<p>I am currently in the app. process for a bunch of the good programs in MFinance and MSc Financial Math and similar. These include Stanford, MIT, Columbia, Carnegie Mellon, London School of Econ., Washington Univ. St Louis etc.</p>
<p>I got a double major from the American University in Bulgaria, which is the best in the region but still not world popular. BA in Economics (GPA=3.50), BA in Mathematics (GPA = 3.87), CUM Laude, and was granted the Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics in my class (which is the highest you can receive).</p>
<p>Got my GRE scores, V:660 (94 perc.) and M: 790 (92 perc.) and a sucker 4 on the AW. No subject tests taken and do not plan to (too busy at work). </p>
<p>Graduated in 2007 and since then worked as Head of Cash Management for BNP Paribas in Bulgaria (2.5 years now).</p>
<p>I get 2 recos from university profs (statistics and algebra) and one from my boss. The algebra prof. has been a regular guest lecturer at MIT, Harvard, and Cambrige.</p>
<p>Anyone could share their view on my chances?
Anyone else applying to these programs and would like to share impressions?
I don't know anyone in the schools I apply to and my impression is only from the class profiles stats published on the sites so any comment would be valuable.</p>
<p>Indeed, I like their programs as well, but Princeton want me to submit TOEFL and I haveno time to go to the exam before the deadline. Berkeley is a great choice but starts in March and I need to stay at my current job at least until July in order to save some cash…If nothing happens in the other schools I apply now, I certainly will apply for Berkeley for next Spring.</p>
<p>One of my concerns is that although in terms of GPA, GRE etc I am at theaverage profile, I do not have some highly exceptional extracuriculars/research which probably the accepted candidates have…Do you think that this may push me back on the line?</p>
<p>If you don’t have an impeccable job experience, then you’re super reach for Berkeley. Berkeley students have really impressive work experience. A few that don’t have been compensated by having advance degrees such as master’s and Ph.D. But you wouldn’t know unless you apply, right?</p>
<p>Amongst your original choices, I think LSE and Washington are the easiest to get into. CMU and Columbia are probably the most respected programs. Not sure if you can’t get into MIT if you didn’t get your undergrad there. Stanford’s program is not that well-respected.</p>