Seeking Advice on Strengthening My Profile for Top MFE Programs

[platanopower]

Hello everyone,

I hope you're all enjoying Veterans Day. I’m currently finishing up my Bachelor’s in Finance (Financial Management and Capital Markets track) at Rutgers Business School, expecting to graduate in Spring 2025. I’ll be 25 by then and have three years of work experience as a broker, where I’ve worked with SMB and mid-sized companies, helping close financing deals totaling $6MM+. Through this experience, I’ve developed a strong passion for working with numbers, funds, and clients, and I’m exploring a path in quantitative finance. I've also always had a passion for the equities market , trading in my spare time here and there.

My Current Profile​

• GPA: 3.05 (aiming to improve this with strong final semesters).
• GRE: Just started prep; scored 161V/141Q , AWA: 4 on my first practice test (without review). My goal is a Quant score of 167+ to offset my GPA.
• Math Background: Took basic calculus in undergrad and high school, but I recognize I need more.
  • Planning to complete Linear Algebra, Multivariable Calculus, and C++ by summer 2025. I’m also taking Probability & Statistics this spring.
  • Considering Baruch’s Pre-MFE courses to fill in the gaps, though I understand they’re selective.

Target Programs​

I’m aiming for Fall 2025 admissions in one of these programs (I’m open to suggestions too):

• Princeton - MFE
• Carnegie Mellon - MS in Computational Finance
• MIT - Master’s in Finance
• Stony Brook - Quant Finance
• Columbia - MFE
• NYU - MFE
• UC Berkeley - MFE
• Cornell - Operations Research and Financial Engineering
• University of Chicago - MSFM
• Fordham University
• Baruch College

Letters of Recommendation​

I plan to secure LORs from:

• One of my finance professors
• My current boss
• A client I’ve befriended who holds two PhDs and has sold a company for 9 figures

My Questions​

1. Realistically, is it worth investing the next 6-12 months to strengthen my profile for top MFE programs given my GPA and current standing? I’m fully committed to "no life" for the next year if it means I have a shot at a top program.
2. Are there specific math courses or projects that would make my application more competitive? Any advice on resources or courses to reinforce my math and programming skills would be invaluable.
3. For those who have taken Baruch’s Pre-MFE courses: How rigorous is the application process, and do you recommend this path for someone with a finance background?
4. Application Strategy: Any tips on how to present my finance experience to resonate with MFE admissions committees would be appreciated.

Thank you all in advance for any insights or advice. I’m determined to put in the work to make this career shift happen, and I’m grateful for any guidance you can provide!

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Straight talk: no STEM degree, not enough math, no programming, weak GRE Q. You may get into Stony Brook and Fordham based on them having the highest acceptance rates among the programs list.
That said, it's not a given as this will depend on the strength of each admission cohort.
Why do that when you can properly prepare and aim for more competitive programs which results in better career prospects.
Spend a year and plan for Fall 2026. Use @grxthy plan and do those courses.
In the mean time, keep working, getting work experience, and be in a much better position this time next year.

 

[platanopower]

Straight talk: no STEM degree, not enough math, no programming, weak GRE Q. You may get into Stony Brook and Fordham based on them having the highest acceptance rates among the programs list.
That said, it's not a given as this will depend on the strength of each admission cohort.
Why do that when you can properly prepare and aim for more competitive programs which results in better career prospects.
Spend a year and plan for Fall 2026. Use @grxthy plan and do those courses.
In the mean time, keep working, getting work experience, and be in a much better position this time next year.

Hi Andy, Thank you for the straightforward feedback—it’s exactly what I needed to hear. I appreciate you being candid about my current profile and its challenges. I’m determined to put in the work and aim for Fall 2026 with a more competitive profile. I'll look into @grxthy plan like you mentioned.