Feedback for Profile Review for Fall 2026 Application

[hima]

Hello to whoever is reading,

I’m posting to get some feedback on my current plan for strengthening my profile as I prepare to apply to programs for Fall 2026. My goal is to address any quantitative and financial gaps from my undergraduate education and help build a more competitive application. I also want to be able to come back to this later in the future and being able to document some of my progress. I appreciate any advice, suggestions, or guidance for different ways to help my preparation. I’m also open to book recommendations or other resources that can help strengthen my understanding before applying as well.

Background:
I’m an American citizen earning an undergrad in Computer Science from a good publically ranked university in the southeastern United States this Spring 2026. My GPA will be 3.4/4.0 by the beginning of my fall semester this year. My mathematics coursework so far includes Calculus II, probability and statistics used with R, and linear algebra this upcoming fall.

From my undergraduate program, I have had to work with several programming languages, including Python, Java, R, and C. I have also completed coursework in object-oriented programming, data structures, computer architecture, and other classes as well for which has helped me build a strong technical foundation. To help further my skill set and prepare for applications a little more, I’m planning to complete a certification in C++ this upcoming fall.

Research project:
In Fall 2025, I will begin an undergraduate research project under the guidance of the head of the computer science department. The focus will be on modeling the behavior of the limit order book. I will study how order flow affects price changes and liquidity. I'm planning to present or publish the outcome and any findings in my project. The project will involve both predictive modeling and simulation-based analysis, allowing me to try and get an early start when it comes to experience in financial modeling and market structure. I’m intentionally trying to align whatever project I do with core topics to make it relevant for grad school applications.

Current plan and timeline:
September 2025:

• Take the GRE with a goal of scoring 165+ in the quantitative section and at least 155+ in the verbal reasoning section (Currently studying through GregMat + PrepSwift)

Fall 2025:

• Complete C++ certification to strengthen my programming background.
• Continue taking classes for Fall 2025.
• Begin the research project.

November 2025:

• Retake the GRE if I feel like my original scores were not strong enough.

Winter/Spring 2026:

• Enroll in an Options Primer for Financial Engineering course. Since I have not taken finance courses further than intro courses, I believe this course will help me build a stronger foundation and prepare me for both graduate-level coursework. However, I'm not sure if I should just rather take the Advanced C++ course instead.
• Submit applications to financial engineering programs for Fall 2026 admission.
• Finalize my undergraduate degree and research project.

Application goal:
I plan to apply to different programs with a stronger focus on top-ranked programs. As I look through different programs I understand that some are structured more like business administration degrees while others are more technical so I would definitely take any advice here. My goal is to pursue programs that are centered on financial engineering with an emphasis on mathematical modeling programming and data-driven analysis as I am trying to eventually pursue a quant research role in the future.

Concerns:
One of my primary concerns is that my current GPA may fall slightly below the average for more competitive financial engineering programs. However, I have additional coursework ahead and am confident that I can continue to improve my academic track record. I’m also aware that my undergraduate curriculum does not include more than 2 finance or economics courses. To address this, I’m seeking supplemental preparation in the future, including maybe a focused course on options and with my research project as well.

I have not yet secured any professional internships or experience so far going into my Senior year. I'm not 100% sure if that would hinder my chances, and if I should be more actively trying to secure positions in later rounds this year.

I recognize that my undergraduate institution may not be considered a top-target school for programs, but I’m working to demonstrate my readiness for graduate-level quantitative finance coursework through technical foundation, research experience, and my independent academic efforts. My intention is to show that I have built the skills necessary for programs.

Conclusion:
If you have made it this far, I would like to thank you for taking the time to read this so far and offering any feedback. I would be grateful for any thoughts or suggestions on how I can improve my profile or focus my efforts between now and the application deadlines. I look forward to learning and hearing from all your perspectives.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Being an American is a big plus, more so now than ever. Universities and firms are more open to take in Americans given the political uncertainty.
Definitely take the C++ course here. Then the Options course (good for non finance majors and good prep for interviews).
Take the Python course unless you feel very strongly about your Python ability. Python is one of the languages where everyone thinks they know it.
Take the Advanced C++ course if you are interested in career as quant developer.

If you can arrange the time, definitely look into Baruch pre-MFE courses. They cost money and time but are really good preparation. It gives you some self-measuring of how you will handle the course load of the MFE programs.

Hang around, participate on QuantNet. Be like @MikeLawrence and you will become a good candidate, more than you ever dream of.
Best of luck.

 

[hima]

Thank you very much for the advice, Andy, as I really appreciate it. I will definitely prioritize the C++ course this upcoming fall. I am now more open, after giving it more thought, to enrolling in the Advanced C++ course following the intro as well. I also think I will align the Options course for the winter so that I can have it ready on my resume before application deadlines this year. I appreciate your advice on Python as even though my undergrad primarily used it, I’ll take more time on my own to brush up on my skills. Until then, I’ll just be diligent in my studies and stay active here on QuantNet.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

I appreciate your attitude and open to feedback. Too many applicants suffer from a syndrome of "doing the minimal" to get admitted. Yes, taking the shortcuts may save time and money but in the long run, it will back fire spectacular.
If you read the recent reviews of some programs, many admitted students do not know how to program or basic math concepts. I bet these same students will not get an internship or a job offer. So while they do enough to get into an MFE program, they don't do enough to be competitive for this industry. They will be the ones who will be unemployed or underemployed after spending 100K+.
There are 1000+ applicants for every desirable quant job. Those who want it more and willing to invest in their knowledge will get it.

 

[MitchStokes]

I appreciate your attitude and open to feedback. Too many applicants suffer from a syndrome of "doing the minimal" to get admitted. Yes, taking the shortcuts may save time and money but in the long run, it will back fire spectacular.
If you read the recent reviews of some programs, many admitted students do not know how to program or basic math concepts. I bet these same students will not get an internship or a job offer. So while they do enough to get into an MFE program, they don't do enough to be competitive for this industry. They will be the ones who will be unemployed or underemployed after spending 100K+.
There are 1000+ applicants for every desirable quant job. Those who want it more and willing to invest in their knowledge will get it.

Hi Andy, do you still recommend the QN options course for those who take one or more of the Baruch seminars? It seems like most topics show up somewhere in the syllabi (especially AC), but I'm inclined to wonder how deep the seminars are able to go given the short timeframe.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Hi Andy, do you still recommend the QN options course for those who take one or more of the Baruch seminars? It seems like most topics show up somewhere in the syllabi (especially AC), but I'm inclined to wonder how deep the seminars are able to go given the short timeframe.

Definitely. It gives you the foundation on how options theory work. Many of these insights are crucial during interviews so it will give you an edge. Everyone who took it gave a big thumbs up.