Non-Target to MFE Possibility? (Profile Review)

[Woodchipper]

Hi everyone,

I’m a recent graduate with a double major in Finance and Business Management (Economics + Venture Creation minors) from a small, non-target university in the Southeastern U.S. I'm a U.S. citizen and currently preparing to apply to various MFE programs. I’d really appreciate any insights or advice on my profile and path so far.

Recognizing that finance majors often lack the quantitative depth these programs demand, I enrolled in University of California San Diego (UCSD) Extension’s online courses (for grades and transcripts) to strengthen my math foundation. I've completed the following:

• Calculus I, II, III
• Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs)
• Linear Algebra
• Python I

I’m also planning to take Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) through UIUC’s NetMath program this fall prior to submitting applications.

Additionally, I hold a Coursera certificate for Python for Everybody from the University of Michigan (as recommended by Berkeley’s MFE), though I understand this is considered supplemental.

Pure Numbers (All else even):

• Undergrad GPA: 3.92
• GRE Quant: 169
• GRE Verbal: 159
• GRE AWA: 4.5

I'm currently targeting UChicago’s MSFM, Cornell’s MSFE, and NYU Tandon’s program. Any feedback, recommendations, or perspectives would be greatly appreciated — especially from those who’ve gone through the process or are familiar with how non-target applicants are evaluated / perceived.


Thank you all in advance!

 

[Andy Nguyen]

All the baseline numbers look good (GPA, GRE, US Citizen). Your weakness is a non-STEM degree from a small college.
All the courses taken are good as far as meeting the requirements. I believe you can take the next steps in preparation and target the top tier programs (Baruch, CMU).
Consider taking the QuantNet C++ course. It's the standard for MFE applicants and people considered the quant industry. It opens up Quant Dev opportunities while it challenges your ability to develop a critical skill. Even if you don't take the QD path, having the skills and the keywords on your resume will help tremendously during screening and OA (online assessment).
As a non-STEM candidate, you need to load up your profile with hardcore C++, Python courses. Coursera courses are not considered hardcore by anyone.

Take the pre-MFE courses from Baruch MFE even if you don't end up going there. It's a hard core prep for your first interview.
Do Leetcode.
Here is another good read. Think beyond application and prepare for the next step.

Thread 'MFE Recruiting Reality Check: What Every Incoming Student Needs to Know'

4/10/25

So you got into a MFE Program… Now What?​

There are plenty of articles on how to get into a MFE program… but how do you prepare for the intensely competitive internship recruiting that comes with a graduate program in quantitative finance?

I’m happy to share some insights from my three years of experience working in Career Services for Carnegie Mellon’s MSCF (Master of Science in Computational Finance) program.

The Reality of U.S. Recruitment
*Note: As majority of my students have landed internships and full-time roles in the US, I will focus on how to prepare for...

• Ash Cross
• Replies: 14
• Forum: Articles

• 
• 

 

[Woodchipper]

All the baseline numbers look good (GPA, GRE, US Citizen). Your weakness is a non-STEM degree from a small college.
All the courses taken are good as far as meeting the requirements. I believe you can take the next steps in preparation and target the top tier programs (Baruch, CMU).
Consider taking the QuantNet C++ course. It's the standard for MFE applicants and people considered the quant industry. It opens up Quant Dev opportunities while it challenges your ability to develop a critical skill. Even if you don't take the QD path, having the skills and the keywords on your resume will help tremendously during screening and OA (online assessment).
As a non-STEM candidate, you need to load up your profile with hardcore C++, Python courses. Coursera courses are not considered hardcore by anyone.

Take the pre-MFE courses from Baruch MFE even if you don't end up going there. It's a hard core prep for your first interview.
Do Leetcode.
Here is another good read. Think beyond application and prepare for the next step.

Thread 'MFE Recruiting Reality Check: What Every Incoming Student Needs to Know'

4/10/25

So you got into a MFE Program… Now What?​

There are plenty of articles on how to get into a MFE program… but how do you prepare for the intensely competitive internship recruiting that comes with a graduate program in quantitative finance?

I’m happy to share some insights from my three years of experience working in Career Services for Carnegie Mellon’s MSCF (Master of Science in Computational Finance) program.

The Reality of U.S. Recruitment
*Note: As majority of my students have landed internships and full-time roles in the US, I will focus on how to prepare for...

• Ash Cross
• Replies: 14
• Forum: Articles

• 
• 

Hi Andy,

Thank you so much for your response! Two questions—

1. Does the Baruch MFE C++ Course have to be completed by time of application, or does simply having it on there come time of submission fare well enough?

2. Are there any discounts or promo codes for the course? I am not in the situation to be paying that for a course, thus my emphasis on UCSD courses due to their affordability. I get the investment mentality, but that’s a month of rent for me.

Thank you again so much, and I believe @Daniel Duffy is in charge of the DataSim courses, so any feedback would be much appreciated!

 

[Andy Nguyen]

All the courses taken do not have to be completed by application time but need to be completed by admission result time. You would update the programs on the status as you complete them. Some programs would require you to complete certain courses as condition for admission. For example, CMU MSCF would ask admits to complete the C++ here before classes start.
There is no discount for the course. The tuition has been the same since 2011. MFE programs are expensive so I understand the urge to save but some course of actions will have a better ROI than others.