COMPARE UCB MFE vs Carnegie Mellon University MSCF

[QuantQuestion]

UCB Pros: Strong brand name, nice climate in Cali, 1 year
UCB Cons: It's on the west coast (I want to work in NYC), Doesn't start until spring 2021, mandatory prep courses before it begins
CMU Pros: Strong name within quantitative fields, closer to NY
CMU Cons: In pittsburgh, courses are "mini's" so less time to spend going in depth on topics

 

[Onegin]

CMU NYC classes are also “minis”. And fortunately or unfortunately, they still go quite in depth on topics.

 

[QuantQuestion]

CMU NYC classes are also “minis”. And fortunately or unfortunately, they still go quite in depth on topics.

I hadn't meant to imply the NYC classes were any different, but I see how my wording suggests that. And I would say that is fortunate!

 

[PongoShib]

I'm still waiting for my CMU decision, but I've seen and heard nothing but good things about the program. Although I'll probably still attend MIT MFin, if I wanted to work purely as a quant in NYC, I would take CMU in a heartbeat. CMU has the highest peer assessment score and probably for good reason.

 

[QuantQuestion]

I'm still waiting for my CMU decision, but I've seen and heard nothing but good things about the program. Although I'll probably still attend MIT MFin, if I wanted to work purely as a quant in NYC, I would take CMU in a heartbeat. CMU has the highest peer assessment score and probably for good reason.

Yes hopefully we all get good news from CMU tomorrow!

 

[princeofbelair]

I would choose CMU, they will best help you get the job you want. They have great placement across the board. After a couple of years of working; the school brand diminishes and what matters is what you've done, unless you try to change industries. Good luck to yall!

 

[Craftsmanjj]

Admitted to both. UCB MFE seems to be the best after Princeton considering its placement and brand. Tech interview is also required for UCB, so the admission process may be more rigorous ? But I see many people choose CMU over UCB. Can you guys give me some advice ? Thanks in advance.

 

[QuantQuestion]

Always a close race between UCB and CMU. Both fantastic programs

 

[Onegin]

It seems UCB has stepped up their pre-reqs significantly over the last few years. I think that’s a positive, as many of the top students already have that as a background. Their timing is weird, since you’re interning in the fall, which means you’re not part of the large intern programs in the summer. At same time, might be less competition. Which is nice. Someone please correct me - I didn’t bother to double check on UCBs website.

whichever you choose, I’d consider UCB pre-reqs to be a wise use of time before starting.

 

[YangXu]

Should state that I am a UCB MFE student.
Both fantastic programs. The main difference lies in timing of internship, as CMU students seek for summer, UCB students seek for winter. Summer has more positions and has more competition. Winter has fewer positions and less competition.
Have no explicit advice for you. If you can do well in either program, you gonna find a good position eventually.

 

[quantbucks]

Do you know much about the IEOR Financial Systems concentration at Berkeley and how it compares with the MFE?

 

[Sabah]

Hi,

I have been fortunate enough to have been admitted to UCB MFE and CMU MSCF programs. I am looking for any advice that would help me make an informed decision regarding which program to choose. Any suggestion would be much appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[cheron_jrm]

Both are top programs, main reason to choose must be where you feel you want to go !
You may consider that Berkeley's MFE is held by the Business School, whereas CMU's is highly technical with a lot of CS. Both will open you many doors and help you find a good job, my previous remark may just help you to figure out which of the two will fit your interests the most.

 

[Onegin]

What do you want to do when you leave school? Linked in search is a good proxy to get a feel for alum outcomes. Can you share any of the specific questions you have? @cheron_jrm hit the main points. There is no "best school" - there's the best fit based on the individual's past background and future goals.

 

[Sabah]

Thank you for your replies. I intend to pursue a career in Data Science in Finance on graduation.

Also since the placement stats havent been released for the last year by both the universities, any idea about the placement scenarios in Data Science in Financial firms?

 

[Michsund]

Thank you for your replies. I intend to pursue a career in Data Science in Finance on graduation.

Also since the placement stats havent been released for the last year by both the universities, any idea about the placement scenarios in Data Science in Financial firms?

CMU's employment report talks about placement in the data science field if you take a look.

 

[Sabah]

CMU's employment report talks about placement in the data science field if you take a look.

It does but i cant see the employment report for the year 2019 maybe because it hasnt been 3 months post graduation. Since getting jobs were difficult last year I wanted to know how students of CMU in general did.

 

[Michsund]

Look under this for 2020

 

[Craftsmanjj]

I admit to both programs as well. I will go to UCB. Better brand and placement in my opinion.

 

[Sabah]

Thanks a lot. I'll keep you guys posted on what I decide finally.