Profile Evaluation for Master's Degree

Dear all,
I'm planning to apply for a masters degree, and would like to have my profile evaluated.

Any help will be preciously received.

Profile:

Education
Undergrad (BSc in Accounting and Finance) - one of top UK universities (Russell Group), sitting within 40 of the world ranking.
- GPA: major 3.73, cumulative: 3.63
- FRM (1 & 2), level 1 CFA obtained during my bachelor's degree (second, third year, FYI, UK universities are 3-year based)

Work experience
- 8 month experience: 3-month prop intern & 5-month full time prop trader in 2 London based prop shops (not named)

Independent project
- Have invested since June 2012, building up a factor investing model

GRE
- Q: 168, V: 164, AWA: 4.0

Additional info
- Since my BSc study has been totally focused on finance, I took some additional mathematics/programming courses such as R programming, Calculus, Computational investing, and so on, all of which were completed with a demonstrable certificate (with Distinction).
> am I going to lose my competitive edge in the admission process if I didn't take the mathematics/programming classes in the uni? are these courses regarded as, at least, my effort for master's preparation?

I'm aiming at:
1) M.Fin Princeton
2) Columbia MSFE
3) Stanford MCF

I would like to politely request anyone, watching this post and willing to leave a commentary, to objectively evaluation my qualifications, and a chance (if any) for being admitted by any of my target schools.

Your help will be highly appreciated!
HUGE thanks in advance.

Best regards,
Cynthia

3 Comments
 

Given that your undergraduate degree is in Accounting and Finance, it is highly unlikely that those programs will consider you unless you take some form of comprehensive math sequence (the minimum requirement is usually: Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Mathematical Statistics, etc.).

You would have a better shot at MSF programs, which generally look more favorably at Accounting/Finance/Economics based coursework and are more lenient with regard to math pre-reqs.

If you are really dead set on a quant finance program, you will have to cover more math first. Either take the entire math sequence through non-degree studies or complete an MSc in Applied Math (I think Imperial has a part-time degree if you want to continue working).

 

Thanks for your reply.

I have seen some students who didn't take math-focused modules but still managed to get into the MFE programmes quite frequently (within the UK, yes, the requirement in UK Master's is much lower than US alternatives)

I'm also wondering whether they will just disregard some of the online courses that I've taken (and been taking) in preparation for the master's requirement, although the courses are providing some statement of achievement (certifications), and I finished with distinction.

 
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