Does choice of undergrad major matter much?

[nuraV]

I was wondering if the exact choice of undergrad major plays a role in admission. Like, can I justo a cs major and do the bare minimum pre-req math courses (like Calc 3, liner algebra, diff eq), or should I do a double major of a full financial mathematics major + cs major that covers topics like stochastic process, financial economies, scientific computing, etc?

I'm asking because only Baruch seems to have interviews that test specific content knowledge, but other top programs like CMU MSCF or Uchicago don't specifically test content knowledge. Thus, wouldn't it easier todo just a cs major and apply with a better gpa or have the stronger knowledge from math major + cs major (with risk of lower gpa) ?

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Just think of this in the context of preparing for life after MFE. Sure, any STEM undergrad degree would qualify you for the basic requirements at most programs.
Then, ask yourself how you will stand out and get a better shot at top programs. This is where more math courses (stochastic calculus, probability, etc) benefit you.
How you would optimize your undergrad study is up to you. Some people do double major. Some people do one major and take extra courses. Whatever it takes. It may take an extra semester or two. It may boost your GPA or not. There is always a pressure to perform at the highest level given what at stakes.
Programs like Baruch has its own selection process because they don't rely on filter like GRE or GPA. Having a top GPA or GRE help but do not guarantee admission. They are interviewing and making sure you are ready to for job interview on day one.
Other programs have its own criteria of selection.
I think it will benefit to think of the whole process as prepping for the work place instead of getting into MFE programs. After all, the MFE programs last only 3 semesters.

 

[nuraV]

Just think of this in the context of preparing for life after MFE. Sure, any STEM undergrad degree would qualify you for the basic requirements at most programs.
Then, ask yourself how you will stand out and get a better shot at top programs. This is where more math courses (stochastic calculus, probability, etc) benefit you.
How you would optimize your undergrad study is up to you. Some people do double major. Some people do one major and take extra courses. Whatever it takes. It may take an extra semester or two. It may boost your GPA or not. There is always a pressure to perform at the highest level given what at stakes.
Programs like Baruch has its own selection process because they don't rely on filter like GRE or GPA. Having a top GPA or GRE help but do not guarantee admission. They are interviewing and making sure you are ready to for job interview on day one.
Other programs have its own criteria of selection.
I think it will benefit to think of the whole process as prepping for the work place instead of getting into MFE programs. After all, the MFE programs last only 3 semesters.

hi Andy, takes for the explanation. you actually brought up my major point of consideration- how much does the admission panel for the MFEs even look at the academics and transcript for the math courses that the candidates take. Realistically, there are thousands of candidates applying, so in your opinion, would you say that taking these higher level math courses (with a financial math double major) actually add weight to my transcript and boost my chances comparatively to others?
with regards to life to mfe, I complete agree that the material learned in the financial math major will certainly benefit. it is just the aforementioned point here that concern me

 

[GanianFkoa]

Just think of this in the context of preparing for life after MFE. Sure, any STEM undergrad degree would qualify you for the basic requirements at most programs.
Then, ask yourself how you will stand out and get a better shot at top programs. This is where more math courses (stochastic calculus, probability, etc) benefit you.
How you would optimize your undergrad study is up to you. Some people do double major. Some people do one major and take extra courses. Whatever it takes. It may take an extra semester or two. It may boost your GPA or not. There is always a pressure to perform at the highest level given what at stakes.
Programs like Baruch has its own selection process because they don't rely on filter like GRE or GPA. Having a top GPA or GRE help but do not guarantee admission. They are interviewing and making sure you are ready to for job interview on day one.
Other programs have its own criteria of selection.
I think it will benefit to think of the whole process as prepping for the work place instead of getting into MFE programs. After all, the MFE programs last only 3 semesters.

















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