Rady School of Management (UCSD) MFIN program is underrated?

I spoke with some advisors and a student at UCSD's mfin program, and based on my research and what they've told me, its actually not a bad program at all. I definitely don't think its on par with some of the top teir programs like Princeton, MIT, vandy, etc., but I do think its underrated.

Curriculum: it's much more on the quantitive side and was told (by people how work and attended the program) that this program falls between a traditional MFIN program and MFE program. Also, the applied capstone project is pretty interesting..

Faculty: Probably most notable faculty member is Harry Markowitz (Nobel Prize in Econ). I was told Michael Melvin (executive director of the program) has rlly good connections in the area (he was a MD at Blackrock i think).

Recruiting: from what I know none of the BBs recruit on-campus. But, they've placed some students at top BBs. This is probably one of the weaker characteristics of their program since the location is pretty bad (unless you want to work in SD area). From what I have been told, most students end up working for tech firms around the SD area, but a good handful of students get recruited from reputable firms in SF or LA.

From what I see, if someone wants to work in California this program is actually not bad at all. Much better than UCI's or JHU's mfin and possibly as good as USC's (unlikely). Anyone else have more info about this program?

 

This is one of the schools that I will be applying to in a few weeks. I am trying to stay in so cal and I don't see any other options besides sd, irvine, usc. Not sure how accurate those placements are. If you check their website, their class is 94% international. It shows a guy who works at goldman sachs as an analyst, but it doesn't say what role (can easily be a back office analyst). Their curriculum is not really up to my taste since as you mentioned it's between quant and MFin (too much econometrics/big data focus). I'm still contemplating, but if it comes down to a choice between uci and ucsd I will probably choose irvine because it has a stronger location, better MBA program(therefore alumni) and possibly more scholariship $(They offer minimum of 10k to all qualified applicants. Would like to hear more from people who have more info, but from what it sounds it's an asian fest (Their stats are also pretty competitive - 3.5gpa, 700 gmat),

PS - One perk that SD has, is that it's really close to TJ, where you can get some hot latina milf escorts for really cheap. Something to consider.

 

Yes, I've heard the same. It makes sense. I have a much lower gpa (3.0) so hoping that getting about the average or above their gmat will get me in. Their stats are as high as most top programs but I think it's because they're all international.

One question though - why do you say that SD is a bad location? I am not too familiar with SD but it is one of the major cities in California, has rich suburbs, and a perfect weather. Plus anything close to the beach always has companies that are in the financial sector. Maybe not as good as LA or SF, but still up there.

 

I guess it really depends on personal preference. I say it's a bad location because I assume most people want to work in NYC/SF/LA areas.

SD itself is a nice city but not as many opportunities of course.

 
Best Response
NeverOutOfTheFight:
This is one of the schools that I will be applying to in a few weeks. I am trying to stay in so cal and I don't see any other options besides sd, irvine, usc. Not sure how accurate those placements are. If you check their website, their class is 94% international. It shows a guy who works at goldman sachs as an analyst, but it doesn't say what role (can easily be a back office analyst). Their curriculum is not really up to my taste since as you mentioned it's between quant and MFin (too much econometrics/big data focus). I'm still contemplating, but if it comes down to a choice between uci and ucsd I will probably choose irvine because it has a stronger location, better MBA program(therefore alumni) and possibly more scholariship $(They offer minimum of 10k to all qualified applicants. Would like to hear more from people who have more info, but from what it sounds it's an asian fest (Their stats are also pretty competitive - 3.5gpa, 700 gmat),

PS - One perk that SD has, is that it's really close to TJ, where you can get some hot latina milf escorts for really cheap. Something to consider.

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