University of Waterloo, Financial Analysis and Risk Management
Written by Roberto Armena
The University of Waterloo is widely recognized as one of the top schools in the world, and they offer a unique opportunity that combines various business and related areas including statistics, computer science, corporate finance, and economics - the FARM program.
This 4.5 year program (including co-op work terms) leads to a Bachelor of Mathematics in Financial Analysis and Risk Management (FARM), and sets you up for one of two possible professional certifications. In your third year, you may specialize in Financial Analysis preparing you for a Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, or in Risk Management preparing you for Professional Risk Management (PRM) designation.
Both designations are highly coveted by many aspiring professionals around the world, and are widely recognized and sought out by employers.
Co-operative Education
Co-op is a defining part of the University of Waterloo experience. Co-op work terms allow you to spend four months working at a real company, earning money and gaining more experiences to learn from and to put on your resume.
FARM includes 5 to 6 work terms starting right in your first summer, meaning you graduate with two years of paid work experience. Examples of previous co-op employers include TD Bank, Bell Canada, and CPP Investment Board.
Grade Requirements
Admission to the FARM program is highly competitive, with admission averages historically ranging from the low-mid 90's. Keep in mind the following requirements.
Ontario High Schools
Admission Requirements
Required Courses - high 80's to low 90's required.
Advanced Functions 4U (MHF4U)
Calculus and Vectors 4U (MCV4U)
Any 4U English course
Any additional 4U course
Two additional 4U/4M courses
International Baccalaureate
Required Courses - mid 30's required
HL/SL English A
HL Math: Analysis and Approaches (minimum 6)
Supplementary Application
In addition to the course and grade requirements, applicants are also judged on the supplementary application - the Admission Information Form (AIF). This involves listing out all extracurriculars (clubs, part-time work, etc...) and awards over the past 3 years, as well as a few short answer questions such as:
Reasons for choosing your program and Waterloo (900 characters)
Please outline any additional information about your extra-curricular activities* (600 characters)
Please tell us anything about yourself you'd like for us to know* (900 characters)
*optional to answer
As FARM is a part of the Faculty of Mathematics, you are also asked to list out any Waterloo math contests you've participated in over the course of their high-school career, and your scores on those contests. A bad score on these contests will not hurt your application, but a good score can really help it, so it never hurts to even just attempt them.
Student Life
As a FARM student, there are many opportunities for you to enrich your university experience beyond the classroom.
You may join the Financial Analysis and Risk Management Students Association (FARMSA) to meet like-minded students in the same program and can help you reach your professional goals. You may even join the Math Society (MathSoc) to get involved with others in the math faculty as a whole.
If you're interested in going abroad, you may participate in an international exchange in your upper years, or even spend a co-op work term internationally! There are an endless amount of ways to enrich your time at Waterloo, no matter what you're interested in.
Works Cited
https://uwaterloo.ca/math-business-accounting-programs/programs/mathematicsfinancial-analysis-and-risk-management-farm/admissions