MBA/CFA decision

Graduate School Business School - MBA
1

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>Eventually I would like to complete both a MBA and the CFA programs. I would rather complete an MBA program and then go towards the CFA. My undergrad (BA Economics from Univ of Missouri) GPA was far less than stellar at a 2.7, so I will need to overcome that in order to get into a good program. I have not began GMAT work yet, but I am confident I can do pretty decent. </p>

<p>My current look (at the moment)
- BA in Economics from Univ of Missouri (Mizzou)
- Series 7 and 63 designations
- 21 months experience (bond settlement operation at a major bank)
- Three classes at a non competitive MBA program (grades of A, A, B+)</p>

<p>Now, my question is would it help to get into a upper second tier MBA program (Wake Forest, rated #32 part time MBA by BusinessWeek) if I completed my CFA level 1 exam? Is there any chance of getting in (despite my GPA) with a good GMAT score and CFA I under my belt?</p>

<p>It would look like...
- BA in Economics from Univ of Missouri (Mizzou)
- Series 7 and 63 designations
- 46 months experience (fall 2012)
- Three classes at a non competitive MBA program
- CFA I exam completed
- GMAT ____</p>

<p>OR</p>

<p>Should I just count my losses and do a lower to none ranked MBA program? School in question would be Univ of North Carolina - Charlotte. This would be a quicker (as I could start fall '11) and MUCH cheaper route. Businessweek's rankings have Charlotte ranked #66 for part time MBAs, so it isn't a terrible school. </p>

<p>Is the huge debt I'd acquire at a Wake Forest (If I could get in) even be worth it over UNCC considering it is not a top ranked school? If I was able to eventually complete my CFA, would that make up for the lesser school in UNCC?</p>

<p>Thanks for any help and I apologize for the long post. I am open to any suggestion on any other possible routes to take as well, and willing to relocate as soon as 2013.</p>

2

<p>Getting CFA before you get into B School makes it much easier while you’re in B School because the first year’s subject matter (outside of marketing and MIS) relates to the material covered in the CFA. At least the concepts won’t be foreign.</p>

<p>Another shot at getting into a decent MBA program will be your GMAT. Score 650 or better and some of the mid tier places will pick you up. If you have a CFA charter, they will likely overlook your grades in college because of the rigorous self study requried to obtain the designation. Even passing level two looks pretty impressive. Passing just level one will likely be looked upon well, but not help out tremendously when adcoms are making a decision. You will likely have to express in your essays a deep desire to remain in the investment profession.</p>

<p>By the way, if you take and pass CFA Level 1 in December, its not out of the relms of possiblity for you to have it completed in the summer of 2012 before you enter business school.</p>

3

<p>Ouch, things are looking bad.</p>

4

<p>Without 4 years of relevant (making decisions on investments) finance work experience, you cannot be a chartered CFA, thus you can’t use the designation. Passing all 3 levels isn’t enough.</p>

5

<p>I’m also considering a CFA or MBA. Is the CFA useful outside of the investment field?</p>