Quant Trading Interview Prep Plan - Concepts Covered (Feedback Welcome!)

[byfww]

Hi all,

Seeking feedback on the scope of concepts I plan to cover over the next ~16 weeks (starting late April 2025) for Quant Trading interviews (Prop/HF/HFT focus). Background: BSc CS and BSc Physics -> MSc Maths/Physics @ Oxford in 2025.

Here are the main areas I intend to study, roughly in this order of progression:

Core Quantitative Skills:

• Probability & Statistics (need a refresher): Study using Ross's "A First Course in probabiity" as primary text (covering Axioms, Conditional Prob., Bayes, Discrete/Continuous RVs, Joint Distributions, Expectation/Variance, CLT, Conditional Expectation/Variance, Limit Theorems, Bayesian Intro, Stoch. Processes Intro). Supplemented with Blitzstein and interview puzzle practice (HOTS/PG, Joshi).
• Mental Math: Daily practice focusing on speed and accuracy (arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages - using tools like Zetamac, general apps).
• Brain Teasers & Logic Puzzles: Regular practice using HOTS/PG and other sources.

Programming & CS (need a refresher also haha):

• Python: Core data structures and algorithms, focus on problem-solving via LeetCode (Easy -> Medium -> Hard).
• C++: Building proficiency from fundamentals (syntax, pointers, memory, STL) through Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and applying concepts in small projects (e.g., simple option pricer, simulations) and relevant LeetCode problems.

Finance & Market Knowledge:

• Basic Market Context: Overview of stocks, bonds, indices, major exchanges, order types with Hull.
• Derivatives: Futures & Forwards mechanics, Options (payoffs, strategies), Option Greeks (conceptual and calculation - using Hull). Black-Scholes intuition and Put-Call Parity. Delta Hedging.
• Market Microstructure: Order book dynamics, bid-ask spread logic, market making concepts, inventory risk, liquidity, adverse selection (using Harris).
• Trading Concepts: Statistical Arbitrage ideas (e.g., Pairs Trading intuition).

Interview & Application Skills:

• Trading Games / Market Making Logic: Practicing decision-making under uncertainty scenarios (using HOTS/PG examples, peer practice).
• Mock Interviews: Starting with specific components (Prob, Coding, MM) and progressing to full, integrated mocks covering technical, behavioral, and trading scenarios.
• Behavioral Questions: Preparing answers using STAR method ("Why Trading?", strengths/weaknesses, etc.).
• CV/Cover Letter: Tailoring for quant trading roles.
• Online Assessment Practice: Simulating timed math, logic, and coding tests used by firms.
• Networking: Identifying and connecting with people in the industry.
• Market Awareness: Following relevant financial news.

(Note: Basic Crypto concepts like Bitcoin/Blockchain included, but deep dives into DeFi/Crypto trading deferred as a secondary priority) I'll apply to crypto if i cant go to the other roles.

Does this list cover the essential ground for Prop/HF/HFT quant trading interviews? Anything critical missing or overemphasized? I believe that I have not much time and I may reduce finance knowledge, it's my weakest part with mock trading at interviews (I have near 0 knowledge right now).

Thanks!