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I think advice from @Leggoo MFE applies even his is an edge case. It's intensive preparation but it helped him break into a top 10 program and I am sure it will help you too. https://quantnet.com/threads/from-low-cgpa-to-my-dream-school-columbia-mafn-nyu-mfe-and-more.61047/

Domestic or international student? Don't undersell yourself. Apply to a few more programs that you didn't believe you would get in. Try the tier above such as NCSU, GaTech, Rutgers, Chicago, etc. You only lose out on the time and fee but stand to gain a lot if you get in. You should have a...

This has been done before. In fact, many people with low GPA got into different programs. The trick is to show other strength in your application that overwhelms the GPA. That said, you need to seriously spend time to address any weakness from your profile. Math seems like the weakest part while...

I doubt many students do LaTex for resume. You try to see if you can revert PDF to Latex. I wonder if @Ash Cross has a Latex template that she recommends. After all, she worked with many CMU MSCF students on their resume before.

A 12-16 month full-time program under the D'Amore-McKim Business School.

Buy-side roles are some of the most sought after and hence harder to break in. I don't have a breakdown of these data from all the programs but the top ones (Baruch, Princeton) do place there. Chicago, GaTech and to some extension NCSU place well in their local market, the benefit of not being...

What are you looking to do after your MFE? I would add Chicago, GaTech, Imperial, UCL just to broaden your option.

This year is going to be a weird year with so much uncertainty due to the ever changing policy. I'm curious to see how admission people will adapt to this environment. My guess is that they will admit more applicants just to be on the safe side. Best of luck guys and let's share our trackers...

Appreciate the input and different perspective guys. Hope to hear more feedback from other members as we plan our future offerings.

Baruch is most rigorous with making sure you are ready for recruiting on day one. This is why the have the pre-MFE courses for applicants who are serious about being properly prepared. Other programs will mostly just ask what on your resume so make sure you can talk in detail about it...

There are two types: technical and behavioral interviews. Technical consists of questions on math, brain teasers, puzzle, finance or coding. This is similar to first round interviews for jobs. This is done by program faculty or alumni. The second behavioral interview type is more common. It is...

Any comment would be great for us to know how useful this would be for our members.

I don't think PDF version exists but you can double check with @dstefan

You have the right mindset, approach and a clear plan. It's more than I can say for many applicants who do not have realistic expectations for this career. My son is a senior in high school right now and like many of his peers, he is set in doing a CS degree without knowing all the challenges...

You do have to submit all 3 components of GRE but I meant the GRE V is not something they put a lot of weights on, especially if the main instruction for your undergrad is English.

Don't bother with GRE V.

We’re thinking about building something new — the QuantNet Admission Predictor. Over the years, the Tracker has collected more than 10,000 verified data points from applicants across all top quant programs. That’s a goldmine of information — and we’re exploring how to use it to help future...

Rutgers MQF will increase their scholarship range to up to 20K for the applicants for the incoming cohorts. This will surely help with reducing the total cost and ROI.

Some top UK programs would require you to have a hard first 2:1 requirement but I think US programs are more receptive to European applicants. Given your relevant work experience and technical skill, you have a good shot at many US MFE programs. Given the political climate in the US, I think...

I think it's a smart approach to maximize your chance of success in the industry. @Dev Kewlani

TLDR: a lot of F1 applicants from India are getting rejection from US consulates under 214(b) section. A 214(b) refers to a section of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act that presumes all visa applicants are intending immigrants until they can prove they are not. A visa denial under 214(b)...

You sound like a smart and ambitious young fellow, the kind that can make it in this industry. Those qualities alone are not enough, however. You need luck, the right network, persistence, and more. That said, I don't know how much an online master degree from Columbia can help you break in. The...

On paper, looking good. Other aspects of your applications are important as well. LOR, essay, how well you perform during the admission interviews, etc. I would say add a few more like Chicago, GaTech, NCSU. They are not brand names but do well in their perspective local markets. Be specific...

This is from Databento, a market data provider.

I have added snippets of the reviews on the ranking page which is the most viewed page on quant finance with 4.7M views and counting. This will give more exposure to students/alumni reviews which is a critical factor in selecting a quant program.

Imperial Math Finance now uses application rounds for Fall 2026 instead of previously policy of open until all class size is finalized. They now have 4 rounds with the last one ends on April 29, 2025.

We have sent out the survey for 2026 QuantNet ranking to MFE programs. Pending any unforeseen circumstances, we will follow the same releasing schedule as last year.

Welcome to QuantNet, @jaehyukchoi Thanks for sharing the updates with our members. Time to work on that resume and get ready to hit the recruiting cycle as soon as the semester begin. Hope to see everyone fill up the Tracker as you apply and don't forget to participate in the MAFN dedicated...

You will be under this kind of stress and fast pace very quickly. Some people perform well under this environment. It's just like working on Wall street, really.

Fixed the title for you. I would suggest you email the Baruch MFE to clarify. If you meet that requirement, then you can spend time address other areas of your application. If not, you can take the pre-MFE course, it's rigorous and if you do well (I expect you will do well), you can leverage it...

When you apply to them and provide background they may advise accordingly. A lot of applicants take 2 at the same time. They are all online. Depends on your work schedule you may want to take one only.

Multi-Round Graduate Admissions Strategy RoundTimingWho Should ApplyProsCons Early / PriorityTypically 1st–2nd month of cycleApplicants with polished materials, strong profile, ready to demonstrate commitmentHigher chance for scholarships, signals strong interest, often slightly smaller...

In recent years, many graduate programs — especially in fields like finance, analytics, and engineering — have shifted from a single annual deadline to a multi-round admissions cycle. Of the 2 dozens programs on our MFE rankings, there are 10 programs with application rounds. This is a big...

Retake them elsewhere and get an A. You can take it online, at your local community college, or pre-MFE courses, etc. It is going to take time and money but it's a shot at redemption if getting into a top quant program is the goal.

This is a tough situation as either you have to go to top programs that have good placement rate (strict requirement on STEM background) or go to less quantitative programs that are open to non STEM applicants but do not have good placement track record. European programs are distinctively...

The pre-MFE courses are very smart choice. If you do well, you will get an interview by the same faculty who teach in the MFE program. If you impress them, it's a huge advantage given how selective the program is. For applicants without stellar grades, ideal profiles, it's an opportunity to...

Welcome to QuantNet. As someone who joined here in 2006, I will say that the vast majority of members here join the industry without a finance background. It has never been a barrier. In fact, many employers are more than willing to train employees without a finance background than without a...

Link in first post.

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We have a list of quant courses in EU and UK here https://quantnet.com/resources/categories/united-kingdom-europe.5/ We also do a ranking on UK quant programs. https://quantnet.com/uk-rankings/ In my opinion, Europe programs are so spread out over many countries unlike in the US. Their programs...

Now we got some concrete data. This year, the number of Asian students arriving in the U.S. in August fell by 24 percent — the lowest August numbers on record outside of the pandemic. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/10/06/upshot/us-international-student-travel.html

The first lawsuit has been filed to challenge this $100,000 fee. https://www.reuters.com/world/trumps-100000-fee-h-1b-worker-visas-challenged-lawsuit-2025-10-03/

Yes, completing the pre-MFE in Probability will satisfy their requirement of a semester of probability. Same as other pre-MFE courses. Those courses are intensive, rigorous and money well-spent. It is time-consuming as well. Just ask those who completed it before. GRE is optional for many...

Your profile looks strong. You are addressing the programming aspect by taking the C++ here. Great decision. Taking the Probability pre-MFE would definitely strengthen your case and it will help a lot with brainteaser interview questions during your admission process. Other than that I think you...

With regard to scholarships, I have a list of them based on the data on the Tracker. There is also a US government database of all the scholarship for college students from private, public sources. You can google it up but from my previous experience, you will have to work very hard to find...

I think the 2 years is a bonus, you have a longer time to really study the materials and 2 summers to get internships. The downside is the huge cost. None of the 2 year program is cheap (Princeton, CBS MSFE). It would help if you can get some of your contacts who gave you good review to write it...

It's a new program and we have a few members going there. It has not graduated any student yet so we don't know how they perform, placement wise. https://quantnet.com/resources/university-of-chicago-master-in-finance.103/

This is the program you refer to https://quantnet.com/resources/columbia-university-ms-in-financial-economics.74/ I definitely would love to see more reviews from the program's alumni. It seems most traditional quant students go to the other two quant programs at Columbia instead of the MSFE...

A few ideas: strengthen your programming side by taking the C++ course, get a few relevant projects and get a strong application package. Make sure you do thorough research on your target programs and are able to tell a story why you+them is a good match.

I see. It sounds like a smart investment. If you plan to go the QR route, I think there are lot of useful tips that you can pick up here. https://quantnet.com/threads/im-a-buy-side-quant-researcher-at-a-top-hedge-fund-jane-street-two-sigma-aqr-etc-ama.61401/

Happy to hear about your 1 year update. Congrats on your progress and success. What are the courses from the MS in CS from GaTech will help in your current and future daily job? Will your employer reimburse your tuition? Can you handle it part-time for the next few years? If you want to upgrade...

This is a niche field where the cost to entry is very high (tuition cost easily pass $100K). Many programs have a good ROI and not all are a good investment. A smart plan would be to keep working to save money, make your profile as strong as possible and get admitted into the top programs to...

Being a US citizen gets you a bigger advantage these days given the new policy changes. That said, you need to be at least in the level field with other applicants at those top programs. Make sure have all your checklist items and address any of the weakness. You can see the profiles of those...

If you can improve your coding by adding C++, then take some pre-MFE math courses from Baruch, you definitely can get a good idea of how you can perform at a level that many MFE programs expect. Depending on your resident status, with an MFE, you can break into a more quantitative role that your...

Seems like a strong profile. You just need to take some time-proven steps to strengthen your profile. Definitely take the QuantNet C++ course. You would have to take it as a condition to admission to many top programs anyway. A lot of CMU MSCF admits completed it as required. Spend quality time...

Hey Jay, I think you have a good shot at either NTU or NUS. They definitely will welcome a working professional. I'm not sure if they will waive the GRE. I know many US MFE programs have that as optional. Use the Tracker to add your timeline and see how other applicants compete as well. Best of...

The latest cohort of MFE students graduated a few months ago and usually many of them are still looking for work. With the new H1B rules, there are lot of confusion among employers. I think we will have a clearer picture when programs provide placement data to QuantNet in our next MFE rankings...

I guess we can safely affirmatively answer the OP question by now by a resounding YES. There are much uncertainty but things are trending in more downward direction for international students. If you are coming to the US for a master program, it can be a scary time. If you are a domestic student...

Interesting idea. Please share a few sample questions to get a wider review from our audience.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/h-1b-faq The following part from the above FAQ indicates that any new H-1B visa petition will incur this fee. F1 to H1B is a new petition. This Proclamation: Requires a $100,000 payment to accompany any new H-1B visa petitions submitted after 12:01 a.m...

The more I read about this from various online posts, it seems F1 -> H1B will be affected by this $100K fee as it's a new application. The good thing is it's a one time fee, not annually like originally believed. The bad thing is that many smaller employers will be very hesitant to sponsor H1B...

A PhD is barely a guarantee for an interview or online assessment invite these days. Image yourself as just another MFE or STEM graduate entering the field. Address your weakness and prepare accordingly. I would suggest work with a career coach like @Ash Cross and lay out a plan for the months...

If you are in the US and apply for H1B, this may not apply (subject to some clarification in the near future). In any case, expect some lawsuits in the coming days to prevent this executive order from being implemented. OPT/CPT is the next shoe likely to be dropped. Some Trump administration...

Looks like more clarification is coming. Looks like they are making the changes on the fly.

Yes, you can complete as fast as you can. All the courses on QuantNet are self-pacing. Here are a few projects by our members https://quantnet.com/resources/categories/projects.9/

As a Computer Science major, you can benefit from some quant finance courses that specifically tailored for MFE applicants. I would recommend the Options course that we run. Its author is Prof. Stefanica, the director of the Baruch MFE program. https://quantnet.com/options-primer-certificate/

Good idea. You will find plenty of members who took the C++ course and got in at those top programs here. https://quantnet.com/tracker/?custom_fields%5Bresult%5D=accepted&custom_fields%5Bhas_completed_course%5D=1&page=1

Apply as soon as you can, preferably during their earliest round. Best of luck and I hope to see your moving positively through their process and on our Tracker.

First of all, US or international student? If US, you have a better shot than you realize. If not, let's prioritize things you can do. You can add Baruch to the list while you have Princeton there. They both have similar acceptance rate. Take the QuantNet C++ course to get you to the front pack...

What will really strengthen your applications is to take the C++ course, start doing leetcode right after that while going this list. https://quantnet.com/threads/mfe-recruiting-reality-check-what-every-incoming-student-needs-to-know.61215/

It may not make a big difference but it will be a plus nonetheless.

I would advise that you take that first job, work a few years, pay off your student debt and reassess once you have a few of the kind of jobs you do and don't. There are a lot of misconception about the quant job and many people interested in it due to the high compensation level. There are many...

You are not alone. Equip with everything you read here, you should be able to beat the odds and get into some good programs. Start watching the Tracker to see how everyone is doing. They are your competition in some of the programs you apply to. Look at previous years stats in the Tracker and...

As someone who went through the same Math PhD process (number theory specifically), I would say that doing a math PhD for the sole purpose of getting a job in finance is a long, hard and may not be optimal path to get there. As you are still a junior in college, there are times for you to...

Wharton Business school announced a new Master in Quantitative Finance program as a result of a $60 million donation by Dr. Bruce Jacobs. The program is currently open to undergraduates at UPenn who will take a 4+1 approach to graduate with the combined undergrad + master degree. The first...

I would second @arohan about having a good understanding of the career goal, how your profile and the program will be a good fit. Programs have many applicants and they need to find someone who have realistic expectation.

I think UK rankings matter a lot more than in the US because UK job market is very small compared to Wall Street. A degree from Imperial/Oxbridge goes a lot further there whereas if you are good enough, you can break in with a degree from a state public university. As far as getting into the UK...

You are cooked, well done, finished!!! Some people will say that but I would point you to many examples that show otherwise. https://quantnet.com/threads/from-low-cgpa-to-my-dream-school-columbia-mafn-nyu-mfe-and-more.61047/

It's identical to the test taken at testing center so there should be no issue. Programs should not be able to distinguish as far as GRE reporting goes.

1. Yes, if you get distinction in the C++ course, it will triumph any lower grade in college for similar C++ course. The course is highly rigorous, relevant and has been taken by thousands of MFE applicants. 2. Good idea, probability is always a good idea as it prepares you for interview, brain...

I see a lots of Indian applicants doing CFA/FRM as preparation for MFE. It is a lot of money and time invested for something that is not valued much by MFE admission committee. What certificate/course would have more value instead? Something like the C++ or Python certificate here as well as...

Without knowing your full stats, I think you have a good chance at some UK programs outside of Oxford, Imperial. You should be able to get a job in finance that combines math and technology/ML as long as you have realistic expectation. Take a look at the UK rankings and you will see their...

These programs have optional GRE for a reason: to encourage you to apply. Definitely apply to Baruch. They are pretty rigorous so make sure you put in enough work to prepare. It is tough but the ROI is tremendous. Talk to @MikeLawrence, he is another American from a state university who got in...

If you have a few months to get your C++ up to the competition level, I would definitely recommend the Baruch C++. QBA is based on undergrad level math so you can just prepare using their topic list. Get a few college books to review those topics. No need to stress out too much on it. Go through...

Are you domestic student? Some people don't do well on test so don't stress too much on it. With the right preparation, getting a 169-170 in GRE Q is possible. If not, some programs make it optional and they will evaluable you in different ways. Baruch MFE has its own QBA test. You should apply...

Hey Diego, As long as you have good grades in all the required courses for the MFE programs, you should have a good shot. Do you know C++ or Python well? Are you able to interview well? Have you done all the interview books? There are plenty of items on the checklist to cover. Brand name school...

You are early enough in the process that you should be able to get all your ducks on a row and tailor your undergrad coursework to be competitive for top MFE programs. Are you a domestic student or international? Critical things you can do is to get relevant internship, invest time in leetcode...

It just getting earlier and earlier. I have seen high school seniors getting in on the action.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/gappy_buy-side-quant-job-advice-activity-7370798652082032641-hy6r?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAADSXOgBAvgNEz721y5Mgswl7OOGHAAqC7E

This is a good advice. There are many free or inexpensive online courses that teach C++. There are some courses that are even more expensive than the ones offered by Baruch and Quantnet. That said, I haven’t seen anything that is close to the value that the QuantNet C++ course offers. You can’t...

Solid course choices. Unless you want to delve into high frequency trading and how such system work, some of the computing electives can be done without. Same with the elective courses. Make sure you have good grades on all the math courses required by quant programs (cal 1-3, linear algebra...

If your application is ready by first deadline, you should do it. Many programs have a cohort size and scholarship amount set which goes to many first rounders. If you apply to later rounds, you are at the mercy of remaining spots. Baruch has not set class size so it does not matter when you...

There are limited opportunities in Canada, mostly in the Bay Street area, Toronto. To have some idea you can follow the Toronto Math Fin program. They are active on social media and you can see the type of employers having relationship with the program. Pension funds, insurance companies...

It's most ideal for working professionals with years of experience who want to break into finance. Given the time and financial commitment involved with CQF, it's not something that most people would do to prepare for MFE. There are certainly math and programming courses that are better suited...

The number of people working on Wall Street with a quant finance, MFE degree is a small fraction compared to people without those quant degrees. In fact, many quant graduates already have a graduate degree in math/stat/CS or another STEM fields. The value of top quant program is in their alumni...

You are not alone in this journey. Many people with similar background and are doing the same kind of prep. It will take serious time and financial commitment but it's the only way to stay competitive in this field. Keep in mind, getting into a top tier MFE program is just the first step in a...

Some MFE programs have updated their curriculum to include ML/AI courses. That said, MFE is a very niche field but well defined with decades of track record. I am not clear how AI/ML degree will end up in the future. It may replace CS degree in the future, or not. Whatever you choose, it will be...

No, CQF serves a different purpose and audience. You are better off with a rigorous preparation like this. https://quantnet.com/threads/feedback-on-plan-for-building-profile-for-baruch-mfe-fall-2026.59132/

You can do any STEM degree and apply for quant jobs. Educational requirements for quant jobs are not asking for a specific MFE degree. The utility of an MFE degree is its alumni network, career services, practical training to this niche field. These are the strength of a really good MFE program...

Very timely and helpful article. Thank you @Ash Cross Utilizing tips like these will help you gain an edge in this hyper competitive field.

No. It is important that you are familiar with topics we cover in the first C++ course before taking this one.

Each program will have their own format, theme, questions for you to address in your SOP. Essentially, you want to convincingly tell a story about yourself, your understand of the industry, the program and how it will perfectly prepare you for the future role. It's a love letter showing how you...

The QuantNet C++ course is a really solid choice to ready your programming skill. Many CMU MSCF students have taken them over the years. If you want to have an option to get into Quant Developer role, I would strongly suggest taking the Advanced C++ after the QuantNet C++ course. It will give...

If you have been able to pick and choose your courses, I think the type of degree or major is less important. You already got a spot for next summer so I think you should further develop your soft and hard skills. Learn about the industry, network with your senior and the school alumni to have a...

Very interesting analysis by NYT on the decision by Columbia and Brown (sure to be followed by others) to release admission data on test scores, GPA and race. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/07/upshot/trump-college-admissions-race-wealth.html

There is no easy and quick answer for your dilemma given the choices across programs and disciplines. As international student, please keep in mind the options available to you post graduation and how they would lead to your long term goal. Do you plan to stay in the UK a few years or do you...

Hey Albert, When did you get the Waitlisted result? Your tracker says 3/27/25 but it doesn't make sense given your second interview on 7/31. In any case, I think having interviews are good, better when you have 2. It shows their interest in your candidacy. A waitlist is a second best outcome...

This is a positive point. By itself, it may not weight much but the more positive points you can collect for your application, the better.

Here are some good advice that is still relevant today as 18 years ago.

It's nothing to sneeze at if this is your first foray into the quant space. If anything, it broadens your interest and give you a better idea of what you like to do long term. If you have other internship options to choose from, this is a good one to have on your resume as a junior. I think long...

Did you pay for any of those courses? If it's free, then the value may not be as high for admission. Many people have multiple of these courses which are good as introductory.

Here is an excellent guide on how to prepare for internship. Hopefully you can learn and take actions to get better results. My advice is to apply far and wide. There are thousands of financial firms that hire every year. Don't just focus on the ones that everyone else is applying...

The administration is planning to change the H1-B visa system for skilled workers to favor companies that plan to pay foreign workers higher wages. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/25/us/trump-visas-h1b-citizenship-tests.html

One of the best things you can do to strengthen your application is to participate and immerse yourself in the activity that the programs offer to prospective applicants. There is frankly very little you can learn about each program just by looking at their website. The info there is often...

Looks like a good profile for QD role. Your main research focus should be on programs and which one is a good fit for your career goal. Every program has their own criteria and preference for candidates. Look beyond the application stage to see how to become a strong job candidate. This will in...

Are you planning to apply for programs in Europe or US? What is your career goal?

All the courses taken do not have to be completed by application time but need to be completed by admission result time. You would update the programs on the status as you complete them. Some programs would require you to complete certain courses as condition for admission. For example, CMU MSCF...

Don't do CQF/FRM. Don't do GRE Math subject. All you need is a high GRE Q score. Get it as high as possible and move to the next to-do item.

Baruch is a good choice if you can get in. It's one of the few options for part-time in NYC area. It has low cost so I would consider it a good investment just to get in and use their alumni and career services resource. Any MFE program you join will be a very stressful to study while working...

You need to come up with more convincing reason than that. The best one should come from your research about the industry, what skillset you bring, etc. Think of a big puzzle and where you will fit in this puzzle. The more look at the puzzle by reading books, talking to practitioners and other...

Always try to get an internship or job first if you can get one. Graduate schools will always be there and with relevant experience, you will be a better applicant.

All the baseline numbers look good (GPA, GRE, US Citizen). Your weakness is a non-STEM degree from a small college. All the courses taken are good as far as meeting the requirements. I believe you can take the next steps in preparation and target the top tier programs (Baruch, CMU). Consider...

UT Austin is a very selective public university in a tech heavy, interesting city. Definitely go there if you can. Being US citizen is a big plus. Take the C++ course (and Python course) offered here. They are top notch and very well-known in the MFE circle. A lot of people taking it because...

There are ways to overcome low GPA. This is a good example. https://quantnet.com/threads/from-low-cgpa-to-my-dream-school-columbia-mafn-nyu-mfe-and-more.61047/

This means even your resume ticks all the boxes, they may not have a look at it. You did nothing wrong there. I don't know how screening at that specific firm works but from reading many members, it's a game of luck or numbers. Most people who got a position because they know someone inside...

Assume you are US domestic student, you can boost your chance by doing C++ course and/or Python. You will be tested for those skills in all entry level quant interviews. Use your school career services and alumni network to apply. Go through the interview books, Leetcode prep (again, you need...

I would suggest that you spend a significant time on program research, especially the curriculum and career path post graduation of their alumni. Everything may sound good and dandy until you dig deeper. The main objective should be if the curriculum lines up with your career goal. Many programs...

You should be grateful for the closure. Imagine the agony of not knowing. This is sarcasm, of course. Best of luck at NYU.

Take a look at the Yale AM program as well. The program name literally has the AM in it.

Glad to help. This may serve as a helpful indicator to filter out the type of jobs.

@Shaihuludpaul Based on last year timing, the registration for the Fall 2025 will be open in Sep for courses starting in Oct-Dec. There are plenty of people who recently finished the course. @MikeLawrence @grxthy

Short answer: No. Can you update your tracker to show the admit? Congrats and thanks. You will most likely have to use your own effort to earn a job in either program so just take the placement number out of the equation. Same Columbia name but MAFN is a more organized process based on what we...

Stock pitch sounds like some old school IB fundamental roles than having any do with quant finance. In any case, pick a popular stock like TSLA and see the recommendations from analysts covering the stock. Adam Jonas from MS covers TSLA well over the years. See if you can search for his...

The sooner you learn about MFE landscape the better you can prepare for it. C++/Python are definitely a must have skill today, regardless whether you end up in finance. Getting some years of experience first is never a bad idea. You would have a better idea or what you like/hate. MFE programs...

I think you can be competitive for many programs if you properly present your application with research to show your understanding of how your profile fits into the type of roles a program prepares for. Taking the Options course is a great idea for people with your background to gain...

Get the latest version. We linked to whatever latest at the time of the post.

I'm not familiar with UK market so not much help here. Cambridge has a good name there so I thought it would at least open doors for you. What kind of career services do they provide you with? Do employers come to Cambridge and make presentation and collect CV/resumes? Do your math professors...

Confirm @kakimochi completed the C++ course with distinction. Instead of number theory, I would suggest taking the Options course or the Python course. The Options course will give you a strong foundation on the fundamentals of quant finance and how options theory works. It will come in very...

Your profile is very typical of Indian applicants with the GPA on the lower side. I think you will need to invest more on some serious courses instead of relying on the free Coursera type certifications. They are good to learn the basics but rarely provide the ROI in this competitive field. I...

I would strongly build a personal impression with the programs you truly want to join. You can do that by participating in their info sessions either online or in person. More often than not, the staff are more likely to remember the applicants who show interest in person. It's really hard to...

Internship/work experience > publication. I have no idea on the type of journal. Maybe the most well known in the field of the subject.

I think it will help to show your maturity. If everything equal, having publication will be a plus.

You are preparing for a career in one of the most competitive industries where every applicant seems more accomplished. With a non STEM background, your journey will be longer but many people have done it before you. There are hundreds of business students who made it in the MFE programs. Look...

Everything is getting highly technical. AI is getting better everyday so less technical roles are going redundant at some point. Just my guess. Some MFE programs are better at updating their curriculum based on feedback from alumni. I would look at their current curriculum and ask for the new...

Hey Drew, If you are a domestic applicant, I think you should apply to all programs your heart desires. You may have a better shot than you assume. Just make sure the programs you pick provide you with the curriculum and career opportunities for your target roles. Join their online info...

Definitely. It gives you the foundation on how options theory work. Many of these insights are crucial during interviews so it will give you an edge. Everyone who took it gave a big thumbs up.

It's an idea that I'm very open to. I think we addressed critical skillset like programming with C++ and Python courses but we haven't addressed the gritty nitty database skillset part. @Alexander Unterrainer - DefconQ I'm game if you are :)

I appreciate your attitude and open to feedback. Too many applicants suffer from a syndrome of "doing the minimal" to get admitted. Yes, taking the shortcuts may save time and money but in the long run, it will back fire spectacular. If you read the recent reviews of some programs, many admitted...

Definitely take the C++ and/or Python courses offered by QuantNet. Preferably both. They are taken by thousands of MFE applicants before you and recommended by most quant programs. This will address the programming/computational component of your applications. Getting a distinction in the...

Hey Timmy, I'm not going to rose color anything for you. Reality is that none of your options will lead you to your desired goal of being a QT at JS/JT/Citadel/etc. In fact, very few people from these programs graduate to such a role. It's a long process and some may get there eventually on...

LSU has an online 3-credit probability course. Looks pretty basic. You may want to check it out. This is just by a quick google so I have no personal experience. https://ce.lsu.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do;jsessionid=9C45AA695F08CAAAA7C7D9E950054309?method=load&courseId=1007980

I would start by adding your application timelines to the Tracker so I can have a better understanding of your profile. Again, being a trader at an IB is quite broad a description. It can be as simple as flow traders who executive trades for clients. These types of jobs have their own recruit...

What are your confusions? The placement stats are published above. You can read reviews to get recent feedback from alumni to get insights. Cost of living in NYC vs LA can be researched online.

They are aiming at different career paths. What do you want to get out of them?

I would not necessarily base a career choice on any honorable mention list. Does being on that list gives you any more insight into a program than the data already available on QuantNet? Let's start with what you want to do after the program. It's different wanting to get a quant trader job at...

Thanks for sharing on the tracker. As for SoP, @Leggoo MFE did post a few helpful pointer on how to craft your story. You should tie your work experience with your own preparation with the training from the program to lead to your career goal. This requires a thorough understanding of the...

Can you add your 2025 applications to the Tracker? Appreciate it. This way, we can identify and suggest improvement for your 2026 profiles. My impression is that you have a solid numerical profile but the soft quality (SoP, LoR, etc) is not convincing. In short, your profile is not standing out...

Hey @ijeezi When did you get your admission to the program? Can you add the timeline to the tracker please? I have added the basic stats for the program to QuantNet list and a quick look at their published career data seems to indicate that they have few placement into hedge fund or quant...

This program is a full-time 12-months offered by the Department of Mathematics and Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) at the University of Manchester. This program is more mathematical and theoretical than a similar MSc Quantitative Finance program offered by AMBS.

This is something in the wheelhouse of @Ash Cross She can give you some useful pointers. A lot of our members have gone through the same journey before. https://quantnet.com/threads/is-being-extroverted-vital-for-success-in-the-financial-industry.38416/...

The west coast MFE programs traditionally place well into those AM firms such as Pimco. I do know you will find alumni of UCB MFE and UCLA MFE there. However, I don't believe I have seen detailed breakdown for each year so it's hard to know if they still place well there recently. Best to...

MSOR is not designed for finance industry even though many graduates have customized their courses for such roles. Also, there is very minimal career services attached to the MSOR. Chicago has a more established career services. Are you planning to work full-time and study part-time?

As long as you meet all the requirements for math courses, there is no reason that you can't get admitted into some MFE programs. If you want to make into top US quant programs, you can certainly take steps to strengthen your profiles. Take pre-MFE courses, take C++ or Python courses. Do quant...

I think you should aim for programs you want to get into. There are plenty you can do to put yourself in a better position when it's time to apply. Look at the profiles and posts by members who got into your target programs and go from there. Many of them generously shared their preparation journey.

Being an American is a big plus, more so now than ever. Universities and firms are more open to take in Americans given the political uncertainty. Definitely take the C++ course here. Then the Options course (good for non finance majors and good prep for interviews). Take the Python course...

Goldman Sachs announced that they received over 360,000 applications for 2600 internship spots this summer. This is a 0.7% acceptance rate, lower than getting into the top Ivy league universities. Let this sink in for a minute! If you apply to the most popular firms that are household brand...

I think there are many signals we should be aware of here. Getting into a top tier firm is a signal. Having a successful track record at a firm is another strong signal. Working at a top firm makes it easier to get other jobs because it's a strong signal but it's not the only signal you can use...

You seem to be doing alright to me. Most people new to this industry only focus on the top tier (Jane Street, Citadel, etc) while there are thousands of little known firms out there that are making tons of money. To break into the top tier is like making into the NBA, NFL. Most people should...

You will definitely get into a few programs. I think you should apply to a more competitive programs and then select from those if admitted. Retake courses that you got low grades. Take credit-bearing online courses or Baruch pre-MFE courses. Work on your SoP and explain why a particular program...

Wharton School Senior Vice Dean for Teaching and Learning and Accounting professor Brian Bushee introduced a “4+1” Master of Science in Quantitative Finance program that enables undergraduate students to earn a postgraduate degree by completing coursework during their senior year and one...

Yes, you should take credit-bearing courses whenever possible. Many people do not have that option so online courses or pre-MFE courses like those by Baruch MFE is the second best option.

Quant Developer (QD) is the type of roles that you should target. It pays very well and are in high demand in many financial firms. You can branch out to fintech or adjacent fields if desired. With the rise of AI, who knows how this could shake out. One thing I have noticed over the years is...

Of course but super tailor your undergrad for the sole purpose of getting into a MFE program can be tricky. What if MFE does not work out? What if you find something else more interesting or lucrative, etc? That being said, the most common background for MFE is math/CS/engineering for the most...

There is no need for a perfect math background, as long as you get high grades in the relevant math courses. You do not need to be a math major or IMO math medalist. Programs use the math requirements to filter out those who can't handle the math courses in their curriculum. The hardest one is...

If he has terrible expectation and unrealistic view of the industry, he shouldn't aim for the type of jobs that get a 0.1% selection rate. There are plenty of fullfiling jobs for better than average smart people to make a living. Chasing after $$$ is not the answer.

Just think of this in the context of preparing for life after MFE. Sure, any STEM undergrad degree would qualify you for the basic requirements at most programs. Then, ask yourself how you will stand out and get a better shot at top programs. This is where more math courses (stochastic calculus...

Learn Python and C++. Learn at much as you can on your internship so you can determine if this is what you enjoy and excel at. In the meantime, read and learn as much as you can about the industry, technical skills, etc. Just find something you are really good at and keep at it.

The program is 12-month full-time which starts in mid September. Director: Marwa Hammam

Don't pay for any company that takes your money with a promise of an internship. It's mostly a scam. This is from many feedbacks I have read. If a program does not require GRE, it's for a good reason. Your lack of GRE is not the reason for the rejection. Sounds like you don't properly prepare...

When Trump announced the pausing of new US visa for international students, one of my LinkedIn connections reached out immediately and asked for the right course of action. I told him to reach out to the MFE programs that rejected his application. He told me he got into 2 more programs...

Address these issues head on. Take the Baruch pre-MFE courses and got an A in them. A strong recent grades will override your past grades.

A more focused approach will yield better result. You have to pick either RM or QR since they don't have much overlap. If you are interested in risk management roles, there are plenty of those jobs in the US market. The preparation for this role will be different than if you aim for QR roles...

Take more math courses. The harder ones and get As in all of them. Take the QuantNet C++ course. You are competing with applicants with a stronger math or programming background so you need to be on the level playing field.

I'm pretty sure we have multiple articles covering each of your question. The process and advice is the same every year. What changes is that the amount of applicants have significantly increased over the years. It is harder to get into the top programs while the it's harder for lower-tier...

You need to narrow down your criteria on programs and your expectation out of them. Go by location, job profiles, etc. Among those programs, find out their expectation from you. The good programs are the ones that your expectation meet their expectation. With some preparation (see journey by...

It's June 5th. Are people still having a pending or waitlisted status?

The Trump administration escalated its attack on Columbia University on Wednesday by taking a warning shot against its accreditation, a key credential that U.S. universities need to receive federal student aid. The federal Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights, which two weeks ago...

Trump announced on Wednesday that he would prevent Harvard University’s international students from entering the country, announcing an aggressive move six days after a federal judge said she would halt the administration’s efforts to disqualify those students from receiving visas...

https://quantnet.com/uk-rankings/

UCB MFE and Georgia Tech QCF have Spring semester option.

US News did a ranking for best stats programs in 2022 but looks like they stopped doing it. https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-science-schools/statistics-rankings It's not whether you did MFE or Stats, it's how you get in the door. Job descriptions often list MFE/Math/Stats/CS...

A comprehensive answer can be derived from our Tracker data where members indicated which programs they enrolled. We have members representing every single quant master programs or PhD you can think of.

Students from various MFE programs usually post their resume on LinkedIn. They all follow a standard format that is optimized which you can use as a guideline. Here is an example.

Another option is to anonymize your CV and post here. You can also work with some professional career coach who specialized on this line of work.