COMPARE Boston MSMFT vs Columbia MSOR

[Janhavi]

Hey guys,
Its basically the last day before I have to pay up and give in my final decision to Columbia University for the MSOR program and I just wanted to be a 100% sure if I am doing the right thing by choosing CU over BU.

So if anyone has any valid and helpful suggestions, not just out of hear-say, but some real information, I'd really appreciate them posting those ASAP !!

Thank you.

 

[roni]

It would help if you elaborated on your background+ career goals.

 

[Janhavi]

Background: Bachelor of Engineering (Major: Chemical Engg) June 2011 from India. Aggregate of 7 semesters= 72%; GRE 1410(Q:800); Toefl:119;
Had applied to Columbia MFE and was redirected like a lot of others. Got am admit only in tier2 universities: BU MSMF / Rutgers MSMF/ GTech QCF/ U Mich FE
Rejects from : CMU MSCF/ UC Berkeley IEOR/ NYU Math Fin/Columbia MFE

Career goals.. More inclined towards finance than hard core quant. But that is more due to lack of information or insight on the latter. Maybe risk Management consultant/ analyst. Not sure yet.

 

[roni]

I can't really advice you as I'm not very familiar with these programs. But, if you go to Columbia, you get the brand name (very important if you just want to enter finance) and you get to take courses from the MBA program (Columbia has a top-10 business school)

 

[Janhavi]

Yup. Im counting on that. You aren't familiar with Mathematical Finance at BU either? Its alright. No problem. Thanks anyway !

 

[enthusiast]

Career goals.. More inclined towards finance than hard core quant. But that is more due to lack of information or insight on the latter. Maybe risk Management consultant/ analyst. Not sure yet.

Sounds like you have not done your homework. Why do a MFE if you don't want to do quantish type of a job? Why not do a MBA instead?

 

[shobhit khandelwal]

Hello,

I have acceptance from both BU MSMF and Columbia MSOR program. People saying that you can tailor made your msor degree to almost like mfe .But course structure of MSMF At Boston looks better than MSOR at Columbia. But Again Columbia has Big brand name.
I am confused which one to opt for . Can any please share some more info.

 

[Faisal]

I had a similar choice to make a year back. But once I got my Columbia MSOR admit, it was a no-brainer for me. Dont know much about BU MSMF, but for me, Columbia MSOR turned out to be the best program I could ask for.

 

[eternal_man]

Hi guys,

I got rejected for the MSFE program at Columbia and was redirected to MSOR. Not that this is a sure thing, since they've only invited me to apply but I'd like to weigh my options. However I have an Admit to BU's MSMF. Would appreciate it if anyone could provide me with any advice on my situation.

If you need any more of a background on my situation please let me know.

Thanks.

 

[rohitguptagre]

Hi, I am on the same edge....can u throw some light on your background?

 

[eternal_man]

Sure.

US BSc in Applied Math/ Economics
GPA: 3.91
GRE Q: 161
2 Banking internships in South Asia.

How about you?

 

[rohitguptagre]

OK..
I have a engg. background with 4+ years of work ex
GRE Q - 165

 

[eternal_man]

Cool. So what are your thoughts on the 2 programs?
Obviously Columbia's brand name is gonna be a big factor in getting interviews in NYC. Whereas BU's employment report gives the impression that they put out students to work in Boston itself.

 

[rohitguptagre]

Dats true...however MSOR graduates may not have a future later .which Quant graduates might have

 

[diegosanaz]

It is a hard decision. Not long ago I had to make the decision of Columbia Stats vs BU MSMF. I decided for BU and I believe it was a good decision. The program director and the woman that handles career services (exclusively for our program) work hard into placing us and getting us internships.

On the other side, the BU brand name is still not big in NY, some people do get internships and jobs there, but it might be easier with the Columbia brand name. Also, the best way to get internship interviews is having (or at least some) CFA.

Remember one of the most important factors you have to take into consideration is the education you will be receiving. Check which program you are most excited about.

 

[Dave Lee]

vote for BU

 

[eternal_man]

vote for BU

Any reason?

 

[Trisha]

It is a hard decision. Not long ago I had to make the decision of Columbia Stats vs BU MSMF. I decided for BU and I believe it was a good decision. The program director and the woman that handles career services (exclusively for our program) work hard into placing us and getting us internships.

On the other side, the BU brand name is still not big in NY, some people do get internships and jobs there, but it might be easier with the Columbia brand name. Also, the best way to get internship interviews is having (or at least some) CFA.

Remember one of the most important factors you have to take into consideration is the education you will be receiving. Check which program you are most excited about.

I am now on the same situation as you a year ago, CU stat v.s. BU msmf!
I am inclined to BU cuz it might be easier to get me internships and job at local financial firms rather than the stat program in CU.
How's the employment market in Boston these days?

 

[diegosanaz]

Hmmm, not sure. It is tough to get an internship. I don't know how many people have had offers yet. So far I have one pending offer for an ok paid internship (30dls/h). I have friends who have better offers, but most are still in the interviewing process. About the people who graduated last January, most already had jobs by December, but those jobs are not exclusive for the Boston area. Just as a tip, if you already have some CFA, and specially some work experience, is much easier to get interviews.

Not sure what to recommend you to do Trisha. What is your profile? (Education, work exp, etc)

 

[eternal_man]

Hmmm, not sure. It is tough to get an internship. I don't know how many people have had offers yet. So far I have one pending offer for an ok paid internship (30dls/h). I have friends who have better offers, but most are still in the interviewing process. About the people who graduated last January, most already had jobs by December, but those jobs are not exclusive for the Boston area. Just as a tip, if you already have some CFA, and specially some work experience, is much easier to get interviews.

Not sure what to recommend you to do Trisha. What is your profile? (Education, work exp, etc)

If you don't mind me asking, what types of internships are MSMF students securing?