跨专业申请MFE，真诚恳求各位CDer给出建议

JonFrank

Hi, my friend! Thus far, you have a great background. You have a good undergraduate education and academic scores. In addition, your work-related experience is very impressive. These factors will be helpful in your future application, and I’d definitely suggest that you aim fortop-tier programs. I’d also like to offer you a few pieces of advice as you move forward.

First, as you may know, an MFE is more of a math degree, and schools are looking for candidates who havevery strong backgrounds in math. You need to study courses like stochastic process, calculus, and advanced statistics. This background will better prepare you for an MFE program.

Secondly, you need to present strong programming skills, based on C++ or MATLAB. These are necessary tools for success in the real world with an MFE degree.

Finally, if you can pass the CFA level oneexam, that would be a huge advantage. Because your undergrad major is I.S., you also need to show your interest and preparation in finance.

You wanted to know whether it would be harder for you to get an MSF degree. An MSF is a pure finance degree so if you want to apply for this program, you need to take on more finance courses and definitely aim to ace the CFA.

Hope this helps!

Jon Frank
HBS 2005

-- by 会员 JonFrank (2013/2/20 11:40:24)

Hi Jon,


Thank you so much for this comprehensive reply. I apologize for this late reply ( I didn't check it regularly...)


Next Semester, I will take an exchange program at Notre Dame in which I plan to study 4 Mathematics courses to enhance my Mathematics background. But this might be a little bit too late since when the result came out, most applications shall have ended. Nevertheless, I will give it a try.


Now the problem really is the timing. The ideal time for me to submit the application is definitely late December because I will have a great GPA at a U.S. College (hopefully, haha), one or two convincing reference letters from ND and more importantly, a more suitable background.


Any tips on how I should spend my time at ND? Football is definitely on schedule, haha.

-- by 会员 sprinttime (2013/2/25 0:40:45)

Hi there, my friend. It’s clear youhave solid goals and a firm plan. For your exchange program next semester, Ithink it’s a great idea to take math courses to improve your quantitativeskills. Even thought you might not be able to get the final grades in time foryour new applications, you can speak about your exchange experiences in yourapplications. Getting one or more reference letters from math professors at ND wouldbe hugely helpful. And of course, enjoy the Fighting Irish football! Notre Damehas a great team.

One last piece of advice for yourexchange time… Since you will be in the States, you can actually arrange visitsto the schools you are interested in applying to. While you’re visiting them, Iwould definitely recommend sitting in on a few classes and introducing yourselfat the admissions office. This is a great way to establish a connection earlywith any university. Hope this helps!

----Jon Frank