hi everybody,I am new to this forum and I read all the discussions related to admit in top schools of US for math fin programs. I want to get into these too. I have a decent background in chemical engineering and I have published 2 research papers in mathematical modeling and I am an international student. After finishing my masters in chem engg last yr, I am currently working as research assistant in Australia.Basically what my question is, I have not taken any formal courses in Probability and stats during my undergrads. So if I clear the core technical actuary exams in "probability and stats" and "financial mathematics" of Institute of Actuaries, London, will it improve my application? Any inputs regarding this will be highly appreciated. Thanks

can anybody offer some advice on the question? this is a topic that i am also interested incheers

or for that matter, will taking CFA help?please help guys..I just need your opinions on this..i know nobody knows it for sure..thanks

QuoteOriginally posted by: hit464hi everybody,I am new to this forum and I read all the discussions related to admit in top schools of US for math fin programs. I want to get into these too. I have a decent background in chemical engineering and I have published 2 research papers in mathematical modeling and I am an international student. After finishing my masters in chem engg last yr, I am currently working as research assistant in Australia.Basically what my question is, I have not taken any formal courses in Probability and stats during my undergrads. So if I clear the core technical actuary exams in "probability and stats" and "financial mathematics" of Institute of Actuaries, London, will it improve my application? Any inputs regarding this will be highly appreciated. ThanksHaving taken the core exams (there were about 9 when I took them 5 years ago) and the certificate in derivatives, I would be inclined to say that they are too basic mathematically and some of it is irrelevent if you are interested in mathematical finance as applied to derivatives.

Thanks FV for your input.since you have already taken these tests, could you give me opinion on one more thing. Can these basic core exams, fulfil the role of completion of pre-requisites for admission into the math finance programs?ThanksQuoteHaving taken the core exams (there were about 9 when I took them 5 years ago) and the certificate in derivatives, I would be inclined to say that they are too basic mathematically and some of it is irrelevent if you are interested in mathematical finance as applied to derivatives.

How's your undergrad grades? How's your GRE?I honestly don't think Asc Sci exams or CFA will help.. but just to take up another half a year of your time and money. If you are interested in fin math, they are not technical enough... we are talking about solving PDE, modelling, etc.. None of those exams have stuff on thisIn fact, if you have good GRE/grades... you can apply now and see what happens?I'm a comp sci undergrad and I got into UT. I know it's not the top top school.. but I don't have a stats background neither.... All they want is grades I think.... (and a good industry ref letter helps too)

I have a GPA of 6.5/10 from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi in my undergrads and 7.3/10 in my masters in I.I.T. itself as ,in mine was a dual degree program. My GRE score was 1390 (690V and 800Q and 5.0 in analytical). Now the thing is I can only apply for next fall as all the deadlines of this yr are gone. And so I have about 6-8 months time to do anything which might strengthen my application. Just like you, even I don't have any stats/prob background. I have good recommendations to back my application too. So in this case, will a relevant internship before applying help? My aim is to get into the best possible school. I will be more than happy to get an admit from UT :-)QuoteOriginally posted by: boyHow's your undergrad grades? How's your GRE?I honestly don't think Asc Sci exams or CFA will help.. but just to take up another half a year of your time and money. If you are interested in fin math, they are not technical enough... we are talking about solving PDE, modelling, etc.. None of those exams have stuff on thisIn fact, if you have good GRE/grades... you can apply now and see what happens?I'm a comp sci undergrad and I got into UT. I know it's not the top top school.. but I don't have a stats background neither.... All they want is grades I think.... (and a good industry ref letter helps too)

I got 1 year of internship in a tier 2/3 bank in MO before I applied. (hey, it's canada =p)Yeah, relevant experience will for sure help. 1) Then You will know if you want to do this.... 2) Know the language, how an IB is structured, got connection... 3) Get a chance to have a good industry ref letter.. If you have decided to give yourself a shot in this industry and you have an intern offer, go for it.