Chance of getting into a top MFE program in the US

[tejsidhu]

Hello everyone, I am super interested in becoming a quanta-mental investment analyst. Since I enjoy a blend of the quantitative and qualitative side of investing, I am considering doing a MFE in order to boost my profile. I was wondering what my chances would be at getting into a top MFE like CMU, Berkeley, Stanford, or Columbia.

Background:
Currently a junior studying computer science at a non-target state school. Getting a minor in both Math and Economics.
GPA: 3.98/4.0
Work Experience: Internship as a software developer at UBS and incoming internship as a software developer at Mathworks
Research: Currently doing some statistical and data analysis research with a CS professor
Investment Experience: Run my own long-only investment portfolio: $9000 AUM, 35% annualized returns. Furthermore, I develop investment strategies and research tools like stock screeners and pairs trading strategies. I am also currently working on a volatility based moving average trading strategy. I have completed Options 101 and am enrolled in Options 201 from Akuna Capital.
Projects: I have numerous projects including a matching exchange clone, a book on historical empires, and a webpage where I provide research and insights on global trends.

I notice that I don't have much conventional MFE experiences and as a result am not sure about my chances of getting in as of right now. Fortunately, I still have a year to improve my application and would appreciate any suggestions! I do plan on taking the GRE and am confident in my ability to get a good score.

My main reason for trying to get into investments is that I am extremely passionate about understanding how the world works through financial markets and data. Hence, I would be focused on becoming a quanta-mental investment analyst instead of a pure quantitative trader or researcher. Would a MFE serve this purpose, it seems to be the most interesting pathway between it, an MBA, and a Masters in Economics?

Thank you for all your help!

 

[Tigga]

Consider adding Baruch to your list.
Columbia MFE is not as good as people think. Just read the reviews.
Use the time to really learn about the industry and where you fit in. Find out the program that best prepares you. It may not necessarily be one of the mentioned programs.
Ask questions. Read posts by other members who graduated from these programs.

 

[tejsidhu]

Consider adding Baruch to your list.
Columbia MFE is not as good as people think. Just read the reviews.
Use the time to really learn about the industry and where you fit in. Find out the program that best prepares you. It may not necessarily be one of the mentioned programs.
Ask questions. Read posts by other members who graduated from these programs.

Yes, I am going to apply to Baruch. But the acceptance rate is super low, so I am not the most confident in my ability to get in. Since I don't want to be a market-making QT or QR, I have been focusing on the fit as you have noted. I will take a closer look at graduation outcomes and classes at each of these programs. Thank you.

 

[Itachi]

Consider adding Baruch to your list.
Columbia MFE is not as good as people think. Just read the reviews.
Use the time to really learn about the industry and where you fit in. Find out the program that best prepares you. It may not necessarily be one of the mentioned programs.
Ask questions. Read posts by other members who graduated from these programs.

Hello@tigga , Can I dm you for some advice?

 

[Tigga]

Hello@tigga , Can I dm you for some advice?

Just post your question publicly and tag me. I'll see if I can give you my 2 cents.

 

[Itachi]

Just post your question publicly and tag me. I'll see if I can give you my 2 cents.

Just wanted ask how the intern situation is at Princeton, as it's pretty bad some other top schools.
Also, did you have a lot of work ex before joining the clg? Asking cuz your account is pretty old.

 

[Tigga]

Just wanted ask how the intern situation is at Princeton, as it's pretty bad some other top schools.
Also, did you have a lot of work ex before joining the clg? Asking cuz your account is pretty old.

Just saw that Princeton is #1 in the 2025 ranking. It's a 2 years program so students have more time to find internships compared to other programs.
Keep in mind, past success does not mean anything. There is another Trump term looming so that may wreak havoc on the job market for international students.
Back in the days, most people learn about MFE while already working. Now, many people know about quant career while undergrads so I'll say may cohort had more work experience.