GaTech QCF Georgia Tech QCF Admission Discussion

[nkscb]

Anyone knows how has been the placement for GA Tech QCF for the latest batch?

 

[nkscb]

I’ve been admitted to Georgia Tech’s Quantitative & Computational Finance program and UCLA’s Master of Financial Engineering—with UCLA offering a generous $35,000 scholarship. My ambition is to pursue a quantitative research or trading role in equity markets after graduation. Would you recommend leaning toward UCLA? Any insights to help me decide would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

For a UCLA MFE vs GaTech QCF comparison, you should head over here

A

COMPARE Thread 'UCLA MFE vs Georgia Institute of Technology QCF'

3/14/15

Hey Guys,
I'm looking at the comparison between the two. My most important criterion is placements. Then comes quality of study.

I have a certification in CFA Level 1. Possibly Level 2 by July 2015 (fingers crossed). I have no prior job experience.

• Akshay Sakariya
• Replies: 18
• Forum: Program Reviews & Comparisons

I saw you also have a NCSU admit as well. So NCSU is no longer a consideration?

 

[vanessax]

I’ve been admitted to Georgia Tech’s Quantitative & Computational Finance program and UCLA’s Master of Financial Engineering—with UCLA offering a generous $35,000 scholarship. My ambition is to pursue a quantitative research or trading role in equity markets after graduation. Would you recommend leaning toward UCLA? Any insights to help me decide would be greatly appreciated.

I've noticed that you were initially offered 10k scholarship by UCLA... How did you manage to increase it to 35k? It's amazing haha.

 

[nkscb]

For a UCLA MFE vs GaTech QCF comparison, you should head over here

A

COMPARE Thread 'UCLA MFE vs Georgia Institute of Technology QCF'

3/14/15

Hey Guys,
I'm looking at the comparison between the two. My most important criterion is placements. Then comes quality of study.

I have a certification in CFA Level 1. Possibly Level 2 by July 2015 (fingers crossed). I have no prior job experience.

• Akshay Sakariya
• Replies: 18
• Forum: Program Reviews & Comparisons

I saw you also have a NCSU admit as well. So NCSU is no longer a consideration?

Yeah. Not considering NCSU as I feel the courses of GT and UCLA are more attractive for me. The career services of NCSU is a little bit on the down side compared to others as well.

 

[nkscb]

I've noticed that you were initially offered 10k scholarship by UCLA... How did you manage to increase it to 35k? It's amazing haha.

They must really want me there; that's why they are increasing scholarship amount.

 

[vanessax]

They must really want me there; that's why they are increasing scholarship amount.

Did you provide additional information or did something which led to the increase in the scholarship amount? Or did they, on their own accord increased the scholarship amount without you doing anything? Just wanted to know what drove the decision to increase from 10k->20k->35k.

 

[nkscb]

Did you provide additional information or did something which led to the increase in the scholarship amount? Or did they, on their own accord increased the scholarship amount without you doing anything? Just wanted to know what drove the decision to increase from 10k->20k->35k.

I told them about my competing offers and I did ask for more funding to make the UCLA decision more viable. At this point, a fall semester start for both the programs would cost me same in tuition fee. However the cost of living is also a factor and LA is costlier than Atlanta.
As UCLA MFE's website doesn't show the placement stats of 2023 batch (it still shows the stats of 2022 batch), I have asked for more details from their admissions director. I think that would make me plan my move better.

 

[nkscb]

And I have been more inclined to go for a spring semester start at GT (I.e. Before UCLA increased my scholarship to 35K). Reason being the tuition fee reduces to around 52K with a spring start and the cost of living also eases a bit. Moreover, the summer placement scene off late hasn't been great at GT so it's better not to look forward to it. I already have 8+ years of experience in finance so a 3 month internship is something which I can live without.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

I told them about my competing offers and I did ask for more funding to make the UCLA decision more viable. At this point, a fall semester start for both the programs would cost me same in tuition fee. However the cost of living is also a factor and LA is costlier than Atlanta.
As UCLA MFE's website doesn't show the placement stats of 2023 batch (it still shows the stats of 2022 batch), I have asked for more details from their admissions director. I think that would make me plan my move better.

More applicants should be proactive like you, reaching out and asking programs for relevant information. Don't be timid and accept a lack of information as OK. You are investing a huge amount of money and your whole professional career on this.

 

[vanessax]

And I have been more inclined to go for a spring semester start at GT (I.e. Before UCLA increased my scholarship to 35K). Reason being the tuition fee reduces to around 52K with a spring start and the cost of living also eases a bit. Moreover, the summer placement scene off late hasn't been great at GT so it's better not to look forward to it. I already have 8+ years of experience in finance so a 3 month internship is something which I can live without.

Sounds like a plan. Although other than stronger programs, summer placements have been rather weak across all US given the economy. All the best, it seems you have a clear direction!

 

[nkscb]

What is the typical range of stipend amounts offered to summer interns from programs like Georgia Tech's QCF and UCLA's MFE? Additionally, can anyone please clarify whether the summer internships generally span 2 months, 2.5 months, or 3 months in duration?

 

[mudit]

anyone who was waitlisted received any communication? any idea by when can I receive one?

 

[Andy Nguyen]

anyone who was waitlisted received any communication? any idea by when can I receive one?

Your application has been waitlisted for at least 2 months. I think it's time to email or give them a call for an update lest it falls through the crack.

 

[mudit]

Your application has been waitlisted for at least 2 months. I think it's time to email or give them a call for an update lest it falls through the crack.

In the mails earlier, I think they told final decisions will be there by may 1. But being it a labour day and all I expect them to give it out a little earlier...