How to Get into Top 10 MFEs
- Ashley Cross
- Jan 7
- 3 min read
When it comes to getting into a MFE with plans of going into buy-side or alpha research, having a STEM degree or a target school can help. (Don't get me wrong: it's still hard with these things too.)
But if you are a non-STEM grad, from a school that is less recognized, or from a fundamental finance background, you'll have a LOT of work to do. The rest of your MFE application needs to shine.
Start with Academics First
Strong grades in pre-reqs are the bare minimum to get into a MFE (at least from my experience). Prioritize upper level math AND stats courses through an accredited university, even if it's not for-credit.
Some programming is needed for MFEs, but level of importance here varies on program. If you're thinking about buy-side, programming is absolutely still a priority: but start with math & stats courses are the first step for admissions. Finance is a plus. But most programs will say they want to see an "interest" at the very least in finance. That means have at least 1-3 things on your CV that are finance-related. To really stand out, do a project or get an internship that uses your TECHNICAL skills with financial data/products. Aside from Baruch, I believe some of my students are taking those online through USC, LSU, Chicago, and Columbia. But definitely check other threads here on QuantNet for an accurate list.
What MFEs Care About
GRE Quant 168+ is needed if you're non-STEM (though I'd emphasize this for STEM and target schools too). A 170 REALLY makes you stand out.
Letters of recommendation should be VERY strong too: speaking to your technical skills + what it's been like to work with you heavily.
Technical internships or research projects (as in programming or stats) are going to help you secure these LoR writers and enhance your admissions chances.
Technical internship/experience makes a HUGE difference regarding what type of internship you'll get during your MFE. Students recruit for Master's internships before they start a single MFE class. To secure a buy-side internship, you need to go into your program with 2-3 strong technical (stats/ML + programming) internships/work experiences on your resume. The sooner you get a buy-side QR internship on your resume (before or during your MFE), the more likely you are to land one for full-time. And to land those internships, you need to get really damn good at those online assessments.
One of the Biggest Mistakes Candidates Make
Many students don't get into a MFE, or don't like their internship/employment outcome from the MFE, because they have failed to adequately research the program.
This is why a good number of my MFE students come to me. They realize that their program or experience won't get them closer to their career goal and they need more intensive guidance.
That is why you need to learn both:
a) what does admissions really care about?
b) does the program actually produces interns & graduates doing what you want to do?
Different MFEs prioritize different parts of the application
Berkeley values technical work experience.
CMU looks for strong grades in rigorous courses & a high Quant GRE.
U Chicago wants to see strong Letters of Recommendation.
Make time for information sessions & talk with current students for their insights into these things!
Pay attention to these on a program's website:
admissions requirements,
curriculum & electives,
incoming class profile,
employment outcomes (consider the hiring companies, roles, locations, salaries),
and student/alumni spotlights.
Example of Program/Career Misalignment: If you want buy-side but you're going into a program that sends 80% of students to investment banks, you're setting yourself up for a more difficult search. Thinking about an MFE for quant roles?
Career+ is designed for candidates who want clarity on what MFEs actually value—and whether a program will help them land the roles they’re targeting.
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