Mindcraft

For #1, it is 60/360 because, if you look at the arc of the grey area proportional to the total circumfrence, it is 60 degrees to the total 360 degrees. We know it is 60 because this angle + x = 90, and since x = 30, it follows directly. For #6, you are getting EC^2. You must take the square root of your answer to get EC. Remember, in Pythagorean's formula, you have a^2 + b^2 = c^2, so if you want the value of the hypotenuse c (which in our case is EC), it is sqrt(a^2 + b^2), where a and b are the lengths of the other sides of the triangle (in our case, CD and ED.)

Here are my solutions for the first page. Let me know if I made any mistakes... #1: E #2: C #3: C #4: A #5: B #6: A Explanations: #1: Since x = 30 degrees, the complimentary angle is 60 degrees. This forms a 30--60--90 triangle of sides 1/2--sqrt(3)/2--1. This means that the perimeter of the grey object must be (1 - 1/2) + sqrt(3)/2 + (2*pi*1)(60/360) = 1/2 + sqrt(3)/2 + pi/3, which is (E). #2. Factor the inside of the square root of column A, such that sqrt[a + b + 2*sqrt(a*b)] = sqrt[(sqrt(a) + sqrt(b))^2] = sqrt(a) + sqrt(b). So, the answer is ©. #3: The information tells us that (w + x + y)/3 = 9, so it follows that (w + x + y) = 27. Column A is [ (2*w - y) + (3*x + 6) + (3*y - x) ]/3 = [2*(w + x + y) + 6]/3 = [2*(27) + 6]/3 = 20, which is also the value of Column B. So, the answer is ©. #4. Notice the answer choices all have only a and c on the left hand side of the equation, so solve the initial equation such that only a and c are on the left hand side. That is, a*x - b*y + c*x - d*y = 0 --> a*x + c*x = b*y + d*y --> (a + c)*x = (b + d)*y --> a + c = (b + d)*(y/x) = (-1)*(1/2) = -1/2. So, the answer is (A). #5. Surface area of a cube with edge of length x is 6*x^2. For x = 3, surface area is 54. For x = sqrt(3), surface area is 18. Since 54 = 3*18, the answer is 3, or (B). #6. Since AE = ED and AE + ED = x, then AE = x*(1/2). By Pythagorean's formula, AC = x*sqrt(2), and EC = x*sqrt(5)/2. Thus, AE + AC + EC = x*(1/2 + sqrt(2) + sqrt(5)/2) which is always greater than x*(5/2), for x > 0. The answer is therefore (A).

Guys has this thread officially broken a world record? What's the word?

That is correct. However, feel free to post your current profile and update us later as your profile progresses. Regards.

I think you need make a list of possible schools you will apply to, find their respective deadlines, and ensure that the GMAT scores arrive at their offices a couple weeks beforehand. You also may want to give yourself time to retest in the event that your score was not up to par. I can tell you right off the bat, many top business schools have a first round deadline in October for the Fall 2006 term. I know you don't have to apply in the first round but if I were you, I'd schedule my GMAT around that. Hope that helps :)

I think the general consensus is that Kaplan's questions are more difficult, especially the quantitative questions. I personally haven't used the Kaplan practice exams, but I will soon enough.

Let me quote something directly from OG10: "ecause the the test is adaptive, the responses to early questions influence the selection of later questions." This implies to me that the CAT scoring is weighted with more emphasis on earlier questions than on later. And obviously every question counts, but we are talking about weights here. You cannot assume that every question has equal weight and therefore there is no advantage in focusing more on earlier questions, because that's definitely not the case. Just as it was my experience with the GRE, you should really try to nail the first several questions on the GMAT as the scoring algorithm uses these initial questions to determine your "score range" and then the remaining questions tweak it.

Hey all, I'm looking to find some housing possibilities at Berkeley, from March 2006 onwards. If you are entering the MFE (masters in financial engineering) program at Berkeley, or any program for that matter, and are looking to find one (or more) people to rent an apartment or house with, please let's talk. I'd prefer living as close to the campus as possible, in the cheapest place possible!! It would be cool if MFE students could live together, that way we can study together and collaborate, but if you are any quantitative discipline or business discipline at Berkeley, that's fine. I hope I get some responses on here! Mindcraft

What I do to ensure very good reccs is this: target beforehand a handful of professors, maybe 3 or 4, that you will spend the next year or so impressing beyond belief. Make an extra effort to impress them and show them you are an AMAZING student. I would say try to be the best student they have seen in the past 5 years atleast, if you can. Show passion, show dedication, show talent, show intellectual ability... basically set them up so that when time for reccs come around, they will say "I'd love to!" What I also like to do, in addition to this, is to compliment the professors very subtly every now and then... with a line like, "I am really enjoying this course so far." I give no indication beforehand that they will be my reccomendors, but ask them to do this after the year, or course, is nearly completed. It seems a bit premeditated, but if you are serious about going to a top school, then you must get serious about securing GREAT reccomendations, and this method is in my opinion is a good way to accomplish that. All I know is that, it worked for me. As for employers, the same principle holds, only the key is to know if you should use employers as reccomendors or not. It really depends on the type of program you are going to, and how much weight they put on work history. Obviously, for a business related program its good to have this. But for say, quantitative programs in business, reccomendations from finance and mathematics professors would probably carry more weight than that from employers (unless you worked as an equities trader for goldman or something). Give me more info about you...

I have to go with Plazzain on that one, a rigorous background in abstract mathematics is crucial for any good Econ PHD program. I'd still apply, though, but just keep that factoid in mind. Best...

I recieved my OG10 yesterday, and I'm proud to say I am very happy with it!! Screw OG11, I think 10 is a much much better buy, Thanks for all your help guys.....

So what's the consensus here: OG10 or OG11?? I'm in the process of shopping for GMAT Prep material (in a cost-efficient manner) and need to decide between OG10 or OG11 (just the overal study guides, not the seperate verbal & quant workouts). Seeing as how my previous prep for GRE was quite good, I think i'll use the following material during my 12 week preparation: GMAT PowerPrep Software, OG10 (or OG11), maybe PR or Kaplan book down the line to get a different perspective, and as many practice tests I can get a hold of. So, the question still stands, OG10 or OG11??? Also, can anyone perhaps add to my study list? Thanks, and good luck to all. P.S. Is there any advantage of ordering one of these over the other: GMAT® Paper Tests I—Includes "retired" tests 14, 31, and 55 GMAT® Paper Tests II—Includes "retired" tests 25, 37, and 48 GMAT® Paper Tests III—Includes "retired" tests 28, 42, and 52

Not entirely sure, as I have not yet taken the GMAT. However, I took the GRE and from my GMAT studying thus far, the verbal section on the GMAT seems to be easier. The math is pretty much the same it seems... basic high school level. Once I actually take the GMAT this december, I'll be able to give a better opinion. What program are you taking the GMAT or GRE for?

Totally agree.

Sad but true the US consulate are very difficult to deal with. I've had my problems in the past with them. I feel really sorry for that guy, and I hope things can hopefully change for the better in the US very soon. Meanwhile I am planning on moving to England after my studies!!

It's a pretty old thread though, don't you think?

It is definitely not the best news in the world to hear that you must retake the GRE, but from personal experience, me retaking the GRE and making 800Q was a very good desicion looking back. Just do it, then get it over with.

Given your aid situation, I'd do an MS at GaTech, then a PhD at MIT.

They both have their advantages, but overall I would choose BU over CUNY. I say this because I know the quality of the program at BU, and it is perhaps one of the best mathematical finance curriculums being taught. It is indeed a lot more rigorous than most math finance programs, too. So, if your math is strong and you enjoy the work, then BU will be a good fit. I don't think CUNY is nearly as mathematical as BU, so if you do NOT want to do a lot of theoretical mathematics in the financial context, you may consider CUNY. As far as job opps, I think it's pretty much the same with both schools. Indeed, CUNY is in the Wall Street area, but honestly this isn't a HUGE advantage over BU because you can still seek New York opportunities while you are in Boston; it's only a 3 hour drive anyway. BU has a better overall reputation in the industry, has renowned faculty such as Guasani and Lyasoff, and has the professor-industry tie (i.e. Reitano-John Hancock). Therefore, I would personally choose BU over CUNY. Good luck.

gstergia, why did you choose UTor over LSE? Just curious......

Wow. Congratulations!! I knew you'd get that admit. That's excellent news, and I hope more of it comes your way! :) Mindcraft

Although I don't know too much about the program details, I did read some discussions over IIT's master's program in financial markets. What I got from the discussions was that the program has been really falling apart lately, and many students and graduates are unhappy. Disclaimer: not only is this heresy, but the discussions took place in 2003. I think your best bet is trying to get in contact with some current or past students of the program, and asking them what they think. I know Global Derivatives ranked IIT's Fin program at #11, but you must make a few considerations, such as a) GD's ranking methodology, b) date of the rankings (they are 2003-2004), and c) if these rankings are reasonably consistent with rankings from other sources. Again, my best advice would be get in contact with some current or previous IIT MSFM students and ask for their opinions, as I'm sure they can shed light on the matter a lot better than I can. Good luck! Mindcraft

First of all, you may want to confirm that you can still submit a letter of appeal. As Erin stated, in most cases the appeal must be presented prior to April 15. If this is not the case with you, then my suggestion is get something written up--a rough draft--that outlines why you disagree with UCD's desicion, why you feel that you should be admitted, etc. I'm not too sure as to how successful appeals are, but it is worth a shot. Once you get a draft written up, I'll be glad to take a look at it if you need a second reader. Hope it works out. Yousuf

Great job on the FAQs, Econ. I completely agree with everything you listed. I'm racking my brain trying to find something you left out, but it seems you covered it all. And if I may add something: To all prospective applicants who are intimidated by the competition, I say one thing: Ambition exceeds IQ, so if you want it bad enough, you will get it. Mindcraft

Columbia, simply because it's Ivy League, and the name carries a lot of weight in the world. You'd be surprised how many doors open up, simply because you went to an Ivy League. :hmm: