Georgia Tech Vs. UCLA MFE

[Akshay Sakariya]

Hey Guys,
I'm looking at the comparison between the two. My most important criterion is placements. Then comes quality of study.

I have a certification in CFA Level 1. Possibly Level 2 by July 2015 (fingers crossed). I have no prior job experience.

 

[Leven]

Do you get the the offer from UCLA? I am asking since I have not heard any news about the 1 round.

 

[Akshay Sakariya]

No offer from UCLA yet but I'm asking around anyway. I have an offer from Gatech, though.

 

[TerryDawn]

I believe the average pay is much higher for graduates of UCLA.

 

[ritesh chopra]

Hi @Akshay Sakariya : Did you get an interview invite from UCLA?

 

[JLevin]

Hmm... this looks like a tough one.

- Both universities have exceptional programs (through snooping around their websites and reading forums). Georgia Tech seems to marry their three schools (engineering, mathematics and business) very well though.
- Both have a strong brand name, although maybe UCLA's is a bit stronger. I think UCLA is the second top public school in the states after Berkeley. Georgia Tech would still be up there...
- Both have comparable exit opportunities
- Georgia Tech is in a more favourable timezone with Chicago and NYC... this might be a slight advantage for job searching?
- LA is a cool city

If I had to pick between these two programs, it would honestly come down to the lifestyle. I have family on the east coast, so that's why I would choose Georgia Tech

J

 

[Rajesh Pothamsetty]

Hey Guys,
I'm looking at the comparison between the two. My most important criterion is placements. Then comes quality of study.

I have a certification in CFA Level 1. Possibly Level 2 by July 2015 (fingers crossed). I have no prior job experience.

Hi Akshay
I am in a similar situation, no relevant work ex, CFA L3 this june. Please let me know ur conclusion. We probably might get UCLA admit/reject/WL by end of this week.

 

[Akshay Sakariya]

Hi @Akshay Sakariya : Did you get an interview invite from UCLA?

Hey, no interview. My result will be out by tomorrow morning. So I'm just gonna go to Gatech!

 

[Finance_girl]

Hi everyone,
I got admitted to both the programs and was looking for more views on which program is better. The program at UCLA looks more focused since it is a 13 month course whereas the program at Gatech seems to be improving this year due to a lot of effort by the new program director. I wanted to know which would be a better choice out of the two in terms of career progression. Any input is appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Pavlos Sakoglou]

Hi everyone,
I got admitted to both the programs and was looking for more views on which program is better. The program at UCLA looks more focused since it is a 13 month course whereas the program at Gatech seems to be improving this year due to a lot of effort by the new program director. I wanted to know which would be a better choice out of the two in terms of career progression. Any input is appreciated.
Thanks.

I don't know much about UCLA, but GTech has a lot of computational courses, experienced staff and many of their graduates work at Citadel in Chicago. I took a Computational Investesting course in coursera and they seem very professional. I generally have a good impression about them from what I know - a friend of mine studies Computer Science there and he is satisfied as well. I would trust a Tech school over a management school too. But again, I haven't done any research in UCLA so you better do your own and find what's best in terms of networking and knowledge

 

[dingdaowen]

Background
- UCLA Undergrad, Class of 2016
- I have been working in an LA based asset management firm for one year, so I have good exposure to several investment strategies, portfolio management, different markets, etc.
- I wish to become a quantitative trader after finishing the program
- Prefer to work in NY, Boston or Chicago (I'm living in LA now)
- Better background in finance than in maths and programming (I took some online courses and will continue to take)

UCLA MFE
Pros:
- I spent four years here, so I am very familiar with the campus and community. I also have a few professional connections in LA.
- The program is under Anderson. I am confident about its career service and teaching quality. Also excellent study environment.
- Better reputation
- Most students have working experience, so I can learn a lot from classmates.
- I don't need to relocate
Cons
- Few classes on trading
- I heard the program doesn't involve too much programming in C++ or python, but in Matlab and R.

Gatech QCF
Pros:
- Curriculum settings are outstanding. I can learn Machine learning for trading, algorithmic trading, etc.
- Linkedin shows the program has better placements in NY (GS) and Chicago (Citadel)
- Good placements in energy trading (?)
- Higher ranking on Quantnet
Cons:
- I prefer LA to Atlanta
- Most students find local jobs

Bottom Line
I am a permanent resident, so I think it won't be hard for me to find a job. However, I still need to work really hard to get into my dream companies, such as big banks/hedge funds/trading firms. I personally lean towards UCLA MFE, but Quantnet tracker shows more Rejs from Gatech than from UCLA?

Any advice will be really appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Totally]

I am no expert in QCF and MFE programs specifically. But I am willing to bet you that you will get a better, more quantitative, more rigorous education at Georgia Tech than UCLA for a program like this. Not bashing on UCLA or anything. But GT is one of the top university programs for engineering in the country, public or private. I have no doubt that reputation extends to quantitative finance too. If you look at overall rankings, engineering rankings, and the quantitative ranking you cited, I bet they all show GT quite a bit above UCLA. If ranking is the most important thing to you, then go to GT.

But it just depends where you will be happier.

 

[dingdaowen]

Background
- UCLA Undergrad, Class of 2016
- I have been working in an LA based asset management firm for one year, so I have good exposure to several investment strategies, portfolio management, different markets, etc.
- I wish to become a quantitative trader after finishing the program
- Prefer to work in NY, Boston or Chicago (I'm living in LA now)
- Better background in finance than in maths and programming (I took some online courses and will continue to take)

UCLA MFE
Pros:
- I spent four years here, so I am very familiar with the campus and community. I also have a few professional connections in LA.
- The program is under Anderson. I am confident about its career service and teaching quality. Also excellent study environment.
- Better reputation
- Most students have working experience, so I can learn a lot from classmates.
- I don't need to relocate
Cons
- Few classes on trading
- I heard the program doesn't involve too much programming in C++ or python, but in Matlab and R.

Gatech QCF
Pros:
- Curriculum settings are outstanding. I can learn Machine learning for trading, algorithmic trading, etc.
- Linkedin shows the program has better placements in NY (GS) and Chicago (Citadel)
- Good placements in energy trading (?)
- Higher ranking on Quantnet
Cons:
- I prefer LA to Atlanta
- Most students find local jobs

Bottom Line
I am a permanent resident, so I think it won't be hard for me to find a job. However, I still need to work really hard to get into my dream companies, such as big banks/hedge funds/trading firms. I personally lean towards UCLA MFE, but Quantnet tracker shows more Rejs from Gatech than from UCLA?

Any advice will be really appreciated! Thanks!

I have decided to go to UCLA. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Totally]

congratulations! Best of luck ^

 

[BlackMamba]

I have decided to go to UCLA. Thanks for the advice!

What's your background in? Just curious.

 

[jtan]

Hi all, I'm currently having a hard time deciding whether to attend Georgia Tech's MS-QCF or UCLA's MFE this fall. I've heard great things about both programs, and I was hoping the QuantNet community could help me with my decision!

IMO, UCLA MFE has the better location, better B-School, and the curriculum is more suited for helping you get CFA certification? I spent 4 years of my undergraduate studies in LA so there is familiarity there as well.

On the other hand, I think Georgia Tech QCF's curriculum is more rigorous and programming heavy (which I do like), incredible placement stats, and from what I heard, great career services.

I'm an undergraduate with no full-time work experience whatsoever, and because of this I am also unsure which program would prepare me best for future career opportunities?

Any feedback and help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Akshay Sekar]

Hi all, I'm currently having a hard time deciding whether to attend Georgia Tech's MS-QCF or UCLA's MFE this fall. I've heard great things about both programs, and I was hoping the QuantNet community could help me with my decision!

IMO, UCLA MFE has the better location, better B-School, and the curriculum is more suited for helping you get CFA certification? I spent 4 years of my undergraduate studies in LA so there is familiarity there as well.

On the other hand, I think Georgia Tech QCF's curriculum is more rigorous and programming heavy (which I do like), incredible placement stats, and from what I heard, great career services.

I'm an undergraduate with no full-time work experience whatsoever, and because of this I am also unsure which program would prepare me best for future career opportunities?

Any feedback and help is greatly appreciated!

Hey, can I know which one you ended up pursuing and why?

 

[RahulJindal]

Hi All,

Please advise the pros and cons of UCLA and GaTech. I have a data science background and aim to work as a quant. Alums are most welcome to share their feedback.

Regards,
Rahul

 

[zuikeaide Christopher]

I hope to petition you to give advice on these two programs freely regarding internship, job placements, the likelihood to secure a job in the quantitative finance field, the pace, flexibility, and difficulty of the coursework & capstone, and the relevant study experience. Besides, if anyone may shed some light on which program is a better step stone on a PhD in Finance or OR, I will be more than grateful!

Thank you in advance! I look forward to your valuable suggestions and opinions!