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[CasanovaJ]

Thanks for the reply and advice Cassanova. I wanted an evaluation solely based on my numbers and not on my reasons. Should have made it more clear in my post. That's why I didn't really talk about them and it would be a long story anyways. I've definitely been following the financial markets for a while now while reading up on material, so I definitely know some stuff. And fyi, I did not burnout for med school. I shadowed numerous doctors and have a couple of publications but realized that I simply didn't have the passion for it. I also got a pretty high score on my MCAT and I'm ready to apply anytime if I want to, but I figured that following something I'm more passionate about is always the better choice. I can't deny that finance is a lucrative career, but to be honest, I would just find a job in management consulting right now if I wanted the money.

Numbers are important, but reasons are too... While I think your credentials would get you into a second tier program pretty much immediately (even with nothing else done at this point), getting into a top program (or an IBD job if you choose to go that route instead) do both require being able to show a demonstrable (and well thought out) interest in finance. "I have a good GPA from a good school, so let me in" doesn't always do it. In my case, my undergraduate grades actually weren't particularly spectacular (at all), but my work experience, recommendations, essay, and professional certifications wound up getting me into Columbia...

 

[CandyOates]

@ElephantParks, MOOCs? And sounds good.

 

[dennisou]

@CasanovaJ Thanks for the reply. I do agree that reasons are the key to a successful application. I'm trying to network around to see if I can get some shadowing experience and firm reasons before sending my first application out. Congrats on the Columbia program! Hopefully, I can get to meet you in person if I get accepted and decide to go there.

 

[ElephantParks]

@ElephantParks, MOOCs? And sounds good.

massive open online course, that is.