no prob… right now my valuation and modeling skills are zero. what I am planning to do is to buy one of those self-study programs from deal maven or wall street prep and just go over it. then register for that nyu class, and then start putting together my own models based on small companies as these dont have complex financial statements, once i do a few, i will move on to more complex stuff. as for the IBI program, i would do it, i mean like i said before, its better than not having anything on a resume… and LBO is really interesting, i would take it just for that. hope to see you at nyu in the spring. btw, if anyone have any comment or advise as to the approach i will take re learning modeling and valuation skills, please let me know. my goal is to get into PE by end of next year.