CFA in High School?

Yep, I know. This is an pretty stupid question. The truth is I just don't have that much else to do. I already got a really good score on the SAT, my GPA is pretty secure, my extracurriculars aren't that demanding anymore, and I just have college apps related work (I'm a rising senior). There's probably other things that are a better way to spend my time (I'd love some suggestions), but is it a bad idea to study for CFA level 1? Can high schoolers actually take the test?

13 Comments
 
Most Helpful

If you want real advice, I suggest you read the news daily and ask yourself "now why did that happen, and what will be the result of it?" The news only reports the surface transactions, but there are "hidden" 2nd level transactions. ... Example from Michael Lewis' book 'Liars Poker' is when Chernobyl happened everyone was focused on the NYSE and global fallout, but his coworker was buying crude oil futures since he reasoned that the decrease in supply of nuclear power would lead to increased demand in oil. Its that kind of logic library that will pay dividends in the future.

 

You can’t sit for level 1 until you have 4 year of full time work experience or are in your last year of undergrad. If you want to learn about finance, read up on different finance websites (MarketWatch, Reuters, CNBC) and just keep browsing WSO and M&I. You’re in high school, enjoy your remaining freedom and don’t get too caught up in recruiting for a career you may eventually never pursue

 
Funniest

Sorry kid, you are already too late in the game. I already sat all of the CFA papers after faking my ID to get the four years of full-time experience as a dog walker whilst in the elementary school, to satisfy the entry requirement for the program, passed three levels in two and half years in my early middle school, then started working for Gordon Gekko (yes, I know, a great chance). Now I am moving to my last year of high school, I am already the CFA charterholder, and, am already accepted to the deffered Wharton MBA as I already have the four years of experience!

Kid, you are waaaay too late, half of my classmates have already taken at least two levels, and you are only considering that now. I suggest you think about how you have not been concentrated on your career since the kindergraden.

 

Can’t register for the CFA until you’re in your last year of undergrad. If you really want to get a step ahead I’m sure there are some less difficult/complex certifications you could get in modeling/valuation that would help your resume when applying for your college’s student run investment firm or internships as a freshman. I know Moody’s has some courses that I don’t think have any prerequisites. But also, you’re 17-18 years old! I would just focus on finding your college, enjoying your minimal responsibilities and drinking non-alcoholic beers with your buddies.

 

Do people really hate their lives this much/are actually this obsessed with career climbing and finance, Jesus christ. I did a double take after reading this. No offense, but kid wants to take the CFA and hasn’t even read the requirements or what it truly entails. Enjoy high school for fucks sake. God forbid you can have a life outside of following the markets all day.

 

Voluptatem sed adipisci iusto eius non officiis natus et. Et est ut rerum et libero. Maxime et rerum omnis nesciunt voluptatem. Sed iste ut assumenda provident et explicabo architecto et.

Minus ut sed aut quidem quia. At recusandae aliquam excepturi cum autem. Ut et ab eum repellat sequi consequatur. Illum qui aliquid recusandae voluptates aperiam dolores. Sint aspernatur aut laborum vero qui voluptates fugit sit.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”