CPA CFA and CMA all at a time... dude seriously you will be over talented... you have to be out of the leauge.... it might be easy for CMA, but CPA and CFA are tough.  if you get a CPA why would you need CFA .  It ain't that easy.....good luck

blingbling · Nov 12, 2009 4:40 AM

CFA is a certification. Not License!!! Dude, you may be in violation of CFA Institute's ethical standards as you are misrepresenting what CFA really is.

newlynew · Nov 12, 2009 8:10 AM

i am in the samp place as you are the only difference is that i am already enrolled in the program and the tution is killing me and i want out asap. Please Please Please dont go to grad school just because your parents want you to. My parents gave me an ultimatum and started comparing me to other collegues friends who have already gotten their masters so I developed a tunnel vision. I was determined to do masters at any co$t. I am a good student too with so much experience but MBA schools usually DO NOT have any aid, esp for international student. so go if you can absolutely want it and you are finincially stable. make sure you negotiate with the program director about the aid and get in only if they give you something. They sometimes say that there might be something available in the secomd semester but dont buy into that. Talk to other international students before. most importantly have a backup plan if you want to drop out in the last minute. dont put all the eggs in one basket. good luck

pixie · Nov 12, 2009 8:19 AM

Well, Sand_Deep, if u bring 750 in GMAT, you could apply to any top ten university of nations, and also U will definately get into many of those. 750 is not a joke; i'ts not that I am doubting your knowledge, but I just have a feeling ( i don't know what they say...something gut feelings or intution......or something) ...Prove me wrong here........... Anyway.....First I am always aganist those ideas that we are getting our dergrees in partcular fields because our parents want or according their wish. Same was with me when I finished my +2. Dad wants me to go for MBBS, I personally Hate Drs profession. So had to come here. Now, If you wanna go for master in technical field, you always have lots of free or half-price ride. And also you don't have to be extra ordinaray. A little better is enough. Now, Non-technical filed are little tough. However if u wanna go for non-technical field, but where there are research possibilites then U might land up with some scholar oppurtinites. MBA is just different. Though there are reseach in this filed, they are minimal , and besides are communcations skills always throw us. My work experice tells me MBA will not help you find a nice job unless you graduate from one of those top universities..and they are often very expensive. The best way I could se is ..Find a fulltime job and work for few years for experince, and Do your MBA or master with compnay money's . most Employer pays tution for their employee ( @ least 50 %) . Thats my plan. The problem with me rt now is I have not found a employer who could transfer my H1-B and become full time, despite of 3 full time offers that i received prom my previous clients. Well Best of luck dude.........

STUPIDA · Nov 12, 2009 9:18 AM

Thanks a million for everyone who took their time to reply to this thread!Bling Bling: Thanks for your concern. But trust me, I will not be over talented. Nor will I be out of the league. I am just a regular business student who is passionate about finance and accounting.Newlynew: Designations!! How does that sounds?Pixie: The only reason my parents want me to get an MBA is because they want to go beyond just having my bachelors. I told them that I do not need my master, but they really would want me to get it. And, because I do not want to get an MS, the only option I have left is getting an MBA.Stupida: I personally do not believe that I should be involved in any research work unless I plan on doing it for yearssss,  but that's my thought. I also do not want the work to pay for the education because they will make me stay with them for couple of years after graduation, and I just do not like the sound of it. So, I am keeping that as a LAST OPTION. The problem is not getting into a school. The problem is paying for it!! So, any other suggestions?Again, thank you very much for all your valuable contribution to this thread. Last edited: 12-Nov-09 12:18 PM

Sand_deep · Nov 12, 2009 12:17 PM

paying to go to masters degree is great if you have about 20000 atleast in your savings (jsut in case you dont get any job to support yourself for the timebeing). MBA per credit run about $500 to $800 per credit and usually international students pay out of state tuition...try to find that has instate tution to begin with ....Loan is another option but good luck getting it approved without a US cosigner and its a big burden..... its great that if your parents are paying for it but ull feel bad pouring money from back home just to get a degree...trust me i am not trying to discourage you....EDUCATION is the best thing that you can do to add value to yourself but keep in mind that when u go to school after some good work experience, it will add more perspective to your thinking...all i am saying is get a job first as you have soo many licences on your way...then you can always do MBA similtaneously...just getting MBA for the sake of it will make you think a lot later..(i am telling u from experience) GL

pixie · Nov 12, 2009 2:36 PM

Pixie, thanks a million for your suggestions. I plan on going for my MBA after couple of years, but I have to start planning. And, I have to get it; I do not think I have any other option!

Sand_deep · Nov 12, 2009 3:49 PM

I am assuming you don't have a GC. First, get your permanent residency. Then, if you can get into one of the top schools, what's wrong with taking a loan? Americans do it! Also, if you get into a top school, I am sure you will find someone who will be your cosigner. If you don't want to get a PR, few top schools, like Kellogg, even give out loan for international students. Besides, after you get out of the program you will be earning six figs that should easily cover up your loan within few years. A word of caution for you! Your excuse to get into a top MBA program is so pathetic. Please don't blame your parents for what you should be studying in the future. Nepalis (your parents, including mine) have a twisted thinking that the more degrees you accumulate, the better it is. Most successful people follow their dream and they don't need CFA, CMA, MBA, or Master's or a PhD to do what they love doing. If you are just going to get a MBA because your parents are telling you so, then you are in for a rude awakening. FF

fortunefaded · Nov 12, 2009 5:47 PM

Factual Info: friends of mine found free rides for MBA at William & Mary and Texas Christian University.  Hear Say: heard from a friend that he met a guy coasting on free ride at Kellogs, Northwestern ( I have a hard time believing it, but still too big a fish not to give a shot at). Good Luck! let us know where you end up. 

f22 · Nov 12, 2009 7:02 PM

FF buddy, thank you for the suggestions. I loved the first paragraph. But when it came down to the second one, damn, you sounded rude. I am sure you were not trying to come off as that.  Let me explain in layman's term: In order to succeed in the field that I am in, you need credentials. You don't necessarily need your MBA, atleast I personally do not think, but you definitely do need the certified designations. And, if I were to be a fund manager, work for IMF, or something of that sort, I better have my PhD. I do not know what your parents think, but I am sure mine dont think that accumulating a lot of degrees is the way to go. They just do not want me to settle with bachelors. It is similar to some parents not settling with their kids having a high school diploma, which just about anybody can get. And, I do not find that to be a pathetic reason. I find it to be rather noble, but I do not think it would make much sense to you. Nonetheless, thank you for trying to help. F22, thank you for giving me a light of hope.  

sand_deep · Nov 12, 2009 7:50 PM

Sand_Deep: I know that this could potentially sound rude, but here's how I feel about your post. You sound like a confused and insecure individual who has a habit of bragging about himself. I mean, 750 in GMAT, CPA, CFA and CMA designation...... I find it particularly funny that you want to get CPA, CFA and CMA designations. This makes it absolutely obvious to me that you have no clue about what career you want to pursue. Do you know that it takes a person 3 years on average to complete the 3 levels of the CFA exam? furthermore, one needs 4 years of full time experience in the financial field to get the designation of a CFA charter Let me tell you about my future plans. After I graduate this may with BS in finance and accounting and economics (4.0 GPA), I will join the Wharton School of Business where I will complete my MBA with a concentration in finance. During the 2 years at grad school, I will pass the 3 levels of CFA exam. Then, I will work at Goldman Sachs for a couple of years. Next, I will join Princeton University to get  my PHD in economics. I will then start my own investment firm in Chicago. Keep in touch!! I will think about hiring you if I feel that you are qualified enough. Make sure that you graduate with a minimum of 2.75 GPA from at least a 3rd tier MBA school. If you meet this criteria, I will seriously consider rescuing from your gas station job. Wow....it really does feel good bragging about yourself. I don't blame you...if doing this makes you feel good about yourself then keep going buddy.....I can't wait to hear how you feel about my comments....lets hear more about how supremely talented and bright you are and feel free to express how pathetic I am for insulting the next Fama (confused buddy!!! no worries, just google to find out who he is). Cheers. Last edited: 12-Nov-09 11:27 PM

nepaliinmissouri · Nov 12, 2009 11:06 PM

I suspect that you are just starting out - and as ambitious as you sound , here is a little advice. Rational thinkers get an MBA for two reasons: (i) candidates feel that they need a formal business education in order to manage the business units at their current employer (ii) to increase the prospects of getting into an unrelated field, i.e. an engineer hoping to become a consultant or an Investment Banker. That said, non of the other reasons make sense. The joy of your parents or anyone who does not see an eye to eye with the above is just not in tune with reality. I encourage you to check the admission essay questions from Top MBA schools (try Cornell) - this will put a spin on whether you really want/need an MBA. On top of that you want to get a CMA, CPA and CFA? What for?? Are you an accountant trying to get certified, or are you an investment professional trying to separate yourself from the average joe? And how will these help you if you decide to get an MBA and vice versa? I recommend that you do some research and network with people of like professions to get an understanding of the requirements for the job - after all, this is what you are after. Most people do not require a degree or a designation if they have loads of experience and have built up a reputable network. If you are not one of them then ONE of the above will be enough to get your foot in the door on the profession you choose - otherwise, not only will you lose time and money but you will confuse the heck out of your future employers with so many qualifications and so little experience...and the brightest managers will tell you that nothing beats experience.    Also, understand that MBA is a general business education and it will not provide much value if all you want to do is accounting or investment management. CPA or CFA is preferred. -JB Last edited: 12-Nov-09 11:25 PM

JavaBeans · Nov 12, 2009 11:22 PM

Nepaliinmissouri, You are not rude. You did not call my noble excuse pathetic, just a bit immature when you got to the last paragraph. You do assume a whole lot of things. I like your future plan though. Its impressive, pretty similar to what I chose for my undergrad. But instead of getting a degree in econ, I got me a minor and added an additional minor in IT. Doing so, I was able to get my 150 credit hours for CPA. I personally believe that a minor in econ would suffice, but I do not know where you go to school. I do not know why you took/are taking audit classes if you only wanted to be an investment guru. I believe that is entirely for your degree in Accounting. It seems like you are taking a class on portfolio management and learning about multi index models. Excel is really helpful, huh? I hope you will become the next FAMA and provide us with more factors, but will you be generous like Dr. FAMA to provide us with the variables that you come up with. I hope you will be. You should also focus on standardizing the market, a concept you will not talk about in class. But I am sure you will figure it out! I do not know who told you that it takes 3 years for one to pass their CFA exam. I thought it was two if you planned it out right. Take the first on in December, and you should be able to finish it in two. Best of luck to you, my friend!! I look forward to the inauguration of your firm in Chicago!! JavaBeans,  I actually like what you have to say. I even gave you thumbs up. If you really go in depth as to what my career goal is, I think the first reason applies to me. However, I do not think that I need me an MBA to attain that goal of mine. I believe I will be just fine without the MBA. But I do need all both CPA and CFA, which are two totally different beast. I am getting my CMA because I am incredibly good at it (and I believe I was a CMA in my past life). I just happen to knew CMA before I even had any idea as to what a CPA was. I am actually a recent college graduate. I know what I want to be in 5 years, and what I want in 20 years to come, if God wills. I am an entrepreneur, or at least I like to think so.  Because you told me to, I looked up Cornell MBA application essays. I think they will love my essay, especially about my career goal. I have talked to a lot of experts, but haven't really found anyone who is or want to be what I want to be. "Management Consultant" is very close to what I am talking about, but not quite yet! I appreciate your suggestions!

sand_deep · Nov 13, 2009 2:35 AM

wow.. howcom you guys are so smart? i want to be smart like you guys too. how do u guys find out what to do next and how to manage finances to support ur education? what about papers , 10 years of my precious prime time went chasing after papers :(  so is smartness genetic? were guys guys always smart from the grade 1? i was always average and still averaging, i work 3 times harder but still not smart like u guys.. good luck keep Nepal and Nepalis proud... :) i wish you all, all the best.  

dyamn · Nov 13, 2009 2:59 AM

dyam: I am pretty sure you are very good at something, better than any one of us. You just need to focus on your strength. Wish you all the best! hmmm, smartness is genetics.. I would say so!

sand_deep · Nov 13, 2009 12:40 PM

 Bumping this. 

footyfan · Jun 6, 2011 12:13 AM

 Any of you guys still alive? 

riddle · May 16, 2012 12:26 AM

Interesting aspirations. Free tuition at the Business school. Even better: 750 in GMAT. I wonder if he went over 700.

Kiddo · May 16, 2012 9:16 AM

Last edited: 16-May-12 08:58 PM

moonshine · May 16, 2012 8:57 PM