Columbia MSOR - no prerequisites - HELP!

[gctsan]

Hey all,

I'm interested in applying to Columbia MSOR, but my undergraduate degree was Business (Finance and MIS concentrations). MSOR requires multivariate calculate, linear algebra, probability and statistics at the minimum and I only have business stats that's somewhat relevant to what they are asking. Due to some personal issues, I can't take classes until Spring 2016, but since I plan to apply to the Fall 2016 semester (submit application by end of 2015), I won't have these classes completed at the time of application. Do any of you have experience in this area and know what's the best course of action?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Kael]

1\ Summer schools. I don't know much about other programs, but Columbia's summer school offers high-quality math courses.

2\ Some online courses might help.

 

[Kael]

To be honest, I think you should try MIT MFin rather than any quant programs.

 

[gctsan]

Hey Kael, thanks for replying. I actually like consulting/operations/data science positions much more than finance or accounting. It's kinda an awkward situation too since I'm international (but working full time in finance in the US), so I'd need to obtain student visa to study. Anyways, do you think it would hurt my chance if apply without these prerequisites?

 

[Kael]

Hey Kael, thanks for replying. I actually like consulting/operations/data science positions much more than finance or accounting. It's kinda an awkward situation too since I'm international (but working full time in finance in the US), so I'd need to obtain student visa to study. Anyways, do you think it would hurt my chance if apply without these prerequisites?

It definitely would hurt without calculus/linear algebra/probability knowledge since you probably could not understand the content of the core courses, but if you show strong interest in 'operation-like' positions then maybe you still have some chances.

I might be biased, but I think you should apply since it will only cost you ~100$ fee.

 

[gctsan]

hmm I maybe able to take classes in August this year. I prefer taking classes at a community college over university due to the lower cost, do you think that may look bad?

 

[fifasuperstars]

You will need a great performance in those classes. See if you can work part time to gain experience as well.
Columbia MSOR is a great program and I strongly encourage you to apply.
If you have arranged to finish the courses before commencing in 2016, I think they will take that into consideration.

 

[gctsan]

hey fifasuperstars thanks for helping! best of luck on your MSOR application (I may have stalked you a bit lol) - hopefully we both get to go to Columbia!