Baruch MFE Feedback on plan for building profile for Baruch MFE Fall 2026?

[grxthy]

Hi everyone,

I posted here around a month ago, and have since put together a plan for the next year in order to bolster my application, as well as fill most of the quantitative holes from my undergrad degree. Any feedback/suggestions would be much appreciated!

A little background:
I graduated in 2021 with a BBA in Economics/Finance from Baruch College. My GPA was not good (~3.00), but I’ve since gained 3.5 years of experience in industry. My career so far has been in data engineering, software project management, and data science. I consider myself very proficient in Python, SQL, and various BI tools, and I have extensive experience managing global software projects (current doing this at a tier 2 IB, back-office). I have done lots of meaningful work so far at a few different companies that I am proud of, and have fantastic contacts for letters of recommendations.

Current Plan:​

• Calculus 1-3: I’m currently re-taking Calculus I (took it in undergrad, but did not really learn it, and it's been years so i decided to take it all again. I am taking the final for this next week.) and plan to take Calculus II and III over the next ~6-8 months. These are flexible online courses through UND. I would've preferred to go through a better school, but my company only covers x amount every year for tuition reimbursement, and it was the cheapest and most efficient option to obtain the credits while I'm working full-time.
• Baruch Pre-MFE Seminars: I’m planning to take nearly all the following seminars, fortunately my company will pay for these (assuming I get admitted):
  • Probability Theory for Financial Engineering
  • Numerical Linear Algebra for Financial Engineering
  • Advanced Calculus for Financial Engineering (if time permits and I'm not overloaded with work)
  • C++ Programming for Financial Engineering
  • Advanced C++ for Financial Engineering
  • Options Primer for Financial Engineering
  • Linear Algebra and its Applications, Gilbert Strang
  • Econometrics: A Modern Approach, Jeffrey Wooldridge
  • Primer for the Mathematics of FE, Dan Stefanica (reading this in parallel to my courses - even though I may not be able to solve the exercises yet, it is helpful to see how it all relates to the material that will be taught in the MFE program).
• Machine Learning Pet Project:
  • Independent project to scrape tons of NBA player prop data, identify arbitrage opportunities, and develop predictive models. I've been working on this on and off for a while with some peers and have made a modest amount of profit.
• Application Goal: The goal is to officially apply for Baruch’s MFE program in November 2025, for the Fall 2026 semester.

I’m still a little concerned that my lack of a highly quantitative undergrad degree might limit my chances for admissions to Baruch's MFE, but I could just be overthinking it. I’m also wondering if there are any additional steps I should be taking to strengthen my application or if there are alternative pathways I should consider.

I would really appreciate any feedback or suggestions you might have, especially if there’s anything I’m overlooking or could be doing differently to enhance my chances. Some book recs would also be great!

Thanks!

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Pretty solid plan for Fall 2026. I like that you leave enough time to properly learn and prepare. This is the exact plan that I would do.
Get distinction on all of your pre-MFE courses and Bob's your uncle.
Don't forget the QBA.

 

[grxthy]

Pretty solid plan for Fall 2026. I like that you leave enough time to properly learn and prepare. This is the exact plan that I would do.
Get distinction on all of your pre-MFE courses and Bob's your uncle.
Don't forget the QBA.

Thanks Andy, this is reassuring. I made sure to give myself enough time to learn as much as possible + fill the pre-reqs, while still being able to work full time (and also not burn out).
As for the QBA, I allotted the last few months before applications open in November to consolidate + review all the material I learned and prepare for the QBA.

 

[dstefan]

This is a very well-thought plan, it could be a very good blueprint for other people to prepare for admission a well.

Good luck!

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Did you sign up for the pre-MFE courses yet? They are open.

 

[grxthy]

Did you sign up for the pre-MFE courses yet? They are open.

Hi Andy, yes! I am registered for Probability Theory seminar next month. Very excited. I am also planning for NLA and possibly Advanced Calc for the spring, then the C++/Options primer courses in the late spring/summer.

Thanks for the follow up!

 

[MaxYap]

Andy, are the online pre-MFE courses available anytime of the year or are they offered only at certain set times - presumably Oct to March every year - as outlined in Baruch's website https://mfe.baruch.cuny.edu/pre-mfe-program/ and limited to the first 40 sign-ups?
The reason I ask is that I am an UG senior applying now for admission to Baruch's MFE program admission Fall 2025 and won't have time to take these courses until the summer of 2025.

 

[dstefan]

Andy, are the online pre-MFE courses available anytime of the year or are they offered only at certain set times - presumably Oct to March every year - as outlined in Baruch's website https://mfe.baruch.cuny.edu/pre-mfe-program/ and limited to the first 40 sign-ups?
The reason I ask is that I am an UG senior applying now for admission to Baruch's MFE program admission Fall 2025 and won't have time to take these courses until the summer of 2025.

The Pre-MFE seminars are offered twice a year, October - December and January - March.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

@grxthy
I saw that @Kevin Griffin took the same set of courses like you plan (pre-MFE courses, QuantNet C++ courses, etc). He was admitted to Baruch MFE in 2023 according to the bio page.
Kevin was literally a NASA engineer. I saw his post about about working at a jet propulsion lab but didn't connect the dots then
He posted feedbacks on the courses so it's worth checking out.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

@grxthy
Any update on your plan? How far have you done according to the list?

 

[grxthy]

@grxthy
Any update on your plan? How far have you done according to the list?

Hi Andy,

As of today I have completed:

Calc 1, 2 through online asynchronous courses at UND.
Pre MFE - Probability Theory for Financial Applications w/ Distinction
Pre MFE - Accelerated – Advanced Calculus with Financial Engineering Applications

In progress: Pre MFE - Numerical Linear Algebra for Financial Engineering

I am also currently interviewing for quant roles at fintech firms. An interesting and exciting development which may change the trajectory of this plan. But we shall see...

 

[Andy Nguyen]

I am also currently interviewing for quant roles at fintech firms. An interesting and exciting development which may change the trajectory of this plan. But we shall see...

All good things happen to those who prepare.
I'm sure all the courses you take put you on this path and surely made you a stronger candidate.

 

[mvieira]

Hey, @grxthy, this is a great blueprint for people in similar circumstances. Would you mind sharing the other options you quoted for the flexible Calculus courses, aside from UND? I am looking into boosting my math profile as well. I'd also appreciate some feedback on the UND courses you already completed, if it isn't too much to ask

 

[grxthy]

Hey, @grxthy, this is a great blueprint for people in similar circumstances. Would you mind sharing the other options you quoted for the flexible Calculus courses, aside from UND? I am looking into boosting my math profile as well. I'd also appreciate some feedback on the UND courses you already completed, if it isn't too much to ask

Hi @mvieira,

There are lots of schools that offer something similar. I was basically just looking for any accredited school that offered flexible/asynchronous courses that I could take while working. I liked the UND courses because you could finish the course as fast as 3 months, or as long as a year I think. Obviously I wanted to complete them fast to catch up on material for the PreMFEs. I don't have much experience with Non degree seeking classes at other schools, but UND was solid. If you are currently working I'd recommend seeing if your company will sponsor education like mine did, as the cost adds up fast (~$1500 per class).

Hope that helps.

 

[kakimochi]

Hello! I just want to say that this layout is so helpful for many people like me. I wanted to ask, are you able to take the Pre MFE courses while working full time? Last time I checked I’m pretty sure they weren’t asynchronous.

 

[grxthy]

Hello! I just want to say that this layout is so helpful for many people like me. I wanted to ask, are you able to take the Pre MFE courses while working full time? Last time I checked I’m pretty sure they weren’t asynchronous.

The Baruch Pre MFE courses are offered in the evenings EST, so it is doable for people working full time. That being said, it does require discipline and strict time management as the courses are demanding.

 

[kakimochi]

I've been keeping up with this post going back and forth as I am embarking on a similar journey. I'm curious, I do see that math classes on UND, Netmath or Pre-MFE are about 3-4 months for completion (if consistent) and some serve as prerequisites for each other, I want to know how you're able to complete over ten courses before next year's application rounds. I've realized that its going to take time trying to get credits for each course so I wanted to gain insight from your approach.

 

[grxthy]

I've been keeping up with this post going back and forth as I am embarking on a similar journey. I'm curious, I do see that math classes on UND, Netmath or Pre-MFE are about 3-4 months for completion (if consistent) and some serve as prerequisites for each other, I want to know how you're able to complete over ten courses before next year's application rounds. I've realized that its going to take time trying to get credits for each course so I wanted to gain insight from your approach.

Hi @kakimochi,

Here are the timelines for the courses I have taken so far, and for the rest of the year until my application.

Jul 24 - Oct 24: Calculus 1 through UND​

Oct 24 - Jan 25: Calculus 2 through UND​

Oct 24 - Dec 24: Pre MFE Probability​

Jan 25 - Feb 25: Pre MFE Accelerated AC-FE (I had my calc 2 final during the middle of this course.....was pretty brutal)​

Feb 25 - Apr 25: Pre MFE NLA​

*Currently* Apr 25 - Jul 25: Calculus 3 through UND​

Jul 25 - Oct 25: QuantNet C++​

Oct 25 - Dec 25: one of (Pre MFE Machine Learning, Advanced C++, undergrad course in Real Analysis...) depending on which area I feel I need more review.​

Jan 25 - Apr 26: Consolidate material, review Dan Stefanica's books (both primers), work on some C++/python projects, prep for QBA, etc...​

​

Apply by Round 4 deadline for Fall 2026 admission.​

It's definitely a lot, but doable. I recommend the Self-Paced asynchronous courses for the undergrad classes, as you can finish them quickly. But you still have to study and do the work as there are 3 proctored exams per class.

The stretch from October to February definitely required strict time management and focused study.

Hope this helps

 

[kakimochi]

Hi @grxthy,

I’ve been going back and forth between this discussion post and I got to say you set an amazing example.

I’m about to take some UND courses but I’m wondering if UND courses can be finished in two months judging from your experience with how the whole system runs and the pace for progressing in the course. Do you think it’s possible?

 

[grxthy]

Hi @grxthy,

I’ve been going back and forth between this discussion post and I got to say you set an amazing example.

I’m about to take some UND courses but I’m wondering if UND courses can be finished in two months judging from your experience with how the whole system runs and the pace for progressing in the course. Do you think it’s possible?

I believe you can only submit 3 problem sets per week. I remember reading on their site that the course had to be completed in a minimum of 3 months. I roughly followed this, as I think it's a reasonable pace to both finish quickly and also make sure the material sticks. Maybe you could finish it sooner, I would check with the faculty to make sure.