Inquiry About Baruch College's Master of Science in Financial Engineering Program

[Reflector Mensah]

Hello QuantNet Community,

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Reflector Mensah, and I am currently a graduate student at WorldQuant University, where I just finished my capstone project titled "Mean Reversion in US Equities." I am grateful for the insights and guidance I’ve received so far in this area.

Alongside my capstone work, I have begun exploring derivative pricing projects in C++, although I am still at a beginner level. My curiosity and interest in quantitative finance continue to grow, driving me to deepen my technical and analytical skills.

I am considering applying to the Master of Science in Financial Engineering program at Baruch College as an international student from Ghana, and I have a few questions I hope you can help me with:

1. Given my background in financial engineering and my proficiency in Python and R, along with limited experience in C++, will I be considered eligible and well-prepared for this program, which emphasizes C++?

2. Are there scholarship opportunities, loan funding, or graduate assistantships available for international students in this program?

3. As I prepare my application, I would appreciate any advice on how my academic and professional experiences could align with the program's requirements and expectations.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. I look forward to your insights and recommendations.

Best regards,
Reflector Mensah

 

[Reflector Mensah]

Hello QuantNet Community,

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Reflector Mensah, and I am currently a graduate student at WorldQuant University, where I just finished my capstone project titled "Mean Reversion in US Equities." I am grateful for the insights and guidance I’ve received so far in this area.

Alongside my capstone work, I have begun exploring derivative pricing projects in C++, although I am still at a beginner level. My curiosity and interest in quantitative finance continue to grow, driving me to deepen my technical and analytical skills.

I am considering applying to the Master of Science in Financial Engineering program at Baruch College as an international student from Ghana, and I have a few questions I hope you can help me with:

1. Given my background in financial engineering and my proficiency in Python and R, along with limited experience in C++, will I be considered eligible and well-prepared for this program, which emphasizes C++?

2. Are there scholarship opportunities, loan funding, or graduate assistantships available for international students in this program?

3. As I prepare my application, I would appreciate any advice on how my academic and professional experiences could align with the program's requirements and expectations.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. I look forward to your insights and recommendations.

Best regards,
Reflector Mensah

I got admission recently to Temple University (MS in QF and RM) , but constraints deter me from committing for at least now.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

I'm going to approach this as making sure you and everyone is doing more than the requirements. After all, requirements are minimum and many applicants meet and exceed them.
1) Having a strong C++ will make you eligible for many job opportunities, rather than just getting into a master program. It's one of the investments with the best ROI.
2) No
3) There are plenty you can and should do. See @grxthy plan for 2026 application to Baruch.

 

[Reflector Mensah]

Many thanks, @Andy Nguyen. I really appreciate the response. I would be glad to get recommendations on books or courses to sharpen my C++ skills in quant modelling as well.

 

[MikeLawrence]

There is a master reading list thread on this site. Go to it and look at stuff.

The C++ courses of this site are the standard. Take them and learn things.