What are my chances so far?
Hello all,
First off, sorry for this ridiculously long post, but I think it's better if I give as much info as possible.
I've been looking around these forums for a while now, but decided to make a post and see what everyone thinks my chance sare for getting in the schools I want to get. I'm a junior in a 'Tier I' Undergrad University. I'm majoring in Economics/Finance/Operations Research & Minoring in Math, and thinking of going into an MFE (I've always liked Finance the most, but my job *needs* to include math & programming, otherwise I'll get bored). I was initially planning on going into Economics, but that was before I had discovered this niche field, which I think is right up my alley...
Anyway, I have a good GPA (3.96, all A+/A/A-), my majors are 4.0's, and am taking the GRE this summer (I'd be applying for Fall 2011). Here's what I've already taken so far, and what I'm planning to take in terms of relevant coursework:
Intro to Programming (VBA)
C++
Calc I,II,III (III = Multi)
Linear Algebra (2 courses, one of which is abstract&proof based)
Ordinary D.E.
Applied Econometrics
Econometrics (Calc-based & theory)
Applied Prob & Stats (Calc-based)
Deterministic Modeling
Stochastic Modeling
Systems Analysis Methods
Computer Simulation Systems
Corporate Finance
Investments & Securities Management
Portfolio Theory
Derivatives & Speculative Markets Valuation
Financial Modeling (Basically EXCEL + VBA)
Mathematical Economics
A bunch of econ classes (Micro/Macro theory, Monetary Policy, etc)
I don't have any internships at any IB's or anything, but I've been doing research for a year (economics, but research nonetheless), have had a few grants awarded to me, and also gotten a good knowledge of STATA (which I guess is important since many programs look beyond the classes)
Based on what I've read about the programs, I would think that the MFE's of Berkeley & Columbia appear to be a better match for me, since some of the other ones (like Stanford) require much more math than I even have time to take. I'm looking mainly at :
MFE Berkeley
MFE Columbia
MFM Stanford
MFM Chicago
MMF USC
I'm also open to the possibility of other programs, please bring on suggestions! I can study in Europe because I'm a European citizen, so any good programs in Europe are viable options too.
Bottom line: What chances of getting into a top program next year do you think I stand as of now? What would you do to improve those chances?
Thanks *so* much for your time guys
