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- 4/13/25
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I’ve been reading the forums for a while now and have found the insights incredibly helpful—so thank you to everyone who shares their experience. This is actually my first time posting (on any forum, really), and I’m hoping to get some direction on whether pursuing an MFE is a realistic goal for me, or if I should focus on landing a front-office role after undergrad and revisit grad school later.
I’m currently finishing up my sophomore year at a local Canadian university, majoring in Applied Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science. While the school isn’t particularly well-known for math or CS, I believe we’re covering all the standard undergraduate material. My GPA is around 3.7/4, and I don’t have much work experience yet.
I was also recently admitted to Ivey Business School (non-target US /semi target Can for IB) generally more focused on investment banking and consulting. I’m on track to graduate in 2028 with a dual degree in Applied Math and Business, along with a CS minor.
My main interests lie in model validation, quant development, and research-oriented roles. But since my school doesn’t have much of a quant recruiting pipeline, I’m trying to figure out how to best position myself for either top MFE programs or quant-leaning roles after undergrad.
Right now, I’m considering whether I:
- Focus on GPA and the technical side, while also self-studying through textbooks, bootcamps, and personal projects. This could delay internship recruiting but might strengthen my chances of getting into a top MFE program straight out of undergrad.
- Prioritize gaining relevant work experience and apply to a master’s program after 2–3 years of full-time work with a more robust resume.
I'd really appreciate your thoughts on the following:
- If you were in my position, what would you prioritize: academics or experience?
- As someone from a non-target school, what does it realistically take to stand out in top MFE applications?
- Would front-office or quant-adjacent roles be a strong launchpad for quant transitions or future grad school? If so, what specific types of roles or firms should I be targeting?
Any advice—especially from those who’ve taken a similar path—would mean a lot. Thanks everyone!
I’m currently finishing up my sophomore year at a local Canadian university, majoring in Applied Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science. While the school isn’t particularly well-known for math or CS, I believe we’re covering all the standard undergraduate material. My GPA is around 3.7/4, and I don’t have much work experience yet.
I was also recently admitted to Ivey Business School (non-target US /semi target Can for IB) generally more focused on investment banking and consulting. I’m on track to graduate in 2028 with a dual degree in Applied Math and Business, along with a CS minor.
My main interests lie in model validation, quant development, and research-oriented roles. But since my school doesn’t have much of a quant recruiting pipeline, I’m trying to figure out how to best position myself for either top MFE programs or quant-leaning roles after undergrad.
Right now, I’m considering whether I:
- Focus on GPA and the technical side, while also self-studying through textbooks, bootcamps, and personal projects. This could delay internship recruiting but might strengthen my chances of getting into a top MFE program straight out of undergrad.
- Prioritize gaining relevant work experience and apply to a master’s program after 2–3 years of full-time work with a more robust resume.
I'd really appreciate your thoughts on the following:
- If you were in my position, what would you prioritize: academics or experience?
- As someone from a non-target school, what does it realistically take to stand out in top MFE applications?
- Would front-office or quant-adjacent roles be a strong launchpad for quant transitions or future grad school? If so, what specific types of roles or firms should I be targeting?
Any advice—especially from those who’ve taken a similar path—would mean a lot. Thanks everyone!
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