COMPARE Cornell University MFE vs University of Chicago MSFM

[lnxdx]

Hello, everyone. I was recently admitted to UChicago from the waitlist, along with an acceptance to Cornell MFE a month ago. I am very pleased to get admitted to both programs, but I am quite indecisive about which one to choose.

I think both programs are robust enough when it comes to providing a competitive edge for students to work in the field of quantitative finance. I think what matters the most to me is its location, networking, and eventually post-grad employment. While Chicago has a lower cost of living than NYC, I am concerned about Chicago's safety and weather. I heard Cornell MFE's networking is quite solid when working in NYC, but I wasn't sure about UChicago MSFM's. Finally, I think both programs have solid connections to industries and provide various opportunities (internships, projects, career/networking events, etc.).

I would like to work in portfolio management (preferably in a hedge fund, quantitative research/modeling). NYC and Chicago are both great, but I am more leaning toward the former than the latter. As an applied math major, I am not quite sure which program would be more beneficial in the long run. I know that I cannot go wrong with these programs, but I wanted to make a discreet decision directly related to my initial career. Thank you in advance for your comments, which would be very helpful for me to decide the direction.

 

[meowminimeow]

I did observe that alot of the cornell students do end up in portfolio management and about 60% of jobs offered recieved by alumnia referal (I asked to an alumni) . Also since you are an international student so ivy tag ig??

 

[lnxdx]

I did observe that alot of the cornell students do end up in portfolio management and about 60% of jobs offered recieved by alumnia referal (I asked to an alumni) . Also since you are an international student so ivy tag ig??

Thank you for your comment, I recall I heard something similar like that. I think in terms of institutional reputation, they are comparable.

 

[charishma]

Hi everyone,

I received an admit from University of Chicago MSFM (20K scholarship) and Cornell MFE (10k scholarship). Currently I have a background in modelling/risk side and my target roles post MFE is QR/structuring. Any inputs regarding the programs would be helpful

My insights: The alumni/current students were supportive of their programs, respectively. Career services is also decent in both programs. UoC might be slightly focussed on theory and Cornell slightly towards Machine learning or application side. Chicago is more colder and unsafe compared to Ithaca but alumni mentioned it is manageable. Cornell Ithaca has a beautiful campus and the third Sem will be in New York. Chicago has 4 quarters compared to Cornell which has 3 sems, making Chicago relatively intensive.

 

[lnxdx]

Hi everyone,

I received an admit from University of Chicago MSFM (20K scholarship) and Cornell MFE (10k scholarship). Currently I have a background in modelling/risk side and my target roles post MFE is QR/structuring. Any inputs regarding the programs would be helpful

My insights: The alumni/current students were supportive of their programs, respectively. Career services is also decent in both programs. UoC might be slightly focussed on theory and Cornell slightly towards Machine learning or application side. Chicago is more colder and unsafe compared to Ithaca but alumni mentioned it is manageable. Cornell Ithaca has a beautiful campus and the third Sem will be in New York. Chicago has 4 quarters compared to Cornell which has 3 sems, making Chicago relatively intensive.

I'm in a quite similar situation as yours.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

@lnxdx
Saw that you chose Cornell over Chicago. Can you share what factors help you make that decision?

 

[lnxdx]

@lnxdx
Saw that you chose Cornell over Chicago. Can you share what factors help you make that decision?

Hi Andy,

It was a tough decision to make. However, due to its smaller class size, proximity to NYC (CFEM), strong networking and connections with hedge funds in NYC and Wall Street, compatibility with my long-term career goal (working in quantitative portfolio management at a hedge fund), and potential undergraduate alumni connections with finance majors (I noticed that most of the finance majors in my undergraduate program end up working in NYC, followed by Chicago), I chose Cornell over Chicago. Moreover, the CFEM director told me the program will initiate a quant portfolio construction group starting next Spring or Summer.