Should I wait for CFA L2 results before applying?

[jacobmathewin]

Hello dear members! I request your advice.

I am applying for MS Quant Finance courses - specifically,
- Oxford M Sc Mathematical and Computational Finance
- LBS Master of Financial Analysis
- LSE MSc Finance
- Warwick Math Finance
etc.

My profile:
- Passed CFA L1,
- GMAT 700,
- engineering background,
- no experience in Finance industry,
- Undergrad: First Class,
- Graduate school (MS in Engineering = 3.65 GPA).

I realize that the top schools would be a long shot for me, but I am applying to easier ones as well such as Edinburgh and Manchester.

Most applications start in Oct, 2021 for Sep 2022 intake. My CFA Level 2 exam falls on Nov 28th, and results would be out by end of January 2022 only!

MY QUESTION: Should I wait until end of January before submitting my applications, hoping that CFA L2 would add weight to my application?

If I fail the exam, I would have lost the early application advantage. If I pass the exam, would my chances of admission improve?

Please share your thoughts!

 

[ThewolfJD]

I think universities don´t take into account the cfa that is just a general certification. Just apply.

 

[Yihao Luo]

I think MFE takes GRE instead of GMAT, unless you are applying to the programs under the BSchool (i.e. UCLA Anderson)

 

[Yihao Luo]

Also, CFA L2 definitely helps, but most school application will be closed at that time. You might say you've taken CFA L2 and sure you can pass on your personal statement. However, CFA is not that important, because MFE is Engineering instead of Finance

 

[jacobmathewin]

Also, CFA L2 definitely helps, but most school application will be closed at that time. You might say you've taken CFA L2 and sure you can pass on your personal statement. However, CFA is not that important, because MFE is Engineering instead of Finance

Thank you for the reply. I will apply in R1 itself.
I took GMAT because I am applying to UK MFE's, specifically, LSE, Imperial etc., all of which accept GMAT.

 

[Yihao Luo]

good to hear ：） I think UK’s MFE and US MFE are different, since UK MFE represents for Master of Financial Economics, which might not require as much math and CS as US Master of Financial Engineering does. Good luck

 

[jacobmathewin]

Thank you.. I actually meant Financial Engineering in the US context. As in Imperial MSc Financial Engineering etc.