icebox_4

hahaha @ Rabenstein's post. Global Derivatives list of universities with financial engineering programs is pretty good. Don't bother too much with the rankings, since it has been ages since they updated that. Now, seriously, I don't think there's much value in going to a less-reputed program. Finance to a certain extent is 50% what do you know, and the other 50% is who do you know. That is, network really matters -- you'd want to be in a reputed program with a strong alumni network that can help you get the jobs you want. Else, what's the point of spending time and money if you're only going to be back at square one? In addition, I think there's a strong correlation between reputation and the strength of the academic program. Conversely, a less-known program might be an indication of a weak quality of instruction. That said, if you still insist, you can go to IAFE's website. There should be few lesser known programs listed there. The hiring conditions in 2012 is murky. I've been rather skeptical about it, yet some of my friends at bulge-bracket bank said that recruiting should pick up in late 2010. However, there's no guarantee that we'll not see a delayed return to glory in the financial sector: the compensation structure will probably change drastically, risk-taking at financial institutions will be scaled back, and government intervention will be more prevalent than before. Also, you're international, right? Don't forget about the pesky job visa rule. But my advice to you in this situation remains consistent: should there be any hiring, they will go first to the top-tier programs. Thus, again, there's little value of attending lesser known schools. Heck, I'm going to Princeton and I'm still worried how things will pan out in two years! P.S. There are no programs that admits you solely on strength of GMAT/GRE. Well, no program worth going, at least in my book. P.P.S. Try to get the Math GRE as close as you can to 800. It's just one metric in a holistic process, but usually it's the first easy filter they use.

I might also add here that Masters in Finance programs are generally geared towards people that wants to go into the industry. That is, I am not sure if: 1. The content will be directly useful for your PhD application later on, since they're mostly practitioner's courses. 2. If the admissions committee will look favorably on your intent of using the MFin program as a stepping stone to a top PhD Fin program (since most people jump straight from undergrad or from industry). 3. Also, the admissions committee in these programs increasingly demands demonstrated interest in working in the industry -- either by work experience or internships

note that only princeton offers a masters in finance. columbia offers a masters in financial engineering, whereas harvard does not offer advanced finance/business degree -- save for HBS. as a yardstick, i would suggest going to princeton's webpage and looking at the resume of current students. that should be a good way to gauge what do they seek. i'm going to princeton MFin myself; quick stats breakdown: GRE 1400 (800M, 600V, 5AWA). GPA: 3.85, BSc. maths/economics at an ivy. 2 summers of working experience in financial institutions in NY.

Took the GREs yesterday and was extremely excited to see the results. I consider my verbal scores decent, as I only had one week to cram all those arcane vocabularies into my head. :) At any rate, I'd like to thank everyone who is in this forum, supporting each other and spreading out the knowledge. I think it's very useful -- not only in terms of actual material preparation, but more importantly it gives me a level of confidence coming into the exam room. Now, on to that personal statement I was working on....