking Stage 6 economics. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if I am right for it.

Primarily, my mind seems to be suited for Humanity subjects. I place towards the top of my year level in subjects like English, History, Geography, Commerce and PDHPE but whilst I do OK at the maths, I'm probably ranking close to 25th/90 students. In Science... Let's just say I'll be glad for it to be gone next year.

I have a genuine interest in the subject, I am able to interpret data quite well and i'm doing well in terms of my essays... But I'm not sure if I'll have the ability to succeed.

I suppose what I am asking is:
i) Are the strengths/skills i've listed adequete for Stage 6 Economics?
ii) Will I have the ability to succeed?
iii) How much maths is needed in economics? (Is it mathematically/scientifically based, or humanity based?)
iv) Do you enjoy the subject?

Thanks,
Sorry if I've posted this in the wrong section... Trust me to do something like that on my first post .

 

[bettina44]

Hey everyone,
I'm new to this forum, but it seems like a great place-- especially before my HSC subject selection (I am currently in year 10)

Next year, I am considering taking Stage 6 economics. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if I am right for it.

Primarily, my mind seems to be suited for Humanity subjects. I place towards the top of my year level in subjects like English, History, Geography, Commerce and PDHPE but whilst I do OK at the maths, I'm probably ranking close to 25th/90 students. In Science... Let's just say I'll be glad for it to be gone next year.

I have a genuine interest in the subject, I am able to interpret data quite well and i'm doing well in terms of my essays... But I'm not sure if I'll have the ability to succeed.

I suppose what I am asking is:
i) Are the strengths/skills i've listed adequete for Stage 6 Economics?
ii) Will I have the ability to succeed?
iii) How much maths is needed in economics? (Is it mathematically/scientifically based, or humanity based?)
iv) Do you enjoy the subject?

Thanks,
Sorry if I've posted this in the wrong section... Trust me to do something like that on my first post .

i) i don't think u really need any prior skills or anything but u should fine
ii) everyone has the potentital to suceed
iii) no alot
iv) its alright

 

[Failure_123]

Its simple, if you're interested in GDP, interest rate, inflation, all those things that are related to economics then do it because obviously there is a great chance of suceeding. I must say that its quite time consuming because of the workload and it requires you to use your mind because most of the things you learn is in theory.

 

[timw7845]

its an epic pain in the arse...

 

[jackthe]

You should be fine, no major maths required. Your interest level in it will determine how well you do. I have a good motivating teacher, that helps, he's a bit of a legend. If you don't, be prepared to get excited about economics yourself.

 

[nothingbutlies]

Is the workload that hard?

What does it involve? Just memorising theory?

Do you have to do extra research for your essays e.g. read business articles etc, find statistics to support your essays? Would I need to be REAAAAALLY up to date with the financial world etc?

And for the essays, what sort of things do you need for good marks? Good statistics, good arguments or what?

 

[PIFKIE]

NO MATH -(Yr 11-12) so ECONOMICS instead? This is my 1st post. Currently I am in Yr 10 and just uploaded my Yr 11 Prelim Units and have dropped Math entirely.

My questions are:

1. Can I still do Economics successfully without having any Math?
2. Also, Is it possible to gain a good ATAR/UAI without having ANY Math?
3. Is Multimedia IT a good worthwhile course?

I am looking at a combined degree in Humanities/Law or Journalism; Government- so have chosen the following for Yr 11:

English Advanced
English Prelim Extension
Japanese Continuers
Drama
Ancient History
Legal Studies
Economics
Multimedia Industrial Tech.

Hoping that current year 11 's will be able to advise me.

):wave:

----------------------------------------------------------
2011 HSC
Year 11 Subjects:

English Advanced
English Prelim Extension
Japanese Continuers
Drama
Ancient History
Legal Studies
Economics
Multimedia Industrial Tech.

 

[bettina44]

My questions are:

1. Can I still do Economics successfully without having any Math?
2. Also, Is it possible to gain a good ATAR/UAI without having ANY Math?

1. there really isn't really that much maths in eco and its pretty basic anyways. its just subbing stuff into equations and u might need some year 8 algebra skills. to answer ur question, short answer, no.
2. yes, simple as that

 

[kaz1]

It's a shit subject if you have a shit teacher.

 

[nothingbutlies]

Wow I was looking various economics related posts up and the essays you write in eco exams are seven pages...? SEVEN PAGES?



Oh my god, that's so much...

 

[moll.]

It's pretty much like studying the economy.

 

[blahblah111]

its an epic pain in the arse...

Totally agree
if u choose to do it just make sure you stay ontop of your workload otherwise you're screwed from every single angle unless your a pro crammer... i had that experience in year 11. Also make sure that you UNDERSTAND what you're doing, not just rote-learning it of!

 

[moll.]

I like how no-one on this thread has actually finished the course, yet all deem it their territory to comment upon.
HSC Economics is as easy as shit. The crap you learn in year 11 is only difficult because it's new, so if you're not a complete screw-up it'll be fine for you. All of the year 12 stuff just builds upon the year 11 knowledge, so much so that by the end of the year you'll be bored of the topics cos they won't teach you anything new.

 

[Tastegud]

its shit.
trust

 

[moll.]

its shit.
trust

So are you.

 

[vennmuch]

From the OP, you remind me a lot of myself when I was in your position (last year).

I, too, am a lot better at the humanities than sciences. I always came in the top 5 (second, third - at the end of year 9, 10 respectively) for commerce and stuff... although Commerce is LOL BULLSHIT sseriously.

You just need a genuine interest in the areas of the economy.

I see why people don't like economics and find it hard and stuff. However, doing my prelims right now... my 3 terms of economics have been awesome. First half of the first term... not so much. Baby talk, really. Then it gets into the real stuff. I love how it's so relevant and I understand it raelly well so if you're anything like me, I think you'd really enjoy it.

It's pretty complicated and long unless you have a genuine interest and talent (both are important) in the area. Its only easy for me because I like it and get it the first time or the second time when I read over and think about it.

And my friend who did his HSC in 2007 didn't like economics in year 11 and he seconded his school in economics in the HSC (he goes to a top 5 school in the state) and loved his HSC course so I'm hoping HSC topics would be even more interesting... that'd really be awesome.

i) Are the strengths/skills i've listed adequete for Stage 6 Economics?
ii) Will I have the ability to succeed?
iii) How much maths is needed in economics? (Is it mathematically/scientifically based, or humanity based?)
iv) Do you enjoy the subject?

i) no, prob not. Commerce is like bullshit as I said. Commerce is HOW it works (how to insert bulb) where Eco is why it works (what makes the light turns on).... You can know pretty much nothing and do well in Commerce because you're a bullshit artist (I know I was) but with Economics, you actually know what you're talking about when you get the marks.
ii) depends. Again, interest & talent - do you have both and are you willing to engage both?
iii) LOL none. SEriously
iv) I hope it's been clear from this long post that... Yes, I do enjoy it.

 

[toby12]

very dry subject. you would have to an extrememe passion for the economy to enjoy it at all..

 

[vennmuch]

very dry subject. you would have to an extrememe passion for the economy to enjoy it at all..

Haha really? well all comes down to likeness then...

I find that it's extremely not dry (very very wet?) as it's so relevant. You can see the effects and stuff in the economy if you know what's happening now and around us and stuff...

But if you're not interested in business side of life, then yes, you'd find it dry. But then again, if you're not interested in business, why would you choose economics in the first place?!

 

[ninetypercent]

Hey everyone,
I'm new to this forum, but it seems like a great place-- especially before my HSC subject selection (I am currently in year 10)

Next year, I am considering taking Stage 6 economics. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if I am right for it.

Primarily, my mind seems to be suited for Humanity subjects. I place towards the top of my year level in subjects like English, History, Geography, Commerce and PDHPE but whilst I do OK at the maths, I'm probably ranking close to 25th/90 students. In Science... Let's just say I'll be glad for it to be gone next year.

I have a genuine interest in the subject, I am able to interpret data quite well and i'm doing well in terms of my essays... But I'm not sure if I'll have the ability to succeed.

I suppose what I am asking is:
i) Are the strengths/skills i've listed adequete for Stage 6 Economics?
ii) Will I have the ability to succeed?
iii) How much maths is needed in economics? (Is it mathematically/scientifically based, or humanity based?)
iv) Do you enjoy the subject?

Thanks,
Sorry if I've posted this in the wrong section... Trust me to do something like that on my first post .

Yes, you sound like a Economics student. If you study and enjoy economics, you will definitely do well in it. It is not hard at all. The stuff is pretty basic and the skills acquired is just common sense.

i) Yes
ii) Depends on how much effort you are willing to put in
ii) minimal Maths. Like baby stuff
iv) Yes and No. It can be a bit dry sometimes.

WARNING: If you don't study for Economics, you won't do well (unlike maths )
my marks in Economics fluctuate a lot. from 86% to 100%

 

[Zak Ambrose]

i think you need great patience to get through Topic 1.