Advice Needed: Formal Completion of Prerequisites for US Master’s Programs

[genvee]

Hi everyone,

I come from a non-STEM background and plan on applying for master's programs in the US for either Fall 2026 or 2027. I’ve spent about a year learning Calc 1-3, Linear Algebra, Probability, and Statistics from textbooks. Although I’m now in a position where I fulfill the basic prerequisites, from what I understand, I need to fulfill them formally, so I was hoping someone could answer my questions.

• For the Baruch Pre-MFE seminars, do we need to have taken the subjects formally? And do these count as fulfilling the prerequisites? For example, if I have completed the Advanced Calculus seminar, does that count as prerequisite completion, especially if the colleges mention you need above a certain grade in those subjects(Baruch and Berkeley do from what I remember)?
• Are courses from extension schools like Harvard, Berkeley, or UCLA enough to count as fulfilling the prerequisites?
• If I had to choose between taking the subjects from extension schools vs. the Pre-MFE Baruch seminars, which one should I choose? Or should I be doing both?

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Since you have a longer runway to prepare than many applicants, I would suggest approach this strategically. Research the programs and reach out to them to see if they have specific requirements about the courses.
Optimize your plan to meet these requirements.
In general, course from extension schools are very generic in nature. Their target is the general public and with a low entry barrier.
Baruch pre-MFE is for those preparing for an intensive program such as Baruch MFE. They are much harder, requires a lot of time for homework. You will need to apply and be accepted for these courses. Completing these courses will qualify you as meeting the requirements in Calculus, Probability, etc.
If you have a choice, then do the Baruch pre-MFE courses. You want to be actually prepared for these MFE programs, not just taking some easy courses online from Coursera or other extension schools.

 

[danielore]

Baruch pre-MFE is for those preparing for an intensive program such as Baruch MFE. They are much harder, requires a lot of time for homework. You will need to apply and be accepted for these courses.

I have one question sir, are those courses demanding enough that I should consider quitting my full-time job so I can focus on them?

 

[Andy Nguyen]

@grxthy may be in a good position to comment on this.

 

[grxthy]

Hi @danielore,

I am currently taking the Baruch Pre-MFE seminars while working full time. The seminars are quite demanding, but absolutely doable to take while working full time and I would definitely not quit your job just to take the Pre-MFE. It also depends on how demanding your job is, but in general I would recommend just 1 Pre MFE per semester so that you don't burnout, as the weekly assignments are tough and will generally take you an additional 10-15 hours on top of your 40 hour work week. With the right discipline and time management it is very doable.

Hope that helps, feel free to DM if any questions.