Quantitative/Computational Finance Programs

Graduate School
1

<p>I am very interested in attending a Quantitative Finance program after undergraduate, but I am not sure how to best prepare for applications. I currently attend Fordham University in NYC, which is ranked #18 according to this guide:</p>

<p><a href="https://www.quantnet.com/mfe-programs-rankings/"&gt;https://www.quantnet.com/mfe-programs-rankings/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>When it comes to more specialized stuff like this, what matters? Research? Internships at banks? Skills? I am the kind of person that loves learning stuff by myself. I am currently taking online courses on data analysis as well as learning C++ programming (not for college credit, just interest). Both those things are pretty much basic parts of a Quant. Do grades matter more than say, going for a masters in Computer Science (which entails more research)?</p>

<p>I am applying to the Fordham program for sure, since I already go here and I am in the Honors undergrad program, but Carnegie Mellon, MIT, and Columbia seem pretty awesome, so I want to try my best.</p>

<p>Also, how much Financial Aid do these programs give? I can't really afford much; I am at Fordham because I am on scholarship.</p>

<p>Sorry if I am rambling, but I hope someone here has gone or applied to Masters of Finance programs or a Quant masters and knows how best to prepare. I am just a sophomore so I have time!</p>

2

<p>Grades, GRE scores and work/internship experience seems to be what matter most for these programs. I’m not sure by first-hand experience, but they are professional programs so that’s typically what professional programs are looking for.</p>

<p>In my experience, most of these quant finance programs are “cash cows” for the university, so they don’t offer much (if any) aid. That doesn’t mean that they’re not good. It just means that they exist in part to generate revenue for the university.</p>