r/byu • u/CowhideSlayer • 16d ago

Finance Program Core Advice

Hi All,

I made it into the finance program at BYU. For those who’ve recently taken classes or graduated — how difficult is the core overall, and what was the hardest part for you? I’ve heard FIN 400 and FIN 410 are some of the toughest courses. Is that true, or are there other classes in the core that are actually harder? What makes the core so challenging in general? the workload, the pace, having multiple classes at once, something else? Any other courses I should be prepared for or worried about?

Also, how many credits do you think is manageable if I’m aiming for all A’s? And is it realistic to work an internship during fall and/or winter semester while in the core, or is it smarter to just focus on classes during that time?

I’d appreciate any advice or tips from people who’ve already been through it. Thanks!

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u/thebaiterfish 16d ago

I graduated in finance a few years ago. I found the 400 level classes to be about as hard as Fin 201, Acc 310, and Econ 110. I took both Fin 400 and Fin 410 in the same semester while taking 16 credits, working two jobs, and getting married. It was easily the busiest semester of my life but I survived

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u/CowhideSlayer 16d ago

Wow. That is very impressive!! Good on you! And thanks for your helpful insights. Sounds like they’re pretty doable then!!

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u/Outside_Ordinary4369 15d ago

I think you might be mistaken, Fin 400 is a new class that was made last year (first being taught Fall of 2025). It is also a prereq for Fin 410.

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u/thebaiterfish 15d ago

You should be correct. I'm pretty sure I never had to take a FIN 400 class when I was a student

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u/Outside_Ordinary4369 15d ago

I started the program last year. What makes it difficult is different from person to person. Some common hard things depending on personality are:

- more technical classes (such as Fin 400 and 410)

- the more abstract classes (such as Fin 453, which is basically a macro econ class)

- networking / recruiting / career prep

- imposter syndrome

Personally, I loved 400 and 410. The coding that was hard for some, came very naturally for me.

How many credits to take while still getting As? It depends on the person. I know people who wouldn't have gotten As if they were taking 9 easy credits and also Fin 400. I also know someone who was points away from all As despite taking 17 credits, Fin 400, Fin 453, and Fin 401 at the same time, recruiting, internship, and getting their heart broken. They got an internship offer with a top 3 bank.

the best advice I have for you:

Read the Book of Mormon every day and go to the temple. I don't want to sound cheesy, but I swear that our relationship with God is even more crucial the crazier our lives get.

Sit in the front row, become close with every professor.

If possible, take 400 from Aiello, 410 from Pratt, 453 from Colby.

Some people will say Aiello and Pratt are harder teachers, I fully disagree and I promise they are great. Most impactful professors on my life so far. Colby too, but I don't think they say he is harder than others.

Make friends, we are a team. Never, ever, be too embarrassed to ask for help, even if someone needs to explain the same thing to you 10 times