How much do Math Course grades matter in MFE application?

[rodeo]

I am a Tier 1 institute engineering graduate from India, having 1.5 years experience in proprietary trading. CFA Level 2 Candidate. GRE scores are 156V 166Q. However, my math course grades in undergrad are very poor. C,C+,B,B+ respectively. This was because of the rigorous course as well as our grading system (40% of the class would fail).

Will my application get immediately rejected and do I need to justify my grades anywhere in my application? Other than that how can I improve my chances of getting into one of the top 10 programs? Given my profile, which university would be a safe and decent bet?

 

[Daniel Duffy]

Maths is fundamental in general, and in particular.

 

[quantguidance]

I am a Tier 1 institute engineering graduate from India, having 1.5 years experience in proprietary trading. CFA Level 2 Candidate. GRE scores are 156V 166Q. However, my math course grades in undergrad are very poor. C,C+,B,B+ respectively. This was because of the rigorous course as well as our grading system (40% of the class would fail).

Will my application get immediately rejected and do I need to justify my grades anywhere in my application? Other than that how can I improve my chances of getting into one of the top 10 programs? Given my profile, which university would be a safe and decent bet?

The applications filter candidates based on multiple metrics (in no particular order) - Job Experience, Educational Background, Grades, Letters of Recommendation, GRE score, Personal Statement etc., Being below par (relatively) should not make or break an admit. Coming to course grades specifically, the overall GPA is what matters more than poor grades in a few courses.

It would be useful to provide additional information like your percentile in those courses, however you run the risk of attracting unnecessary attention to the grades. In order to strengthen your application, I suggest you start working on the applications early. Letters of Recommendation and Personal Statement are the two critical apsects of your application, so make sure you spend enough time perfecting them, get them peer reviewed or with an expert's help. This should significantly beef up your chances