Shortlisting MFE Programs

aynana · 7/27/23

Hi everyone!
I've been an active observer on QuantNet for quite a few months and I have just started my school shortlisting process for the Fall 2024 admission cycle.

1. Any alums / recent admits - can you please guide me on programs that are more computationally heavy? Reading about the curriculum is one thing that I am trying to do, but its quite a lot of information to process. So far, I know that CMU is one that is definitely known for its mix of programming and finance. Any other such programs?

2. What are the factors that I should account for while shortlisting a school? I have some basic ones like the cost of living, curriculum, class profile, and so on. From my understanding, most of the MFE programs are quite good. So, would factoring in name and reputation of the school be a good idea?

I would really appreciate all the guidance/help I can get! :')
Thanks!

MikeLawrence · 7/27/23

1. Baruch is the other main one

2. exiting salary, typical exiting industry (edit: not industry as much as type of role/ company within the industry typically taken by graduates).

aynana · 7/29/23

Thank you for the reply!
I'll definitely look into Baruch, and will keep a note of the salary.

One more query please, what is your opinion about pursuing this program in maybe UCB, UCLA and so on? Is location a factor that matters a lot? As in being close to New York / Chicago?

MikeLawrence · 7/29/23

Location does matter, but if you look at the exit opportunities of those graduates then you can see what your expected outcome could be. Berkeley is on par with almost anyone, no real need to worry there (though they do seem to target those with some years of work experience) and UCLA is really solid but not quite on par with Berkeley and Baruch.

I think UCLA is a bit under-rated though, they have some great opportunities and a well setup program. Point is, I like both schools and wouldn't count them out due to location.

aynana · 7/29/23

Ahh okay, noted! Will do some more research and be back. Thank you so much!

aynana · 7/30/23

One more query, just continuing it here.
Is the US the most preferred location for MFEs? So far, I was only focusing on the US, but what would you all say about applying to places like ETH Zurich, Imperial College, and so on?
I haven't researched a lot about these schools so far, but I wanted to know what people on this forum had to say first. As an undergrad, going in with only work exp, would USA be the best location to start out with?

MikeLawrence · 7/30/23

For those, location matters a lot. If you want to work in the US, a US school is best.

aynana · 8/4/23

Hi! I'm back again with another query.

So, a lot of programs have mentioned on their websites that their average GRE Quant score is around 168-169. I'm a little off that mark.

Someone suggested writing an email to the admission committees, asking for a Profile evaluation of sorts - I should mention my details, my academic background, my experience and also mention my GRE score being lesser than their desired average so that they could give me an idea if my profile even has a chance or if I should skip applying there altogether.

What are your thoughts on this?
1 - Do prospective students even send out such emails to the committees, in the hope of getting a reply?
2 - Is this the right thing to do? Would I not be sounding defensive and end up negatively highlighting my profile?
3 - How rigid are these average scores? I'm a few points off, but I do stand a chance, right?

Thank you so much in advance!

MikeLawrence · 8/4/23

1. I've seen some program's on this site (through affiliated accounts) tell students to do this, so it wouldn't be weird. You won't see it talked about too much though.
2. Probably not.
3. I have no idea, the score shouldn't break your application. No one should care about a few points.

aynana · 8/5/23

Thanks for your reply once again!
So, no harm in sending out some emails then?

potatopeeler · 8/5/23

I have a score of 167 in QA which is a couple of points off from the average. I talked to some of the admissions committees and they mentioned that it is not going to make or break my applications. Obviously, a 170 would be great but if they like the application, they won't reject it because of a167.

aynana · 8/5/23

That is genuinely so reassuring

Are you also planning to apply for Fall 2024?

potatopeeler · 8/6/23

aynana said:
That is genuinely so reassuring Are you also planning to apply for Fall 2024?

Yes I am.

Shortlisting MFE Programs

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