<p>How much math background do business schools look for? is it ok to stop after single variable calculus or is multivariable/linear algebra necessary?</p>
<p>More math will be looked upon more favorably, but isn't necessarily a deal stopper.</p>
<p>You may stop. It's not a big deal.</p>
<p>It depends on the MBA program. If you want to go into quantitative finance, then all you'll need to is the following:</p>
<p>Calculus l-lll
Linear Algebra
Statistics w/Calculus
Econometrics
Intermediate Micro and Macro Economics</p>
<p>Advance Finance Classes</p>
<p>That's off the top of my head.</p>
<p>
[quote]
If you want to go into quantitative finance, then all you'll need to is the following:
[/quote]
</p>
<p>No. You do not have to take those classes to get into graduate business school or to concentrate in Finance.</p>
<p>Those classes are required for Financial Engineering, as well as the Phd. Program in Economics and Financial Mathematics. </p>
<p>I never said anything about the MBA program requirements.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Those classes are required for Financial Engineering, as well as the Phd. Program in Economics and Financial Mathematics. </p>
<p>I never said anything about the MBA program requirements.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Then, you are in the wrong forum and the wrong thread. This is an MBA forum and the thread starter asked which math classes he would need to take in order to be accepted to graduate busines school.</p>
<p>People go to MBA programs with this type of background as well. If he wants to study quantitative finance, he'll need this background. And I imply Quantitative background in the area of advanced finance if the goal is to go in to quantitative research or a Stock Trader who will deal with Quantitative Financial models for financial forcasting. This backgound is a must for those who want to go into this area. It was an example that I am giving. Not a general overview to what a MBA program requires.</p>
<p>If it's just the Standard MBA, then he won't need to take these classes. However, if he was going to a top undergraduate business school, like Wharton, then he need to take these classes.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, it depends on the school he is going to for his MBA. They might require two or more of the classes I've mentioned, such as MIT Sloan School of Management and University of Chicago. They might not be required. But the stronger a students' background in mathematics, the better off he'll be.</p>
<p>He had a simple question and you went way off topic.</p>
<p>Where is there any mention of quantitative finance anywhere by the OP? </p>
<p>Basic Pre-Calc/Trig is necessary, anything else is looked upon favorably but not necessary.</p>
<p>Pre-Calc/Trig is usually taken when your like 14 or 15 years old. You should be taking more than that.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Pre-Calc/Trig is usually taken when your like 14 or 15 years old. You should be taking more than that.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I think they might recommend Calc, but that's about it. It's really not necessary. If it were, the GMAT would probably cover something beyond 9th grade math.</p>
<p>VectorWega,
You're critising me for speaking my mind? It was a two-sided opinion that I answered. </p>
<p>First of all, I mentioned that the basic math requirement is no higher than Calculus I. However, that is only one of the basics for getting in to the MBA program. From there, it's all about his math background.</p>
<p>Second, most of the folks who are in the top MBA programs have most of the requirements that I mentioned while in undergrad. Especially in Economics, Engineering, and Business. </p>
<p>It's true that he doesn't have to take these classes for the MBA program. But it doesn't hurt to enroll in a few classes for his benefit if it interests him.</p>
<p>You answered a question that wasn't asked, which only confuses the subject and distracts from this thread. I was completely justified in my criticism of your posts.</p>
<p>Calc 1 seems to be the standard requirement. The GMAt covers moe than 9th grade math. If you're scoreing more than a 42 or 43 quant, you'll be tested on geometric and aerothamtic series progressions/sums. I don't remember covering this in basic algebrs...but then again maybe New York standardized math sequence might be different than other states???</p>
<p>By the way..You'll take Stats 1 in most good MBA programs, so, take it as an undergrad. if you want to breaze through it, or don't take it if you don't want to repeat the class. The stats I took at U-Florida was a bit more in depth than my intor state in college and ALL business focused.</p>
<p>Many of the top MBA programs have a pre-term program where entering MBA students spend six weeks or so learning or re-learning many of the basic math, stats and other skills necessary to be a successful MBA candidate. For most entering students, these pre-term classes are not optional.</p>
<p>There are many entering MBA students at top schools who did not major in finance or other "obvious" fields as an undergrad.</p>
<p>Calc 1 and Statistics are really all you need.</p>
<p>Sorry, I took Algebra in 7th grade.</p>