How to get off the waitlist at UChicago Masters Financial Mathematics program with $50,000 scholarship?

mathormeth

mathormeth

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10/23/24
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Hello all!! I'm not sure if anyone has any insights into the UChicago Masters Financial Mathematics program offered, but I was recently waitlisted and plan on reaching out. In my application, I discussed my experience learning a new programming language, the "unorthodox" ways I learned about finance outside of coursework, and demonstrated how UC would help me get where I want.

I plan to send the admissions department a letter, discussing some of the projects l've been working on in my downtime to prepare for graduate programs while continuing to learn about the industry. I also plan on stating that the program is truly my #1, and an admission would be accepted instantaneously (I'll word this better).

Does anyone have any input into what type of student the program is looking for? Any skills I should mention that I might have missed? Also, is there anything I should avoid saying?

Thank you so so much! This forum has been invaluable in helping me craft my applications.
 
I feel the spot you are in. Waitlist outcome is out of your control most of them time. For programs like Chicago which has over a thousand applicants every year, there are more people eager to join than available spots.
I don't think what you plan to do will hurt but it may not yield the result you expect. The best time to make a memorable impression is before you apply. Show up to their information session or open house, ask well-researched questions and build personal relationship with their staff. They will remember you when you submit the application.
Also, the best place to negotiate is from a position of strength. If you have multiple offers from comparable programs, telling Chicago that they are your #1 will have a better shot.
You didn't put anything on the Tracker so hard to tell what kind of shot you have.
 
mathormeth said:
Yes, I sent a letter to the admissions department. Basically outlined what I had been working on to prepare for graduate school since submitting my apps, highlighting some Python projects, networking with UChicago students, and emphasizing that the program is my top choice.
Click to expand...
I love this. You did several things that most applicants did not do to stand out.
  • You take actions instead of waiting for your fate in the Waitlist
  • You show serious commitment to the program by reaching out and indicating they are your #1 choice
  • You provide additional proof of additional learning/Python projects
  • You take advantage of the networking opportunities by reaching out to other Chicago students to learn more about the program. There are many of them here.
It's normal for someone to get admitted from the waitlist but it's rare to get off the waitlist with a $50,000 scholarship. Scholarship is usually offered to those deemed most qualified.
What you did is to show the program that your ability to stand out and convince them that you will do whatever it takes to success.
Congrats and I hope other applicants will take note and get off the sideline. Nobody will give you an opportunity unless you actively give it your best.
 
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