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How often do people do the video option? Is there an admission rate bias toward people who do this option?
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Columbia FE Application - Online Video?
- Thread starter QuantHopeful
- Start date
I wouldn't listen to that guy. ^ Every school has a different culture, and a different style.
With respect to specifically Columbia, I think it can help you if you know how to interview. Columbia is big on communication skills during interviews, and this can push an otherwise borderline person over the edge. That being said, it is a double-edged sword. If your math is borderline, then a good video with good communication skills, and insightful things to say will push you over the threshold. If you are good at math, and your video is a trainwreck, then that can also push you over the threshold (in the wrong direction). If on paper, the admissions committee might doubt your communication skills, dispel their worries with a good video. However, if you can avoid the video, do so. I know no one in the program now who has done a video. Honestly, Columbia cares more about being able to market you to employers on paper. About 70% of the students in the class right now are from China, and wouldn't have done well in a video. The rest, they will give you training when you get here. The video is just to help the admissions committee form their own biases for or against you. Make your decision wisely.
That being said, I wish you good luck! Columbia is a great place, and in my opinion, the number 1 program.
With respect to specifically Columbia, I think it can help you if you know how to interview. Columbia is big on communication skills during interviews, and this can push an otherwise borderline person over the edge. That being said, it is a double-edged sword. If your math is borderline, then a good video with good communication skills, and insightful things to say will push you over the threshold. If you are good at math, and your video is a trainwreck, then that can also push you over the threshold (in the wrong direction). If on paper, the admissions committee might doubt your communication skills, dispel their worries with a good video. However, if you can avoid the video, do so. I know no one in the program now who has done a video. Honestly, Columbia cares more about being able to market you to employers on paper. About 70% of the students in the class right now are from China, and wouldn't have done well in a video. The rest, they will give you training when you get here. The video is just to help the admissions committee form their own biases for or against you. Make your decision wisely.
That being said, I wish you good luck! Columbia is a great place, and in my opinion, the number 1 program.
@Admissions Advice Online: When I say borderline, I mean acceptable for an MFE program, but perhaps there is some borderline reason the committee is on the fence. Most applicants have impressive backgrounds, but there are only a limited number of seats. We mostly agree, I just don't like your attitude. I don't know anything about you, your background, or your record, but I hope you're as good as you say you are because you sure brag a lot.
I know that Columbia MSFE rejected some people because of their inability to communicate effectively in English. If you don't communicate well in your video, there's no use inviting you for an interview. If the admissions committee sees that you are marketable to an employer, they will consider you. Sometimes, they need that extra thing to rank otherwise equally qualified candidates. (Whether that be to give them a second look, or to knock them out).
I know that Columbia MSFE rejected some people because of their inability to communicate effectively in English. If you don't communicate well in your video, there's no use inviting you for an interview. If the admissions committee sees that you are marketable to an employer, they will consider you. Sometimes, they need that extra thing to rank otherwise equally qualified candidates. (Whether that be to give them a second look, or to knock them out).
Ok my bad. Not to discount what you said. It isn't untrue. I am just skeptical of your background. I don't think anyone as good as you has any reason to brag that much. I just PM'ed you with a follow-up.
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ppl luv to brag since its anonymous no1 can verify anyway
...Oh dear, I'm terribly sorry. Forgive my lack of smartness...
With all due respect, you seem to be a generalist, not a specialist. That is why I am interested to know what MFE programs you place your students into, especially since this thread was specifically about Columbia's MSFE program. Like I said, you don't have to answer, but since you are touting professional expertise, I think the community would be interested to know. It's only natural to want a little validation here.
I have firsthand knowledge of Columbia's MSFE program, and how video introductions fit into their culture. You are marketing yourself as some kind of professional. You don't strike me as one, but that's just me. That is why I was skeptical of your advice. You have proven that you have a successful business, and NYU has a respectable Math Finance program. You seem to know what you are talking about in general. Maybe it's just me, but I just think you could be a bit more tactful. That is all.
Trolling is not the right word. I just wanted to verify your background, and you have done so. Just curious if you have placed people at Columbia MSFE this year?
Plus, this is a public forum. It is a place for people to agree, disagree, and find information. A little doubt is healthy.
Trolling is not the right word. I just wanted to verify your background, and you have done so. Just curious if you have placed people at Columbia MSFE this year?
Plus, this is a public forum. It is a place for people to agree, disagree, and find information. A little doubt is healthy.
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