Princeton MFin vs CMU MSCF

[bobsmith]

I'm curious how people feel these two programs compare. It seems like one should only attend CMU if they are extremely confident they want to be a quant whereas Princeton allows for that possibility but leaves open the opportunity to pursue other areas of finance. Any votes or comments are appreciated!

 

[anonym]

If I was sure I wanted to be a quant, would people recommend CMU then...?

 

[bobsmith]

Bumping to see if anyone has any thoughts to share.

 

[Michsund]

For me it would depend on a scholarship as well. If cmu gives you a decent scholarship it maybe worth it since Princeton doesn’t give scholarships. Princeton will always have great brand recognition so that’s one thing. Also small vs large class size may be a factor.

 

[dbzgoku]

If it may help, I have reached out to numerous folks(in person conversation) outside quantnet(graduates from top programs including CMU) and I got very similar answer from all of them. Princeton! Some of them although preferred Princeton told me that people going through financial hardships(can't get a loan/planning to return to home country) sometimes choose CMU and sometimes just to save some money but not because CMU has more to offer. I've also heard of cases where people rejected large scholarships(75-100%) for Princeton.
P.S. I have offers from both and I've done my own research of all programs. Best of luck and I hope you succeed and get your dream job wherever you decide to go.

 

[Michsund]

If it may help, I have reached out to numerous folks(in person conversation) outside quantnet(graduates from top programs) and I got very similar answer from all of them. Princeton! Some of them although preferred Princeton told me that people going through financial hardships(can't get a loan/planning to return to home country) sometimes choose CMU and sometimes just to save some money but not because CMU has more to offer. I've also heard of cases where people rejected large scholarships(75-100%) for Princeton.
P.S. I have offers from both and I've done my own research of all programs. Best of luck and I hope you succeed and get your dream job wherever you decide to go.

Yeah I got into cmu but if I had got into Princeton at that time I would’ve choose Princeton as well.

 

[noether-skolem]

Personally I'd pick Princeton if I got admitted there, but you can't really go wrong with any of the top 5 programs. If you can succeed at Princeton, you can succeed at CMU etc. and you should also consider your personal preferences (if you have any).