Seeking Guidance on MFE Program Selection (Fulbright Grantee)

[kryy]

Hi everyone,

I’m a Fulbright Foreign Student grantee and a prospective MFE applicant planning to enroll in Fall 2025. I’m currently in the process of selecting four target schools for my applications and would appreciate some advice to ensure my choices align well with my background and goals.

Education:

• Bachelor’s in Economics from a top Swiss university (GPA 5.6/6 Swiss scale ≈ 3.7/4 US scale), currently on an exchange semester at the National University of Singapore (GPA: 5/5). Consistently ranking in the top 5% of all my cohorts.
• Strong foundation in mathematics, probability theory, and finance, with relevant coursework and practical experience.

Skills:

• Proficient in Python, advanced statistical methods, Monte Carlo simulations, and optimization techniques.
• Knowledgeable in derivative pricing models (Black-Scholes, Binomial Models) and data structures.

Work Experience:

• Structured product intern at a small Swiss firm.
• Previous internship at a small Swiss tech firm, with experience in developing Python applications integrated into the main software sold by the firm.

Standardized Scores:

• GRE: 170 Quantitative, 155 Verbal, 3.5 AWA (Considering a retake – any thoughts?)
• IELTS 7.5 (8.5 Reading and Listening, 6.5 Speaking and Writing)

Career Goals:
I aim to land a job either in the US or Switzerland, but I’m not quite sure if I want to be on the p-side or q-side. Ideally, I want to study a master that is recognized enough (especially in both these countries) to keep as many doors open as possible in term of employment.

Target Schools:

• UChicago MMF
• NYU MMF (or MFE)
• NCSU MFM
• Georgia Tech MQCF

I believe I have a strong profile for a foreign student, though Fulbright's placement advisors don’t seem confident in my ability to get into top-tier universities. To add context, I should be able to enroll in EPFL’s MFE program with high probability and ETH Zurich’s MQF program with moderate probability. Because of this, I want to avoid applying to lower-tier universities that may result in me forgoing my Fulbright Grant to pursue a master’s in Switzerland instead. My goal is to submit a well-balanced list, with at least one university on par with EPFL where I have a high chance of acceptance.

I’d love to get external insight to help me make the most of this opportunity and build a strong list. If there are other programs you believe align with my background, I would greatly appreciate your advice!

Thank you for your time and input!

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Aim higher. ETH Zurich is a good option to fall back in.
If you are going to use your Fulbright grant, may as well go to the top programs assume you meet all the requirements and can handle the high level math. They would love to admit a Fulbright scholar for bragging right.

 

[kryy]

Aim higher. ETH Zurich is a good option to fall back in.
If you are going to use your Fulbright grant, may as well go to the top programs assume you meet all the requirements and can handle the high level math. They would love to admit a Fulbright scholar for bragging right.

Hey Andy, thanks for the advice!

I have two quick questions:

When you suggest aiming higher, which programs are you referring to? I can’t apply to UCB due to their spring admission, and Baruch or Princeton seemed like they might be a stretch for my profile, so I aimed for what I thought were the best options.

When you mention meeting all the requirements, could you clarify which ones you're referring to? Are you talking about specific math or finance prerequisites? I’m confident I can handle the academic workload with enough effort, but I want to make sure I'm fully prepared for what these programs demand.