Profile Review

[Flak]

Hi Everyone,

I'd like to have a review based on my profile since I don't know to which MFE I'm going to apply but ideally in the US and UK.

Profile:

Finance student at Durham University, averaging around a upper 2:1 (67% UK grading system) aiming for a first in my last year. Relevant modules: Intermediate financial economics, Financial Econometrics, Computational Quant Finance, Derivatives, Financial engineering...

I have personal python project related to finance building indicators like Bollinger Bands, testing systematic strategies, and running my own backtests...

Financial analyst and quant analyst for Durham finance society. Some professional experience but more related to banking and accounting.

I would love to hear from you and tell me to which program I should apply in the UK and US. I was considering programs like Imperial RMFE, Cornell, NYU, Berkley... But as I said not sure yet. If there are any other programs that I should consider don't hesitate to tell me !!!

Regards,

Flak,

 

[Andy Nguyen]

You may need to ramp up your math courses and do hard programming courses on C++ and Python. At first class is required to get into top UK programs like Imperial Math Fin, Oxford, Warwick, UCL.
Look at our UK rankings.

2025 QuantNet Ranking of Best UK Quant Programs

quantnet.com

For the US, maybe a first class is not mandatory but the math and programming requirement still apply.
You should apply far and wide in the US. Focus on the ones on our US ranking. Do not apply to any programs that not on that list.

2025 QuantNet Ranking of Best Financial Engineering Programs

The 2025 QuantNet Ranking stands as the most comprehensive guide of the top Quantitative Finance and Financial Engineering programs in the United States.

quantnet.com

Some programs prepare graduates for specific job profiles better than others. Take some time to read everything on QuantNet to learn more about US programs. There are no better place for this kind of knowledge anywhere online.

 

[Flak]

Hi Andy,

Thanks for your message really helpful ! I'll have a look at those.

By the way I'm from a heavy quantitative background from high school and had the opportunity to take the equivalent of Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Stats at Durham... Which are also included in the modules that I have already quoted above like with Computational Quantitative Finance (which cover all the math needed to be a quant as I believe). For the US schools I'm also planning to take the GMAT over the GRE, as I've started to study for it over the summer.

For my applications, how can I showcase that I have proficiency in math and programming for instance.

Regards,

Flak,

 

[Flak]

Also I've seen that most US schools requires perquisites classes. How does that work ? Do you have to take these classes after you are offered a place or before ?

Regards,

Flak,

 

[Andy Nguyen]

For my applications, how can I showcase that I have proficiency in math and programming for instance.

See if you can demonstrate it by some relevant internship prior to graduate school. Lacking it, you can substitute by projects, research with professors, joining trading competitions, etc.
Just a bit of fair warning since you are in the UK. The US programs are career focused whereas UK is mainly academic focused. Speaking plainly, UK programs will just teach and they are not responsible for provide any career services. US programs are focusing on how you can interview and do well on day 1. Different approaches, different preparation methods. You are almost required to start your internship search before you finish your first course in the US.
Take the QuantNet C++ course because it's the true meter of how programming ready you are. A lot of people thought they know programming until reality hits them on the face.
Here is something that can get you started on the right track.

Thread 'MFE Recruiting Reality Check: What Every Incoming Student Needs to Know'

4/10/25

So you got into a MFE Program… Now What?​

There are plenty of articles on how to get into a MFE program… but how do you prepare for the intensely competitive internship recruiting that comes with a graduate program in quantitative finance?

I’m happy to share some insights from my three years of experience working in Career Services for Carnegie Mellon’s MSCF (Master of Science in Computational Finance) program.

The Reality of U.S. Recruitment
*Note: As majority of my students have landed internships and full-time roles in the US, I will focus on how to prepare for...

• Ash Cross
• Replies: 13
• Forum: Articles

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[Andy Nguyen]

Also I've seen that most US schools requires perquisites classes. How does that work ? Do you have to take these classes after you are offered a place or before ?

Regards,

Flak,

You take them before or while you apply. Some will give you conditional admit until you finish those courses. The C++ course I mentioned above is one of the required programming courses that meet the requirement at many top programs (Baruch, CMU, UCLA, UCB, Chicago).

 

[Flak]

Thanks a lot for the prompt response Andy appreciate it. I'll have a look at these. Thanks for your time.

Regards,

Flak,