What determines admittance into an MQF/MFE program?

[mathemagician]

I'm curious what the MQF/MFE programs value most from potential applicants.

I've heard anything from ethnicity to GPA can determine whether you get into a graduate program or not.

For example, I'm looking at UIUC's MFE program; can anyone who has been accepted tell me a bit about what their application looked like? Or what they value/prioritize most when choosing candidates (bachelor's degree, relevant coursework, GPA, etc)?

I'm assuming GPA is a major factor, but will a lower GPA with more relevant and difficult coursework overrule a higher GPA with less relevant and less difficult coursework? Let's assume we're not comparing trivial cases like art majors to physics majors.

 

[mhy]

I don't think ethnicity matters. East Asians and Indians are over-represented simply because there are more of them applying (and many of them are highly qualified)

Degree is important but only as far as coursework is concerned -- you need all the prerequisites. GPA the higher the better but engineering&science majors in the US can be tough due to various reasons (grading on a curve, a**hole profs, etc). The different grading systems used in other countries makes things more complicated as well. Still, schools will look for generally good grades (As & Bs) in hard sciences, math, and CS.

Will a lower GPA with more relevant and difficult coursework overrule a higher GPA with less relevant and less difficult coursework?

To a degree, yes. But you'll be expected to have good grades in foundational coursework. If you have a C or D in undergraduate calculus you better have a good explanation for it because you won't survive the first semester of an MFE otherwise.

Stepping back from hard factors here is my opinion of what MFE programs value the most in admissions in no particular order:

MFE programs want students who:
1-are smart and get things done
2-are academically qualified for an MFE
3-can handle the workload of an MFE
4-will make the school look good by getting internships / full time offers

 

[mathemagician]

I don't think ethnicity matters. East Asians and Indians are over-represented simply because there are more of them applying (and many of them are highly qualified)

What about residency? For example, I'm an Illinois resident, is there some kind of priority/quota the University has to meet for their programs?

Degree is important but only as far as coursework is concerned -- you need all the prerequisites. GPA the higher the better but engineering&science majors in the US can be tough due to various reasons (grading on a curve, a**hole profs, etc). The different grading systems used in other countries makes things more complicated as well. Still, schools will look for generally good grades (As & Bs) in hard sciences, math, and CS.

How do I explain this on a program's application? Do I add a cover letter with an explanation, or is it more proper to mention it in the "Describe why you'd be a good fit in 300 words"-type essay question most programs have?

To a degree, yes. But you'll be expected to have good grades in foundational coursework. If you have a C or D in undergraduate calculus you better have a good explanation for it because you won't survive the first semester of an MFE otherwise.

Haha, funny story...I got a C in Calc I, transferred universities, got an A in Calc II (might have been the highest grade in class, judging from the looks of everyone else when they saw the final) and took a proficiency test to test out of Calc III (essentially taught myself the material over the course of 6 weeks)

Stepping back from hard factors here is my opinion of what MFE programs value the most in admissions in no particular order:

MFE programs want students who:
1-are smart and get things done
2-are academically qualified for an MFE
3-can handle the workload of an MFE
4-will make the school look good by getting internships / full time offers

These next few questions are respective to their number in which you have ordered the factors:

1. How can I show this on a program application? I often hear that those who determine admittance will check 2 things (GPA and references, or was it GPA and coursework?) then either throw the application away or set it aside for further review. Basically, how do I hold their attention long enough to get myself into the review stack?

2. No questions here, I'm sure I am qualified.

3. Again, how do I show/how should I about showing this on a program's application? Should my letters of recommendation mention this?

4. I have no questions about this.


Thanks in advance, I really appreciate you taking the time to help me out.

 

[mhy]

What about residency? For example, I'm an Illinois resident, is there some kind of priority/quota the University has to meet for their programs?

Doubtful at least where I was admitted. You can ask but it is unlikely you will ever find out the answer.

How do I explain this on a program's application? Do I add a cover letter with an explanation, or is it more proper to mention it in the "Describe why you'd be a good fit in 300 words"-type essay question most programs have?

I don't think you have to address it unless it's REALLY low. Admissions committees know that engineering programs are typically a lot harder to get perfect grades in, and will be able to interpret your GPA correctly.

1. How can I show this on a program application? I often hear that those who determine admittance will check 2 things (GPA and references, or was it GPA and coursework?) then either throw the application away or set it aside for further review. Basically, how do I hold their attention long enough to get myself into the review stack?

There are a number of ways to do this, but a glowing reference will certainly set you apart. Combine a good educational background and a strong recommendation from a manager at work ('gets things done') or professor ('smart')--or better yet, both--and you're solid.

3. Again, how do I show/how should I about showing this on a program's application? Should my letters of recommendation mention this?

Yes, that is one way to go about it. In my case, I was already working in the financial industry and my recommenders made it clear that I was able to take a huge workload and digest it piece by piece without burning out. I finished a 5-year program in 4 years, and worked 20 hours a week almost throughout college, so I didn't have a problem justifying my work ethic. Beyond academic workload, admissions committees care about whether you really have an interest in the financial industry or you're just doing it because it's 'fancy' and potentially face burnout very quickly.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

What about residency? For example, I'm an Illinois resident, is there some kind of priority/quota the University has to meet for their programs?

Programs are actively seeking out domestic candidates for several reasons: placement/visa advantages, diversity (more females, more Americans, etc). No program wants their brochure to look like an advertisement for some Chinese university.
So while it's an advantage you need to utilize, keep in mind that they may give you an edge or easier time, you still have to convince the admission people that when it comes to academic requirement and employability, you still meet the bar.

 

[mathemagician]

Programs are actively seeking out domestic candidates for several reasons: placement/visa advantages, diversity (more females, more Americans, etc). No program wants their brochure to look like an advertisement for some Chinese university.
So while it's an advantage you need to utilize, keep in mind that they may give you an edge or easier time, you still have to convince the admission people that when it comes to academic requirement and employability, you still meet the bar.

Thank you for clarifying. I never intended to use ethnicity or citizenship as a crutch, but rather something that makes me more, for lack of a better term, "favorable" or "note-worthy" when applying alongside candidates of equal academic background but different ethnicity.