<p>Hi~
I'm a student at Northwestern University, currently majoring in mathematics and economics. I've been recently attracted to Masters in Finance or Financial Mathematics programs. I've noticed that only a few schools, such as Princeton, Stanford, Columbia, UChicago, and NYU offer such programs. I have a 3.85 GPA and little extracurricular activities. How hard is it to get into these programs? Can you also give me tips on how to prepare for admission, such as what they are looking into an applicant? Is work experience preffered? Also, most importantly, how valuable are these degrees in real world and how these graduates are treated compared to people straight out of undergrad or to MBA or PhD in math or economics degreed holders. Thank you!</p>
<p>IMO, a Financial Mathematics grad might be a candidate for jobs as entry level "quants" in specialized groups devoted to valuation, hedging,portfolio management, Risk management within a trading environment, and other specialized functions that are heavily quantitative. It would also serve as a background for entering actuarial science.</p>
<p>Most MBAs are seeking generalist positions, eg to manage something, and would not be seeking these same positions.</p>
<p>jkf91,</p>
<p>I went to Berkeley's FE website and looked at students' profiles before. If I remember correctly, most students did have some work experience but a few went directly from undergrad.</p>
<p>can you give me the link? I cannot find it anywhere... thank you~</p>