Your Complete Guide to Economics Degree Admission Requirements

Thinking about majoring in economics? That’s a great choice that can open doors to many exciting careers. But before you can dive into supply and demand curves in college, you need to navigate the admissions process. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step checklist of what you need to focus on to build a strong application for an undergraduate economics program.

Building a Strong Academic Foundation in High School

Admissions committees want to see that you have challenged yourself and succeeded in subjects relevant to economics. Your high school transcript is one of the most important parts of your application. Focus on excelling in these key areas.

Master the Math

Economics is a quantitative social science. You must demonstrate strong analytical and mathematical skills. Simply taking the minimum required math courses is not enough; you should aim to take the most rigorous sequence your school offers.

  • Calculus is Key: The single most important math class for a prospective economics major is calculus. If your school offers it, you should aim to complete AP Calculus AB or, even better, AP Calculus BC. This shows you can handle the mathematical reasoning required in intermediate and advanced economics courses.
  • Statistics is Essential: Data analysis is at the heart of modern economics. Taking AP Statistics will give you a significant advantage. It teaches you how to interpret data, understand probability, and test hypotheses, all of which are core skills for an economist.
  • Core Foundation: At a minimum, you should have completed Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Pre-Calculus with high grades.

Take Economics and Social Science Courses

Demonstrating an early interest in the field is a major plus. If your high school offers economics courses, be sure to enroll.

  • AP Economics: Taking AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics is the best way to show your commitment and understanding of the subject. Performing well in these classes and on the AP exams signals to colleges that you are ready for their curriculum.
  • Related Social Sciences: Courses in government, psychology, world history, and sociology can also strengthen your application. They show that you are interested in the broader social context in which economies operate.

Hone Your Communication Skills

Economics isn’t just about numbers. It’s also about explaining complex ideas clearly and persuasively. Strong writing and communication skills are non-negotiable. Excel in your English and humanities classes to develop your ability to build a logical argument and communicate it effectively.

Standardized Testing: Proving Your Readiness

While many universities have adopted test-optional policies, standardized tests like the SAT and ACT can still play a role in your application, especially for competitive programs.

  • Focus on the Math Section: For economics programs, your score on the Math section of the SAT or ACT carries significant weight. A high score here directly supports your claim of being quantitatively prepared for the major.
  • To Submit or Not to Submit? If you score at or above the 50th percentile for a university’s accepted students, it’s generally a good idea to submit your scores. If your scores are significantly below their average range, you might consider applying test-optional, but only if the rest of your application, especially your math grades and coursework, is exceptionally strong.
  • AP Exam Scores: Good scores (4s and 5s) on AP exams, particularly in Calculus, Statistics, Microeconomics, and Macroeconomics, are powerful signals of your academic ability and can sometimes earn you college credit.

Crafting an Application That Stands Out

Your grades and test scores are crucial, but they are only part of the story. Your application materials are your chance to show the admissions committee who you are beyond the numbers.

The Personal Essay

This is your opportunity to connect your personal story to your interest in economics. Avoid simply stating “I want to study economics because I want to understand the world.” Instead, tell a specific story.

  • Find a Personal Connection: Did you start a small business, like mowing lawns or selling crafts online? Write about what you learned about pricing, costs, and customer demand.
  • Analyze a Local Issue: Is there a new factory or a closing shopping mall in your town? Discuss the economic impact on your community. This shows you are already thinking like an economist.
  • Explore a Curiosity: Maybe you read a book like “Freakonomics” by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner or “The Undercover Economist” by Tim Harford that sparked your interest. Write about a specific concept that fascinated you and how you explored it further.

Extracurricular Activities

Show your interest in economics outside the classroom. Quality over quantity is key.

  • Join Relevant Clubs: Participate in your school’s Debate Team, Model UN, or Math Club. If your school has an Economics Club or an investment club, join it. If not, consider starting one!
  • Seek Out Competitions: Participate in competitions like the National Economics Challenge or the Fed Challenge if they are available in your region.
  • Gain Practical Experience: Look for an internship with a local business, non-profit, or government office. Even a part-time job can provide valuable insights into business operations, which you can write about in your application.
  • Read Voraciously: Show that you are intellectually curious. Read publications like The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, and books by prominent economists.

Strong Letters of Recommendation

Choose teachers who know you well and can speak to your specific strengths.

  • Ask a Math or Economics Teacher: A letter from a teacher in a quantitative field is essential. They can attest to your analytical abilities.
  • Ask a Humanities Teacher: A letter from an English or history teacher can highlight your writing, critical thinking, and communication skills.
  • Give Them Information: Provide your teachers with a “brag sheet” that lists your accomplishments, reminds them of specific projects you did in their class, and explains why you want to study economics. This helps them write a more detailed and personal letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good GPA for getting into an economics program? For top-tier programs, you will generally need a GPA of 3.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale, with top grades in your math and economics courses. For less selective but still strong programs, a GPA above 3.5 is often competitive. However, admissions are holistic, and a slightly lower GPA can be offset by rigorous coursework and a strong overall application.

Do I have to be a math genius to major in economics? No, but you do need to be comfortable and competent with math. You should have a solid foundation in algebra and be prepared to master calculus and statistics. The level of math required can also depend on whether you pursue a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), which may be less math-intensive, or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), which is typically more quantitative and geared toward graduate study.

What careers can I pursue with an economics degree? An economics degree is incredibly versatile. Graduates work in finance, banking, investment analysis, management consulting, data analysis, public policy, government agencies, market research, and journalism. It is also excellent preparation for law school or an MBA program.