COMPARE UCLA MFE vs Georgia Institute of Technology QCF

Rank
Program
Total Score
Peer Score
% Employed at Graduation
% Employed at 3 months
% Employed in the US
Compensation
Cohort Size
Acceptance Rate
Avg Undergrad GPA
Tuition
Rank
8
Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, GA 30332
3.89 star(s) 9 reviews
8
Georgia Institute of Technology
80 3 93 100 89 120.5K 51 32.59 64.34K
Rank
17
University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA 90095
4.43 star(s) 42 reviews
17
University of California, Los Angeles
61 3.1 48 67 61 113.6K 97 32.95 93.12K
Joined
3/14/15
Messages
3
Points
11
Hey Guys,
I'm looking at the comparison between the two. My most important criterion is placements. Then comes quality of study.

I have a certification in CFA Level 1. Possibly Level 2 by July 2015 (fingers crossed). I have no prior job experience.
 
Do you get the the offer from UCLA? I am asking since I have not heard any news about the 1 round.
 
Hmm... this looks like a tough one.

- Both universities have exceptional programs (through snooping around their websites and reading forums). Georgia Tech seems to marry their three schools (engineering, mathematics and business) very well though.
- Both have a strong brand name, although maybe UCLA's is a bit stronger. I think UCLA is the second top public school in the states after Berkeley. Georgia Tech would still be up there...
- Both have comparable exit opportunities
- Georgia Tech is in a more favourable timezone with Chicago and NYC... this might be a slight advantage for job searching?
- LA is a cool city

If I had to pick between these two programs, it would honestly come down to the lifestyle. I have family on the east coast, so that's why I would choose Georgia Tech

J
 
Hey Guys,
I'm looking at the comparison between the two. My most important criterion is placements. Then comes quality of study.

I have a certification in CFA Level 1. Possibly Level 2 by July 2015 (fingers crossed). I have no prior job experience.
Hi Akshay
I am in a similar situation, no relevant work ex, CFA L3 this june. Please let me know ur conclusion. We probably might get UCLA admit/reject/WL by end of this week.
 
Hi everyone,
I got admitted to both the programs and was looking for more views on which program is better. The program at UCLA looks more focused since it is a 13 month course whereas the program at Gatech seems to be improving this year due to a lot of effort by the new program director. I wanted to know which would be a better choice out of the two in terms of career progression. Any input is appreciated.
Thanks.
 
Hi everyone,
I got admitted to both the programs and was looking for more views on which program is better. The program at UCLA looks more focused since it is a 13 month course whereas the program at Gatech seems to be improving this year due to a lot of effort by the new program director. I wanted to know which would be a better choice out of the two in terms of career progression. Any input is appreciated.
Thanks.
I don't know much about UCLA, but GTech has a lot of computational courses, experienced staff and many of their graduates work at Citadel in Chicago. I took a Computational Investesting course in coursera and they seem very professional. I generally have a good impression about them from what I know - a friend of mine studies Computer Science there and he is satisfied as well. I would trust a Tech school over a management school too. But again, I haven't done any research in UCLA so you better do your own and find what's best in terms of networking and knowledge :)
 
Background
- UCLA Undergrad, Class of 2016
- I have been working in an LA based asset management firm for one year, so I have good exposure to several investment strategies, portfolio management, different markets, etc.
- I wish to become a quantitative trader after finishing the program
- Prefer to work in NY, Boston or Chicago (I'm living in LA now)
- Better background in finance than in maths and programming (I took some online courses and will continue to take)

UCLA MFE
Pros:
- I spent four years here, so I am very familiar with the campus and community. I also have a few professional connections in LA.
- The program is under Anderson. I am confident about its career service and teaching quality. Also excellent study environment.
- Better reputation
- Most students have working experience, so I can learn a lot from classmates.
- I don't need to relocate
Cons
- Few classes on trading
- I heard the program doesn't involve too much programming in C++ or python, but in Matlab and R.

Gatech QCF
Pros:
- Curriculum settings are outstanding. I can learn Machine learning for trading, algorithmic trading, etc.
- Linkedin shows the program has better placements in NY (GS) and Chicago (Citadel)
- Good placements in energy trading (?)
- Higher ranking on Quantnet
Cons:
- I prefer LA to Atlanta
- Most students find local jobs

Bottom Line
I am a permanent resident, so I think it won't be hard for me to find a job. However, I still need to work really hard to get into my dream companies, such as big banks/hedge funds/trading firms. I personally lean towards UCLA MFE, but Quantnet tracker shows more Rejs from Gatech than from UCLA?

Any advice will be really appreciated! Thanks!
 
I am no expert in QCF and MFE programs specifically. But I am willing to bet you that you will get a better, more quantitative, more rigorous education at Georgia Tech than UCLA for a program like this. Not bashing on UCLA or anything. But GT is one of the top university programs for engineering in the country, public or private. I have no doubt that reputation extends to quantitative finance too. If you look at overall rankings, engineering rankings, and the quantitative ranking you cited, I bet they all show GT quite a bit above UCLA. If ranking is the most important thing to you, then go to GT.

But it just depends where you will be happier.
 
Background
- UCLA Undergrad, Class of 2016
- I have been working in an LA based asset management firm for one year, so I have good exposure to several investment strategies, portfolio management, different markets, etc.
- I wish to become a quantitative trader after finishing the program
- Prefer to work in NY, Boston or Chicago (I'm living in LA now)
- Better background in finance than in maths and programming (I took some online courses and will continue to take)

UCLA MFE
Pros:
- I spent four years here, so I am very familiar with the campus and community. I also have a few professional connections in LA.
- The program is under Anderson. I am confident about its career service and teaching quality. Also excellent study environment.
- Better reputation
- Most students have working experience, so I can learn a lot from classmates.
- I don't need to relocate
Cons
- Few classes on trading
- I heard the program doesn't involve too much programming in C++ or python, but in Matlab and R.

Gatech QCF
Pros:
- Curriculum settings are outstanding. I can learn Machine learning for trading, algorithmic trading, etc.
- Linkedin shows the program has better placements in NY (GS) and Chicago (Citadel)
- Good placements in energy trading (?)
- Higher ranking on Quantnet
Cons:
- I prefer LA to Atlanta
- Most students find local jobs

Bottom Line
I am a permanent resident, so I think it won't be hard for me to find a job. However, I still need to work really hard to get into my dream companies, such as big banks/hedge funds/trading firms. I personally lean towards UCLA MFE, but Quantnet tracker shows more Rejs from Gatech than from UCLA?

Any advice will be really appreciated! Thanks!


I have decided to go to UCLA. Thanks for the advice!
 
Hi all, I'm currently having a hard time deciding whether to attend Georgia Tech's MS-QCF or UCLA's MFE this fall. I've heard great things about both programs, and I was hoping the QuantNet community could help me with my decision!

IMO, UCLA MFE has the better location, better B-School, and the curriculum is more suited for helping you get CFA certification? I spent 4 years of my undergraduate studies in LA so there is familiarity there as well.

On the other hand, I think Georgia Tech QCF's curriculum is more rigorous and programming heavy (which I do like), incredible placement stats, and from what I heard, great career services.

I'm an undergraduate with no full-time work experience whatsoever, and because of this I am also unsure which program would prepare me best for future career opportunities?

Any feedback and help is greatly appreciated!
 
Hi all, I'm currently having a hard time deciding whether to attend Georgia Tech's MS-QCF or UCLA's MFE this fall. I've heard great things about both programs, and I was hoping the QuantNet community could help me with my decision!

IMO, UCLA MFE has the better location, better B-School, and the curriculum is more suited for helping you get CFA certification? I spent 4 years of my undergraduate studies in LA so there is familiarity there as well.

On the other hand, I think Georgia Tech QCF's curriculum is more rigorous and programming heavy (which I do like), incredible placement stats, and from what I heard, great career services.

I'm an undergraduate with no full-time work experience whatsoever, and because of this I am also unsure which program would prepare me best for future career opportunities?

Any feedback and help is greatly appreciated!

Hey, can I know which one you ended up pursuing and why?
 
Hi All,

Please advise the pros and cons of UCLA and GaTech. I have a data science background and aim to work as a quant. Alums are most welcome to share their feedback. :)

Regards,
Rahul
 
I hope to petition you to give advice on these two programs freely regarding internship, job placements, the likelihood to secure a job in the quantitative finance field, the pace, flexibility, and difficulty of the coursework & capstone, and the relevant study experience. Besides, if anyone may shed some light on which program is a better step stone on a PhD in Finance or OR, I will be more than grateful!

Thank you in advance! I look forward to your valuable suggestions and opinions!
 
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