COMPARE University of Toronto MMF vs University of Waterloo MQF

[IntoDarkness]

bay street is so small. not many jobs there

 

[MichaelZhang]

Hi, I don't know MQF before. But right now Master of Quantitative program is the most terrible master program "in the world". The course design is not change for almost 20 years, yes, you can learn something if you work hard. But then what? you can not find a good job after you graduate. Because staffs in this program are not responsible for students and their connection to financial industry is really terrible. when you want to get help from staffs in this program, you will feel helpless, because they don't care about your study and problems you meet in this program. I heard from my friend that one previous director ask my friend to leave his office when my friend wanted some help from this director. He felt so disappointed for both this program and staffs in this program. Please remember: their ranking just represent for their previous reputation not now. Because all staffs changed, founder of this program even leave university of Waterloo and coordinator has retired 1 year ago.

 

[IntoDarkness]

Hi, I don't know MQF before. But right now Master of Quantitative program is the most terrible master program "in the world". The course design is not change for almost 20 years, yes, you can learn something if you work hard. But then what? you can not find a good job after you graduate. Because staffs in this program are not responsible for students and their connection to financial industry is really terrible. when you want to get help from staffs in this program, you will feel helpless, because they don't care about your study and problems you meet in this program. I heard from my friend that one previous director ask my friend to leave his office when my friend wanted some help from this director. He felt so disappointed for both this program and staffs in this program. Please remember: their ranking just represent for their previous reputation not now. Because all staffs changed, founder of this program even leave university of Waterloo and coordinator has retired 1 year ago.

how come i don't even feel surprised...

 

[RandomAnalysis]

Got admitted into both programs. It is kind of hard to find up-to-date discussions about these two.
I wondering if there are any insights about the programs and how to choose between them here.

Thanks all in advance!

 

[xstxst]

I would recommend UT MMF. Since you are going to finance industry, so Toronto would make you more contact with the environment. The living expense in Toronto is much higher than Waterloo. If the price is not what you concern, then UT MMF would be better.

 

[RandomAnalysis]

I would recommend UT MMF. Since you are going to finance industry, so Toronto would make you more contact with the environment. The living expense in Toronto is much higher than Waterloo. If the price is not what you concern, then UT MMF would be better.

Thank you for the insights. I thought so. Location is definitely important.

I have seen bad reviews for these two program in the forum. Just worried if the outcome is not as good as what has been advertised.

 

[xstxst]

Thank you for the insights. I thought so. Location is definitely important.

I have seen bad reviews for these two program in the forum. Just worried if the outcome is not as good as what has been advertised.

They are all good programs. But you know, the finance industry in Canada is definitely much smaller than the US. There is not much large hedge funds in Canada. Location means much more in Canada. Entry-level finance job opportunities are very limited in Canada.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Are you able to go visit both programs, go sit in the classroom and talk to students, faculty? Usually you will come to a clear decision quickly.
A trip would be a good investment instead of picking blindly and got stuck with a program that you regret many years later.

 

[RandomAnalysis]

Are you able to go visit both programs, go sit in the classroom and talk to students, faculty? Usually you will come to a clear decision quickly.
A trip would be a good investment instead of picking blindly and got stuck with a program that you regret many years later.

Thank you Andy
I can't since I am not close to Waterloo/Toronto. But I did talk to graduates from both programs.

 

[Airtree]

Vote for UT.

 

[DessertStation]

If I got both, I think I'll prefer UofT for its brand name and more applied curriculum. However, I was rejected by MMF and now I'm hesitating between MQF and Chicago MSFM. I'd be really grateful if I can hear from some of your thoughts. Thanks!

 

[RandomAnalysis]

Vote for UT.

Thank you Just wondering is there any particular reasons ?
If not it is all good too.

 

[RandomAnalysis]

If I got both, I think I'll prefer UofT for its brand name and more applied curriculum. However, I was rejected by MMF and now I'm hesitating between MQF and Chicago MSFM. I'd be really grateful if I can hear from some of your thoughts. Thanks!

Yes I have heard MQF is REALLY theoretical compared to many other similar programs. If you intend for further study in the field MQF is a good option.

If I were you I would go with Chicago simply as Chicago is a financial hub.

 

[Airtree]

Thank you Just wondering is there any particular reasons ?
If not it is all good too.

The program is predominant in Bay street. Easy to secure employment. Even the program itself can help offer internships or jobs.

 

[Xin Jing]

Welcome to join the Wechat group for students admitted to MMF 2018

 

[zyz]

Hi @DessertStation and @RandomAnalysis
Have you guys decided where to go? Can you please share your profiles?

 

[rohitr]

There are many posts about Toronto MMF and Waterloo MQF, and I thought it could be useful to make a short summary of what I found and see if people agree with it. I also have a follow up question concerning the importance of "brand" and future prospects...

My main conclusion is that the difference between the two programs is of order epsilon. The tuition at Waterloo is cheaper (3 X $3,605) vs $41,300 at Toronto, but Toronto is 3 terms vs 4 terms at Waterloo, so your extra 4 months income working probably make up the difference. Both include a one term internship (pretty much a guarantee... on Bay Street) which should give you back around $16,000-$20,000. Toronto seems to be more applied with a focus on risk management while Waterloo is more theoretical. People that intend to pursue a PhD tend to prefer Waterloo. I am also under the impression that Waterloo is more diverse in what it teaches and covers more given that it has an extra term to do so. Both have an excellent reputation in Canada. The main reason Toronto seems to be preferred by most students is its international reputation. Waterloo really doesn't seem to resonate much on Wall Street versus Toronto (which is ranked 14 in the 2011 QuantNet ranking).

Here is my question now. How important is the last point: international recognition? My goal is to work on Bay Street initially, so it should not matter too much a priori. However, I am scared that if I desire to move to Wall Street in the future, a lesser known program as Waterloo might hurt me. Is it fair to say that the "brand" of your MFE program doesn't matter after few years of experience?

I got accepted at Waterloo this morning and I am still waiting the hear from Toronto. I tend to favor Waterloo, but this last point is bugging me a bit.

U or Waterloo's program is of 2 years?
I've read somewhere that if an International student pursues masters in canada of less than 2 years,then he/she will not get a job in canada. Is it true?