COMPARE Chicago MSFM vs NYU Tandon MFE

[Jacky Chan]

Hi, everyone, I just got admission to UChicago MSFM Singapore. It is a Satellite program so the quality or certificate is unsure. Also idk if fresh undergraduates from China could land a job in Singapore Or how long one can go back to Chicago campus to study. Do anyone know this program: Quality / Placement?

Thanks for any kind help!

 

[Lyn Huang]

There are a lot of opportunities in Singapore. I think UChicago MSFM is more decent than the other one. Not clear about distance learning there.. But CMU MSCF (ny campus I think) offers video education too lol

 

[prettiot]

Hi Jacky, I have got the admission too. Are you going?

 

[yoyozhao]

Just like to hear some thoughts on these two programs. Which program is better in terms of courses selection, teaching quality, and career placement. Thanks!!

 

[Weiyi CHEN]

Chicago MSFM better. Sorry I have to tell the truth that both two programs are not the tops, so it's pretty hard to obtain a job in US even graduated. But if you have to make a choice, I suggest you to go Chicago (assuming you're a Chinese).

Reason one is based on reputation. Though it doesn't work well in US, it makes sense in Asia since they care more on your school. Without doubt Chicago is much more famous than NYU-poly.

Reason two is its location in Chicago. You may say NYU-poly is in NY which is better. But when you notice there're so many top programs in New York, while yours is not competitive enough, it's a disadvantaged rather than a benefit. In comparing, only Chicago MSFM locates in Chicago (at least it's the top one), you are able to make use of this location better than any other school.

Reason three is you may consider taking another mfe after graduating from this program. MSFM relies more on mathematics which will prepare you a good foundation, while NYU-poly FE is quite general.

 

[yoyozhao]

Thanks, Weiyi. Any thoughts from recent graduates?

 

[Karamvir]

Hi everyone!

I have got admits from UChicago MSFM and NYU Tandon MFE, which has put me into dilemma. I tried researching my way through the data available and could really use your opinion and votes.

My background: Engineering from a reputed institute in India, 3 years Data Analyst experience. Looking forward to pursuing Quant Analyst profile after graduation and portfolio management in the long term.

Sharing few pros and cons I found for:
NYU Tandon
Pros:
Improving placements , Location, Class size and duration, TA option, More diverse curriculum
Cons:
Higher competition in placements, Higher living expenses

UChicago
Pros:
Reputed university, Better placements (from the forums I looked into), Faculty
Cons:
Higher class size, More opportunities in trading profiles which might be difficult for international students to secure (Really need an opinion on this one)

Also, if someone could share their views on how hard would it be to land a job in NYC after graduating from UChicago.

Thanks!

 

[Prokofiev]

For UChicago, it seems like ~21-23% of students ended up in NYC based on the 2017 & 2018 numbers. So it’s definitely possible.

~18% had internships in NYC in 2019.

 

[Karamvir]

For UChicago, it seems like ~21-23% of students ended up in NYC based on the 2017 & 2018 numbers. So it’s definitely possible.

~18% had internships in NYC in 2019.

Thanks for your reply, Prokofiev. Overall, in your opinion, may I know which program would provide better opportunities?

 

[Prokofiev]

I’m also applying this year. So, my opinion isn’t worth much. It would be better if people who graduated from those programs answered your questions.

All I can do is look at the ranking, the reported employment outcomes and the curricula. NYU Tandon ranks a bit higher than Chicago. However, if you consider the components, they’re similar.

NYU provides a list of companies and titles, but I haven’t seen a percentage breakdown. Chicago has more information. Job functions: Quant Research/Analysis 42%, Risk Management 20%, Trading 10%, Programming/Development 9%, Data Science/Analytics 7%, Portfolio Management 6%, etc. They also give the types of employers if you’re interested.

 

[Karamvir]

Came to know that students with no prior experience in the field may have to fight little more to land a job from UChiacgo as compared to NYU Tandon where opportunities are lot more, thus increasing the chances. Please let me know if anyone thinks otherwise.

 

[phoenix_mfe]

I have received admits from both the schools for FinMath & MFE respectively. However, I'm unable to collect info about the kind of job roles offered to people in NYC & Chicago. I've read Chicago is a trading hub & there are good trading profiles (my area of interest) available there while there's many Quantitative Analyst roles available in NYC & should be preferred for a good placement. Can someone please throw some light into the number of opportunities and job roles available in both the cities? Also please comment about your choice among the two schools and the reason if possible!

 

[binomial-torrent]

this one is a really close call for sure...i would say location is the differentiator.

 

[QuantQuestion]

Maybe if you looked at NYU vs. UChicago's stance on covid that will help your decision? I.e maybe one school will be offering a spring 2021 start instead while the other is online this fall

 

[sherlockdeep]

Which school is offering online classes this fall?

 

[phoenix_mfe]

this one is a really close call for sure...i would say location is the differentiator.

Exactly! I know location is the distinguishing factor, hence I needed some clarity about it with respect to kind of roles available and the number of opportunities in both the cities. However, please comment about your opinion on the curriculum/ placement services for both the programs

 

[phoenix_mfe]

Maybe if you looked at NYU vs. UChicago's stance on covid that will help your decision? I.e maybe one school will be offering a spring 2021 start instead while the other is online this fall

I agree but I'm open to the option of deferring my admission as well so just figuring out which one to hold on to

 

[phoenix_mfe]

Which school is offering online classes this fall?

NYU has announced no changes in their current schedule of beginning classes (in-person) in August.

 

[dheerajsh]

I think Chicago has also not announced any changes in schedule yet, September as usual

 

[nothingnew]

i heard uchicago being more theoretical and NYU is more practical. If you already have solid foundation for programming/math, UChicago. If not, then NYU gives you decent preparation for your quant career (two yrs). Plus there are more opportunities in the NYC. Hope this helps