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The Alternative Asset Management Center (AAMC) at its core is a series of two academic Honors Level courses. The AAMC curriculum is rigorous, demanding and requires a high level of academic prowess. There is no set limit on the number of students that are accepted. The quality of the applicant pool determines the number selected.

The selection process is in two-stages:

STAGE 1:

Since the inception of the Program, academic accomplishment has been the central factor in the selection process and a significant predictor of success in the coursework. While grade point average is correlated to academic capability, assessment goes beyond the raw GPA. This comprehensive process begins with a review of academic transcripts and mid-term progress reports. Completed courses, GPA, trends in GPA, completed hours each semester, breadth of course work, and performance in accounting, finance, and statistics courses are all considered. Particular attention is paid to students taking “hard” courses, double majoring, and/or taking 18+ credit hours a semester. As an example, earning a B or better in Calculus III or Differential Equations carries more weight than an A in a non-technical course. Factors that can influence academic performance such as working while going to school or participating in a college sport are also components of the assessment process. In addition, accounting and finance Professors are asked to identify high-performing students whom they believe can handle the rigor of the Program. This consultation goes beyond the grade received in the class and includes an overall assessment of the student. A glowing recommendation for a student who receives an A- in a class can carry more weight than no feedback for a student who earned an A.

Leadership attributes and initiative are important and can be demonstrated in a variety of ways, including club activities, leadership positions, sports teams, etc. Next is an assessment of a candidate’s work ethic. This is exhibited not only through academics but also from part-time and summer work experiences.

Current AAMC students are asked for recommendations for underclassmen they believe have the intellect, leadership, social skills, and work ethic to be successful in the Program. Finally, outside letters of support from faculty are considered. We put significant weight on faculty letters of support.

Upon completion of Stage 1, students who meet minimal academic requirements will be selected to participate in the second stage of the selection process.

STAGE 2:

Stage 2 is the interview process. The interview process consists of multiple interviews with the Academic Selection Committee members and alumni of the Program. The Academic Selection Committee focuses on academic aptitude and the alumni interviewers focus on employment issues (i.e., technical finance interviews). The interviews are meant to supplement the assessment of marginal students with the alumni interviews serving to push students into, but not out of, the Program.

*Required for admission to the program (probability of acceptance decreases as optional events are missed)

NOTE OF CAUTION:

The Selection Committee recognizes that the selection process is noisy, and we urge applicants not to read too much into the selection decision. Admission or denial to the AAMC is not a selection of winners and losers for future finance jobs. The Committee endeavors to admit students who will thrive in a fast-paced and demanding academic program.