Impact of Extra Certifications

Expert replies

mbagnoli: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 1; Joined: Wed Jan 25, 2012 3:57 pm; Location: Chicago, IL; GMAT Score:720

by mbagnoli » Thu Jun 07, 2012 10:50 am

Hey all,

I plan on applying to b-schools next year and aim to bolster my extracurriculars in the meantime. Aside from volunteering and other activities, I was wondering - how much stock do adcoms put into certifications such as the CFA or CPA? Would the benefit of completing, say, the first level of CFA certification before applying be worth my time/effort/money? I was an Economics undergrad, so I was curious on how much of an impact this would have on my candidacy. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks!

Like this post

Source: Beat The GMAT — The Application Process | Thu Jun 07, 2012 10:50 am

paulsbodine: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 226; Joined: Thu Oct 07, 2010 6:00 pmFollowed by: 27 members; Thanked: 42 times

by paulsbodine » Thu Jun 07, 2012 11:01 am

mbagnoli,

You would be surprised how many MBA applicants have completed the first level of the CFA -- it show you started something challenging but the real coup is completing all 3. And it's much rarer. Earning the CPA is also a significant achievement, but obviously only makes sense for accountants. In general, when it comes to extracurriculars, think in terms of activities that will allow you to show leadership (yes, of course, extracurriculars that benefit society are good, but the extra value-add comes from adding the leadership layer). Feel free to send me your resume for a quick review: [email protected].

Paul Bodine
Author, "Great Applications for Business School," "Perfect Phrases for Business School Acceptance," "Perfect Phrases for Letters of Recommendation"
https://www.paulsbodine.com/
[email protected]
(858) 869-1959

Like this post

GMAT/MBA Expert

Jon@Admissionado: Elite Legendary Member; Posts: 3135; Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2011 8:55 amFollowed by: 332 members; Location: Everywhere; Thanked: 589 times

by Jon@Admissionado » Fri Jun 08, 2012 2:44 am

Getting Level one of the CFA is like the tiny cherry on a very big cake. Make sure you focus your energies on the cake first.

"Hands down the best MBA admissions consulting firm of all-time, and boy, what an incredible founder!" -- Raj Patil, Founder of Admissionado

Something for everyone:
https://admissionado.lpages.co/admissio ... nter-2018/
https://admissionado.lpages.co/50-essay ... ked-vol-4/
https://admissionado.lpages.co/case-studies-lp/
https://admissionado.com/mba/reviews/
https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Admis ... 700945.htm

Reach out, and let's gab. Our only requirement is that you don't prefer warm milk over cold milk. Everyone else, 100% welcome.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 866-409-4753
Hit us up on WhatsApp.
Ping our satellite: 0884#&@-2#101101
Contact us via web form you lazy git: https://admissionado.com/contact/
Mostly, email Claudia.

Like this post

Post new topic Post Reply

• Page 1 of 1

GMAT Course Reviews

560 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (560 Reviews)

"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."

"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."

"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."

Write a Review