Mathematical economics is the application of mathematical methods to represent theories and analyze problems in economics. By convention, the applied methods refer to those beyond simple geometry, such as differential and integral calculus, difference and differential equations, matrix algebra, mathematical programming, and other computational methods. An advantage claimed for the approach is its allowing formulation of theoretical relationships with rigor, generality, and simplicity.

Mathematics allows economists to form meaningful, testable propositions about wide-ranging and complex subjects which could less easily be expressed informally. Further, the language of mathematics allows economists to make specific, positive claims about controversial or contentious subjects that would be impossible without mathematics. Much of economic theory is currently presented in terms of mathematical economic models, a set of stylized and simplified mathematical relationships asserted to clarify assumptions and implications.

Broad applications include:

• optimization problems as to goal equilibrium, whether of a household, business firm, or policy maker

• static (or equilibrium) analysis in which the economic unit (such as a household) or economic system (such as a market or the economy) is modeled as not changing

• comparative statics as to a change from one equilibrium to another induced by a change in one or more factors

• dynamic analysis, tracing changes in an economic system over time, for example from economic growth.

Formal economic modeling began in the 19th century with the use of differential calculus to represent and explain economic behavior, such as utility maximization, an early economic application of mathematical optimization. Economics became more mathematical as a discipline throughout the first half of the 20th century, but introduction of new and generalized techniques in the period around the Second World War, as in game theory, would greatly broaden the use of mathematical formulations in economics.

This rapid systematizing of economics alarmed critics of the discipline as well as some noted economists. John Maynard Keynes, Robert Heilbroner, Friedrich Hayek and others have criticized the broad use of mathematical models for human behavior, arguing that some human choices are irreducible to mathematics.

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Graduated with bachelor’s degree before beginning classes.

• Question: What is the cost of applying through ACASC?

Answer: ACASC charges a service fee of 50$ for using its online application portal. Applying through ACASC into Chinese universities attracts a service fee of $50.

• Question: Can I apply to the university directly?

Answer: Yes. ACASC gives the applicants, the chance to directly apply to their desired universities through our online application portal. We have synchronized our system to create a simple platform that connects universities and colleges in China to international students all around the world.

• Question: Can I apply through an agency?

Answer: ACASC does not advise you to apply for admission for universities and colleges in China through agencies. First, the agency charges you high service fee. Agents might recommend bad-quality universities or colleges to you. Agents cannot help you when you encounter problems in China.

ACASC has approved and verified professional counselors to assist you with your application in China. Verified counselors are partners of ACASC and they have the capabilities to assist you.

• Question: What help can I get from ACASC?

Answer: Unlike other educational consultancy, ACASC offers a global view of information about courses and educational institutions in China. This way, we allow you to explore all your study options holistically. We provide you with useful information to plan your study abroad journey. ACASC admission team gives you all necessary assistance from the beginning of your application to the end and continues to assist you after enrolling in your university or college in China.

• Questions: Is there a ranking list of China’s universities?

Answer: No. There is no official ranking list of China’s universities. Normally, the so-called ranking list is made by Chinese mass media. So it’s not quite scientific. You should choose China’s university based on your needs. For example, if you are seeking for Chinese language study, you can focus on normal schools or language schools, such as Beijing Language and Culture University, Beijing Normal University, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin Foreign Studies University and Dalian University of Foreign Languages, etc. Though these universities do not rank well, they are the best ones for teaching and learning Chinese. And you can get a guide from ACASC to find satisfied and suitable course and university.

• Question: How to choose the right university?

Answer: Every course and every university is different and each student wants different things. The chances of finding a perfect match can be a challenge because of the tall list of universities you have to choose from and wide range of courses associated with them. You will almost certainly need to decide what is most important to you.

Currently, nearly 400 universities and colleges in China and 10 language schools are making use of ACASC’s online admission system. We advise that you think through the following aspects to help you choose the right university:

1. Your preference

If a particular city interests you, it is advisable to look at the geographical location of the university or college you are interested in and then apply for it immediately. If you’re not very familiar with China’s cities, take a look at our City Guide.

What sort of university do you want to go to? As you might expect universities are not all the same. Whether large or small, old or new university each university-type will offer a different student experience. Think about what is right for you.

2. Cost

Cost has always been a factor in the decision-making process and budgeting for university education can’t be left out. It is important to budget for social life too.

The cost of living in Beijing, Shanghai, and large coastal cities is relatively high compared to living in China’s inland regions. For example, cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Tianjin, Chengdu, Xi’an, Changsha, Wuhan, Zhengzhou and other cities are all well developed with beautiful scenery and many excellent universities.

3. University Characteristics and Strong Points

Course choice is consistently the top reason why students drop out of university so it is important to get it right. For some, the choice of subject and type of course will narrow down the number of possible universities to just a few. So choosing the right course at the right university for you will require some research.

If you have doubts about language of instruction in China, there are a number of English taught programs like Medicine, Engineering, International Trade and Economy and Business in all our universities and colleges.

If you have a particular major that you want to study, you can choose according to the universities’ expertise. For example, Beijing Language and Culture University is the earliest, most well-established and recognized university teaching foreign students Chinese. Every year, thousands of foreign students attend this university to study Chinese language and culture.

It is all a matter of priorities that you feel are important for you, after all you will be the one who has to study on the course and you may be living there for over three years or more. The more research you put into the process the more likely you will make the right decision.

4. Fellow citizens

If you want to quickly learn the Chinese language it is advisable you apply to a university with less number of fellow citizens. If you however want to get integrated quickly into the university, you might want to choose a university with more fellow citizens. Again, it all bores down to priorities that best suit you.

1. Question: How to find the top universities in China?

Answer: At present, China has around 600 universities and colleges that are accredited to admit international students. Choosing the right university by foreign applicants doesn’t come easy. It is not easy for a foreign applicant to make the right choice of university without any research. Browsing university rankings is one way to learn about universities’ reputations. In China, there are a number of rankings edited by different organizations, but Chinese people generally refer to Project 211 and Project 985 instead of rankings, which were set up by the Chinese Government. Project 211 and Project 985 universities are widely regarded to be the most prestigious in China.

Application Tracking

Question: How to track my application progress?

Answer: Once you’ve received your welcome email, you can use Track Progress Now with your personal ACASC account to keep up-to-date with your ACASC application.

For your application to be processed, it usually takes the university’s admission office 4 to 5 weeks. This time frame is used to process an application and prepares the admission package with all documents you will need to apply for a student visa in your local consulate. Kindly send us an email to admission@acasc.cn if after a month you haven’t received any response to your application. Remember to please include your Application ID in the email.

To check the progress of an application, applicants can login in any time to their personal account (My ACASC -> My Application -> Completed) using the application ID in your welcome email, along with password used when applying. We’ll email the address you gave in your application, whenever there’s an update. For example, the “Application Status” will be updated as soon as the admissions office makes the decision, and the ACASC system will send a confirmation email to your registered email address. It usually takes 4-8 working days to send your Admission Letter and JW202 form as soon as the university takes it final decision on your application. You will need both documents to apply for a student visa.

• Question: How can I track my application status?

Answer: To track the application status, please log in your ACASC personal account. Whenever there’s an update, you will be informed on your application status through ACASC system within a day as soon as we receive university’s notification. You will simultaneously receive ACASC auto-email about the application status. To directly inquire about your application status, feel free to send us an email to admission@acasc.cn and our team will keep you updated.

• Question: How to deal with a pending application?

Answer: When an application is pending a decision it means that your school has received it and no admissions decision has been made yet. The admissions office may have reviewed your application package or may not have.

The main cause of a pending application is usually incomplete application documents. As a result you will be requested by the school’s admission office to re-check and modify all submitted application documents or perhaps even add extra documents and then re-submit them.

To avoid further delays, carefully read the university’s comments, modify your application form on ACASC, and re-upload the required application documents. You can contact ACASC on admission@acasc.cn for any help with regards to your pending application

• Admission procedure through ACASC

1. Submit application

Applicants should click the “submit” button to send your application to the university.

Note: The school is not notified of your application until your application fee is received.

2. Wait for school processing

It usually takes the university’s admissions office 4 to 5 weeks to process the application. Feel free to log in to your personal ACASC account to check your application status.

3. Receive application result

You will receive an instant application result in your personal ACASC account as soon as the university’s admission office has finalized its decision on your application. You will also receive a notification through your email address automatically.

It takes several working days to send your Admission Letter and Visa Application Form (JW202 form). You will need both documents to apply for your student visa. Before posting your admission package, you will receive an email from ACASC to confirm your postal address. Please do well to respond to the email to confirm your postal address is correct.

4. Apply for a Chinese visa

After admitted by a Chinese university, international students need to apply to the Chinese Embassy (or a consulate) in their home country for an X visa with documents including Admission Notice, Visa Application Form for Foreign Students (Form JW201 or JW202), and Physical Examination Form for Foreigners. Foreign students studying in China are required to hold an ordinary passport and an X visa.

5. Taking the physical examination

International students who study only for one semester generally need not take the physical examination. You can consult with the Chinese embassy in your country whether you need the ‘Physical Examination Record for Foreigner’ or not.

International students who come to China to study for one academic year or more must take the physical examination. The medical examination can be done either before or after the student enters China.

The physical examination should be taken in the public hospitals one month before their departure, if the physical check-up is done at a private hospital, the student should get the certificate notarized. Some Chinese Embassies/Consulates have specific hospitals/clinics that they highly insist that the physical examination is performed there. Check the requirements of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate in your home country or where you’ll be applying for your Chinese visa.

6. Prepare for university

Life in a new country with different certain can sometimes come with challenges. We advise that before you leave your home country to begin a new life at the university or college, please do well to have full knowledge of your destination and prepare in advance. Be certain of your travel arrangements, accommodation, finances and necessary materials required for the program.

7. Problem solving

If after a month you haven’t received any response to your application please contact ACASC student support team at admission@acasc.cn to solve the problem.

• How long does it take to process my application?

Processing time varies for different applications. For example to process a degree program application requires more time than a Chinese language application. Confirmation for Chinese language application by the admission office usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. However, time for degree programs application differs. For example fall semester application processing is after March, and it takes a period of 1 to 2 months. This also depends on your qualification and the number of applicants.

• Question: What types of degree will be offered by Chinese universities?

International students who want to pursue higher education in China must meet the requirements set by the Chinese government and the university or college in question.