Undergraduate Computational Finance - also general CMU chances?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Carnegie Mellon University
1

I am a High School Senior applying to Carnegie Mellon, and want to do the Computational Finance program.
From my understanding I can only apply in my 3rd year, and in the meanwhile have to either apply to the School of Science or Tepper School of Business.

I, as well as my application, is generally geared towards Computer Science, however only School of Science and Tepper are mentioned for paths to the program. I was wondering if it would still be possible to apply for the Computational Finance program if I go into Computer Science.

I’ve heard that Computational Finance for undergrads is extremely competitive and small, so don’t really know about my chances. Then another question arises: If I don’t get into the undergrad program, will I be able to apply to the Masters program with only Computer Science for undergrad?

Also, I am curious as my chances for all of this, here are my stats:

SAT
MATH: 740
RW: 720

GPA
Unweighted: 3.79/4
Weighted: 4.46/5

APs: Taken 7 AP classes, taking another 5 this year, only good scores was three 4s in Micro, Calc AB, APUSH

Extracurriculars:
Tech intern - serviced over 1,000 devices over summer
Took intense Spanish 12-credit course at university over summer
Competitive programming summer camp

Honors societies - Math, national, english, science, spanish

Been programming for 5 years - have written particle simulator, advanced gui games, and currently working on balance sheet analyzer and crypto exchange bot.

A lot of other EC’s ive done over the years. What do you think my chances are?

2

If you choose to go SCS, I think it is possible to apply for CompFi as a second major (however, it won’t be your primary major).

3

Mhm, but if I do School of Science or Tepper then it will be my primary (assuming I get in)?

4

Hi @Stanczyk Just to clarify a few things. The Computational Finance program has now changed to admitting as many people as the admissions committee believes is qualified. Therefore it is less competitive now than it used to be (there used to be a cap of 10 people admitted per year). It is true that you must be in MCS or TPR to graduate from the program, but you can apply to the program from any college, so yes it is definitely fine to be in CS and apply to Comp Fi, certainly people do this. Also, to clarify, you can apply at any time as long as you are taking or have taken 21-270 intro to math finance. It seems like now a lot of people are taking this their freshman year instead of their sophomore year but it is still suggested to take sophomore spring. However a lot of people take this class freshman spring and get inducted into the program in their sophomore fall semester. Also your stats look fine. Best of luck

5

Thanks a lot @carnegiekid . Will I have to transfer from the Comp Sci school to Tepper or School of Science?

Also, Carnegie Mellon is an out of state school for me, and the only reason I am applying there is for the Computational Finance program, so when I hear that there used to be a cap of 10 people TOTAL (I can only imagine how many people applied), that worries me (not that i’m a bad student or anything, just going out of state for a slim chance of a program I apply a year+ after).

6

Hi @Stanczyk . If you wanted to continue to do CS and do Comp Fi as an additional major you would then be in both SCS and MCS/TPR. Believe it or not this has been done. Otherwise you would need to transfer. You can only graduate with a degree in Computational Finance from MCS or Tepper. Now that the 10 person per year cap has been lifted, it might make you feel better that as long as you put in the work and really have a genuine interest in the stuff, you will be able to get in. However, if you do not get in and are still interested you are welcomed to reapply. You can also do a minor as well.

7

Hello Carnegiekid - Interested in knowing more about Computational Finance - my son will be applying for that program in CMU. When we visited last year during Christmas break, we were told there were only 10 seats. You said they changed that policy - that is good news. do you know how many were admitted this year (2018) and any other info that we wont find in the website Thank you in advance.

8

Hi @Stanczyk - did you get in to Computational Finance at CMU? It is one of the top targets fro my son and any feedback would be much appreciated! Will pay it forward with the learning after we go through this year? Also, did you apply to Stevens institute for the same degree? Thx.

9

Hi @kg2013, just FYI the cap for the Computational Finance Program for undergrads has been upped from 10 to 15, so it will improve chances of acceptance, but not extraordinarily.