CMU MSCF vs Harvard CSE vs Cornell MFE

[pgtbzzj]

Hi ,

I know there are many experienced people here and I was hoping for some advice on choosing school. As I listed in the title, I have three options right now, CMU's MSCF vs Harvard CSE (it is a new program Computational Science and Engineering, with the option of extending one more year to get the Master of Engineering instead of Master of Science) vs Cornell's MFE. I know CMU's MSCF has a really good reputation in the industry, but the name Harvard just makes it hard to turn down. I am also afraid that once I choose CMU, there will not be a way back and I will have to follow the path and get a job as a trader, and frankly, I am not very sure if that is what I want right now. But the Harvard's program is new and I am also afraid of not being able to get a job since most of the people at school are going into PHDs. Any advice could help. I truly appreciate your help. Thanks!

 

[mfegrad]

graduates of the mscf program go into all sorts of roles.

 

[pgtbzzj]

graduates of the mscf program go into all sorts of roles.

But they are still in the field of quantitative finance, right? I am just really concerned for this whole field, considering how many people are trying to jump in right now... It feels like a bubble again...

 

[mfegrad]

yes, almost all end up in quantitative finance. and yes, it is a bubble. that's why you have a slew of poor programs and a horde of students applying to these programs. they don't know any better; all they see are dollar signs and the schools are happy to part them from their cash.

 

[pgtbzzj]

yes, almost all end up in quantitative finance. and yes, it is a bubble. that's why you have a slew of poor programs and a horde of students applying to these programs. they don't know any better; all they see are dollar signs and the schools are happy to part them from their cash.

Thanks.... so i guess you are voting for CMU then.....

 

[mfegrad]

no. yours is the only vote that matters. figure out what you want to do and what program will best help you get there.

 

[pgtbzzj]

no. yours is the only vote that matters. figure out what you want to do and what program will best help you get there.

I see. You are totally right. I need to know what I truly want. Thanks!