I am wondering what areas of the master reading list I should self-study in addition to my coursework for my MS in math. My end goal is to have a competitive application for top 10 MFE programs.
Right now, I am taking (graduate level of course): Advanced Linear Algebra, Mathematical Statistics, Partial Differential equations, and Topology
Next semester, I will take Optimization, Advanced Numerical Analysis, Real Analysis, and Mathematical Statistics II.
Now for self study, I can do any of the following options:
1. Pick an area of math that I am lacking, and study that - stochastic processes, stochastic calculus, or time series
2. Learn more about finance in general. I could read Hull's book for instance, or any of the overview style books of mathematical finance.
3. Work on getting a tangible certification, such as CFA level 1
4. Although I am fairly proficient in programming in C++, Java, and Python, I could always learn more or work on a coding project (Make sure I know how to code up monte carlo simulations and other financial applications)
Thoughts?