Advice Needed: Transitioning from Computer Science to Financial Engineering/Quant Finance

[Kritin]

Hi everyone,

I have an undergraduate background in computer science and am planning to transition into finance, focusing on financial engineering or quantitative finance. While my formal education is in CS, I’ve self-taught foundational finance concepts and am confident I have the necessary skills—like programming, mathematical modeling, and data analysis—to succeed in these programs.

I’m wondering:

1. What are my chances of being admitted to top programs with a computer science background?
2. Do admissions committees prioritize GRE scores, GPA, or specific skills/experience more heavily?
3. How can I best position myself to demonstrate that my technical background and self-taught finance knowledge make me a strong candidate?

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Any programs will say that they have a holistic approach to evaluate applications i.e looking at your profile as a whole instead of focusing on specific numbers.
As long as you meet their checkboxes and can make a compelling case, you will be considered instead of straight reject.
#1 consideration for programs is whether you are prepared to handle the intensive course work and can be successful in securing internship and job offers.
Even the worst programs have a very intensive course load so they want applicants with the right background and readiness.