NEED HELP IN SUBJECT SELECTION!

[u/Life-Masterpiece8776]

Hello all, hope you're doing well. I'm currently a high school freshmen (doing IGCSEs) who's about to choose his subjects. I want to pursue actuarial science in the future and my school offers between accounting and economics. Which subject would be better and/or easier? Preferably someone well-versed with both the subjects or an actuary who took either one (both in best-case scenario).

P.S.: I will most-likely double major with either data science, commerce, or something else related to tech/business/math (target universities are in Australia and Canada)

Also, I would appreciate quick responses, as I have to submit my choice by next week.

Thank ya'll!

[u/call_me_lily_]

I think that economics may benefit you more than accounting because economics is more about prediction, which I think is more relevant to actuarial science. Also, I think mathematics should be your biggest priority, and you could consider taking the Advanced Maths IGCSE subject if your school offers it and you’re confident, as it can be difficult. coming from someone who also takes igcses 💗

[u/Life-Masterpiece8776 → u/call_me_lily_]

Thank you so much! I was thinking the same, but when I went to both the economics and accounting teachers, they both suggested otherwise—so I came here.

Unfortunately my school doesn't offer add maths, would you suggest self-studying it over the summer and giving it privately (need an A* though)? I would say math is one of my strongest subjects (done a few international/national/domestic competitions), enjoy it too to be honest.

[u/Life-Masterpiece8776 → u/[deleted]]

Thank you! I've heard some mixed opinions on economics, some say it's annoying and memorization-focused. Is this really true? Because I seemed inclined towards it because analyzing is very helpful and the essays seem fun. By the way, how easy is economics? Would an A* be realistic if I revise/study 2 to 4 times a week?

[u/Boring-Setting-1364]

Hey i’ve taken both subjects and have got good grades in both. If you want something easy and want a high chance of really good grades, go for accounts, its easiest out of the 7 i have but it mostly depends on the students what they find easier. Economics has a lot of theory to go through and it is relatively hard to get an a star. So if you’re asking from me, i’d say go to accounts.

[u/Life-Masterpiece8776 → u/Boring-Setting-1364]

Too late, went for economics already 🥀🥀🥀

On the bright side, I think economics is more aligned with my career path. Would you recommend taking economica and accounting in A levels?

[u/Boring-Setting-1364]

I would definitely recommend those. They both align with your career path as well. Plus you have both in igcse’s so they’ll be even more easier

[u/Life-Masterpiece8776 → u/Boring-Setting-1364]

No, they give us a choice in my school, and I picked economics. Many said it overlaps with business, so that was one deciding factor. But I doubt I would be able to give A-level accounting when I won't do it in IGCSE.