Frequently Asked Questions
If you cannot find an answer to your question here, please send your question to RDSadmission@claremontmckenna.edu.
Why will potential employers value this degree program?
In planning this degree program, Claremont McKenna interviewed leaders of financial institutions, consultancy firms, accounting firms and government agencies. Employers consistently expressed their need for well-rounded, independent thinking young people with the education, skills and competencies to make meaningful contributions to their organizations. Therefore, from student selection through the curriculum and co-curricular programs, this degree program was constructed with employer expectations in mind.
What career placement support can I expect?
Graduate students enjoy the benefit of a dedicated career specialist, the Director of Employer Relations, who will work with each graduate student to create an individually tailored career plan. The Director of Employer Relations will also assist with the following:
- Employment searches and outreach
- Interview preparation (video recorded mock interviews)
- Resume/Cover Letter composition
- Negotiating employment offers
Additionally, the College's nationally recognized Career Center has an excellent reputation for placing students in major organizations within the financial industry, along with a variety of other arenas.
What employers recruit from the Robert Day School?
A variety of prestigious employers from the financial, consultancy and accounting industries regularly hire from Claremont McKenna College. For specific employer information, please see our list of Recruiting Partners. Additionally, through both the Claremont McKenna Career Center and the Director of Employer Relations, graduate students have access to a range of employers from other industries.
Will I have access to alumni?
Claremont McKenna alumni bring a strong tradition of entrepreneurial success to their very active role in supporting graduate placement. Graduate students are able to search the College’s extensive alumni database and utilize the Director of Employer Relations to make appropriate introductions.
Will the Director of Employer Relations assist me in exploring international opportunities for employment?
The Robert Day School recognizes that finance is an international field. As a result, the Director of Employer Relations will work individually with each graduate student to reach out to employers, alumni and faculty connections throughout the world.
What types of career activities can I expect during the Program?
As a graduate student, career activities will begin before your courses even start, with networking events and career focused workshops (resume writing, networking and interviewing) during the three-week special seminar in August. Throughout the year, students are invited to attend a wide selection of industry panel discussions, recruitment fairs and on campus interviews hosted by both the College and the Robert Day School. Additionally, students have an opportunity to network with prominent leaders in business, finance and government through the Speaker Series, which brings speakers to the College to share their perspectives and knowledge. Furthermore, the Robert Day School currently sponsors a networking trip to New York and anticipates an international networking trip, depending on the career interests of the graduate students.
What types of positions will the Program prepare me for? Graduates of the Master’s Program in Finance are prepared for leadership and management positions in a variety of industries, including finance, consulting and accounting. Specifically, graduates of the Program often pursue positions in investment banking, private equity, capital markets, asset/investment management and corporate finance.
What is the difference between a Master's in Finance and an MBA?
Most MBA programs require two years of schooling while this Master's in Finance degree is designed to be completed in a single year. By focusing on finance rather than management, the curriculum can delve much further into modern finance theory and application. To achieve the desired level of expertise, both the prerequisites and course work are more quantitative than that of an MBA program.
What is the difference between a Master's in Finance and a Master's in Financial Engineering? While more quantitative than an MBA, the Master's in Finance is not as quantitative as Financial Engineering degree programs. The Master's in Finance is designed to offer focused and timely financial expertise to young professionals starting their careers.
What makes Claremont McKenna College's program different from other Master's in Finance programs?
Leadership and Resources. Claremont McKenna College's undergraduate focus on leadership has earned distinction among the nation's best Liberal Arts Colleges and it continues in the selection and education of graduate program participants. The generous gift that accompanied alumnus Robert Day's vision for this program ensures a world-class faculty with the resources to focus on real-world financial education. Robert Day's generous support also allows for substantial merit-based scholarship support so that students may similarly focus on this intensive educational experience. Additionally, exceptionally successful and active alumni continue to serve as a valuable resource.
What degree is awarded?
Master of Arts in Finance.
When do classes begin for Fall 2009?
The program starts on August 10th with a three-week special seminar in mathematics and computing. Regular classes and the academic year then start on September 1st.
Is it possible to start the program in the spring?
We have structured this one-year program to maximize the interconnection of classes, as well as drawing on the strengths of a cohort experience. Because much of the learning depends on this sequence and the interaction of classmates, classes only start in the fall.
How does the application process work?
The application process must be completed online and can be accessed at http://claremontmckenna-rds.gotoextinguisher.com/application/login/.
When are applications due?
The first of the three application rounds closed on November 7th. Applications completed by January 9th will be reviewed in the second round. The final round deadline for applications is February 27th.
Is there an interview involved in the admission decision process?
Interviews are required. While you are always welcome to visit campus for the interview, most interviews will be conducted by alumni in centralized locations across the country. We will facilitate these interviews which will also provide you the opportunity to meet successful leaders in the financial service industry.
When do I find out whether I am accepted for admission?
Depending on the round in which you apply, selection decisions will be announced no later than January 16th, March 4th and April 24th for the corresponding admission deadlines.
Is the application process any different if I attend CMC or one of The Claremont Colleges?
The application process is designed to support admission of the very best class possible. The requirements are the same regardless of undergraduate experience.
Are there advantages to applying early?
Yes. Substantial, but not unlimited, merit-based aid will be awarded as admission decisions are made.
How many apply? How many are admitted?
The Robert Day School at Claremont McKenna College will welcome its inaugural class in the fall of 2009. While there is no cap on the number of students to be admitted, we anticipate this first class to be highly competitive and consistent with the size of our very successful undergraduate programs, suggesting approximately 20 exceptional participants.
How do I apply?
The online application can be found at: http://claremontmckenna-rds.gotoextinguisher.com/application/login/.
Is there a minimum GMAT or GRE score?
There are no minimum scores, though applicants are expected to have demonstrated excellence in the test scores provided. Scores must have been earned within the last 5 years.
Is either the GRE or GMAT preferred?
There is no preference between the two tests.
Where can I get more information about the GRE or GMAT?
GRE: http://www.takethegre.com
GMAT: http://www.mba.com/mba/TaketheGMAT
Do I qualify for an application fee waiver?
There is no expectation of waiving application fees, though extraordinary financial circumstances should be addressed with the Director of Graduate Admissions at RDSAdmission@claremontmckenna.edu.
Who must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)?
Most international students (not a U.S. citizen, Permanent U.S. Resident or native of an English speaking country) are expected to demonstrate English language mastery on the TOEFL exam. Applicants with questions should contact the Director of Graduate Admission at RDSAdmission@claremontmckenna.edu or (909) 607-3347.
Can I submit my IELTS or TSE score instead of the TOEFL?
While the TOEFL is preferred, we will accept competitive scores on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of Spoken English (TSE) exams.
Where do I need to send my transcripts?
The online application welcomes uploading of unofficial transcripts. Official transcripts should be mailed to:
Robert Day School Admission Office
Claremont McKenna College
500 E. Ninth St.
Claremont, CA 91711
How many letters of recommendation do I need and how should they be sent?
We require two letters of recommendation, at least one of which must be from a faculty member. The online application includes an electronic invitation to your recommenders to submit the letters online.
May I submit more than two letters of recommendation?
We require only two letters of recommendation. If you believe that an additional letter better informs the selection committee then it can be easily added using the online process invitation process.
What does the admission committee look for in an applicant?
We will strongly consider demonstrated academic excellence to include prerequisite coursework. More so than many degree programs, we heavily value leadership experience, potential, and ambition.
How is work experience considered?
The program admission does not require prior work experience although it can be a plus. The Robert Day School provides career assistance to students, including help with internships and job placement.
Where do I send my application and supporting materials?
The application is completed online. Supporting materials such as official transcripts can be mailed to:
Robert Day School Admission Office
Claremont McKenna College
500 E. Ninth St.
Claremont, CA 91711
How do I find out the status of my application?
Upon submission of your application you will receive regular updates on the status of your complete admission file. You may check the status of your application at any time by e-mailing RDSAdmission@claremontmckenna.edu or calling (909) 607-3347.
Can I defer my admission?
Admission is considered and granted for the year of the application.
What is the tuition and cost of the program?
The projected tuition for the 2009-2010 Academic Year is $44,500. Qualified applicants can expect this figure to be largely offset with merit-based scholarship support. This figure also includes all co-curricular programs and networking trips. Projecting the total cost of attendance will depend on choice of housing and transportation expenses. Claremont McKenna College fees are minimal. For planning purposes you should consider non-tuition expenses, including housing, to be approximately $15,000.
Are there scholarships or financial aid available?
There is substantial merit-based scholarship support available. Graduate students are eligible for subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loans based on individual cost of attendance.
Is there graduate housing?
Graduate students can choose from a variety of off-campus housing options in the immediate vicinity of The Claremont Colleges.
Do you recommend that I visit the campus?
All applicants are welcome to arrange a visit to the campus by e-mailing RDSAdmission@claremontmckenna.edu or calling (909) 607-3347. Admitted students will be invited for a campus visit and orientation in the spring.
How can I speak with an admission counselor?
E-mail RDSAdmission@claremontmckenna.edu or call (909) 607-3347.
Can I work while completing the program?
This year is an intensive academic program with a highly structured curriculum. Students are also required to participate in the co-curricular activities which make this program much more of an experience than a collection of classes. The ability to work and/or participate in other campus activities will depend entirely upon your academic and time management skills. Your first priority, without question, must be continued academic excellence.
What if I have more questions?
Please e-mail RDSAdmission@claremontmckenna.edu or call (909) 607-3347.
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