COMPARE UCLA MFE vs Chicago MSFM vs NYU Tandon MFE

[peterty]

I have trouble figuring out which will be the best program for me. I have a bachelors degree in an engineering program but non MFE related field (not CS, Math/stats, Finance, Econ, etc.), but I had a job experience using a lot of data analysis/ML. I have a good understanding of finance by working towards CFA certification. I don't have any experience in the quantitative finance field, so any recommendation on which program will be better for me is appreciated.

Things I consider:
1. UCLA: under business school, good weather, BUT non "finance" location
2. UChicago: brand name, "finance" location, more Trading/HF, BUT cold winter tho
3. NYU: higher in rank and its trending upwards, NYC, better career service(?), BUT longer program

**also, me and my GF currently live in SF which makes me think about the distance from SF as another variable. Relocation to LA is easier rather than to others

Please Advise, thanks

 

[longgamma]

What is your end goal - buy side, sell side, quant fund etc? I'd prefer UChicago btw over the others. NYU Tandon - good chatter but its big risk to take as any improvement in the program are outside if your influence.

 

[quattronefromaggio]

So, I recently got through these 3 programs and I am still waiting on decisions from a couple others. Can someone please explain if there are any reasons to go to UCLA/NYU over UChicago? I am hoping to focus on ML through my program, and looking for trading roles over research roles post-graduation (open to both).

 

[Andy Nguyen]

You didn’t add your timelines in the Tracker so it is hard to comment without your profile. Do you receive any scholarship from either program?

 

[quattronefromaggio]

You didn’t add your timelines in the Tracker so it is hard to comment without your profile. Do you receive any scholarship from either program?

Thanks, Andy. I will add the timelines in the tracker. Yes, similar scholarships from NYU/UCLA and a much more signifcant one from UChicago.

 

[Lukee]

Personally I'd take Chicago all day over Tandon and UCLA, especially with a big scholarship.

It depends on a multitude of factors though (where you want to work, what your current strengths and weaknesses are, etc.)

 

[flashz]

Personally I'd take Chicago all day over Tandon and UCLA, especially with a big scholarship.

It depends on a multitude of factors though (where you want to work, what your current strengths and weaknesses are, etc.)

Not the OP, but why would current strengths and weaknesses affect the choice?

 

[Lukee]

Not the OP, but why would current strengths and weaknesses affect the choice?

My thought process was that variance in curriculums make it so specific programs cater better to people with specific backgrounds.

For example compare Chicago's curriculum with UCLA's. If I come from a strong math and finance background but want to develop my programming skills, I think I'd fair much better in Chicago. Also note that UCLA teaches in Python and R while Chicago teaches some of their courses in c++

 

[escheffer]

My thought process was that variance in curriculums make it so specific programs cater better to people with specific backgrounds.

For example compare Chicago's curriculum with UCLA's. If I come from a strong math and finance background but want to develop my programming skills, I think I'd fair much better in Chicago. Also note that UCLA teaches in Python and R while Chicago teaches some of their courses in c++ View attachment 51387View attachment 51385

UCLA should drop their "Balancing Purpose and Profit". Kinda lame spending thousands of dollars and precious time on courses like those. Everyone knows it's greenwashing. What really matters for "sustainability" (both economically and socially) is not making mistakes and try to cut corners, exposing one's company to legal problems. Otherwise, it's just bs (specially the "dversity" thing). Companies really need smart people, not "diverse people".

 

[Mick.Wayne]

Hello, I’ve been accepted into the MFE programs at NYU and UCLA, as well as the MSFM program at the University of Chicago. I’m currently leaning toward either NYU or the University of Chicago. I’d like to understand the role and importance of networking in both New York and Chicago, and whether the location significantly impacts career opportunities in the finance industry. From what I’ve read, the University of Chicago’s program seems to be more academically rigorous and theory-focused, while NYU appears to offer a more practical, industry-oriented approach. I’d greatly appreciate any additional perspectives or experiences that could help me make a more informed decision.

Thank you!