Moving towards Quant Finance

You should be fine just make sure you take a few C++ classes and brush up on your math. Also, what kind of math did you take for undergraduate if it isn't AT LEAST differential equations then enroll at a CC and take em then apply or else you are wasting your time.

I took two, yeah dif eq (the same first two that engineers need to take). I'll take those 2 again to refresh and C++ is a good idea too.

I'm just worried about the economy and how good of a program I'd get into as my GMAT has expired. I have to make some sort of a move though!

MFE usually have refresher courses all the old people take :D ( no offense)

MFE is not a bad choice, it is the future of finance in my opinion. I would go for an East coast school such as NYU, Chicago or Carnegie. If you want to work on the street, then East coast matters. The programs are great, usually one year and they teach you all the "hardcore finance techniques" one would need. If you are thinking of a west coast program then go heck Berkeley, theirs is very strong and has been around for like 9 years. The UCLA MFE is good too, but because of its young age, it might not place you as well.

For starter, you need to take GRE and meet all the requirements before you can apply. Not sure how much you can afford to pay out for these programs. Some are quite expensive. There are a handful of MFE programs in NYC that are very strong.

Go through the list here, they list pretty much all the programs http://www.quantnet.com/program-selector

I'll try my hardest to get into the best program I can, but I assume it is still worth it to enter a program not in the elite? I remember in the past looking at the ridiculous credentials some of the Princeton MFE students have, its much tougher to get into that program than it is a Harvard MBA. Basically, it seems clear the top programs are worth it. However, if I entered a top 20 program or so, is it still worth it? I assume it has to be because this is what I really want to do!! Am I wrong on this?

Could I focus almost entirely on the math section of the GRE?

Thanks a lot for the help (especially the link of schools)- this really seems like a great website. I just signed up today

Yes you can focus entirely on the math section of GRE. But make sure you get 800, or real close to it.

I don't think top 20 would cut it. Top 20 for MBA is top 10 for MFE. Many MFE programs are newer and seen as "cash cows." It seems only the top handful are the truly good ones. Check GlobalDerivatives, and QuantNet.

Are you working and make good money now? If so, going to an MFE, specially the dubious cash-cows programs may lead you to worse financial shape. Before you apply to a program, do research on their placement number. If they don't have any number online, it's a big red flag.

Contact the students and people there to see how they help you obtain employment.