Trending Content - Real Estate Forum
Career Resources
WSO Free Modeling Series - Now Open Through
September 30, 2026
9 Free Financial Modeling Lessons
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
+Bonus: Get 27 financial modeling templates in swipe file
+Bonus: Get 27 financial modeling templates in swipe file
High Finance Applications
Guaranteed
Get at least one offer GUARANTEED
- 1:1 support
- 92% success rate
- 2,000+ mentor network
- Unlimited Live bootcamps
- AI for resume + LinkedIn
- Networking automation tools
- HireVue simulation tool
- Full course library
- Private Slack community
- 20hrs of mocks
- + much more...
I'd be aiming for Cornell or MIT with your stats.
Edit: Most RE programs are housed out of the school of professional studies.
MIT specifies 3-5 years of Real Estate experience, not just general experience. I'm not sure how stringent they are on that requirement, but part of the program being "accelerated" is an assumption of prior real estate knowledge. I agree that OP's stats are way above average though. Cornell is a good choice, although it is a two year program. That could be either taken as a positive or a negative depending.
MIT requirements look extremely stringent. Everyone has a background in architecture, engineering or real estate in various capacities, including IBD, securitization, etc. http://mitcre.mit.edu/category/student-profiles
"The admissions committee looks for highly qualified candidates who have an extensive amount of professional Real Estate work experience (3-5 years), a strong academic background, as well as clear and focused goals and objectives. This requirement can be satisfied in any number of ways. Prior to enrolling in the program, students have been employed as brokers, construction managers, planners, architects, commercial loan officers, consultants, financial analysts, and engineers. Due to the work experience requirement, we do not admit students directly out of undergraduate studies." http://mitcre.mit.edu/masters-program/admissions
The most important thing for me is to learn RE modeling in Argus, learning NYC tenancy laws, and understanding securitization/cap markets better (not just in general terms).
I'm leaning on either JHU, Columbia, or Georgetown (Gtwn only due to cost). My reasoning is that the former two are actual MS programs so I'll have access to the university job board so if my background doesn't appeal to RE groups, I can still get other finance roles.
Thank you so much1
Have you considered trying to transition without going back to school? I don't think it is out of the question with extensive networking
I tried but I didn't get any good opportunities. I think employers want the magical Argus designation on your resume/don't want to waste time on training on basics.
I've seen instances where large PE firms have dipped into the I-Banks to recruit analyst. I'm only guessing, but it would be my assumption those candidates have no Argus experience. You can always take a class to get certified in Argus.
Eum suscipit et suscipit placeat placeat. Repellat similique animi commodi id fuga. Adipisci quae sit qui autem nihil cupiditate.
Ducimus temporibus excepturi rerum earum ea. Ullam eligendi ut vero labore totam ut.
Et facilis quo culpa expedita dolores ut eligendi. Sint illum id cum quisquam.
Sed consequuntur esse ipsa esse voluptates corporis. Autem non qui aut fugit aperiam ex consequatur et. Et est occaecati praesentium quia deleniti.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...