What should I prepare to get into a top MFE/FINMATH program

floatmoon · June 11th, 2003, 6:09 pm

I am starting to prepare for next fall's application. (Columbia, Chicago, NYU, CMU,Berkeley, Cornell). Working in software industry right now, and have a ok GPA (3.4) from a Top 10 CS school . Beside GRE, wonder if GRE Math subject test is needed. I don't have much finance backgroud, and currently takeing some finance class locally, (berkeley).Is there any thing else I can get do to help my prospect? Any professional orgnization that maybe interesting to join. Thanks in advance. -float

jethro · June 11th, 2003, 7:19 pm

The Stanford and Chicago programs are the only ones I know that recommend the GRE Math Subject test. Make sure you get good letters of recommendation. This is a very important part of the application process. Perhaps you might want to register for the Level 1 CFA exam. This is certainly not necessary, but might help your chances.

HuggyBear · June 12th, 2003, 9:44 pm

You might also want to start reading some of the following books:Paul Wilmott introduces Quantitave Finance by Paul WilmottProbability with Martingales by David WilliamsMathematical Statistics and Data Analysis by RiceIntroduction to Mathematics of financial Derivatives by Salih NeftciOptions, Futures and Other Derivatives by John HullJust my 2 pennies