Q: How will the applications be processed and admission decisions reached?
A: As indicated in our application procedure, we ask you to provide a detailed CV, two reference letters and the ALES and/or GRE scores, a Statement of Purpose (in English) not exceeding 200 words, along with other necessary documents. On the basis of this background information we will make a first round selection for a thorough interview. The final evaluation will be based on all available information, including the interview.
Q: Are there minimum test scores required?
A: For the language requirement please see below. Additionally you have to have a minimum ALES score of 55 (equal weight), or a GRE score of 610 (quantitative). These are the required minimum scores; based on previous years’ applications and admission decisions, an ALES score of 70 or above, and a GRE score of 685 or above are recommended. If you have both ALES and GRE scores, please submit both of them.
Q: Is there an MA Thesis requirement?
A: No. There is a term project requirement.
Q: Do I need to prove my proficiency in English?
A: Yes. The Boğ aziçi University English proficiency requirement equally applies for our Program. For detailed information, see the web page http://www.boun.edu.tr/graduate/organization/admission_grad.html . Official test scores have to be submitted before the official registration deadline set by Boğ aziçi University. For this year's YADYOK exam please refer to: http://www.yadyok.boun.edu.tr .
Q: What prerequisite knowledge is expected to attend the program?
A: A knowledge of calculus at the intermediate level is highly recommended. There will be a refresher course in mathematics betwen August 18—September 3, 2009 . There will be a waiver exam for this course on August 13, 2008, and those who are not successful in the waiver exam will be asked to take the refresher course (there is no extra fee for this course).
Q: How about work experience?
A: Although our program is mainly designed for those who currently work (“executives”), and therefore most applicants will naturally have work experience, we welcome new graduates as well.
Q: How about the class size?
A: The class size shall be no more than 40.
Q: How long will it take me to complete the program?
A: The curriculum is designed to be completed in one full year, divided into three terms: fall-spring-summer (see the program). If you are unable to finish the course requirements in one year, you will have a maximum of one additional year to complete the program (with tuition). Subject to approval of the ECONFIN Administration, it may be possible to spread the course load to two years; however, this entails a surcharge of 50% of the course fee for each course that is not taken at its original slot in the program and left to the second year.
Q: What are the academic rules that I have to follow?
A: All academic rules of Boğaziçi University apply to our program as well. For information: www.boun.edu.tr/government/rules/lisansustu_index.htm
Q: How much does the program cost?
A: For matters related to tuition and payment schedule please call us at (212) 359-69-09 or (212) 287-18-92.
Q: How about financial aid?
A: There is no financial aid available.
Q: What degree is granted upon completion of the program? MA? MS? MBA?
A: Master of Arts (MA) in Economics and Finance.
Q: How does this Economics and Finance program compare to mathematical or computational finance master programs or master programs in financial engineering?
A: Unlike mathematical or computational finance master programs, we teach both economics and finance. Complemented with a set of well-chosen case studies, the program gives students a solid foundation in the principles of corporate finance, portfolio selection theory, risk analysis, microeconomics and open-macro economics. Quantitative techniques, like financial econometrics, are explored both at theoretical and at applied levels. Our philosophy is to cover the intersection and the interaction between fields of economics and finance.
Q: Can I take undergraduate courses while enrolled at ECONFIN?
A: No.
Q: Is it possible to transfer courses taken at other universities?
A: No, it is not possible.
Q: Can I pursue a PhD degree after graduating from ECONFIN?
A: Our programme provides afull fledged MA degree. It can therefore be used to apply to PhD programmes that require an MA degree.
Q: Do we need to obtain certification of equivalence from YÖK (Higher Education Council) for degrees taken outside Turkey?
A: Yes.
Q: Are we going to be eligible for a Boğaziçi University student ID?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you discriminate based on university previously attended in admission decisions?
A: No. We consider the totality of the information in your CV.
Q: Is there an English preperatory class?
A: No.
Q: Is it possible to start the program in the spring term?
A: No.
Q: Can the graduates of Open University (Açık Öğretim Fakültesi) apply to your programme?
A: Yes.
Q: Is it possible to transfer from another university or program to ECONFIN?
A: No.
Q: Will the program follow the academic calendar of Bogazici University?
A: Yes. The Boğaziçi University academic calendar is available at: http://www.boun.edu.tr/calendar/index_tur.html
Q: When will the interviews be held and when will admission decisions be announced?
A: Applicants who will be invited for an interview will be announced no later than June 25, 2009.
The interviews will be conducted between June 27-29, 2009.
Applicants who are admitted to the program will be announced on July 1, 2009.
Q: What if I have more questions?
A: Please e-mail us at econfin@boun.edu.tr or call us at:
(212) 359-69-09 or (212) 287-18-92.