Princeton MFin Princeton MFin Admission Discussion

anxious_guy · 12/22/24

Does anybody have any idea about the type of questions and level of difficulty in the math assessment to be held on Dec 28th?

Andy Nguyen · 12/22/24

anxious_guy said:
Does anybody have any idea about the type of questions and level of difficulty in the math assessment to be held on Dec 28th?

Thread 'Things I learnt from yesterday's Princeton Q&A'

10/14/23

1. Math background is essential. They said this is one of the few things they cannot compromise on, so that the student will be able to handle the courses without struggling. They will make sure you have the right background either from your GPA or from separate extra courses that you taken. (I think the courses need to be accredited)
2. MFE is more of a industry focused degree and so they care much more about your work experience than your research experience. My initial notion was that maybe if I could get some publications it could help with offsetting my low GPA, but Lindsay said a...

edo · 12/28/24

Thoughts on today’s math test? Pretty much in line with my expectations, maybe a bit easier than anticipated.

Andy Nguyen · 12/28/24

edo said:
Thoughts on today’s math test? Pretty much in line with my expectations, maybe a bit easier than anticipated.

Do you have anything else to add to this previous post from another member?

The math assessment happens for 1 hour. Its computer-based and cannot be taken at any other time. 10-12 Questions on Calculus, NLA, Brain Teasers, Stochastic Calculus, Econometrics. Not super hard.

kombuchalover · 12/28/24

edo said:
Thoughts on today’s math test? Pretty much in line with my expectations, maybe a bit easier than anticipated.

Was definitely easier than expected

fatcatking · 12/28/24

Andy Nguyen said:
Do you have anything else to add to this previous post from another member?

It was just basic analysis/linear algebra/code execution based.

None of the “quant interview” types. Which is sad for me because that’s what I prepared for.

Andy Nguyen · 12/28/24

Sounds like our QuantNet members are well prepared with all the available information.
So for future applicants, what would you guys suggest them do to prepare for this online assessment test?

fatcatking · 12/28/24

Andy Nguyen said:
Sounds like our QuantNet members are well prepared with all the available information.
So for future applicants, what would you guys suggest them do to prepare for this online assessment test?

They could change the syllabus for the test. So it’s not necessary that preparing as per last year’s syllabus (puzzles, stochastic processes) would have worked well this time around, and same for next year.

But I would say a decent preparation in probability, calculus, linear algebra and brain teasers should have you covered.

Others, what is a good score on this test, btw? There were 13 questions, which are also probably weighted as per difficulty and length of solutions.

Andy Nguyen · 12/28/24

Interviews should happen in Jan-Feb with decisions in mid March.
Best of luck to all.

nkscb · 12/28/24

How much weightage does this test have in the overall scheme of things for interview call?

kombuchalover · 12/28/24

Probably could get buy with just Calculus, Probability, and Linear Algebra imo

nkscb · 12/28/24

I noticed a genuine lack of clarity about what’s expected for this test, so I’ve detailed the topics tested today to help future aspirants prepare better. While I’ll refrain from disclosing the specific questions, here’s a breakdown of the key concepts covered:

Matrices and Determinants: A straightforward question involving basic algebra to find the values of constants.
Eigenvalues and Matrices: A problem easily solvable by applying properties of eigenvalues.
Permutations: A question involving concepts like dictionary order or rank determination.
Definite Integrals: A basic question leveraging an introductory property of definite integrals.
Quadratic Equations: A variant requiring algebraic manipulation to convert into a quadratic equation.
While Loop in Coding: A problem involving iterative operations until a condition is met, with the task being to determine the output of the code.
Puzzle: The simplest question of the test, more of a brain teaser than a puzzle.
Probability: A basic probability question vying to be the easiest of the lot.
Arithmetic Progressions (APs): A question requiring the combination of two APs, solvable with basic algebraic manipulation.
Coding Puzzle: A problem solvable using a straightforward iteration approach.
Functions (Moderate): A question requiring case-based analysis to solve.
Increasing/Decreasing and Even/Odd Functions: A moderate question testing these concepts, though I suspect there might be an error in the problem. Let’s wait for Princeto’s comments—similar issues occurred in last year’s test.
Input-Output in Coding: Another coding-based question focusing on input-output mechanics.

I hope this helps future test-takers get a clearer understanding of what to expect. Best of luck!

Andy Nguyen · 12/28/24

nkscb said:
I noticed a genuine lack of clarity about what’s expected for this test, so I’ve detailed the topics tested today to help future aspirants prepare better. While I’ll refrain from disclosing the specific questions, here’s a breakdown of the key concepts covered:

Matrices and Determinants: A straightforward question involving basic algebra to find the values of constants.

Eigenvalues and Matrices: A problem easily solvable by applying properties of eigenvalues.

Permutations: A question involving concepts like dictionary order or rank determination.

Definite Integrals: A basic question leveraging an introductory property of definite integrals.

Quadratic Equations: A variant requiring algebraic manipulation to convert into a quadratic equation.

While Loop in Coding: A problem involving iterative operations until a condition is met, with the task being to determine the output of the code.

Puzzle: The simplest question of the test, more of a brain teaser than a puzzle.

Probability: A basic probability question vying to be the easiest of the lot.

Arithmetic Progressions (APs): A question requiring the combination of two APs, solvable with basic algebraic manipulation.

Coding Puzzle: A problem solvable using a straightforward iteration approach.

Functions (Moderate): A question requiring case-based analysis to solve.

Increasing/Decreasing and Even/Odd Functions: A moderate question testing these concepts, though I suspect there might be an error in the problem. Let’s wait for Princeto’s comments—similar issues occurred in last year’s test.

Input-Output in Coding: Another coding-based question focusing on input-output mechanics.

I hope this helps future test-takers get a clearer understanding of what to expect. Best of luck!

Excellent. Thank you for sharing the tips. Pretty basic test to weasel out the unprepared.

fatcatking · 12/28/24

nkscb said:
How much weightage does this test have in the overall scheme of things for interview call?

Depends. I would say 30%-40%, but I’m guessing.

nkscb · 12/30/24

Some of my final answers for the test were -

(1.5, 2) for (a,b)
2 for eigenvalue ques
76 for position of the number 61473
None of these for definite integral ques (answer was a/2, which was not in option)
x=0 and x=1, so sum of values of x = 1
45 for coding question involving INTEGER a = 10, b = 25, c = 15
7 for total number of sons and daughters of this couple
6 for how many times must this die be thrown until one gets a 6
a_1*a_10 for a_5/b_6 for AP ques
13 inversions
F(F(k)) for 2 +ve integers k=1 & k=3
f is nondecreasing and g is even function
243 for (INTEGER a, INTEGER b) coding question

Did you guys also get similar answers?

fkingloser · 12/30/24

Interview inviataion is out.(125 applicants) does anyone know if this is the final interview or would there be another round?

lffff · 12/30/24

anyone know what to expect for the interview?

nkscb · 12/30/24

Only those who have received interview invite have received the mail? I don't seem to have received anything I'm afraid!

Andy Nguyen · 12/30/24

lffff said:
anyone know what to expect for the interview?

Item #8 in this post here.

Thread 'Things I learnt from yesterday's Princeton Q&A'

10/14/23

1. Math background is essential. They said this is one of the few things they cannot compromise on, so that the student will be able to handle the courses without struggling. They will make sure you have the right background either from your GPA or from separate extra courses that you taken. (I think the courses need to be accredited)
2. MFE is more of a industry focused degree and so they care much more about your work experience than your research experience. My initial notion was that maybe if I could get some publications it could help with offsetting my low GPA, but Lindsay said a...

fkingloser · 12/31/24

Andy Nguyen said:
Item #8 in this post here.

Thread 'Things I learnt from yesterday's Princeton Q&A'

10/14/23

1. Math background is essential. They said this is one of the few things they cannot compromise on, so that the student will be able to handle the courses without struggling. They will make sure you have the right background either from your GPA or from separate extra courses that you taken. (I think the courses need to be accredited)
2. MFE is more of a industry focused degree and so they care much more about your work experience than your research experience. My initial notion was that maybe if I could get some publications it could help with offsetting my low GPA, but Lindsay said a...

benzenephi

Replies: 2

Forum: Application Questions & Strategy

cool so I guess it would be like typical HR-ish interview, maybe small bit of math questions as well

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