MFE Prep for a Non-quant

[Bfret]

Many threads asking "how do I get into x MFE program with x background". Usually the background is lacking mathematics and programming requirements to differing degrees so I'd like input on some standard questions:

- What does it take and what is a realistic timeline for a business, econ, or finance undergrad major to get into a decent MFE program? (not top tier, just any program)
- Do the CFA (all 3) help?
- Do the first couple actuarial exams help? ( Exam P, FM, maybe one more)

I'm assuming these undergrad degrees require calc 1 and maybe 1 programming course.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Know your competitors. There are plenty of decent programs around so you will likely get into one or two but it's a question marks if they will be a good investment.
Exams/certs have minimal ROI. I would rather have you spend those time sharping your programming, stats skills. Years ago, few programs would actually require their conditional admitted students to get the CFA level 1 so they know the ABCs of finance. Most of those guys are from technical background. A lot of people mistakenly believe that they need to get CFA L1, L2, etc to get admitted. That's wrong. Taking those exams without work experience and context would be a waste of time.

https://www.quantnet.com/threads/do’s-and-don’ts-of-mfe-applications.12664/

 

[mhy]

1) The total time it takes for you to complete all missing coursework. If you just have calc 1 and 1 programming course, you are missing calc 2-3, differential equations, linear algebra, calculus-based probability, and statistics at the minimum. One programming course is OK, but you will struggle a lot if you don't at least know the basics of one scripting language (like Python) and one compiled / "traditional" language (like C++ or Java). MFE programs move fast and assume basic knowledge.

2) Might help a little bit to show you can walk the walk

3) See #2.

 

[MSc Financial Engineering]

Accepted participants from the MFE Programme at NTU are offered on-campus per-courses in Math, Finance and Programming. They are spread over a month (June) before the MFE programme begins in July each year. Read more on these pre-courses here
Preparatory Courses