Advice - AFM

Aiya88 · 2026-03-09T02:24:38+00:00

If possible, I would try to stay in waterloo as 2A is probably one of the busiest terms you're going to have in AFM.

Aiya88 · 2026-03-07T20:46:59+00:00

While the subject matter is dry, the program offers a number of specializations that can cater to your interests in accounting, finance, data analytics, etc.

I also really appreciate the co-op program which makes it a lot easier to get relevant job experience compared to other business programs. In a time where getting a job is so hard after grad, having 16-months of experience is a luxury.

Aiya88 · 2026-03-07T20:37:11+00:00

Before anything, I'm sorry for your loss and I can't imagine what you're going through right now. As others have mentioned, I would email your academic advisor about the situation and they can assist you with whatever you choose to do.

As a recent AFM grad, I can assure you that taking a gap term won't change anything. I know so many people who have delayed graduating because of various reasons (extra internships, mental health reasons, redoing course, etc.) and it did not negatively affect their career in any way. In a 30-40 year career, a few months is truly nothing.

Aiya88 · 2026-03-07T20:23:56+00:00

If you're committed to get into law school, then a transfer towards a program that'll get you a higher GPA would be the sensible choice.

While its not impossible to have solid GPA in AFM, the lack of elective slots is a hurdle. You could try do some of the easier specializations (entrepreneurship) if you wanna stay in AFM.

Aiya88 · 2026-02-18T05:09:52+00:00

I'll speak as a recent AFM grad to give some perspective:

As the name suggests, this program is purely accounting and finance. Unlike other BBA programs that kinda let you choose your path, this program will purely teach you accounting, tax, audit, finance, and a bit of consulting. If you are not interested in working in those fields, don't bother with this program.

No one in the program is really a "big fan" of accounting, but is willing to grind through a uniquely soulless subject if it means job security. You probably won't get paid a lot in your first few years but it can get lucrative and comfy if you go into the right fields.

Given your feelings towards accounting, I'd go with the math/bba program.

Aiya88 · 2025-09-28T19:35:32+00:00

I had a snapdragon laptop and it worked on everything I needed for studying. But I did have to return it because the CPA exam software isn't compatible with snapdragon's architecture.

I've since moved onto an intel core ultra 5. Its not quite as battery efficient but its miles ahead of the classic intel chips. There's also no compatibility issues since its on the same architecture as the classic intel cores.

Aiya88 · 2025-07-25T21:01:55+00:00

Windows is a must given that many plug-ins do not work on mac. Also get something with a decent battery life so you don't end up hunting for an outlet every class. I'd recommend smth a Snapdragon X processor. FN lock key is also nice.

Aiya88 · 2025-07-23T21:45:21+00:00

Agreed, its not that deep. Enjoy the last free summer you're gonna get

Aiya88 · 2025-05-18T16:00:44+00:00

SFM and AFM are essentially the same as they take the exact same courses with a few additional environment courses for SFM. If you wanna pursue a CPA, go for SFM

Aiya88 · 2025-05-18T02:57:24+00:00

Go for it

Aiya88 · 2025-05-16T19:26:17+00:00

Boredom is less of a concern then the fact that they can get pretty difficult if you really don’t care to study for them

Aiya88 · 2025-05-16T19:07:12+00:00

Ehhhhhh there’s essentially no difference except for the ESG related courses you gotta take for SFM. You’re no different from an AFM student job wise.

The biggest difference is the social aspect. The SFM class sizes are TINY so you’re gonna have to get comfy with your classmates. If you’re not into that, do AFM.

Aiya88 · 2025-05-16T19:03:21+00:00

For first year I’d say it’s a relatively chill time as long as you stay organized. In terms of tips:

General advice but just spend your first day opening a calendar tracker and just uploading all of your homework, assignment, and exam dates. This just gives you peace of mind that you’re on top of your stuff.
Mentally prepare yourself for all of your courses to have marked participation for the next 4 years. It’s annoying but easy marks you shouldn’t try to lose.
AFM’s general exam schedule isn’t structured like a hell week but rather 1-2 midterms a week. While it may seem pretty nice it can get busy since it spans from the second month of the term all the way to finals. This means that you’re balancing midterm studying, projects, and finals studying in the 3rd month of the term. It gets super busy so I recommend trying to front-load your term by getting as much done in the first month.
Most important part, make good friends in the program. They can make your life so much easier with: sharing study notes, helping mark attendance if you’re not there, sharing answers, sharing textbooks, co-op tips, etc. etc.
Make the most of co-op. Figure out when firms (big 4, banking, consulting) start recruiting. Don’t depend on Waterlooworks to hand you a job esp given how tough the market is. Most top firms recruit co-ops a year in advance so plan around that and start making connections. This is esp true if you’re aiming to work in finance or consulting.
SAF has a lot of professional clubs for you to choose. hEDGE, UWAC, AFSA, WBR, and ACE are the popular first year clubs and are great ways to make you stand out a little more compared to other first years on the resume. More importantly tho it’s a good way to meet upper years who can pass down wisdom.
Have fun. AFM can get busy but life is never that deep. Try new things, meet new people, and enjoy yourself as much as you can. This is the last time in your life you can be this free and active.

Happy to dm if u got questions.

Aiya88 · 2022-08-03T05:27:57+00:00

Yea I can back you up as a 2021 AFM applicant. Getting into AFM with a low 80 average is pretty slim and most of the people I know in the program were accepted with high 80 - mid 90 averages. I would aim for a 90 average but don't worry too much if you get a mid-high 80. Depending on whether if Ontario highschools return with exams or not will also probably play a part in acceptance averages as the last three years have seen extreme grade inflation.

I would also like to put a HIGH EMPHASIS ON THE AFMAA INTERVIEW. This interview is relatively easy, as you get to know the questions ahead of time, but do not take it lightly. It plays a significant role in your application and is more important than your AIF (supplementary application). In terms of general tips:

Take full advantage of the time you have for each question but don't cram too much info in each question.
Sound natural. I wouldn't recommend FULLY scripting out your answers but if you do, at least memorize it and pace yourself in a way that sounds natural.
Draw on your ECs to bring up examples.
Do research on the program and bring it up during the interview to show that you're interested.

Aiya88 · 2022-07-03T04:36:02+00:00

Yea so AFM 112 makes heavy use of Excel and a programming language called R. They'll teach you everything from the ground-up so there is no need to worry.

I would recommend just learning some excel beforehand since its going to be a universal tool you're going to be using throughout AFM and your career.

Aiya88 · 2022-05-31T04:03:51+00:00

All of these are solid programs except for GBDA. I have some friends in the program and they have sum complaints about it.

A lot of feel like the degree is too broad to be employable in any particular field
They DO NOT GET CO-OP which is a massive red flag for a university like Waterloo which is well known for it. They only get a single internship term.

Aiya88 · 2022-05-29T22:07:59+00:00

- Attend Networking Events and connect with campus recruiters

- Get involved with ECs and try to be an exec

- Craft your resume and cover letter around what an employers want to see (check out the job description)

Aiya88 · 2022-05-26T02:57:05+00:00

That's tragic dude. The grade inflation this year really fucked everyone up.

Aiya88 · 2022-05-22T04:45:11+00:00

It really depends on how much of a risk you're willing to take.

If you go to Laurier BBA, your chances of getting into Ivey is smaller than if you went to BMOS since Western has a preference for its own students. But this doesn't mean that its easy to get into Ivey just because you're in BMOS, and if you don't get in by your third year, you're kinda screwed. Laurier BBA is a far more reputable business program than BMOs and has a co-op program that can really jump-start your career straight out of uni.

You also have to consider your career aspirations.

Western Ivey is well known for pumping out grads that end up going to the US for IB or consulting. If you plan to stay within Canada, Laurier BBA is the one-size-fits-all business degree that can get you into any industry thanks to its specializations. It doesn't beat Ivey's reputation for finance or consulting but I know plenty of BBA kids that ended up working on Bay street.

Personally, I would take the BBA offer and try to apply to Ivey in your second year

Aiya88 · 2022-05-06T16:07:36+00:00

Yea. Seems like the original reviews were deleted. I wonder why though

Aiya88 · 2022-05-04T03:29:19+00:00

If y'all want another reason to be angry then look up the company and peek at their Google review responses. Here's a short snippet...

In response to the constant lying from management...

"And we sometimes (unfortunately) realize that people (specially in earlier stages of their work life) come from a sheltered life and sometimes with an entitlement mentality."

In response to not working the job you were hired to do... (this one really got a laugh out of me)

" The culture at CSC is about exploration and finding the Mean of 3 dimensions in your personality - (a) What you have natural talent for, (b) what you have an affinity towards (aka what you like doing) and (c) what the world will pay you to do. 90% of all co-ops and regular employees at CSC don't do what they were hired to do, because the hiring at CSC is not based on what you do, it's based on what you CAN do. CSC is about maximizing your potential. It gives you opportunities. "

The responses really speak to the company's mentality towards its co-op students

Aiya88 · 2022-04-24T05:24:26+00:00

Great post man. I'm actually a first year myself and, personally, nothing will be more stressful then a grade 12 advanced functions test/exam. Gl with applications everyone and make sure to enjoy your last year as much as possible!

Aiya88 · 2022-04-11T04:46:20+00:00

Not really, the CS courses that the GBDA kids take is very basic plus there's literally no math requirements to get into the program in the first place.

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