Profile Evaluation

[mr.yu]

Hi all,

I want to hear some feedbacks and advices before I make the next move. Here is my background...

Baruch College (CUNY) GPA - 3.52, Major GPA - 3.87 (Probability, theory of interest, monte carlo simulation, stochastic process, linear algebra, introduction to financial mathematics, actuarial mathematics)

Passed Actuarial Exams:
Probability
Financial Mathematics - mainly bond pricing and annuity pricing
Models of Financial Economics - Option pricing, Ito lemma, etc.

Working Experience:
Currently working in risk analytics IT team in one of the BB for 6 months

GRE:
139 V
166 Q

Programming skill:
Oracle Certified Java Programmer
C++
SQL

Target Programs:
Columbia MSFE
NYU MathFin
CMU MSCF
Baruch MFE

I know my GRE is low and I will definitely retake it next year. After reviewing my background, how likely do you think I can get into the any of these programs if I acquire a good grade in GRE? Many thanks!

 

[ygmwy]

You have very good chances. not perfect, but good. Your gre is less of a problem than your overall gpa for the top programs, but your major gpa seems to make up for it. (I had a 165Q, hopefully they will throw out V section) Your industry experience is a plus. If I were you, I'd make sure to make the deadlines for next year's incoming class. Ace those interviews, and you'd be good. Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

 

[mr.yu]

Thank you for your advice, ygmwy!

I know that Columbia does not offer part time program but for those who does (CMU, Baruch, NYU), I am wondering is that possible to start off as a part time student and change to become full time to catch up for graduation?

and will it increase my chance by taking Pre-MFE courses at some schools (Baruch, Columbia, Berkeley)?

 

[ygmwy]

No, don't worry about BS pre-MFE courses. They are just more ways for the school to take your money. If you get rejected, it will be because of one of three reasons:

1) Bad English
2) Bad gpa (3.52 is not good enough for ivy league schools like Columbia)
3) Bad interview

You need a kickass essay, and a phenomenal interview. (Assuming they don't care about your gpa). My first question would be why is your gpa so low in the first place? Can you handle the English?

 

[mr.yu]

My first question would be why is your gpa so low in the first place? Can you handle the English?

I really messed up some classes like political science/accounting during my sophomore/junior year. I would say my english skill is advanced. Do you think taking CFA/FRM and having them passed will increase my chance to get an interview? The reason I am thinking about taking the pre-mfe courses is because I want to ace those courses in order to prove my quantitative aptitude as a complementary to my low gpa.

 

[ygmwy]

Your GRE Verbal is really low. You can take those tests, and it won't hurt. But the top schools like CMU and Columbia have so many applicants with high GPAs and good GRE scores, that it's difficult to say. You have a good background, and I still say apply. But if you were Columbia, why would you take a student that has a low GPA and GRE? Even if he has CFA/FRM, when the other 1000 students that apply (most are from the best schools in China, France and India) that have everything you have, plus a great GPA, and a great GRE? Your GPA is not atrocious, but it might be a point of comparison, and since it's really competitive, I think it's really up in the air. Again though, I think you have a decent shot since your math seems to be strong. It's really a flip of the coin. They might decide to interview you, and they might not. It's hard to say. But you should definitely retake the GRE, and maybe if you have time, take the CFA/FRM (not as important as GRE though).

 

[mr.yu]

I will retake GRE in the summer and meanwhile, I will study for the other two exams as well. If there is a 50/50 chance for me, I will definitely give a try. Thanks a lot for the input, ygmwy! I will keep you updated.