Do I still have a chance?

[diegotistical]

Current GPA is a 3.0, expecting a 3.3 GPA by the time I graduate. I come from a Spanish university and I am an accounting and finance undergrad. Assuming a 168Q+ on GRE, will I get a chance at getting into NYU Tardon, Cornell or Columbia? GPA was low first two years of college due to me working part time jobs and suffering from Crohn's disease. Idk how much they care about that, I just want realistic opinions. I am learning Python, advanced math and stats on the side. Currently did 2 internships, one as a support trade desk and one for equity research. Also planning on making solid GitHub projects and a research paper with a professor of the faculty.
How can I maximize my chances to getting into top schools? Thanks a lot
Note: I can't retake classes that are already passed since my university doesn't allow it

 

[Andy Nguyen]

You can use the Tracker to see your realistic chance. It's the most powerful tool for applicants based on 10,000+ data points.
Enter a GPA of 3.3 and with a result Accepted, it shows only one applicant who got into Stevens in 2025.

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quantnet.com

If you can get to 3.4, there are multiple examples of people getting admitted to Boston, NYU Tandon, NCSU, GaTech, etc.

US

quantnet.com

You can play by enter different GPA and see people getting at such number.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

@diegotistical
Have you applied yet or are you planning for next year?

 

[diegotistical]

@diegotistical
Have you applied yet or are you planning for next year?

Considering I am a current junior in Accounting and Finance at the moment, I will probably apply in 2 / 3 years since I really want to maximize my chances via self learning math, coding and getting work experience. P.S: Thanks for caring about me HAHA

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Good to hear. You have a good head start now that you have a plan.
Use the lessons shared by other members here so that you can be a stronger applicant in 2 years.
Definitely learn C++ and Python really well.

 

[diegotistical]

Good to hear. You have a good head start now that you have a plan.
Use the lessons shared by other members here so that you can be a stronger applicant in 2 years.
Definitely learn C++ and Python really well.

For sure Andy, Columbia is calling me in 3 years HAHA.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

For sure Andy, Columbia is calling me in 3 years HAHA.

And you will be ready by then. Keep up the good work.

 

[kanemath]

this user got in to baruch with a 2.9.

 

[MikeLawrence]

Current GPA is a 3.0, expecting a 3.3 GPA by the time I graduate. I come from a Spanish university and I am an accounting and finance undergrad. Assuming a 168Q+ on GRE, will I get a chance at getting into NYU Tardon, Cornell or Columbia? GPA was low first two years of college due to me working part time jobs and suffering from Crohn's disease. Idk how much they care about that, I just want realistic opinions. I am learning Python, advanced math and stats on the side. Currently did 2 internships, one as a support trade desk and one for equity research. Also planning on making solid GitHub projects and a research paper with a professor of the faculty.
How can I maximize my chances to getting into top schools? Thanks a lot
Note: I can't retake classes that are already passed since my university doesn't allow it

Define advanced math and stats.

Are you confident with the first three semesters of calculus? Two semesters of linear algebra? Two semesters of calculus based probability?

 

[diegotistical]

Define advanced math and stats.

Are you confident with the first three semesters of calculus? Two semesters of linear algebra? Two semesters of calculus based probability?

Thanks for the reply. I’m currently catching up on the quant side since my degree didn’t go that deep. To answer your questions:

• I’ve covered single-variable calculus and some multivariable, but I’m now self-studying the full Calc I–III sequence (MIT OCW style).
• Linear algebra is also being built from the ground up—currently working through Axler and supplementing with applied problems.
• I’ve done basic probability/statistics, but now diving into calculus-based probability (Blitzstein/Ross), with the goal of moving into measure-theoretic probability and stochastic calculus later this year.

I’m planning to apply within the next 2–3 years, not immediately. Until then, I’ll be self-studying every day—working through advanced math (Calc I–III, linear algebra, probability, stochastic calc), and building up solid coding skills in Python (and eventually C++).

 

[MikeLawrence]

I’ve done basic probability/statistics, but now diving into calculus-based probability (Blitzstein/Ross), with the goal of moving into measure-theoretic probability and stochastic calculus later this year.

You don't need measure-theoretic probability or stochastic calculus. Skip that, do some ODE and basic PDE, and then more statistics.

I’m planning to apply within the next 2–3 years, not immediately. Until then, I’ll be self-studying every day—working through advanced math (Calc I–III, linear algebra, probability, stochastic calc), and building up solid coding skills in Python (and eventually C++).

Push C++ first, then do Python. Building the good foundation first will help. You'll use it less in the day-to-day, but you'll learn other stuff better because of it.