The Swiss Finance Advantage

How selective is Swiss Finance Academy?
Who can apply?
How do I apply? What are the application requirements for US and Non-US Applicants?
After filling out the application, do I need to send anything else?
What is the application deadline? When should I apply to maximize receiving an offer of admission?
Can you offer any tips for a successful application?
What if I intend to apply in the future?
What is the language of instruction? Do I need to take the TOEFL?
Do you have cut-offs for grades and test scores?
What if I have no work experience?
What do the fees cover? What is the application fee?
Do you offer financial aid?
Will I receive a certificate?
Are you offering a program in the US? Other locations?
What is a typical class size?
What are the job prospects of your students?
Is this the right program for me if...
What makes Swiss Finance remarkable?
How much free time will I have?
What if I was previously offered admission?
Where does the School's name come from?

How selective is Swiss Finance Academy?
Swiss Finance Academy is highly selective. Since inception, Swiss Finance Academy has consistently received far more applications from prospective students than the number of spaces available in our programs. While most of these applicants are qualified to attend the program, we are unable to offer admission to all of them. Swiss Finance Academy seeks mature individuals who will thrive in a challenging academic and work environment where teamwork and professionalism are paramount. The program is suitable only for those who wish to dedicate themselves fully to learning.

Who can apply?
We seek excellence, passion, and integrity in our applicants. We are committed to a fair admissions process that results in coming together of highly ambitious individuals who share our program values.

We accept applications from undergraduate students, graduate students including MBA, JD, and doctoral students, and recent graduates, as well as those with several years of work experience. We seek diversity in academic backgrounds and therefore all majors and academic concentrations are welcome to apply.

How do I apply? What are the application requirements?
US Applicants: We require GPA, class rank, standardized test scores for at least one of SAT / ACT / GMAT / GRE / LSAT, resume and two essays about past and current achievements.
European and other non-US applicants: Applicants must provide their class rank, as well as a complete description of grades, coursework, and academic qualifications. If you have taken the SAT or GMAT, you are encouraged to submit these scores.

Our application is available exclusively online. To start an application, click here.

After filling out the application online, do I need to send anything else?
No, your application is complete. Accepted students must send an official copy of their university transcript (academic performance record) to Swiss Finance Academy at the address indicated on our website. US applicants are also required to send scanned copies of their official standardized test scores. Details are provided in the accepted students portal.

Can you offer any tips for a successful application?
Certainly. The best thing an applicant can do to increase his or her chance of being offered admission is to submit a Priority Decision application. Historically, serious applications who enroll have applied almost exclusively Priority Decision. Because of the large number and high quality of applications we receive, more than 98% of classes are composed of priority decision applicants. We urge you to think about your options and choose the right option for you.

What is the application deadline?
Please visit the admissions page on our website for the most recent program deadlines. Irrespective of the deadline, we encourage you to apply well before the stated date as space is very limited and our classes quickly reach capacity. An early application increases your chance of being offered admission.

We recommend serious applicants to apply before January. After that time, applicants are likely to compete for a more limited number of remaining places. Irrespective of the deadline, we encourage you to apply well before the stated date as space is very limited and our classes quickly reach capacity.

It is important to note that we stop accepting applications as soon as our program reaches capacity. An early application allows us to make an early decision, which in turn allows you to better plan your domestic or international travel and take advantage of affordable flights.

I intend to apply to a future program.
You may start the application process by logging into our system. Alternatively, you may subscribe to email updates related to future Swiss Finance Academy programs and events by creating a new account here.

Do I need to know a language other than English to attend?Do I need to submit TOEFL scores if I am a non-native speaker of English?
The language of instruction is only English. Non-native speakers of English are not required to submit TOEFL scores.

I see that application requirements include both GPA (Grade Point Average) and standardized test scores for US applicants. Do you have cut-offs for grades and/or test scores?
No. When reviewing applications, we look at the admissions criteria (GPA, standardized test scores, resume, recommendation letter and essays) as a whole. If you have a strong interest in attending one of our programs, we encourage you to invest time in writing strong essays and submit an early application. We are looking for well-rounded individuals, and we understand that an applicant’s talent and potential cannot be measured by grades and test scores alone. If your grades and/or standardized test scores are of particular concern to you, a great way to distinguish yourself is through your essays.

I am really interested in attending the program, but I have absolutely no work experience or internships; I have not even taken a class in business or finance. Will this have an adverse impact on my admission?
We neither expect nor require you to have finance or business background. Our teaching methodology focuses on “real world” practical and applied knowledge and skills. Irrespective of whether you are a college student, working professional or an MBA, if you are interested in obtaining top-notch training in finance or business, we encourage you to submit your application.

What do the fees cover?
Please see the Dates & Fees section of our website for this information. Please also visit this link for tips on budgeting personal expenses.

What is the application fee?
There are two methods to submit your application: regular decision and priority decision.

Regular Decision: An application submitted regular decision has a $40 application fee. This fee pays for processing your application, and is non-refundable. Should you be offered admission you will need to pay a separate enrollment deposit of $300 to accept your place. This amount contributes to paying your tuition.

Priority Decision: An application submitted priority decision requires a $300 enrollment deposit at time of application. For this method of application, the application fee is waived. In the event you are not offered admission, your enrollment deposit would be fully refunded. If you are offered admission, but ultimately do not attend, the School retains your deposit.

Why are there two methods?
Historically, serious applicants who enroll have applied almost exclusively Priority Decision. Because of the large number and high quality of applications we receive, more than 98% of classes are composed of priority decision applicants. We urge you to think about your options and choose the right option for you.

Does Swiss Finance Academy offer financial aid?
No. Swiss Finance Academy believes that a candidate's ability to finance his or her education should not factor into admissions decisions. So that admissions may focus solely on the merit of the candidate, we assume that all students bear responsibility for funding their education.Some of our participants are, however, able to secure funding from their home universities and governmental agencies to defray the cost of attending Swiss Finance Academy. While they do so on their own initiative, our faculty is available to answer any questions the home university’s dean, financial aid office, or registrar may have about our programs.

Will I receive a certificate from Swiss Finance Academy?
Yes, participants receive the Certificate in Entrepreneurial Investing (TM) and a transcript (academic performance record), which is based on exam grades coupled with 180 degrees reviews conducted by faculty members and fellow students. The review process is similar to the evaluations performed by investment banks for their Analysts, Associates, VPs, and Managing Directors.

Do you offer a program in the US?
No, our 2010 summer program is being held in Verbier, Switzerland. This is the only major program we are offering in the near future.

What is the difference between the various programs being offered? Is it better to attend the European (or the American) program if I am interested in working in London (or New York)?
All our programs offer the highest quality training, mentoring, and coaching. Programs also have similar curriculum and structure. Our instructors are seasoned finance executives with transaction experience in many countries. We offer a truly global perspective on financial markets and business strategy. Our students have career options around the world, and location does not make a difference. The programs are occasionally offered at different locations and / or times to offer choice.

Since our students possess strong academic credentials and come from every corner of the world, they also bring a unique perspective to the classroom.

What is a typical class size?
Although, depending upon our capacity, class size varies greatly from program to program, we have accepted between 25 and 150 highly qualified students into each of our recent summer classes.

I am very interested in a career in investment banking, but do not have a background in finance and am afraid that the program may be too fast-paced for me. Should I apply?
If you are interested in a career in investment banking, capital markets, private equity, wealth management, institutional sales or proprietary trading, or if you simply wish to boost your career prospects in any competitive industry such as strategy consulting or a start-up, you will find the Program curriculum highly relevant, which is specifically tailored to build the knowledge and the skills that one needs to find job opportunities the most competitive industries. The Program also goes into the rigors of M&A modeling, leveraged buyouts, private equity and hedge fund investments strategies.

You do NOT need to have a background in business or finance. While we welcome strong performing students with backgrounds in all academic disciplines, we specifically encourage students with liberal arts and sciences backgrounds, at both undergraduate and graduate levels, to apply to our programs. In fact, a significant percentage of our students do not major in business or finance. Having a background in finance is not likely to offer you a significant advantage over liberal arts students during the course of our program because a significant part of what we cover in our programs is not covered in traditional undergraduate or graduate business school education. The learning curve is steep for both programs for all attendees, but accepted students are expected to complete pre-arrival assignments that will bring them up to speed. We are confident that the students we admit through our highly selective process have the skills and talent to work hard and grasp the material that is covered in our classes.

I am interested in gaining a very solid grounding in business. I have some background in business and finance, but am not particularly interested in a career in investment banking or corporate finance. Is Swiss Finance Academy right for me?
Yes, we strongly believe so; however, you should carefully review our rigorous curriculum because you would realize that our Program is designed to provide students with an understanding of the core fundamentals of career development, business strategy, investing and finance. Even if you have a background in business and finance, you will find that there are opportunities for both practical and applied learning that are not available in the typical university classroom setting but that are available to Swiss Finance students and are geared towards offering them a competitive edge in their chosen careers. The majority of the students who attend our Programs have a strong interest in the finance industry, so the program’s curriculum is particularly tailored to develop the specific set of skills needed for success in that industry. If your interests reside elsewhere, or if you are undecided, you can still benefit a great deal from the Program, as it will equip you with skills that are highly applicable to any career.

I have researched many training programs. After carefully reviewing the entire Swiss Finance Academy website, it became clear to me that Swiss Finance programs are unique and interesting in many ways. If you were to compare the School to the other programs that are available, what would you say makes Swiss Finance Academy remarkable?
As you pointed out correctly, it is important to review the entire website to get a sense of all that the School has to offer to its participants. We can easily point out many things that we believe make us unique:

Academic Orientation: We are not a typical "summer camp." Our academic experience is as rigorous as working at an investment bank or trading on a prop trading desk. The program is suitable only for those individuals who seek a rigorous intellectual and training experience.

Faculty from I-Banking, Trading and Hedge Funds: Our lecturers, in their background, experience and outlook, are not like typical university or corporate instructors. They have actual relevant industry experience as well as significant teaching and mentoring experience. For example, some of our recent instructors travel to scores of countries in search of investment opportunities, and they bring the wealth of their experiences into the classroom. We believe the only way to receive an accurate inside scoop on the investment banking industry is to speak with a seasoned industry professional who wishes to mentor you. Please visit our faculty page for more information.

Applied Skills: Our students develop skills that allow them to hit the ground running once they start at investment banks, hedge funds and consulting firms. They also develop strong networking and interviewing skills.

Location: We typically hold programs in great cities and other locations worldwide, such as Boston, New York, London and in several places in Switzerland. Please see next point.

Residential Experience: Depending on the program and location our students experience pretty university campuses, mountain chalets and quality hotels, which we believe adds positively to the quality of our student life. In the summers of 2005 and 2007, students were housed in mountain chalets in Verbier, Switzerland. In the summers of 2006 and 2008 students were housed in pretty college campuses in Crans-Montana and Lugano (Switzerland), respectively. In 2005 winter, the program was held at the Charles Hotel at the Harvard Square, a Four Diamonds hotel. All Swiss Finance students were housed at that hotel. Students always receive highly desirable housing options in other locations such as London and New York as well. The 2009 summer program is being held in Verbier, Switzerland again. Even though we offer high quality facilities, prospective students should consider applying to Swiss Finance only if they are after the rigorous training we offer, coupled with the networking opportunities they receive at Swiss Finance.

Extra-curricular: Depending upon location, our students receive access to discounted or school sponsored cultural activities that encourage networking and friendships. In the Swiss 2009 Summer Program, students are offered at least two day-trips to neighboring countries such as France and / or Italy during weekends. These are optional and offered at no additional cost.

Affordable: Other programs are substantially more expensive.

Lifelong Friendships: Students work in teams and develop a lifelong network of friends who are going to be successful. Please see our alumni section.

Industry Recognition: Swiss Finance curriculum and training are very well respected by investment banks and other top employers.

Networking: In the recent programs, Swiss Finance Academy organized networking events for its students to mingle with investment bankers from various bulge bracket firms and admissions officers from top five US graduate business schools. Our alumni base continues to grow, and we organize reunions and networking events around the world.

Am I going to have any free time?
Yes, you will have limited free time on weekends. Students dedicate themselves fully to academics during weekdays so that they can arrive well-prepared for the classes, read and discuss the assigned cases, prepare high quality presentations with their teams, contribute to the classroom via thoughtful discussion, and enhance the learning experience of everyone via a lively atmosphere. Students are also assigned homework or group exercises during weekends. Some exams may be held on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Everyone must exhibit a very high degree of commitment to academics because the right mindset affects not only their own learning experience, but also that of their peers.

I was previously offered admission but could not attend at that time. Can I attend now without re-application?
No. You need to reapply and be offered admission again.

Will I get a job if I attend the program?
The program is designed to assist students in their preparation for the job market and their job search. While we are an intellectual and career development program geared towards enhancing career prospects, we offer no guarantee that your participation will lead to an employment offer.

Given the short duration of the program, we typically do not have any on-campus recruitment activities. Past programs have featured career panels with representatives of firms such as Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, Barclays, Goldman Sachs, Citigroup and Lehman Brothers, as a learning experience only. Events such as this coupled with alumni reunions do provide networking opportunity for students and alumni. Our programs are primarily learning experiences and we discourage students from applying if their main purpose is to land a job.

Our program offers a rigorous and highly relevant educational experience that is valued by the most sought after employers worldwide.

Since the scope of Swiss Finance Academy training goes beyond Swiss capital markets, private banking and hedge funds, and in fact includes a comprehensive coverage of global investment banking, capital markets, trading, entrepreneurship and general management, why are you called “Swiss Finance?”
Many people are curious about where our name comes from, so here are some answers!

While we offer training relevant to individuals who want to learn about and work in investment banking, consulting and other industries worldwide, in places like New York, Greenwich, San Francisco, London and Hong Kong – not just Zurich and Geneva – there are many interesting reasons why we are called "Swiss Finance."

• Our institute was conceptualized and launched in Switzerland
• We are a Swiss company incorporated as Swiss Finance Education GmbH
• Our programs are held in Switzerland as well as the United States and the United Kingdom
• Our curriculum, while balanced and inclusive of Wall Street culture, case studies and simulations, also has Swiss finance and banking modules, such as private banking and wealth management, that are relevant for people interested in finance, banking, entrepreneurship and consulting, irrespective of physical location