Any input?

[mathormeth]

Hello all!! I'm not sure if anyone has any insights into the UChicago Masters Financial Mathematics program offered, but I was recently waitlisted and plan on reaching out. In my application, I discussed my experience learning a new programming language, the "unorthodox" ways I learned about finance outside of coursework, and demonstrated how UC would help me get where I want.

I plan to send the admissions department a letter, discussing some of the projects l've been working on in my downtime to prepare for graduate programs while continuing to learn about the industry. I also plan on stating that the program is truly my #1, and an admission would be accepted instantaneously (I'll word this better).

Does anyone have any input into what type of student the program is looking for? Any skills I should mention that I might have missed? Also, is there anything I should avoid saying?

Thank you so so much! This forum has been invaluable in helping me craft my applications.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

I feel the spot you are in. Waitlist outcome is out of your control most of them time. For programs like Chicago which has over a thousand applicants every year, there are more people eager to join than available spots.
I don't think what you plan to do will hurt but it may not yield the result you expect. The best time to make a memorable impression is before you apply. Show up to their information session or open house, ask well-researched questions and build personal relationship with their staff. They will remember you when you submit the application.
Also, the best place to negotiate is from a position of strength. If you have multiple offers from comparable programs, telling Chicago that they are your #1 will have a better shot.
You didn't put anything on the Tracker so hard to tell what kind of shot you have.