UIUC MFE: Tier 1 or Tier 2 ?

P

PrakharT

Joined
9/18/13
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Hi,

I have recently been admitted to UIUC MFE. I know it's a new program and does not share similar reputation as Columbia MFE or Berkeley MFE or CMU, but as far as the university brand name is concerned, it is undoubtedly one of the best in the US?

But at present, I am pretty much confused about the program's future prospects. At Quantnet itself, the reviews are great. But, should I consider it to be a tier 1 program? Can we compare it with G'Tech QCF, Michigan's MFE, Rutger's MSMF, and UCLA MFE?

How about it's standing among programs like NYU-Poly's MFE, UMinnesota's MSFM, and UWashigton's CFRM? These are definitely cheaper programs and hence, I've applied in all of these. If I get admit to anyone of them, should I leave UIUC and join them?

My basic requirement is that I want to have the best option in terms of ROI.

Please help!
 
GPA: 7.17 from an Indian Institute (5year Dual Degree - BTech IT + MBA Finance)
GRE Q 167
Work Ex: 2.5 years in Marketing Research and Analytics (no relevant experience)
 
New Trader said:
Have you checked out the rankings?
Click to expand...
Yes, I have. I m finding it difficult to make a comparison. See, investment is also important. If I get into University of Minnesota MSFM, according to the ranking, I should leave UIUC as both have the same ranks and obviously UMinn is alot cheaper than UIUC. But, when I consider UIUC's brand name and the fact that its among top 20 within 3 years of its start, it confuses.
For me, investment amount is really important. Now, if I'll have same returns from UMinn, then why would I go for UIUC?
 
I am not an expert, but you are missing a point here. This ranking should be your guide line, no decision should be made becoz X school is ahead of Y. LinkedIn would be the best bet for you to connect with current students.
 
New Trader said:
I am not an expert, but you are missing a point here. This ranking should be your guide line, no decision should be made becoz X school is ahead of Y. LinkedIn would be the best bet for you to connect with current students.
Click to expand...
So, according to you, joining NYU Poly (if admitted) than UIUC should be more preferred as it has a better rank?
 
no.. You shouldn't make any decision based on only ranking. There are other factors that need to be explored.

For eg:
http://www.economist.com/whichmba/full-time-mba-ranking

Based on this, would you choose Virginia over Harvard? I wouldn't it. Brand name does matter in USA, at least until you reach certain level.

Your resume may not get picked because you didn't go to the right school ( assume you just apply via online).

Connect with current and past students via LinkedIn and see what they have been up to. If you like what ever they are doing, you can lean towards that school.
 
the rite school tends to admit ppl with the rite resume that can get interview. its already a filter.
 
PrakharT said:
How about it's standing among programs like NYU-Poly's MFE, UMinnesota's MSFM, and UWashigton's CFRM? These are definitely cheaper programs and hence, I've applied in all of these. If I get admit to anyone of them, should I leave UIUC and join them?

My basic requirement is that I want to have the best option in terms of ROI.
Click to expand...

In the USA as a general rule, you never get more than what you pay for -- which means you can end up getting less than what you pay for if you're unwary. The cheaper programs should have alarm bells going off in your head -- why are they cheaper? The people flogging the programs are keenly aware of how much they can charge and get away with -- after all the programs are designed to make money for them. So the ROI criterion is a dicey one. Remember the old adage, "Not cheap at any price." Some crud program going for $30,000 may cost you more in real terms than one going for $60,000.
 
PrakharT said:
Hi,

I have recently been admitted to UIUC MFE. I know it's a new program and does not share similar reputation as Columbia MFE or Berkeley MFE or CMU, but as far as the university brand name is concerned, it is undoubtedly one of the best in the US?

But at present, I am pretty much confused about the program's future prospects. At Quantnet itself, the reviews are great. But, should I consider it to be a tier 1 program? Can we compare it with G'Tech QCF, Michigan's MFE, Rutger's MSMF, and UCLA MFE?

How about it's standing among programs like NYU-Poly's MFE, UMinnesota's MSFM, and UWashigton's CFRM? These are definitely cheaper programs and hence, I've applied in all of these. If I get admit to anyone of them, should I leave UIUC and join them?

My basic requirement is that I want to have the best option in terms of ROI.

Please help!
Click to expand...
You should rely over what you feel is the best fit for your academic and career aspirations in the long run (which includes the ROI from a program) rather than an artificial creation of hierarchy called tier. However, if you are looking to satisfy your conscience through ratification of the members here including me, you would be grossly disappointed to believe that UIUC MFE is anywhere near tier 1 or even 2 (If at all anything called a tier exists). UIUC is a very strong name for engineering, however I am not so confident of its brand value in the domain of quantitative finance.

I have heard good things about UW CFRM: both from students' experiences and industrial perspectives but I am quite bearish on UMinnesota. Kindly note that the conclusions are based on my limited knowledge of the above programs and I would be pleased to re-evaluate myself in the event of a larger field of information.
 
bigbadwolf said:
In the USA as a general rule, you never get more than what you pay for -- which means you can end up getting less than what you pay for if you're unwary. The cheaper programs should have alarm bells going off in your head -- why are they cheaper? The people flogging the programs are keenly aware of how much they can charge and get away with -- after all the programs are designed to make money for them. So the ROI criterion is a dicey one. Remember the old adage, "Not cheap at any price." Some crud program going for $30,000 may cost you more in real terms than one going for $60,000.
Click to expand...

Good point......what you pays is what you gets.....

other than UIUC, i hold some Qs about UofW program....Firstly, it does not contain much info about its employment or students profile on website, Secondly, all of sudden, i mean, so many current or previous students just crowded into QuantNet to praise its quality....I mean, what does it really like. .....

mean no offense, but i really hope someone could enlighten me and many students like me, who is about to apply to such programs....

thanks....
 
pacman said:
How is a school that is ranked 18th Worldwide (Engineering), 33rd (Physical Sciences) and in the US 5th in Engineering and 20th in Math, a tier 3 or 4 school?
Click to expand...
That's what my point is. I mean even if it has not yet established as the top quant programs in US but I believe it has to be really good because everything about university is just outstanding. Why would they ruin their reputation by coming up with a program which is not UPTO their standards?
 

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