[MisanthropicLemon]

(Original post by Oxy-moron Prodigy)
One problem that occurs for prospective applicants to economics (me included) is that Oxford doesn't offer a sole economics undergraduate degree course. Oxford only offers these 5 joint degree courses:

http://www.economics.ox.ac.uk/index.php/undergraduate

This makes the choice between Oxford and Cambridge more difficult. I should hopefully achieve top grades, for which I am proud of myself, but I doubt I will possess 'amazing UMS scores'. A recent Cambridge applicants handler said they are really looking for people with above 95% UMS and at least above 90% UMS. With an average of above 90 - 95% UMS, you will have a 3/10 chance of having a successful application. I am not making this up, this is what she said.

I would definitely apply to Oxford if they offered a single degree for Economics but since they don't, I am probably stuck with an unlikely-to-be successful application to Cambridge. Before anyone says you could simply not apply to Oxbridge etc., I have a chance of getting in so I will try.

I had exactly the same mindset as you when I applied. I didn't even consider the Oxford course because it was economics and management. Now I think that was a bit silly of me, management is supposedly very similar to economics (managing resources etc). I don't really regret it though, because I adored Cambridge as a place.

To be fair, I wouldn't want to discourage everyone from applying to Cambridge. My interview was not great. You still have a chance with 90s UMS, but my feeling was that it was the people with amazing UMS (and also I noticed that people with more A2s were way more likely to get offers, whether that's a correlation between number of A2s and competence, or simply that Cambridge really do prefer more A2s, I can't say) that got offers (not that 90s aren't amazing, it's just that Cambridge is crazy).

I thought the same as well, you get 5 choices so why not aim for Oxbridge? There are loads of benefits to not going there too, though. You'll be worked less hard for starters. I nearly had a breakdown at the amount of application requirements, let alone the course itself. It's very stressful.

And a bit of advice would be don't compare yourself to others. If you get in to a top 10-15 uni for economics you'll earn as much as most Oxbridge graduates on average, that's why it's so competitive. I don't want to be too pessimistic here but if Cambridge do reject you, remember that it was for one of the most competitive courses you can hope to take. It doesn't mean you're useless (which you kind of think for the next few months). I'm not saying that to you specifically, to anyone applying. It's always a long shot. But good luck, you definitely still have a decent chance. My original post was just outlining that Oxford will probably maximise your chances if your UMS are Cambridge-average. Goodness me, I do ramble. Imagine my interview.

[Hmmmmmmmm]

Will hopefully be applying to for Economics...

Are there any book suggestions on behavioural economics?

[Hemzo]

(Original post by Hmmmmmmmm)
Will hopefully be applying to for Economics...

Are there any book suggestions on behavioural economics?

Butterfly Economics by Paul Ormerod is a very good read.

[Genius7]

Applying for straight econ at: Cambridge, LSE , Warrick, (not really sure about the rest)

8A* 3 A'sonly taken C1 so far with 96 UMS.

Is anyone else here kind of sad about the rise of maths in economics.

As in for those who are more interested in the debate of policy in the Uni course it is very strongly focused on mathmatical models.

I really was looking forward to discussing policy and so on at Uni but every econ student has told me it is pretty much maths.

I have also talked to a professor at LSE and he said that mainstream economics is just unrealistic mathematical models that make so many assumptions that they are divorced from the real world. He also said If I was interested in economics not focused on maths and more policy then I should go into development economics.

Then he said that another interesting field that is not fully focused on maths is behavioural economics.

I personally accept the use of a lot of maths in econ but just think that if It becomes the centre of economic thinking then economics may become somewhat flawed.

Sorry for going so far OT maybe I should just make a new thread lol.

[Genius7]

(Original post by Yash13)
It's spelt Warwick.

Work hard, get your AS results then decide where to apply.

Mathematics derives the basis of a lot of what you learn in Economics. Think about it your basic supply and demand graphs in AS they are straight line graphs. Take demand function (straight line for a basic example): y=mx + c. Except swap y with p (price) and x with q (quantity). The gradient is negative so m becomes -b and swap c with a. This would give you P= a -bQ. That sounds like a feasible application of Mathematics to Economic basics, it just gets more complex at University with Matrices etc. Some models may be controversial that the LSE professor may be fixated on.

If you like policy making I would suggest taking Economics and Politics or taking Politics elective modules. Development Economics is also a good option but they will both take you to different career paths.

There are many fields of Economics that require less Mathematics but if you are applying for straight economics, you can decide to take those modules later.

As for the highlighted sentence in bold, I have nothing to say to that except get your grades, go to a good university to read Economics, then laugh at that.

Well I was mostly discussing Economics studied at Postgrad + with him as I know a lot about why the maths is so important at undergrad.

What he was saying to me was that a lot of the mainstream economics was coming out with mathematical models that had lost much of their actual basis in real life and that had made mathematical assumptions that most people could see to be flawed or were beginning to see as flawed eg the ability of economic actors to act rationally under all circumstances. Thus he was saying economics was drifting away from helping people and people were just getting to the point where they want to make it pure maths. (I know there is a large debate about this and so on read an interesting book on the philosophy of economics which explained much of it)

Just seems to me that the higher levels of economics may not be producing results that is going to help your everyday person and almost feels self indulgent by these economists.

[amg_22]

(Original post by johsey)
Hi everyone ! I never ever post to TSR but thought i'd join in. Just need some opinions on my situation and if I have a realistic chance ? It is such a competitive course

Ok so, hoping to apply for an Economics or Economics and Management course. I'm a very Mathsy and Businessy person and like the sound of Economics as well. And i'm loving the look of the Oxford course !

I'm thinking: Oxford, UCL, Bristol, Nottingham and another one.

GCSEs: 9A* 1A
AS Levels: Maths, F. Maths, Chemistry, Geography (Eco. not offered) I'm dropping F. Maths as some unis don't allow it as a 3rd subject. I also did so so so so so badly in my January modules - I was so disappointed in myself ! I think i've put too much onto myself (see below) so I couldnt concentrate properly on them *sigh* I got 80 in D1 and 85 in C1 and CHEM1 was just awful so i'm not posting it haha ! So i'm resitting. i'm not sure if i stand a chance at UCL and Oxford with these UMS Although my teachers have loads of faith in me and will probably be predicted A*AA.

I'm not amazingly sporty or gifted in music so i've been trying to do other stuff. I'm Managing Director of my Young Enterprise team, doing an Open University course in an Introduction to the Financial Services Industry, regional winner of an accountancy/ business competition called BASE with the ICAEW, got awards in UKMT Maths Challenge, was in my school's UKMT Team Maths Challenge, doing Sports Leadership, reading the Economist and other relevant books, done accountancy work experience and just found out i'll be a prefect (hoping to become head girl). I know this 'other stuff' is not TOO relevant but i think it's important anyway.

Any comments appreciated and please be honest but don't be too mean !!

if you want to stand a reasonable chance at an elite university keep further maths. it doesnt matter unis dont see it as a third subject because pretty much everyone has it as a fourth. it gives you a huge advantage over any who doesn't have it and if you are capable of achieving an A/A* then it is defiantly worth the extra work.

also in you ps, rather than listing everything you just said, talk about a couple of things in depth.

hope this helps.

[johsey]

(Original post by amg_22)
if you want to stand a reasonable chance at an elite university keep further maths. it doesnt matter unis dont see it as a third subject because pretty much everyone has it as a fourth. it gives you a huge advantage over any who doesn't have it and if you are capable of achieving an A/A* then it is defiantly worth the extra work.

also in you ps, rather than listing everything you just said, talk about a couple of things in depth.

hope this helps.

thanks, it's good to get someone's opinion it's just that i'm unsure of whether I can cope with doing four subjects though :/ and about the ps thing..yeh i was going to do that wont mention them all - just the key ones and say what i learned from doing them, etc etc.

[dslc]

My profile:

Spoiler:

Show

GCSE: A*AAAAAABBBBC
AS: AACCD (General Studies, Photography, Physics, History, Maths - in that order) - I'm aware General Studies and Photography are ultimately worth nothing when applying for Economics.

Change of career path from Animation to Economics (strange I know, but I have grown to love it since taking it on as a subject as I expected I would) and belief I could do much better meant I am now resitting Year 12.

AS predictions: Maths A, History A (achieved), Economics A, EPQ (on high frequency trading) A

So, if I achieve what I should when I apply my application will be the following:
AS: AAAAAC + A in EPQ
but a mention of the fact I had to sit the year again.

In addition to the above, I'm currently Chairman of the Students Union at my Sixth Form, I competed in the Bank of England Competition this year and reached the regional finals and participated in a Model United Nations event as an Economics representative for a country. I also have been fortunate enough to get work experience at NYSE Euronext and 39 Essex Street (the latter not related, again).

I really feel I've blown my opportunity to apply to a Top 10 university for Economics. Can I ask if you guys agree, or feel I stand a chance if my PS/interview was strong enough?

Thanks a lot! I really appreciate your time.

[non]

(Original post by dslc)
My profile:

Spoiler:

Show

GCSE: A*AAAAAABBBBC
AS: AACCD (General Studies, Photography, Physics, History, Maths - in that order) - I'm aware General Studies and Photography are ultimately worth nothing when applying for Economics.

Change of career path from Animation to Economics (strange I know, but I have grown to love it since taking it on as a subject as I expected I would) and belief I could do much better meant I am now resitting Year 12.

AS predictions: Maths A, History A (achieved), Economics A, EPQ (on high frequency trading) A

So, if I achieve what I should when I apply my application will be the following:
AS: AAAAAC + A in EPQ
but a mention of the fact I had to sit the year again.

In addition to the above, I'm currently Chairman of the Students Union at my Sixth Form, I competed in the Bank of England Competition this year and reached the regional finals and participated in a Model United Nations event as an Economics representative for a country. I also have been fortunate enough to get work experience at NYSE Euronext and 39 Essex Street (the latter not related, again).

I really feel I've blown my opportunity to apply to a Top 10 university for Economics. Can I ask if you guys agree, or feel I stand a chance if my PS/interview was strong enough?

Thanks a lot! I really appreciate your time.

I think that you should phone up the universities about that you took 3 years do your a levels instead of 2 but how did you the work experience at those companies? You were must be really pleased with your luck to get that experience.

[amg_22]

(Original post by dslc)
My profile:

Spoiler:

Show

GCSE: A*AAAAAABBBBC
AS: AACCD (General Studies, Photography, Physics, History, Maths - in that order) - I'm aware General Studies and Photography are ultimately worth nothing when applying for Economics.

Change of career path from Animation to Economics (strange I know, but I have grown to love it since taking it on as a subject as I expected I would) and belief I could do much better meant I am now resitting Year 12.

AS predictions: Maths A, History A (achieved), Economics A, EPQ (on high frequency trading) A

So, if I achieve what I should when I apply my application will be the following:
AS: AAAAAC + A in EPQ
but a mention of the fact I had to sit the year again.

In addition to the above, I'm currently Chairman of the Students Union at my Sixth Form, I competed in the Bank of England Competition this year and reached the regional finals and participated in a Model United Nations event as an Economics representative for a country. I also have been fortunate enough to get work experience at NYSE Euronext and 39 Essex Street (the latter not related, again).

I really feel I've blown my opportunity to apply to a Top 10 university for Economics. Can I ask if you guys agree, or feel I stand a chance if my PS/interview was strong enough?

Thanks a lot! I really appreciate your time.

i don't mean to be rude or anything but how are you predicted an A in maths when last year you achieved a D?

[funkydee]

(Original post by johsey)
Hi everyone ! I never ever post to TSR but thought i'd join in. Just need some opinions on my situation and if I have a realistic chance ? It is such a competitive course

Ok so, hoping to apply for an Economics or Economics and Management course. I'm a very Mathsy and Businessy person and like the sound of Economics as well. And i'm loving the look of the Oxford course !

I'm thinking: Oxford, UCL, Bristol, Nottingham and another one.

GCSEs: 9A* 1A
AS Levels: Maths, F. Maths, Chemistry, Geography (Eco. not offered) I'm dropping F. Maths as some unis don't allow it as a 3rd subject. I also did so so so so so badly in my January modules - I was so disappointed in myself ! I think i've put too much onto myself (see below) so I couldnt concentrate properly on them *sigh* I got 80 in D1 and 85 in C1 and CHEM1 was just awful so i'm not posting it haha ! So i'm resitting. i'm not sure if i stand a chance at UCL and Oxford with these UMS Although my teachers have loads of faith in me and will probably be predicted A*AA.

I'm not amazingly sporty or gifted in music so i've been trying to do other stuff. I'm Managing Director of my Young Enterprise team, doing an Open University course in an Introduction to the Financial Services Industry, regional winner of an accountancy/ business competition called BASE with the ICAEW, got awards in UKMT Maths Challenge, was in my school's UKMT Team Maths Challenge, doing Sports Leadership, reading the Economist and other relevant books, done accountancy work experience and just found out i'll be a prefect (hoping to become head girl). I know this 'other stuff' is not TOO relevant but i think it's important anyway.

Any comments appreciated and please be honest but don't be too mean !!

Hey.

They don't allow Further Maths as a 3rd A-level. For example taking Maths, Further Maths and Geography doesn't show another depth in study. Most people would have kept all 4 subjects at A2 which I would recommend. . Also most applicants will have more than 1A* prediction so bear that in mind as you work for AS!

But your gcse grades are top notch so even with an A*AAA prediction its very likely you'll get offers from UCL, Bristol and Nottingham as long as your personal statement is alright. I'd suggest using the PS helper system on this website as you have a lot of stuff to talk about and they'll help you keep it concise!

Good luck!

[dslc]

(Original post by non)
I think that you should phone up the universities about that you took 3 years do your a levels instead of 2 but how did you the work experience at those companies? You were must be really pleased with your luck to get that experience.

That's a good idea. I was thinking of emailing but worried it may leave a black mark by my name - calling seems wise.

I was very fortunate, yes. Couldn't be more thankful for the experience though.

(Original post by amg_22)
i don't mean to be rude or anything but how are you predicted an A in maths when last year you achieved a D?

I always had the ability, I just didn't have the belief. If I struggled in class with something, I left the topic and never came back to it later. When revision came around, I was just absolutely lost and that cost me all 3 exams. This year I have ensured that I understand every single topic and don't leave a question undone if I cannot answer it. All of the concepts have sunk in this time, and I'm fortunate enough to have an absolutely fantastic teacher - especially when compared with the one I had last year.

[amg_22]

I always had the ability, I just didn't have the belief. If I struggled in class with something, I left the topic and never came back to it later. When revision came around, I was just absolutely lost and that cost me all 3 exams. This year I have ensured that I understand every single topic and don't leave a question undone if I cannot answer it. All of the concepts have sunk in this time, and I'm fortunate enough to have an absolutely fantastic teacher - especially when compared with the one I had last year.[/QUOTE]

yeah maths is pretty easy once you know what your doing.

at a level its not really about being good at maths than it is about revising and making sure you understand the different topics and how you go about answering the questions.

[dslc]

yeah maths is pretty easy once you know what your doing.

at a level its not really about being good at maths than it is about revising and making sure you understand the different topics and how you go about answering the questions.

Precisely. That's exactly what I failed to do last time. Sadly, I expect it will greatly reduce my university options

[Mr Tough]

Hey, just wondering with regard to A Level Economics, does anyone know what the edexcel caps are typically for the 100 UMS mark? or some sort of spreadsheet with the marks over the last few years?

Thanks

[tooambitious]

(Original post by Mr Tough)
Hey, just wondering with regard to A Level Economics, does anyone know what the edexcel caps are typically for the 100 UMS mark? or some sort of spreadsheet with the marks over the last few years?

Thanks

LAst year 74 unit 1 and 77 unit 2, but it varies quite a bit, those are the highest boundaries I've seen and generally 100 ums seems very achievable

[Mr Tough]

(Original post by tooambitious)
LAst year 74 unit 1 and 77 unit 2, but it varies quite a bit, those are the highest boundaries I've seen and generally 100 ums seems very achievable

thanks how do you know that? did you find out from the internet or did teachers in school tell you? do you have any idea about what the boundaries have been for the years before??

[tooambitious]

(Original post by Mr Tough)
thanks how do you know that? did you find out from the internet or did teachers in school tell you? do you have any idea about what the boundaries have been for the years before??

i looked on the website after my mock, but if you want to find out, if you go to the edexcel website, and go to grade boundaries yoou can work out 100 ums: A + 2*(A-B)

so if you takt the boundary for an A and then add twice the difference between A and B you'll have 100 ums, this is the same for all ASs by the way , i can find out for you if you want?

EDIT: Jan 2012 Unit 1 75 Unit 2 70, Jan 2011 U1 69, U2 68, June 2010 U1 72 U2 78 Jan 2010 U1 66 U2 N/A June 2009 U1 71, U2 77 jan 2009 U1 68 U2 N/A

i think before jan 2009 was the old spec

[Mr Tough]

(Original post by tooambitious)
i looked on the website after my mock, but if you want to find out, if you go to the edexcel website, and go to grade boundaries yoou can work out 100 ums: A + 2*(A-B)

so if you takt the boundary for an A and then add twice the difference between A and B you'll have 100 ums, this is the same for all ASs by the way , i can find out for you if you want?

EDIT: Jan 2012 Unit 1 75 Unit 2 70, Jan 2011 U1 69, U2 68, June 2010 U1 72 U2 78 Jan 2010 U1 66 U2 N/A June 2009 U1 71, U2 77 jan 2009 U1 68 U2 N/A

i think before jan 2009 was the old spec

Wow, never knew that, thanks so much!

I'm very confident with unit 1, it's unit 2 i'm slightly worried about...to say that my class has been badly taught on unit2 would be understatement of the year!

What resources did you use to revise for unit 2? any specific website which you found particularly useful?

Again, thanks for those boundaries

[tooambitious]

(Original post by Mr Tough)
Wow, never knew that, thanks so much!

I'm very confident with unit 1, it's unit 2 i'm slightly worried about...to say that my class has been badly taught on unit2 would be understatement of the year!

What resources did you use to revise for unit 2? any specific website which you found particularly useful?

Again, thanks for those boundaries

lol same!, urmm i have an anderton revision guide which is pretty much it, and i go on tutr2u if there's ia anything i dont understand, where are you thinking of applying? Srry if i already said