Profile Advice

[danman]

Current Situation:
Currently on actuarial track with likely full-time offer post-internship, but questioning long-term career satisfaction, due to lack of exit opportunities and stagnant work and compensation. Considering pivot to MFE for Fall 2026 admission due to interest alignment and career potential.
Current Status:

• Domestic junior student at non-target but Top 40 US university
• Double Degree: Statistics (BS) and Business (BA)
• Graduating in 7 semesters (Dec 2025)
• Certificate in Actuarial Studies from University
• Passed SOA Probability and Financial Mathematics exams
• Secured P+C actuarial internship for Summer 2025

Academic Profile:

• GPA: 3.93/4.0
• Key Coursework:
  • Probability (A-)
  • Mathematical Statistics (A)
  • Bayesian Inference (A)
  • Linear Algebra w/ Differential Equations (A)
  • Advanced Applied Statistical Methods (A)
  • Linear Modeling (A)
  • Statistical Computations (A)
  • Intro to Computer Science (A)
• Next Semester: Stochastic Processes, Intro to C++

Technical Background:

• Strong R programming for statistical modeling
• Limited formal CS coursework beyond intro level
• Teaching Assistant for Mathematical Statistics
• Some biostatistics research experience

Potential Letters of Recommendation:

1. Long-term TA supervisor, who can speak to math and communication skills (Math Stats professor)
2. Professor from multiple advanced/seminar courses, who can speak to theoretical math and computation/coding skills
3. Research PI or internship manager

Main Concerns:

1. Limited formal CS/programming background
2. Theoretical math foundation might need strengthening
3. Profile competitiveness for strong programs
4. ROI considering career switch from actuary

Questions for the Community:

1. How realistic is Fall 2026 admission with my background?
2. Which programs should I target given my profile?
3. Priority for improvement:
   • Strengthen programming skills?
   • Take more theoretical math?
   • Focus on projects/internships?

I would consider any programs that could be worth the financial investment and career swtich. I know these are nuanced questions, but I would appreciate advice!

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Strong profile with relevant courses and good grade. Being a domestic student is a big plus. Programs will give this some preference.
Definitely will make sure you are very comfortable with C++ and Python as they will be your ticket to many quant positions.
Take a look at the newly released 2025 QuantNet ranking and see which programs suit your needs. Learn as much about each program (read reviews, ask questions).