Is Columbia Degree worth it? (M.S. Act. Sci.)

[PaulJack]

Hi All,

I'm contimplating moving to New York and applying to the Columbia M.S.-Actuarial Science program.
I'm currently preparing for the first exam (P). I'd like to see if I could;

1) get an trainee job in Actuarial Science at some company in the city.
2) Apply to the Columbia Program (part time). It seems all the courses are
geared towards exam preparation, so that would make it practical.

But I'm wondering if Columbia would be worth the money. Do you make
worthwhile connections there? Since New York is a huge financial center, would those connections open important and lucrative doors.
Also, since the M.S. Actuarial Science program is offered through the
School of Continuing Education, is it looked upon as less valuable.
Could one of the graduates of the program give me some imsight?

Thanks

PaulJack

[Moonlight Graham]

I would have entered this program, but I wound up passing Exams 1 and 2 (and will be done with my VEE's by the end of the summer), and I already have an actuarial analyst job in the area.

The program director told me that the classes are very helpful in preparing you for the first four exams and passing VEE requirements. You'll have the opportunity to connect with your fellow students, and I'm sure companies will give you an extra look because of the graduate level degree on your resume. As an added bonus, you'll get to brag about going to Columbia (which is probably the main reason I would go).

Sure it's expensive, but if you're just starting out, why not spend a few years obtaining your masters/preliminary exams and living in the best city in the world?

As a caveat, you should know that the actuarial world doesn't necessarily treat Ivy League grads with the same level of awe as other financial service industries. Nevertheless, a masters from Columbia is a pretty solid degree, and most companies won't care that your Columbia MS is through the School of Continuing Education (assuming you pass your exams while in the program).

[Cloud]

Let's say you want major in Mathematics, most school probably has similar courses to take. Why would students study their ass off to get into top schools and pay $30-40k/year when they can go to local school for less than 10k or free.

Sure you can pass and become a fellow and make six figures but I personally believe that the experience you gain as an ivy league student is something you can be proud of yourself rest of your life, and people/hr do look up your education!

I also think that you have much higher chance of becoming successful (not only actuarial field) if you went to top schools. Well, you can become successful even if you don't have a college degree, it all depends how dedicate and passionate you are.

Anyways, if tuition is not your problem, and want to invest 1.5-2 yrs for ivy league education, why the hell not?

[actsciwannabe]

So the program is housed under school of continuing education, does that mean the admission is less competitive?
I am asking because I am an international student who is finishing college next month, and like a lot of foreign students, I don't have any job offer. My concern is that my GPA is not particularly high, though I have the first two exams passed and two VEEs. I just want to extend my stay in the US and pass more exams(and get a job, of course). Also, I don't mind getting inferior education than the traditional Columbia students and the tuition is not a burden to me.

[Stanley Milgram]

Originally Posted by lwong4

So the program is housed under school of continuing education, does that mean the admission is less competitive?
I am asking because I am an international student who is finishing college next month, and like a lot of foreign students, I don't have any job offer. My concern is that my GPA is not particularly high, though I have the first two exams passed and two VEEs. I just want to extend my stay in the US and pass more exams(and get a job, of course). Also, I don't mind getting inferior education than the traditional Columbia students and the tuition is not a burden to me.

If your GPA isn't high you will probably have a hard time getting into Columbia unless you have something else to show them.

[actsciwannabe]

Originally Posted by Stanley Milgram

If your GPA isn't high you will probably have a hard time getting into Columbia unless you have something else to show them.

Thank you for your reply, I will not bother applying then.

[Colymbosathon ecplecticos]

Originally Posted by lwong4

Also, I don't mind getting inferior education than the traditional Columbia students ...

Make sure that you include this gem in your cover letter.

[Brad Gile]

Originally Posted by Colymbosathon ecplecticos

Make sure that you include this gem in your cover letter.

[YB]

hi
i am an indian student and i have been accepted at columbia univ. for M.S.Actuarial Sc program. i have cleared 2 exams from institute of actuaries of india but i will not get exemptions for those subjects. is the program really worth it? also what if after completing the program i want to come back and work in india, will i get a job?

[Colymbosathon ecplecticos]

Originally Posted by YB

what if after completing the program i want to come back and work in india, will i get a job?

I don't know. I just had some hand surgery, after they take the cast off, will I be able to play the piano?