This year, 934 students declared economics at Harvard alone, making it the largest concentration on campus. Among these applicants, Harvard admitted roughly 3.59%, while Stanford accepted 3.61%.
Strong grades alone are rarely enough. Successful applicants demonstrate analytical thinking, quantitative ability, intellectual curiosity, and the initiative to explore economics beyond the classroom.
In this article, we’ll explore five essential skills every aspiring economics student should develop before applying to college and explain how building these skills early can help students prepare for advanced coursework, competitions, research opportunities, and university admissions.
1. Build a Strong Mathematical Foundation
Although economics is classified as a social science, the field is deeply quantitative. Students at leading economics programs use mathematics to build models, analyze data, and understand complex economic systems. As a result, universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Princeton, and the University of Chicago expect incoming economics students to have a strong background in mathematics, with calculus serving as either a core prerequisite or an assumed foundation.
For high school students interested in majoring in economics, AP Calculus BC is one of the best ways to demonstrate quantitative readiness. The course develops essential problem-solving and analytical skills while preparing students for the mathematical rigor of college-level economics. In 2024, more than 148,000 students took the AP Calculus BC exam, and 80.9% earned a score of 3 or higher, reflecting both the popularity of the course and the strong academic profile of its participants.
Students who plan to pursue economics at a highly selective university should consider advancing beyond calculus. Subjects such as linear algebra, multivariable calculus, differential equations, and real analysis provide the mathematical foundation for econometrics, economic theory, and quantitative research.
Recommended Mathematics Pathway:
- Grades 9–10: Build a strong foundation in algebra, geometry, and precalculus.
- Grade 11: Take AP Calculus BC, if available.
- Grade 12: Continue with advanced mathematics courses such as linear algebra, multivariable calculus, or other college-level math classes.
Developing mathematical skills early allows students to explore more advanced areas of economics, including econometrics, data analysis, and research, before they begin college. More importantly, it builds the confidence and analytical thinking needed to succeed in one of the most quantitative social science disciplines.
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2. Data Analysis & Programming
Modern economics is increasingly data-driven. Economists do more than develop theories; they analyze large datasets, build statistical models, and use programming to answer complex questions about markets, public policy, and economic behavior. As a result, programming and data analysis have become essential skills for students pursuing economics.
Many leading universities have expanded the quantitative focus of their economics programs, offering interdisciplinary pathways that combine economics with computer science, data science, or statistics. This reflects a growing demand for graduates who can interpret data, apply analytical methods, and communicate evidence-based insights.
High school students can begin building these skills through AP Computer Science A or AP Computer Science Principles, both of which introduce computational thinking and the fundamentals of programming. From there, learning languages such as Python or R becomes more approachable and provides a strong foundation for future coursework in economics, econometrics, and research.
Common Tools Used in Economics
- Python: Data analysis, automation, and machine learning
- R: Statistical analysis and academic research
- SQL: Querying and managing databases
- Stata: Econometrics and applied economics research
- MATLAB: Mathematical modeling and quantitative analysis
- Tableau and Power BI: Data visualization and interactive dashboards
While students are not expected to master every tool before college, becoming proficient in one programming language and gaining experience working with real-world datasets can provide a significant advantage. The goal is to develop computational thinking and become comfortable using data to investigate economic questions.
3. Research Writing & Critical Reading
While economics is often associated with mathematics and data analysis, strong writing skills are equally important. Economists must interpret data, evaluate evidence, and communicate complex ideas through clear, logical arguments. Whether writing policy briefs, research papers, or a senior thesis, the ability to present findings in a persuasive and well-structured manner is a fundamental part of the discipline.
Building research and writing skills in high school can help students transition more smoothly into college-level coursework. AP English Language and Composition is an excellent starting point, as it teaches students to analyze evidence, evaluate arguments, and write clearly under time constraints. These skills are directly applicable to economics, where students are expected to synthesize information from multiple sources and defend their conclusions with evidence.
Equally important is developing strong critical reading skills. Rather than relying solely on textbook summaries or news articles, aspiring economics students should begin exploring primary sources to better understand how economists conduct and communicate research.
Some valuable resources include:
- Research publications from central banks
- Working papers from universities and economic research organizations
- Policy reports from leading economic think tanks
- Peer-reviewed economics journal articles
As students read, they should actively engage with the material by asking questions such as:
- What is the author’s main argument?
- What evidence supports the conclusion?
- Are there any limitations or assumptions in the analysis?
- What alternative explanations could also fit the data?
Taking notes, summarizing articles in your own words, and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of a study are excellent ways to develop analytical reading and research skills.
Students can further strengthen these abilities by participating in research programs, academic journals, or writing competitions. These experiences provide opportunities to formulate original research questions, analyze evidence, and communicate findings through structured academic writing.
4. Public Speaking & Communication
Success in economics is also about communicating ideas effectively. Economists regularly present research findings, explain complex concepts, and make evidence-based recommendations to a wide range of audiences. Whether presenting a research project in high school, defending a senior thesis in college, or sharing insights in a professional setting, strong communication skills are essential.
Employers consistently rank communication as one of the most valuable workplace skills. According to the NACE Job Outlook 2025 survey, communication and teamwork remain among the top competencies employers seek, highlighting the importance of clearly presenting complex information and collaborating with others.
High school students can begin developing these skills through extracurricular activities that combine analytical thinking with public speaking. Some excellent opportunities include:
- DECA: Students compete in business, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship events that often require live case analyses and presentations under time constraints.
- National Economics Challenge: Participants apply economic concepts to real-world issues and defend their reasoning through team-based competitions and oral presentations.
- Debate, Model United Nations, and speech competitions: These activities help students organize ideas, construct evidence-based arguments, respond to challenging questions, and communicate confidently under pressure.
While each activity develops different strengths, they all help students become more effective communicators. Learning to present ideas clearly, defend conclusions with evidence, and adapt explanations for different audiences are skills that support success in economics coursework, research, internships, and future careers.
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5. Stay Informed on Current Events and Economic Policy
Economics extends far beyond textbooks and classroom lectures. It provides a framework for understanding the policies, markets, and global events that shape our daily lives. Students who regularly follow economic news often develop a stronger ability to connect theoretical concepts with real-world issues, an essential skill for both university-level coursework and future careers.
Topics such as inflation, interest rates, international trade, labor markets, and government policy are constantly evolving. Building the habit of staying informed helps students understand how economic principles are applied in practice and encourages them to think critically about the decisions made by businesses, governments, and financial institutions.
Students can strengthen their economic awareness by:
- Reading reputable publications such as The Economist, Financial Times, and The Wall Street Journal.
- Following reports, speeches, and economic data released by institutions like the Federal Reserve.
- Comparing how different economists and news outlets interpret major economic events.
Participating in economics competitions and academic programs can further strengthen these skills by encouraging students to analyze real economic challenges. For example, the National High School Fed Challenge requires students to evaluate current economic conditions, assess monetary policy, and present evidence-based recommendations, which mirrors the work of professional economists.
Developing the habit of engaging with current events not only prepares students for an economics major but also fosters the analytical mindset needed to understand an increasingly complex and interconnected global economy.
Put Your Economics Skills into Practice
Building these five skills takes time, and one of the best ways to accelerate your growth is by applying them to real-world research and writing.
For students interested in economics, the Harvard International Review (HIR) Academic Writing Contest offers an opportunity to explore current economic issues, analyze public policy, and develop evidence-based arguments on topics that matter globally. Whether you’re interested in international trade, economic inequality, monetary policy, or sustainable development, participating in HIR encourages you to think critically, conduct independent research, and communicate complex ideas effectively.
HIR Academic Writing Contest Prep
Prepare for the Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest with an advanced global affairs course designed to help students craft a standout 800–1,200-word academic essay. Through expert instruction, analytical training, and hands-on writing workshops, students develop critical thinking and research skills.
