GPA or Exams ?

[xandermtl]

Just a little question for you all ? I was wondering what you think is more important GPA or number of exams for finding a job as an actuary eventually. I currently work 25 - 30 hours a week. I have 4 courses at university and I have passed exams P and FM and I am currently working on MLC and MFE for the spring session. I have a kind of special situation in that I am currently working on my second degree. I already have a degree in Mathematics and Economics and I am doing one in actuarial studies at the moment ( I have about 8-9 courses left because all of the basic courses I had credited from my past degree). This also has had a negative effect on my GPA, since I basically started the degree with the more difficult courses, plus I had one really bad semester. Last semester with only one SOA exam I managed to finish the semester with a 3.7 GPA, so I know I can do well when I have the time... but this semester I am rather worried and because of my really bad semester my Cumulative GPA sits at a rather not interesting 2.87. So what's more important if I plan on looking for an actuarial job as of next december ? Should I concentrate on passing exam M and exam C in the next 12 months or should I concentrate on increasing my GPA ?
I would really appreciate any advice.

Thanks,
Xand

[BondGirl]

A lot of jobs require at least a 3.0 or even a 3.3 ... I mean I don't think it counts that much after your first job, but the exams will always be important. I'd say you need to get it up to a 3.0, and if you are getting a 3.7 during a single semester then it's definitely doable.

In terms of what you should focus on, there's no reason why you can't do both. If I was you I would try maybe working less, but if you really need the money, maybe try switching jobs to one where you can do homework on your off time (since you are a college student, a lot of schools have jobs like this). You can also be more efficient with your time. For example, when you do study, make sure that you are really focusing instead of having the TV on and 3 other people in the room -- go to the library if it helps. Take advantage of the 1 hour break between classes, etc. Stuff like that really helps.

Other more experienced people here could definitely let you know about the GPA and what you should aim for, hope this helps!

[xandermtl]

Thanks alot Bondgirl !

[LifeAct]

I would say that you should concentrate on your GPA. Perhaps, take 1 part of M this spring, and then the other part of M in the fall. That way you are making some attempt at the exams. Since you already have 2 parts passed, you are an attractive candidate as far as exams are concerned.

[tommie frazier]

with sub-3, you might not make it through the HR sieves. but if you can talk to real people, they might be impressed with your passing exams (the real concern for an actuarial employer). is the work professional, or just a job to pay for school?

still, try to get the grades up. another 3.7 would really look good. or what is your GPA in your major alone? dress it up.

[DW Simpson]

Originally Posted by xandermtl

I have passed exams P and FM

I already have a degree in Mathematics and Economics

my Cumulative GPA sits at a rather not interesting 2.87

I plan on looking for an actuarial job as of next december

What is your citizenship?

In which country will you be seeking actuarial employment?

Do you have any internship experience or other quantitative experience?

What was your cumulative GPA in your first degree?

Does "next December" mean December 2007?

[WinnieThePooh]

My GPA was not too good, but I had actuarial exams which many with high GPA's did not. I had no problem getting an actuarial job. Now I'm a fellow so it does not matter. I think it is good to have high GPA in case you can't pass exams then you can go do something else and the GPA becomes more important.

Pooh

[GosuJohn]

Originally Posted by xandermtl

Just a little question for you all ? I was wondering what you think is more important GPA or number of exams for finding a job as an actuary eventually. I currently work 25 - 30 hours a week. I have 4 courses at university and I have passed exams P and FM and I am currently working on MLC and MFE for the spring session. I have a kind of special situation in that I am currently working on my second degree. I already have a degree in Mathematics and Economics and I am doing one in actuarial studies at the moment ( I have about 8-9 courses left because all of the basic courses I had credited from my past degree). This also has had a negative effect on my GPA, since I basically started the degree with the more difficult courses, plus I had one really bad semester. Last semester with only one SOA exam I managed to finish the semester with a 3.7 GPA, so I know I can do well when I have the time... but this semester I am rather worried and because of my really bad semester my Cumulative GPA sits at a rather not interesting 2.87. So what's more important if I plan on looking for an actuarial job as of next december ? Should I concentrate on passing exam M and exam C in the next 12 months or should I concentrate on increasing my GPA ?
I would really appreciate any advice.

Thanks,
Xand

If you have no visa issues or anything, just pass more exams. If you have 4 exams, you will get an actuarial job somewhere, even with a very low gpa. From there you can get letters quickly and move to where you want if the first company you start off at is low paying.

Your GPA is already a total loss. Improving it really isnt gonna help you down the line, just try to keep it reasonable these last 2 semesters in case people ask how your gpa has been lately.

If you have visa issues, Good Luck.

[Westley]

Try to get above a 3.0, but don't sacrifice an exam to do so. GPA will have some impact on your first job, passing an exam impacts your whole career.

[tometom]

When I was applying entry level, one managing FSA told me that he/she would have rather seen my GPA at 2.5 and 3 exams then my 3.75 and only 1 exam. But wouldn't that completely hurt your future chances of obtaining a different actuarial job? I mean you can't raise you GPA after you get done with college.