Compare following actuarial graduate programs?

[bluetail]

Could any one compare the following actuarial graduate programs?
I care most about the placement for entry-level jobs after graduation.

Univ.of Illinois, Urbana Champaign(MA in Applied Math: Actuarial Science)
Univ. of Iowa (Dept. of Statistics and Actuarial Science)
Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison(M.S. in Actuarial Science in School of Business)
Georgia State Univ (M.S. in Actuarial Science in Business School)
Univ. of Connecticut (M.S. in Actuarial Science)
U of Texas, Austin (MA in Math, Actuarial Science Track)
Boston Univ. (M.S. in Actuarial Science)

[Dr T Non-Fan]

If that's what you care most about, I suggest passing exams and looking for jobs with only your Bachelor's Degree.
The Master's Degree will probably not set you apart from the pack.

I don't see any difference in these schools for entry-level positions. All are equally prestigious.

[L. Mo]

As a UConn Masters' grad, I thought it was a pretty good program, and as for employment after, if you want to live in Hartford, you should have no problem getting a job after grad, as well as plenty of internship possibilities.

that said, I chose grad schools based on whether the program was in the Business School, or part of the Math Department (UConn's is in the Math Dept)...mainly because I didn't want to take another standardized bubble test.

[bertuary]

I agree with DTNF... no preference given to those with a Masters versus a Bachelors for entry level jobs (or any level jobs for that matter!). Pass an exam or two and start looking.

[radix]

I am in a similar situation. I am Peruvian and I am working for an insurance company here in Peru. My boss is the actuary of the company and they –the company- want to invest in my education. I passed exam 1 (10/10) last November studying alone, and if God helps me I would be passing exam 2 in fall 2004. I am planning to study next year in the States a MS in Actuarial Sciences and take at least exam 3 and 4 there. Obviously as my company is paying the MS I have to come back. What University do you recommend me?
Sorry if my English is not as good as it must be, I am working on it.

Regards

[bluetail]

Thanks for your reply! I already have 2 exams at hand but found it difficult to get an entry-level job as an international student who needs sponsorship. I'm thinking that maybe going to school at least will expose myself to exam-related classes as well as job opportunities(such as on-campus interview).

[dumber]

Go to either Iowa or Ga St.

[Westley]

Originally Posted by bluetail

Thanks for your reply! I already have 2 exams at hand but found it difficult to get an entry-level job as an international student who needs sponsorship. I'm thinking that maybe going to school at least will expose myself to exam-related classes as well as job opportunities(such as on-campus interview).

In my view, going to school will not help your situation. You are international, and as claude has said many times, there are some barriers because of that. They can be overcome, but grad school is not likely to help, imho.

[Westley]

Originally Posted by radix

I am in a similar situation. I am Peruvian and I am working for an insurance company here in Peru. My boss is the actuary of the company and they –the company- want to invest in my education. I passed exam 1 (10/10) last November studying alone, and if God helps me I would be passing exam 2 in fall 2004. I am planning to study next year in the States a MS in Actuarial Sciences and take at least exam 3 and 4 there. Obviously as my company is paying the MS I have to come back. What University do you recommend me?
Sorry if my English is not as good as it must be, I am working on it.

Regards

Since you are Peruvian, I am guessing that you would find any school (of those mentioned above) other than Texas and maybe Ga State to be brutally cold in the winter. All of the above are very good and will prep you for exams and teach you plenty.

Connecticut and Boston would probably be better for many due to proximity to jobs, but since that's not your concern, I personally think Wisconsin is very good, and that would probably be my choice.

[dumber]

Be like Westley and go to Nebraska.