Do you dream of navigating the complex world of economics? Maybe you have visions of becoming the next big financial guru, crunching numbers like a pro. Or perhaps you're fascinated by the intricate dance of supply and demand, seeing economic principles play out in everyday life. Whether you're drawn to the allure of Wall Street or just really, really love watching "The Big Short," we've got you covered! If you're here, chances are you're a freshman in high school and intrigued by the idea of studying economics in college. Fear not, because we're here.
You're probably thinking, "I'm not even entirely sure if I like economics. Also, aren't I a freshman? Is it really time to start stressing about college?" Well, hold onto your calculator, because we're about to break it down for you! It's never too early to start pondering about college. Every single day of high school, starting from the moment you step foot into freshman year, plays a role in shaping your college journey. And as for that whole "do I want to study" conundrum, hey, that's exactly why we're here.
When we team up with 9th graders, our main focus is on mapping out their summers. However, we also like to offer some guidance on how you can independently explore your interests. That way, when you join us in sophomore year, we'll be primed and ready to go to create an impressive application.
Explore What You’re Interested In
Economics is usually the most popular non-STEM major at top-tier colleges (seriously, it's everywhere), making it a fiercely competitive field. It's not just about money—it encompasses a vast array of subtopics and disciplines, spanning from microeconomics to macroeconomics to international trade to behavioral economics. When you're applying to college as an economics major, simply saying "econ" won't cut it. You've got to dig deeper to uncover your specific interests within the field.
When we're plotting out summers, it's crucial for us to understand what drives your interest in economics. Was it that riveting economics class you took? Perhaps there's a particular concept or lesson that sparked your curiosity. Or maybe you've got big dreams of changing the world through economic policy. Wherever your motivations stem from, we're here to help pinpoint your niche. By asking the right questions, we can guide you toward opportunities that align with your passions and aspirations within economics. So, let's dive into these questions together—they're not just about planning your summer, but also about steering your exploration of economics toward the right path.
We're all about helping you carve out your niche—a super specific topic within the vast realm of economics that you can truly geek out over. Picture this: you're drawn to economics because you're fascinated by the intricate dance of supply and demand, or maybe you've got a knack for analyzing market trends. Your focus might veer toward behavioral economics, exploring the psychology behind economic decision-making, or perhaps you're intrigued by the intersection of economics and environmental sustainability. That's your niche. "Econ" alone won't cut it.
No need to have it all figured out today – developing a niche takes time, sometimes years. But guess what? You can't discover your niche if you don't start exploring. So, as a budding economics enthusiast, dive into books and classes that pique your interest. Pay attention to what gets your brain buzzing as you navigate through entry-level courses and books, and stay in the loop with current economic events. Basically, we want you to be super familiar with who Janet Yellen is by the end of this.
Do Well in School
So, here's the deal: some folks think that your freshman year grades don't really matter, especially if you pick up steam in the following years. Bzzzzzzzzt. Wrong! Let's set the record straight—colleges are watching from the first day you start high school. They want to see you getting the best grades you can in the hardest classes your school offers, and that starts on day one.
And hey, we get it; high school can be a very hard adjustment. Maybe you're transitioning to a college prep school or diving into AP classes as a freshman. If you're already feeling the heat, it's time to take charge. Hit up your teachers, team up with peers for study sessions, and maybe even snag an outside tutor. A big thing you can do now? Learn how to study well because that’s going to help you for years to come. Essentially, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Extracurriculars
While your class options might be limited as a freshman, you can craft an extracurricular profile that lets you dive deep into economics and show colleges your genuine passion for the subject.
As a potential economics major, you can explore a whole slew of activities. Have you ever thought about starting or joining an economics club at school? Well, you should! You could organize a community seminar on financial literacy, collaborate with local businesses to develop economic growth initiatives, or participate in a mentorship program connecting students with professionals in the field. Whether it's delving into economic research projects, interning at a financial institution, launching a community investment project, or even starting a stock market simulation club, the possibilities are endless.
We're all about making the most of your time—so instead of just jumping into random clubs or sinking all your hours into activities that "sound cool," be intentional with how you spend your time. Choose activities that not only interest you but also align with your future goals in economics.
Summer Plans
Planning your summer is where we step in. Here at TKG, we're all about helping students unravel their fascination with economics and then hooking them up with summer opportunities to dive deeper into the field.
Summer—the grandest stretch of uninterrupted time in your calendar! Resist the urge to spend it all lounging around or binge-watching TV (as tempting as it may be), because if you're eyeing those top-tier colleges, it's time to make every moment count.
The key to unlocking in-depth economics experience over the summer? For freshmen, we like to look at summer programs. There are pre-college programs at powerhouse universities like UCLA, Harvard, UPenn, Brown, Columbia, Yale, and UChicago, as well as specialized intensive research programs tailored to economics. If you’re interested in Econ as a path to business, they have those specialized programs too! These programs offer a chance to really explore econ topics with fellow students and explore your interests on a deeper level.
By getting to know our freshmen and their interests, we're able to tailor-fit the perfect programs for them. We're there every step of the way—brainstorming, polishing applications, helping secure recommendation letters, and ultimately helping students make the right call on which programs are the perfect fit.
Freshman year is the prime time to start prepping for college, especially if you're eyeing a field as competitive as economics. Get a head start on honing your interests, ace those classes, and let us lend a hand in mapping out your summer!
Freshmen, if you want to start strategizing for college, or just need help planning your summer, reach out to us today.