How likely am i to be admitted if I meet/exceed the median requirements of the top programs (gpa, gre, internships)

monkeyformoney · 9/1/24

Hi all,

Title and I'm curious how much weight goes into the non-quantifiable parts of a student's application such as the essays and letters of rec.

Andy Nguyen · 9/21/24

It depends on the programs. In general, the weaker your GPA, GRE, scores are, the stronger you need to make your essays.
A balanced application is always ideal, no matter how moving your essays are, they will not make up for a lack of math, programming courses or low grades.
Let us know which programs you are applying this cycle.

monkeyformoney · 10/23/24

Hi Andy,

I'll be applying to CMU MSCF (1st choice by far), UChi MSFM, Princeton MFin, and UCB MFE. After looking at my stats, I'm curious to hear your opinion on how much my essays and LORs will matter. Thanks!

My stats:
3.968/4 US T20 Math + Stats (combined major) UG
1 Data & Analytics @ Well known, but lower rated, IB
1 Data Engineering at T3 research lab
1 HF externship
169Q, 161V, 4.0 GRE
Domestic applicant

Andy Nguyen · 10/23/24

Bonus for being a domestic applicant. Strong stats on paper.
You need to communicate convincingly why you choose this program and this career track. The essay needs to demonstrate your understanding of the industry and how you fit in.
Make sure to post your application timelines on the Tracker.

Thread 'Do’s and Don’ts of MFE Applications'

2/26/13

When applying to a master’s program, it is not possible to specify the exact requirements necessary to be accepted, because there is flexibility in the process. An application that is weaker in one area might be accepted because of strengths in other areas.

For the most part, the standard of the applicants is very high; however, in some cases, it is apparent that a capable applicant would have fared better with more careful preparation. There are things that candidates could do to improve their chances of admission, especially if they give some thought to this well before the application...

Post in thread 'SOP and Essay'

10/17/24

Andy Nguyen on LinkedIn: QuantNet Guide - Gwen Stanczak Admission Advice | 27 comments

💁‍♀️ Gwen Stanczak, the former Director MSCF Admission for the MS in Computational Finance at Carnegie Mellon University, reveals insights into what… | 27 comments on LinkedIn

www.linkedin.com

monkeyformoney · 10/23/24

Will post my applications on the Tracker when my applications are submitted. Thanks for the resources and advice!

jayatenet · 10/24/24

Andy Nguyen said:
Bonus for being a domestic applicant. Strong stats on paper.
You need to communicate convincingly why you choose this program and this career track. The essay needs to demonstrate your understanding of the industry and how you fit in.
Make sure to post your application timelines on the Tracker.

Thread 'Do’s and Don’ts of MFE Applications'

2/26/13

When applying to a master’s program, it is not possible to specify the exact requirements necessary to be accepted, because there is flexibility in the process. An application that is weaker in one area might be accepted because of strengths in other areas.

For the most part, the standard of the applicants is very high; however, in some cases, it is apparent that a capable applicant would have fared better with more careful preparation. There are things that candidates could do to improve their chances of admission, especially if they give some thought to this well before the application...

Bill Stanley

Replies: 17

Forum: Articles

Post in thread 'SOP and Essay'

10/17/24

Andy Nguyen on LinkedIn: QuantNet Guide - Gwen Stanczak Admission Advice | 27 comments

💁‍♀️ Gwen Stanczak, the former Director MSCF Admission for the MS in Computational Finance at Carnegie Mellon University, reveals insights into what… | 27 comments on LinkedIn

www.linkedin.com

Andy Nguyen

Would it make difference if I am a international student, but I did my undergrad at a domestic university? (along the likes of osu, rutgers, etc. mid size public universities?)