University Choice for QR/QT

Hi all,

I'm interested in quantitative finance (1st priority) among ib/mbb (2nd/3rd), and I am coming to decide what courses at what universities I'd like to apply for, with my fields of interest in mind.

I understand that there is a large weighting toward STEM candidates within fields like quant research / trading, something not so common in corporate finance (i.e. have seen people take a variety of degrees).

I wanted to know your thoughts on choosing between the following, with that in mind:

- St. Andrews (A semi-target?) - doing a MMaths or Statistics degree.

- UCL (Target) - doing a Social Science w/ Data Science (Watered down degree) / History, Politics & Economics degree.

I'm going to assume that for Quant it'd be much better for St. Andrews given the notorious rigour in Maths degrees + STEM candidates. Although, I'm struggling to understand how much the target/semi-target label would affect my chances at breaking into Quant, if I were to choose a less rigorous course at UCL - as the social science with data science course is watered down with non-desirable social science modules i.e. sociology - I would assume it to be near impossible here.

My opinion would be to go for St. Andrews for the best chances - but I would like to seek out some other opinions to see your thoughts, also.

Would love to hear any thoughts. Thanks!

3 Comments
 

While I agree, I've seen some have got in with doing a good STEM degree at an unknown university for undergrad, and then supplementing their profiles by going to a target/better known for an equally quantitative/STEM masters degree (as you mention oxb, imperial, w'wick, among other universities like UCL - targets for IB).

So I'm still not entirely sure; wondering what my odds are like from both perspectives.

 

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