Application Deadlines

[Artz]

I'm graduating next summer (June 2014, undergraduate) and because I am a transfer student, I haven't necessarily accomplished very much (and haven't worked closely with professors for recommendation letters).

If I were to take 5 or 6 months off after graduation and apply during December 2014, would the gap look terrible?

I'm thinking about spending the 6 months studying for the CFA level 2 exam. I don't think it would be such a great idea to get a job and quit within a year to enter an MFE program, so I don't know what other options I would have.

Thank you for the advice.

 

[Artz]

Any advise? I do have excellent grades (3.8+) from a top research university in California, however I feel as if I need more time to better develop my profile for top MFE programs (more math/CS classes & recommendation letters).

My main concern in regarding the time gap between graduating in June and having to wait until December to apply.

Thank you for any comments or advise you may have for me.

 

[Yike Lu]

Studying for CFA level 2 doesn't exactly constitute a "gap".

 

[mhy]

If you can get a job in the finance industry, I would take that over CFA.

 

[Artz]

True, but my question is whether or not it is common for students (w/o full time work experience) to take some time off before applying to MFE programs?

Lu, I guess you are right. I just feel as if most people study for the exam on the side while they work full time.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

True, but my question is whether or not it is common for students (w/o full time work experience) to take some time off before applying to MFE programs?

Depends on the length. If you take a few months off to travel and see the world, that's fine. If you take a few years off and and don't have anything productive to show off for, then you need to answer for it.

 

[shivgan joshi]

Yes I think studying for CFA is a unhedged game plan, better to take some hedge in terms of a job.

 

[JulianT]

I just feel as if most people study for the exam on the side while they work full time.

This is the case. It is also why a lot of people fail (insufficient time studying). Don't know where the 6 months of study factors in your timeline, but the level 2 is only in June. I heard rumors of a Dec exam but it was an april fools hoax. Also Level 2 is a different beast from level 1. I found it significantly more challenging.

 

[Artz]

This is the case. It is also why a lot of people fail (insufficient time studying). Don't know where the 6 months of study factors in your timeline, but the level 2 is only in June. I heard rumors of a Dec exam but it was an april fools hoax. Also Level 2 is a different beast from level 1. I found it significantly more challenging.

I forgot the level 2 exam was only offered only in June =(. I guess I may just apply this year and hope for the best.