Profile Review For This Fall

[JamesG]

I'm planning to apply for MFE programs this fall and wondering what programs the below profile might be competitive for as well as any suggestions to improve:

Profile:
Domestic Applicant
Math/Econ undergrad, no name school
GRE: 168Q / 166V
GPA: 4.0/4.0, all As in the usual math/stats undergrad courses (real/complex analysis, mathematical stats, etc.). Some intro programming classes with As as well
Work Experience: 4 years investment consulting / manager research. In the broader industry but not directly relevant
LORs: 2 math professors, 1 from current supervisor
Other: CFA, CAIA Charterholder

Mostly wondering if the above profile would be competitive for the top tier programs (Princeton, Baruch, CMU, MIT) or if these would likely be out of reach. Thoughts on where to try and improve? I'm not sure how much it actually helps/matters to get the GRE Q up to 169-170 vs. spending that time on improving something else like adding more programming.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

As a domestic applicant, you get some slack on the GRE.
I would focus on taking the C++ and Python courses. See if any math that need refreshing (probability, linear algebra, etc) since you been working for 4 years.
Focus on getting your interview, brainteaser game going so you are ready to hit the recruiting once you are in a program.
Do the usual leetcode grind after you finish above C++/Python course.
Consider pre-MFE courses from Baruch if it fits your schedule, budget or address any weakness.
Apply to a broader group (top 10). I think with proper preparation, your chance is fair to good.

 

[JamesG]

As a domestic applicant, you get some slack on the GRE.
I would focus on taking the C++ and Python courses. See if any math that need refreshing (probability, linear algebra, etc) since you been working for 4 years.
Focus on getting your interview, brainteaser game going so you are ready to hit the recruiting once you are in a program.
Do the usual leetcode grind after you finish above C++/Python course.
Consider pre-MFE courses from Baruch if it fits your schedule, budget or address any weakness.
Apply to a broader group (top 10). I think with proper preparation, your chance is fair to good.

Thanks Andy. For the GRE optional programs, do you think it's still helpful to submit the 168?

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Yes, 168 Q will not hurt at all.

 

[Ary_]

Yes, 168 Q will not hurt at all.

What about a 165?

 

[Andy Nguyen]

What about a 165?

Why not 168 or 170?
If you can't retake to improve it, then just leave with 165 and improve other aspects of application.
GRE Q is just one number. Get the best you can and move on. No reason to mull over it too much.

 

[Ary_]

Why not 168 or 170?
If you can't retake to improve it, then just leave with 165 and improve other aspects of application.
GRE Q is just one number. Get the best you can and move on. No reason to mull over it too much.

Hmm divided between retaking and risking the applications as is with it actually, decent GPA and research papers as well but GPA not something extraordinary, so was a bit worried. Any advice?
Not that I'm not confident of a higher score just didn't happen this time idk why

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Are you domestic or international student?
If international, you are completing against hundreds if not over a thousand of similarly qualified applicants.
There are always things you can do to compensate for low GPA, low GRE or any other weakness. Overpowering it with other aspect. It will take time, gut and discipline to execute.
Here is one example

Thread 'From Low CGPA to My Dream School: Columbia MAFN, NYU MFE, and More'

3/24/25

Hello QuantNet Community,

I wanted to share my journey to getting accepted into Columbia's MAFN program, NYU's MFE, NCSU's Mathematical Finance, and Nanyang Business School's MFE in Singapore. I'm still waiting on decisions from Columbia's MFE and GaTech's QCF. My hope is that this post helps those who feel limited by a low CGPA but are passionate about breaking into the world of quantitative finance.

My Biggest Drawback

• Low CGPA: I had a CGPA of 2.98/4.00 in both my undergrad and grad studies.
• Poor Math Grades: I had a B- in Mathematics 3 and a...

• Leggoo MFE
• Replies: 23
• Forum: Articles

• 
• 

 

[Ary_]

Yeah seen his podcast also with Mehul Mehta, quite inspiring
I'm an international student

 

[Ary_]

I'm thinking of applying this season, maybe a fewer number of applications might give a boost but if not will definitely retake GRE and improve profile to stand out in fall '27

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Yes, if you can't get into a top MFE program in Fall 26, it may make sense to improve and reapply to Fall 27. How you break into your first job has a long lasting effect in your career earning.

 

[Ary_]

Thanks a lot for your guidance and really appreciate this platform
Everything quite clear now

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Thanks a lot for your guidance and really appreciate this platform
Everything quite clear now

You are just scratching the surface of what we can offer here. Stick around, read sticky threads and other resources and you will likely be more prepared than most applicants. That is in itself a selling point when you apply.
The Tracker data will show you that our members have much higher acceptance rate than average.

 

[Ary_]

Sure