Profile Evaluation - Math, math, math...

[sevenchen]

Type of Undergrad/Grad: Mathematics + Accelerated Mathematical Finance Masters. School sends someone to one of the top 10 finance phd's every 2-3 years.

GPA: 3.97

Completed Math Courses: 23 ugrad + 6 grad courses by winter. All A+'s for past two years.

Econ Courses: intro macro intro micro, grad micro (Winter).
Other courses: hotchpotch of accounting/finance courses

GRE: 800Q 700V expected (got 780Q 660V with no study on practice exam)
Research Experience: Will have been an RA for almost two years when I apply. Trying (and failing) to write a paper. I should have something done by my application however.

letter of reference: well known + not known finance profs with whom I've done lots of RA work. well published math prof with whom I took grad courses. All should be fairly strong to very strong.

Interested on the forum's opinion on where I could go.

I'd be happy for any insights on my profile or suggestions for more 'mathematical' finance phds!

[joetheplumber]

Have you taken the normal econ sequence? If so then you have a good shot at any program. Apply to several and diversify since competition is stiff.

The only question is whether you should be applying to finance programs or applied math programs that have people doing quant finance. CMU has a Phd program in math finance, and at princeton you can get a PhD in applied math but do your research at the Bendheim center for finance. There are similar programs at FSU, purdue etc but these would be safeties for you.

[longshot]

If you want the more "mathematical" side of finance, look for programs strong in asset pricing. Those departments tend to focus much more on math skills, and while your degree will be a "PhD in Finance" your research will have a more quantitative bend than those doing research in corporate/empirical topics.

Emory and CMU are two departments I'm familiar with that have a strong asset pricing department. I'm sure poking around on google will help you find some others.