Low maths GPA vs. Extended undergrad

[Michael Seo]

Hi all, I am currently an undergraduate majoring in Computer Science at a top East-Asian university (QS ranking around 30–35). I’m currently in my 9th semester (first “extra” semester). Due to some fortunate events, I had the chance to work for a small crypto trading firm as a SWE for two years, and through that experience, I became very interested in HFT and a career in quant.

This naturally lead me to look into MFE programs and (thankfully) QuantNet. But the issue is that I have a GPA of 3.0/4.3. Moreover the courses dragging my GPA down are all math-related, averaging a C+ (Calculus, Engineering Maths, Discrete Maths, Probability), mostly taken before I got interested in a trading career; when I was naively thinking "I'm not gonna need this". I've seen posts on low GPA and how they often don't matter, but low scores concentrated on maths feel like a huge disadvantage.

Here's my current situation and questions:
1. My university allows me to infinitely retake courses without recording the previous attempts on my transcript, which means I could potentially improve my maths grades and my overall GPA. However, this will extend my undergraduate period significantly, and I would still max out at around 3.3/4.3 even with retakes. I am assuming top MFE programs in US is already out of my league given my GPA and my uni. If so, can anybody give me some suggestions on programs that could be more within reach?

2. The small crypto trading firm I’ve worked for is open to hiring me as a trader, but the pay is low, and I’m uncertain about the growth potential. One option I’m considering is negotiating to stay with the firm part-time while retaking some math courses (potentially including Financial Mathematics or Stochastic Calculus) over the next few years, mainly because those courses are split over multiple semesters. This would mean I graduate after my sixth year in undergrad. Any advice on this strategy?

3. If I end up spending 5–6 years in undergrad, would this be a significant drawback for both MFE program admissions and job applications in places like Hong Kong or Singapore? I’m worried this might raise red flags for employers or admissions committees. (fyi, I will be applying to jobs in Hong Kong and Singapore every year)

I am aware that I'm VERY late into preparing for a career in quant, so I’m willing to take a long-term approach. Plus I have absolutely NOBODY around me that doing/pursuing a quant career, so any guidance or thoughts on my situation would be greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance!

 

[fatcatking]

It is my understanding that relevant work experience edges out bad GPA, in however relevant a course. Somebody may correct me if I am wrong.

 

[Chuanzhen Wang]

I believe your background in real quantitative financial works is already quite solid, and spending an extra year in school just to boost your GPA by taking lower-level math courses might not be the best use of your time, especially compared to gaining hands-on experience at a quant finance firm. Considering the way your school schedules courses, I’d recommend supplementing your mathematical background with some immediate online courses, such as those offered by Coursera or MOOCs. Baruch’s Pre-MFE program, in particular, could be a great way to solidify your math skills. And it saves you from waiting for school courses, potentially saving you a year. In terms of career development, the opportunities and market conditions you can access a year earlier versus a year later can make a significant difference.

I'm currently taking Baruch’s "C++ Programming for Financial Engineering" course and can vouch for its outstanding quality. Other Pre-MFE courses (Advanced Calculus with Financial Engineering Applications , Probability Theory for Financial Applications, Machine Learning for Financial Engineering Applications )like will be open for registration on November 15 for the April session next year. You should check out the posts from Dan Stefanica, the director of the Baruch MFE program. The 2024-2025 Pre-MFE Program at Baruch College, The Pre-MFE Program at Baruch College Dan Stefanica is an exceptional math professor and a legendary figure in the Baruch MFE. If he sees potential in you for quantitative finance, even if your academic record isn't perfect, he’s known to offer opportunities for admission and growth.

 

[Michael Seo]

I believe your background in real quantitative financial works is already quite solid, and spending an extra year in school just to boost your GPA by taking lower-level math courses might not be the best use of your time, especially compared to gaining hands-on experience at a quant finance firm. Considering the way your school schedules courses, I’d recommend supplementing your mathematical background with some immediate online courses, such as those offered by Coursera or MOOCs. Baruch’s Pre-MFE program, in particular, could be a great way to solidify your math skills. And it saves you from waiting for school courses, potentially saving you a year. In terms of career development, the opportunities and market conditions you can access a year earlier versus a year later can make a significant difference.

I'm currently taking Baruch’s "C++ Programming for Financial Engineering" course and can vouch for its outstanding quality. Other Pre-MFE courses (Advanced Calculus with Financial Engineering Applications , Probability Theory for Financial Applications, Machine Learning for Financial Engineering Applications )like will be open for registration on November 15 for the April session next year. You should check out the posts from Dan Stefanica, the director of the Baruch MFE program. The 2024-2025 Pre-MFE Program at Baruch College, The Pre-MFE Program at Baruch College Dan Stefanica is an exceptional math professor and a legendary figure in the Baruch MFE. If he sees potential in you for quantitative finance, even if your academic record isn't perfect, he’s known to offer opportunities for admission and growth.

Thank you so much for the in-depth reply! May I ask how difficult it is to get a seat in the pre-MFE program? I see that each seminar is limited to 40 people

 

[Chuanzhen Wang]

Thank you so much for the in-depth reply! May I ask how difficult it is to get a seat in the pre-MFE program? I see that each seminar is limited to 40 people

As for this, I'm sorry for not entirely sure either. I haven't seen specific information on Baruch's pre-MFE acceptance rate before. But I think if I was you, I will give it a shot, mainly for the following two reasons: 1. There's no application fee, so if you don't get in, there's no loss. 2. If you do get in, Baruch's website says they'll contact you within two days, so you'll know quickly if you've passed. It won't waste much of your time or energy, and you can quickly decide on your next steps.