How can I compensate for my GPA? It's very low

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QJason

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Hi, I'm a foreigner working in Asia.

I've recently found out about MFE programs and preparing for it (2026 Admission).

But the problem is that I have low GPA, which is about 3.2-3.3 I guess. I don't know if this could be even acceptable to good MFE programs.
I think GPA is the biggest problem I have. But it would be appreciated if you could tell me if I have a shot based on my profile.

<Profile>
1) University and Major
- Graduated from the best university in my country (It's either Tsinghua, Tokyo, or Seoul) with economics major
- Bad GPA, which will be translated into around 3.2~3.3/4.0. I couldn't find the reason for studying during college

2) Prerequisites
- Didn't take prerequisites for MFE programs during college. So I'm working on math prerequisites through extensions program from US universities.
- I took only Econometrics, Mathematics for Economics, Statistics for Economics as a math-related courses. But I took various economics and Finance classes in college including FICC pricing courses.
- Taking classes on Calculus1 and Linear Algebra through extensions program and probably will get A+. Trying to do Calculus2 and Calculus3 before applying.
- Planning on doing Coursera for programming. I only did CS50P and some basic libraries for fun about a year ago.

3) Work Experience
- Worked in Equity Research for 1.5yrs at local investment bank (not global ones like GS, JPM)
- Worked in FICC Trading for 1.5yrs at local investment bank (not global ones like GS, JPM)
- Working in Fixed Income Portfolio management at a local asset management firm for 0.5yrs now.
- CFA Charterholder

4) Scores
- Haven't taken GRE yet but I will try my best to get above 165/170.
- TOEFL 114 but I could make it higher if needed.


Any advice on making profile stronger would be really appreciated.
The main reason that I'm aiming for MFE programs in US is to land a job in US, so I thought it would require making into good MFE programs.
 
I'm going to be brutally honest so you make an informed decision.
Everything you said points to a lack of serious commitment on your part. You went to a top university in your country but didn't take it seriously.
You are preparing for one of the most intensive study period in your life by taking courses from Coursera. It's like learning combat skills by playing video games.
You are at a huge disadvantage compared to many applicants here who either have the right background or plan a more serious path to prepare for MFE programs. You need to take hard, intensive prep courses to challenge yourself. Dedicate the next 12 months for nothing but prep courses. Baruch pre-MFE are the recommended ones to take. You will have to apply and be accepted into those courses but if you do well, it puts you in the right path into many good MFE programs.
There are C++ and Python courses you can take here. It's well-known and highly recommended by all MFE applicants.
@grxthy has similar background and put down a detailed plan to be ready for 2026 admission. He is already taking pre-MFE courses so you need to act quickly before running out of time.
After all this is done and said, getting into a MFE program does not guarantee you a job in the US. Read the reviews from MFE programs to see what their graduates say.
Getting accepted into an MFE program is the easiest part of your journey.
 
Hi Jason,

As @Andy Nguyen mentioned above, the preparation required for consideration to top MFE programs is very challenging and requires sustained focus and disciplined study over long periods - especially if you don't come from a very strong quantitative background. In my case, I have a low undergrad GPA in a non-quantitative degree from a non-target school, and it will take me around 1.5 years just to put together a competitive application for MFE programs. I am taking Calculus 1-3 as a non degree seeking student and taking all the Pre MFEs and QuantNet certificates while working full time. I have quite a lot of experience with programming from my work, but if I didn't I would also take undergraduate courses in these topics or build projects on my own, instead of Coursera.

If you are not committed/passionate about the field of quantitative finance and are only looking to get a job in the US, then I would not recommend this path.

Feel free to DM if you have any questions.
 
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Andy Nguyen said:
I'm going to be brutally honest so you make an informed decision.
Everything you said points to a lack of serious commitment on your part. You went to a top university in your country but didn't take it seriously.
You are preparing for one of the most intensive study period in your life by taking courses from Coursera. It's like learning combat skills by playing video games.
You are at a huge disadvantage compared to many applicants here who either have the right background or plan a more serious path to prepare for MFE programs. You need to take hard, intensive prep courses to challenge yourself. Dedicate the next 12 months for nothing but prep courses. Baruch pre-MFE are the recommended ones to take. You will have to apply and be accepted into those courses but if you do well, it puts you in the right path into many good MFE programs.
There are C++ and Python courses you can take here. It's well-known and highly recommended by all MFE applicants.
@grxthy has similar background and put down a detailed plan to be ready for 2026 admission. He is already taking pre-MFE courses so you need to act quickly before running out of time.
After all this is done and said, getting into a MFE program does not guarantee you a job in the US. Read the reviews from MFE programs to see what their graduates say.
Getting accepted into an MFE program is the easiest part of your journey.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the reply and being honest.

I'm not taking math classes from coursera but from US universities extensions programs such as Berkeley extensions. I asked admissions offices about prerequisites and they said university extensions will be more legitimate than coursera.

Unfortunately, since I'm working full-time in Asia, Programs like Baruch pre MFE are not an option for me because I can't take live courses. So, the only things I can take are online asynchronous courses from University extensions.

The things I'm trying to take from coursera are programming courses. I asked admissions offices of MFE programs and they said coursera is okay for basic programming language courses. But I think you think otherwise. I will consider taking C++ and Python courses here in quantnet, thanks!

I agree that it will be very hard to land a job in the US. And I'm not yet 100% sure if I'm gonna take this route, spending all that money and time on this risky path. It's a tough call because I know it will be much more safe and comfortable choice to just stay in my country working in finance. I'm still thinking about if this is what I really want to do in the future.

What else do you think I can do to prepare for more? What math classes do you recommend besides Calculus1-3, Linear Algebra?
 
QJason said:
What else do you think I can do to prepare for more? What math classes do you recommend besides Calculus1-3, Linear Algebra?
Click to expand...
Probability theory, measure theory, stochastic calculus. There are the knowledge that most students struggle with during MFE study without a proper background.
 
QJason said:
Hi, I'm a foreigner working in Asia.

I've recently found out about MFE programs and preparing for it (2026 Admission).

But the problem is that I have low GPA, which is about 3.2-3.3 I guess. I don't know if this could be even acceptable to good MFE programs.
I think GPA is the biggest problem I have. But it would be appreciated if you could tell me if I have a shot based on my profile.

<Profile>
1) University and Major
- Graduated from the best university in my country (It's either Tsinghua, Tokyo, or Seoul) with economics major
- Bad GPA, which will be translated into around 3.2~3.3/4.0. I couldn't find the reason for studying during college

2) Prerequisites
- Didn't take prerequisites for MFE programs during college. So I'm working on math prerequisites through extensions program from US universities.
- I took only Econometrics, Mathematics for Economics, Statistics for Economics as a math-related courses. But I took various economics and Finance classes in college including FICC pricing courses.
- Taking classes on Calculus1 and Linear Algebra through extensions program and probably will get A+. Trying to do Calculus2 and Calculus3 before applying.
- Planning on doing Coursera for programming. I only did CS50P and some basic libraries for fun about a year ago.

3) Work Experience
- Worked in Equity Research for 1.5yrs at local investment bank (not global ones like GS, JPM)
- Worked in FICC Trading for 1.5yrs at local investment bank (not global ones like GS, JPM)
- Working in Fixed Income Portfolio management at a local asset management firm for 0.5yrs now.
- CFA Charterholder

4) Scores
- Haven't taken GRE yet but I will try my best to get above 165/170.
- TOEFL 114 but I could make it higher if needed.


Any advice on making profile stronger would be really appreciated.
The main reason that I'm aiming for MFE programs in US is to land a job in US, so I thought it would require making into good MFE programs.
Click to expand...
Your profile already has some strong elements, but there are several ways to make it even more competitive for top MFE programs. Here’s a targeted strategy to strengthen your application:

1.​

  • Mitigation Strategy:
    • Highlight your school’s rigor. Top-tier universities like Tsinghua, Tokyo, or Seoul are highly regarded.
    • Use your strong performance in ongoing math courses (Calculus, Linear Algebra) to show an upward trend.
    • Write a brief, honest explanation in your personal statement, emphasizing how you’ve developed discipline and motivation since.

2.​

  • Focus on Prerequisites:
    • Complete Calculus II & III, Differential Equations, and Probability Theory from credible platforms like MIT OpenCourseWare or Harvard Extension.
    • Take Stochastic Calculus or Numerical Methods if possible, as these are directly relevant to MFE programs.
  • Programming Skills:
    • Coursera is good, but consider Python for Data Science and Machine Learning and C++ (many programs prefer C++ knowledge).
    • Build projects showcasing financial modeling, Monte Carlo simulations, or derivatives pricing to demonstrate application of your coding skills.

3.​

  • GRE Focus:
    • Aim for 165+ in Quant and 320+ overall. Strong GRE scores can offset a lower GPA.
    • Practice rigorously with resources like Manhattan Prep and Magoosh.

4.​

  • Your experience in equity research, FICC trading, and portfolio management is a huge asset.
  • Highlight quantitative and analytical projects, such as pricing models or risk analysis, in your essays.
  • Discuss your CFA charter and how it complements quantitative finance.

5.​

  • Reach out to alumni from the MFE programs you’re targeting. Their insights can strengthen your essays.
  • Choose recommendation writers who can emphasize your quantitative skills, intellectual curiosity, and adaptability.

6.​

  • Focus on your motivation for MFE: Describe how your experience led you to pursue an MFE and your long-term goal of working in the U.S.
  • Highlight your progress in math/programming, CFA charter, and passion for financial engineering.
Top MFE programs like those at Berkeley, Columbia, and NYU value a well-rounded applicant with demonstrated quantitative ability and industry experience. With strategic test preparation, strong recommendations, and continued coursework, you can present a compelling application.
 
borneo said:
Your profile already has some strong elements, but there are several ways to make it even more competitive for top MFE programs. Here’s a targeted strategy to strengthen your application:

1.​

  • Mitigation Strategy:
    • Highlight your school’s rigor. Top-tier universities like Tsinghua, Tokyo, or Seoul are highly regarded.
    • Use your strong performance in ongoing math courses (Calculus, Linear Algebra) to show an upward trend.
    • Write a brief, honest explanation in your personal statement, emphasizing how you’ve developed discipline and motivation since.

2.​

  • Focus on Prerequisites:
    • Complete Calculus II & III, Differential Equations, and Probability Theory from credible platforms like MIT OpenCourseWare or Harvard Extension.
    • Take Stochastic Calculus or Numerical Methods if possible, as these are directly relevant to MFE programs.
  • Programming Skills:
    • Coursera is good, but consider Python for Data Science and Machine Learning and C++ (many programs prefer C++ knowledge).
    • Build projects showcasing financial modeling, Monte Carlo simulations, or derivatives pricing to demonstrate application of your coding skills.

3.​

  • GRE Focus:
    • Aim for 165+ in Quant and 320+ overall. Strong GRE scores can offset a lower GPA.
    • Practice rigorously with resources like Manhattan Prep and Magoosh.

4.​

  • Your experience in equity research, FICC trading, and portfolio management is a huge asset.
  • Highlight quantitative and analytical projects, such as pricing models or risk analysis, in your essays.
  • Discuss your CFA charter and how it complements quantitative finance.

5.​

  • Reach out to alumni from the MFE programs you’re targeting. Their insights can strengthen your essays.
  • Choose recommendation writers who can emphasize your quantitative skills, intellectual curiosity, and adaptability.

6.​

  • Focus on your motivation for MFE: Describe how your experience led you to pursue an MFE and your long-term goal of working in the U.S.
  • Highlight your progress in math/programming, CFA charter, and passion for financial engineering.
Top MFE programs like those at Berkeley, Columbia, and NYU value a well-rounded applicant with demonstrated quantitative ability and industry experience. With strategic test preparation, strong recommendations, and continued coursework, you can present a compelling application.
Click to expand...
Many thanks to your kind reply! It helped a lot

I think GRE above 335 or taking good grades for Calculus courses are not going to be a problem if I put enough time enough in it. But I should be making solid plans to take all those math courses since many of those are not supported or synchronous courses.

Just got one more quick questions about math courses. I think Calculus 2&3 are the most urgent thing and then maybe Differential Equations. What are the things that you recommend to take first considering the importance.

Thank you!
 
Last edited:
quanthopefully said:
Just stay on the path you are on my friend. Switching to quant and putting in all this time, effort and money simply isnt worth it.
Click to expand...
I know it's a tough call, but I would like to try this out first if I have a shot. I like fixed income markets and investing but always have wanted to learn and have more assorted career options. Even if I come back to my country, I think MFE program could open up new opportunities that I don't have right now such as trading in a more quantitative focused teams and etc.

You're not recommending this because it seems like a better choice for me because I have stable and good career options in my country already or I don't have a shot at admission to MFE based on my profile?
 
QJason said:
I know it's a tough call, but I would like to try this out first if I have a shot. I like fixed income markets and investing but always have wanted to learn and have more assorted career options. Even if I come back to my country, I think MFE program could open up new opportunities that I don't have right now such as trading in a more quantitative focused teams and etc.

You're not recommending this because it seems like a better choice for me because I have stable and good career options in my country already or I don't have a shot at admission to MFE based on my profile?
Click to expand...
Both. Plus other factors (time commitment, money commitment, could struggle with the program), doesnt make any sense tbh. You should continue gaining experience in your field and then try to transfer to US offices if your firm is international, or switch firms and try again, if getting to the US is your goal. If you want a more quantitative role, study part time or on the side and build up your skillset then lateral to a more quantititative role. MFE is too big a step and you probably wont be competitive enough to get into any good ones anyway.
 
Not sure if anyone has asked this, why are you trying to get into an MFE program? I assume you are attempting to breaking into QF, but nothing from your background suggests that you have an interest in the career path. I think you should be honest about what you are trying to achieve. How do you know you are interested in math at a high level, you haven't completed Calc 1 yet? How do you know you are interested in programming ... you see where this is going.
 
QJason said:
Oh shoot, is it that bad? Are there any solutions for the problem?
Click to expand...
Realistically, the way I see it, you’re already trying to cut corners on the math and that won’t do. If you really wanted to do it, you should get a second bachelors degree in math and then go to MFE. If you don’t want to do that and you’re still interested in the subject, I’d probably take all the Baruch pre mfe classes, then try to do mfe. That’s probably the most straightforward paths for you. These aren’t good options in my opinion because they take forever and you'll probably give up or have to pivot for life-related reasons. Even if you do finish there is no guarantee of getting into US School or getting job in USA in your desired field.


The opportunity cost in switching to quant for you is way to high and the upside is limited in my opinion. But if you’re truly determined then go for it, best of luck!
 
Last edited:

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