Certificate in Finance or CFA; Which one can help app more?

Question

Background:
I completed undergrad with a degree in political science and a 3.06 GPA. I scored a 720 on the GMAT (Q44 V45). Post-undergrad, I took a series of courses (at a local community college) to boost my MBA application:

-- Financial Accounting - A
-- Managerial Accounting - A
-- Micro Econ - A
-- Macro Econ - A
-- Precalculus - A
-- Calculus I - A
-- Calculus II - A
-- Pre-MBA, Descriptive Statistics - A
-- Pre-MBA, Inferential Statistics - A

Question:

I currently work at one of the top asset management firms in the world. Should I decide to pursue the MBA, which one would strengthen my application more? 
1) Certificate in finance with a concentration in investment management and analysis from UCLA extension (or)
2) CFA certification

Thoughts:

I'd like to get your thoughts. For some strange reason adcomms don't give too much weight to the CFA. Nonetheless, being a CFA charter holder opens many doors within my industry. On the other hand, I think the certificate in finance would help my MBA application much more. Assuming I received top-notch grades, a certificate in finance from UCLA extension can offset poor grades received during undergrad and can show adcomms that I am capable of performing well in graduate school. The downside is the fact that the certificate in finance is deemed virtually worthless within my industry.

Given my background, would you choose the CFA or the certificate in finance? Which one would help my application more?

xerox · Answer

If showing your ability to perform academically is a part of your strategy, you have already got a good GMAT score to show for that; that should be enough to serve the purpose. That's my $.02.

mbasile · Answer

Thanks for the feedback. I'd like to get into a top 5 school. Do you think my GMAT score coupled with the classes taken after undergrad is enough to offset my poor GPA and get into the top 5? Or would I need to complete the certificate in finance with stellar grades to present a better case for myself?

Your guidance is very much appreciated.

Your guidance is very much appreciated.

xerox · Answer

In my humble opinion, you have pushed all the right buttons; it remains to be seen how you execute the application, but all the ingredients to offset a poor undergrad GPA are there.

mbasile · Answer

Thanks for the input. Do you think the certificate in finance would be a better route to offset my poor gpa or do you think my post graduate coursework and GMAT score is enough to offset my poor gpa and get into the top 5?

cheetarah1980 · Answer

I think what he's trying to tell you is that you've done enough to "offset" your GPA. Don't waste your time with the certification or CFA when you can be deepening your involvement in extracurriculars and working on essays. Doing those things will get you a better ROI.

Certificate in Finance or CFA; Which one can help app more?

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