Profile evaluation for MFE

[JonesUCF]

Hello all. I’m entering my senior year of undergrad and want to pursue an MFE, MMF, MQF, etc after graduation. I was hoping I could get some advice/criticism on my profile.

University of Central Florida – 3.58 GPA
Mathematics major – Economics track
Computer Science minor

GRE: 169Q, 161V

Relevant Coursework:
Calc I, II (AP credit)
Stat Methods I (AP)
Calc III, (A)
Ordinary Differential Equations (B)
Logic and Proof in Math (B+)
Matrix and Linear Algebra (B)
Linear Algebra (A)
Stat Theory I (A)
Stat Theory II (B)
Intro to C (A)
Computer Science I (A-)
Econometrics (A)
Intermediate Microeconomics (A)
Intermediate Macroeconomics (A)
International Microeconomics (B)

Future Relevant Coursework:
Probability Random Processes
Abstract Algebra
Advanced Calculus
Financial Mathematics
Computer Science II
Mathematical Economics
International Macroeconomics

Programming experience: Python, C, Java, Assembly, Stata

No relevant internships or research experience

Programs that I’m interested in: Columbia MAFN, Columbia MSOR, Cornel MFE, Stanford MCF, Georgia Tech QCF, Toronto MMF, Rutgers MQF, UIUC MFE, USC MSMF. I plan on applying to 6-8 of those schools once I do more extensive research and (hopefully) get feedback from this post. Particularly, I would like opinions on how high I should “reach” in regards to applying to the top programs without it just being a waste of money/time. I know my lack of work/research experience and where I studied undergrad will be the weakest areas that will be on my application

Any insight/advice/criticism is greatly appreciated.

 

[Jordan Platts]

I think your profile looks pretty good. As you know, the only weakness would be your work experience. Do you have any relevant internships? Depending on the job, It may be a better idea to work for a year or two and then apply. It would have the dual benefit of helping you get into grad school and helping you get hired after school. Of course, getting relevant work experience in FL is easier said then done.

Also, I don't think UCF is really a negative. Disclaimer: I am from UCF. It isn't as good as the top schools, but from what I've seen on this forum(admittedly, a small sample size) it doesn't matter that much.

As far as which schools you should aim for, I don't think anyone can tell you where to apply with any high degree of certainty. I would apply to your top schools early on(September) and you should know in time to apply to more places if needed.

 

[MarekSabata]

Why not give a shot to Carnegie Mellon MCF and Columbia MFE (especially when you are applying for the MSOR program even though you said you want to do MFE)?
Stanford MCF accepts minimum number of people, so I wouldn't bother with it. I haven't seen any stats, but I think so based on my experience (accepted to Columbia MFE and CMU but not Stanford), the tracker (no one who put it on the tracker got accepted this year - seriously...?) and what I've heard.

 

[JonesUCF]

I think your profile looks pretty good. As you know, the only weakness would be your work experience. Do you have any relevant internships? Depending on the job, It may be a better idea to work for a year or two and then apply. It would have the dual benefit of helping you get into grad school and helping you get hired after school. Of course, getting relevant work experience in FL is easier said then done.

Also, I don't think UCF is really a negative. Disclaimer: I am from UCF. It isn't as good as the top schools, but from what I've seen on this forum(admittedly, a small sample size) it doesn't matter that much.

As far as which schools you should aim for, I don't think anyone can tell you where to apply with any high degree of certainty. I would apply to your top schools early on(September) and you should know in time to apply to more places if needed.

Thank you Jordan I appreciate your feedback.

Unfortunately I don't have any internships on my resume. I have been (still am) a tutor at the UCF mathlab where we help fellow students up to and including ODE and linear algebra so that could possibly be a plus. And to your first point if I don't get acceptance into a top program I'll definitely consider working for a year or two and reapplying rather than joining a lower-tier program.

 

[JonesUCF]

Why not give a shot to Carnegie Mellon MCF and Columbia MFE (especially when you are applying for the MSOR program even though you said you want to do MFE)?
Stanford MCF accepts minimum number of people, so I wouldn't bother with it. I haven't seen any stats, but I think so based on my experience (accepted to Columbia MFE and CMU but not Stanford), the tracker (no one who put it on the tracker got accepted this year - seriously...?) and what I've heard.

Thank you Marek for your reply.

I wasn't planning on those two because I didn't feel my profile gave a chance at acceptance. But with the few responses I've had I might apply to CMU instead of Stanford and switch Columbia MSOR to MFE. I didn't realize Stanford accepted so few. Definitely indicative that I still need to do more research on these programs.

 

[MarekSabata]

Thank you Marek for your reply.

I wasn't planning on those two because I didn't feel my profile gave a chance at acceptance. But with the few responses I've had I might apply to CMU instead of Stanford and switch Columbia MSOR to MFE. I didn't realize Stanford accepted so few. Definitely indicative that I still need to do more research on these programs.

Definitely apply to Columbia's MFE. If they don't like you for the MFE program, they will most likely send you to the MSOR program anyway (of course if you deserve the shot).