Master's Program in Finance
The Robert Day School of Economics and Finance at Claremont McKenna College offers a one-year Master's Program in Finance.
The Robert Day School of Economics and Finance at Claremont McKenna College offers a one-year Master's Program in Finance.
How does the application process work?
The application process must be completed online and can be accessed through the application entry on the navigation bar to the left or at https://webapps.cmc.edu/rdsadmission/application_home.php.
Is there an interview involved in the admission decision process?
Interviews are required prior to an offer of admission. While you are always welcome to visit campus for the interview, most interviews will be conducted by alumni in locations across the country as convenient to the applicant as possible. We will facilitate these interviews which will also provide you the opportunity to meet CMC alumni who are successful leaders in the financial service industry.
When do I find out whether I am accepted for admission?
Decisions on applications completed prior to the ealry decision deadline of November 2nd will be announced as quickly as possible. The large number of applications received has resulted in some delays from the Nov 25th target date. Selection decisions will be announced no later than February 10th, March 9th and April 7th for the corresponding admission deadlines. Applications received after the round three deadline (March 11) will be reviewed and decided upon individually as space in the class permits. Decisions on all international applications will be made as quickly as possible following the spring Round 2/International application deadline of February 10th.
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. While the requirements are essentially the same, some adjustments have been made to the application process for CMC students.
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?
In the program’s inaugural year we enrolled our goal of 20 exceptional students. We accepted 82 applications and offered admission to 29 of those applicants. In the program’s second year we offered admission to 20 of 125 applicants. 15 of the 17 students enrolled graduated in May 2011. There are currently 25 students enrolled in the Class of 2012. We offered admission to only 11% of applicants.
The admission committee relies on demonstrated excellence rather than minimum standards. Selectivity has continued to increase with each class. The average undergraduate gpa for the Class of 2013 is 3.62, while the average GRE quant score is approximately 770 and the average GMAT score is approximately 729. Please review the online class profiles to learn more about past and current students.
The Robert Day School at Claremont McKenna College will enroll approximately 40 students in the Class of 2013. We anticipate this class to be as highly competitive and well prepared as the first three classes in the program.
How do I apply?
The online application can be found at: https://webapps.cmc.edu/rdsadmission/application_home.php.
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. Please also see the note above concerning “how many are admitted”.
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
There are also numerous unofficial web sites designed to assist in the test preparation effort. Two such sites for the GMAT arehttp://www.gmattestquestions.com and http://www.gmatexampracticetests.com
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 Street
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 references 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 a third 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 quantitative strength and prerequisite coursework. More so than many degree programs, we heavily value leadership experience, potential, and ambition.
How is work experience considered?
The program admission respects but does not expect prior work experience. At least one quality internship is preferred. Upon admission, The Robert Day School provides career assistance to students, including assistance 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. Offers of admission have been deferred for exceptional circumstances such as acceptance of a Fulbright Fellowship or similar national award.
What is the tuition and cost of the program?
The tuition for the 2013-2014 Academic Year is $52,554. Admitted students can expect tuition to be largely offset with significant merit-based scholarship support. Through the first three years of the program all admitted students received a merit-based scholarship worth at least half of the cost of tuition. Tuition includes the cost of all co-curricular activities 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?
Merit-based scholarship decisions are made by the admission committee as part of the admission process. No additional submission is required. As noted above, thus far all enrolled students received merit-based scholarships of at least half the cost of tuition. U.S. graduate students are eligible for unsubsidized Stafford Loans based on individual cost of attendance.
Is there graduate housing?
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 April 2012.
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. There are exceptionally few on-campus work opportunities for graduate students.
What if I have more questions?
Please e-mail RDSAdmission@claremontmckenna.edu or call (909) 607-3347.
Andrew Knox '10
,
“It seemed like every other week we were behind closed doors at one-on-one meetings with top business leaders; they were happy to meet with us, and we had full disclosure.”
Madeline Chiavini '12
,
“When asked about the Career management support she experienced, Madeline shared that “it is unusual to get that much personal attention – they were always there to guide you along the way”