Profile evaluation -MFE from US

[Goutham]

I want to pursue MFE from reputed schools like Haas, Columbia etc. Given below is my profile:

2 years experience in quant research in India (worked with R, SQL, S+, MATLAB etc in statistical modeling for asset classes)- currently based in India.
CFA Level 3 candidate (pretty sure I'll complete it in June 2014 because it is my second attempt)
Has MBA from Univeristy of Wales, UK (Grade: 2:1 Honors, Merit)
Has Computer Science Engineering from Anna University, India (Grade: 74%)
GRE Math: 157 Verbal:156

I have a feeling that my previous degrees from schools of poor reputation and 'not so great' academic scores will be a drag on my application. However, I am still considering good schools for MFE to apply since I believe my CFA candidacy (or completion rather) and work experience will give me an edge.

Please help me understand what are my chances of getting into top schools. I get intimidated looking at student profiles of top MFE programs (example: most are from IIT, a top school in India).

 

[Jedison]

I'm no expert but your profile isn't bad, especially considering your work experience. Your GRE quant score absolutely needs to improve if you want a shot at MIT or Columbia. What's your math background? Maybe some pre-mfe work could help?

 

[Goutham]

Thanks for the reply. My math courses at engineering school include linear algebra, calculus, probability and statistics, and numerical methods. My engineering had a very strong focus on computers and programming, but we did have 6 courses in mathematics and my scores are >70% in all.

Is it okay if I re-take GRE or do they consider only my first GRE score?

 

[moretodo]

The ones your interested in applying to generally dont.

 

[Jedison]

It is my understanding that you can choose which scores to send but I'm not 100% on that. Your computing background is solid which is a huge plus. I'm not familiar enough with percentile GPA's to really comment on your math grades but that background seems sufficient. That being said, advanced coursework in stochastic processes, analysis, and optimization would certainly strengthen your profile and give you a chance to earn some high marks. Taking an extra year to work on your profile is worth it IMO because your opportunities coming out of a tier 1 school are substantially better than some of the lower ranked programs. Though I'm just applying this year myself so take what I'm saying with a grain of salt.

 

[Andy Xu]

Great work experience. Wonder how you got the GRE Q of 157.

 

[Goutham]

The ones your interested in applying to generally dont.

Can you please elaborate what you mean? Thanks.

 

[Goutham]

Great work experience. Wonder how you got the GRE Q of 157.

Thanks Andy. I was fortunate enough to get into a good quant role in India after my MBA (it is a KPO). My GRE score is 2 years old where I did a blunder taking the exam with less preparation (over confidence bias, I presume). I'm pretty sure a lot of errors that I made on the exam were silly and due to lack of attention to detail. I am hoping to retake it and get a good score.

Do you have any take on whether top schools consider any GRE score that I send or the first one (or average)?

 

[moretodo]

While you can choose which score to send, I believe universities have the option of pulling up your entire record on that exam. Moreover, they have access to the essays you've written. UCB considers your best score since if they didn't, it wouldn't make sense on their behalf to ask their applicant to re-give the GRE if they were dissatisfied with the score. Columbia too considers the best score as per what one of my friends studying in SEAS told me.

 

[moretodo]

your taking this GRE blunder too seriously! just apply to the schools your keen on pursuing. If they like your profile and your updated GRE score is good, they will most likely overlook the old score even if they were one of those programs that took the average or looked at all previous scores. Such practice is standard in all admission processes.

 

[Goutham]

It is my understanding that you can choose which scores to send but I'm not 100% on that. Your computing background is solid which is a huge plus. I'm not familiar enough with percentile GPA's to really comment on your math grades but that background seems sufficient. That being said, advanced coursework in stochastic processes, analysis, and optimization would certainly strengthen your profile and give you a chance to earn some high marks. Taking an extra year to work on your profile is worth it IMO because your opportunities coming out of a tier 1 school are substantially better than some of the lower ranked programs. Though I'm just applying this year myself so take what I'm saying with a grain of salt.

I am planning to take it in 2015. I am interested to know if at all it is possible for me to get into top schools considering my unimpressive academic records. I am willing only to join top schools (Columbia, Baruch, CMU are my prime target) assuming I improve my GRE score next time and work on my profile by taking Stochcal and optimization courses.

 

[Goutham]

your taking this GRE blunder too seriously! just apply to the schools your keen on pursuing. If they like your profile and your updated GRE score is good, they will most likely overlook the old score even if they were one of those programs that took the average or looked at all previous scores. Such practice is standard in all admission processes.

Thank you. Your insights are very helpful.

 

[Andy Xu]

Thanks Andy. I was fortunate enough to get into a good quant role in India after my MBA (it is a KPO). My GRE score is 2 years old where I did a blunder taking the exam with less preparation (over confidence bias, I presume). I'm pretty sure a lot of errors that I made on the exam were silly and due to lack of attention to detail. I am hoping to retake it and get a good score.

Do you have any take on whether top schools consider any GRE score that I send or the first one (or average)?

Since recently (maybe several years ago) ETS lets you send any score you want. Another reason to retake it.

 

[Goutham]

Can someone shed lights on how important is the LOR in the admission process? I know that this is one of the most important things for a PhD application. Is that the case for MFE too?

I am planning to get LOR from my Corporate fin prof (PhD in Econ, and MBA from LBS) and Banking project prof (PhD from China). I have lost touch with them but hoping to get connected and grab the lettors soon.