Andy Nguyen

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  ZsH

• Yesterday at 6:22 AM

Hi Andy,

I’m currently an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley majoring in Data Science. I transferred from a California community college, where I completed many of my core quantitative courses—including Calculus I–III, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, and Introductory Microeconomics and Macroeconomics—with top grades.

Given my background, I’m wondering:

• Does transferring from a community college negatively affect my chances of being admitted to top MFE programs (e.g., Berkeley MFE, CMU MSCF, Princeton MFin)?
• Do these programs typically accept community college coursework to satisfy prerequisites like calculus or linear algebra?
• Will this path be a disadvantage when applying for quant jobs down the line?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on how the CC-to-UCB path is generally perceived by MFE admissions committees or quant employers.

Thanks so much for your time and any insights you can share!

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  LLLLLL

• 6/5/25

Hi, Andy

I hope this finds you well.

I’ve been admitted to UCLA MFE program, and I’m wondering how competitive its graduates are for quantitative roles. From all of the information that I got from social media, it seems like most hedge funds and top Wall Street firms tend to prefer candidates from top MFE programs like Baruch, Princeton, CMU, or UCB, it is impossible for students graduate from outside those programs. Do you think UCLA MFE students can still be strong contenders for quant roles? And I have no idea that how hard it is for students from UCLA MFE program in chasing quant roles.

Thank you in advance for your time! And I would be more than appreciated with whatever you can share with me~

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  onurthequant

• 5/12/25

Hi Andy,

I hope you’re doing well. I’ve recently been admitted to the MSc Financial Mathematics program at UCL, and I’m excited to deepen my knowledge in the field. However, I don’t have any prior internship experience in finance.

To improve my chances of landing a job post-graduation, what would you recommend I focus on during the next few months? Do you think studying for and taking the CFA Level 1 exam would be a smart move at this stage?

I’d truly appreciate any advice you could offer.

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  JQV

• 3/21/25

Hi Andy, I am an MRes/PhD Economics student from non-target who is very keen to switch to a Mathematical Finance/Applied Maths PhD programe. I have previously taken Mathematical Economics, Econometrics, Game Theory, Probability theory, Time Series Analysis and Stochastic Processs and have received distinctions in all these modules. I am 2 years into the degree though and could master out from my already-funded position. Question is would it be worth it to apply for a Masters in perhaps applied maths from a target uni before eventually applying for a PhD? I have some research experience with Profs in a top 5 Math department and also would have to submit a thesis soon which will be on SDE and Deep Learning. Internship at a Quantum computing firm this summer. Would like to hear your thoughts. Much appreciated! I am keen to get into QR in the future.

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  Bui Loc

• 2/4/25

Hi Andy, I'm an international student from VN, a sophomore MSU majoring in Advanced Math and CS (4.0 GPA). I want to break into either QR at mid tier shops or Risk Quant at HF/IB. Currently I'm doing research in ML and SDE. What should I do to boost my resume (research/projects/networking)for next year internship cycle? Should I do one more major or minor in Risk management/Quant risk? Ty so much for your advice.

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  Ziyu_HSP

• 12/25/24

Hi Andy, why did GPA from college rankings disappear?

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  nguyenphan

• 11/3/24

Hi Andy, as a second-year Quantitative Finance student in Vietnam about to dive into major courses, I’d love to get your insights. What technical skills and foundational knowledge are essential for a career in quantitative finance? Are there any specific tools, languages, or mathematical concepts I should master?
Also, Do you think I should use macOS for this field? Thank you very much for your advice!

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  Harvey.c

• 10/10/24

Hi Andy! Would you mind taking a moment to review my request posted here and share your valuable insights when possible? I'd really appreciate it!
Thank you!

Thread 'Seeking Advice: Career Transition into Quantitative Finance'

10/10/24

Hi everyone,

I'm 29 years old and have spent almost 7 years working in the oil and gas sector, primarily in logistics and technical assurance roles across multiple countries. This year, I began a 3-year BSc in Mathematics as my first university experience, with the goal of transitioning into quantitative finance, specifically as a quant researcher.

My current plan is to continue working full-time for the next two years while completing my degree. After that, I plan to take a year off to focus solely on finishing my degree and seeking internship opportunities in quantitative finance...

• Harvey.c
• Replies: 1
• Forum: Career Advice

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  sprat

• 10/1/24

Hi Andy
I wanted to know whether MFin is a good way to get into IBs. I'm a recent graduate with my bachelors being from a non finance background. I have cleared 2 levels of CFA and am working as a valuation analyst. I am planning for MS and am puzzled between MFin and MFE. Would appreciate your advice on the value of a MFin from a reputed college in todays world and whether it will help me in finding a good job.

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  soytricker

• 5/30/24

Hi Andy! I would like to get your opinion on LSE's MSc Financial Mathematics. Thanks

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  potatopeeler

• 2/29/24

Hey Andy,

Love the new tracker look, much more intuitive.

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  ioAhm

• 1/27/24

Hi Andy
I was accepted into the FSU Financial Math PhD program, and there's very little recent information I can find on things like employability, program quality. As an international student, I am considering the program due to the fee waiver+stipend offered to me, but I would like to know if it's worth my time. Is there a resource that you think might be helpful, or a person I could direct my queries towards?

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  markbogorad

• 1/16/24

Hi Andy,

I recently got accepted into the MS Quantitative finance joint program between NYU Stern and NYU Shanghai. As the program is relatively new, I'm wondering if you might have any insights on whether it is on par with MFE/mathematics programs or if other members have discussed the program.

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  kev_nguy

• 12/1/23

Hi Andy,

I am pursuing a double MS in CS and Data Science from top 10 program CS in the US. What are some ways I can learn from to make myself more competitive? I am missing the financial aspect and am worried that would make me less competitive. I am learning mental math, stats, and looking at practice interviews. What else can I do to prepare better? I want to become a buy-side quant. Thank you.

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  blondeydoesquant

• 10/18/23

Hi Andy!

Just got into USC MFE program, however, I do not know how respected this program is in the field. It is pretty hard to find a lot of information about it except a few times it is mentioned on here. Do you have any insight on the quality of the program and if it is worth pursuing? Thanks.

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  tsinghhhhh

• 3/21/19

Hi Andy,

I was wondering if you knew much about UCL's MSc in Computational Finance? I can't seem to find much about it, especially since it's a fairly new program. If you happened to know anything about its merits and reputation, I'd appreciate any such insight.

Thanks!

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  GabriG

• 3/4/19

Hi Andy,

Have you heard anything about the UZH ETH quant finance program??
Would appreciate to get an advice, whether it is worth living 18 months in Switzerland and spending ~36K. The goal is to stay either in Switzerland or go to London (citizenship from non-eu country).

Many thanks!!

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  EternalLines

• 1/7/19

Hi Andy,

Just to be sure, the username that we registered at QuantNet will not be used as the official name of candidate for the C++ programming certificate. am I correct to say so?

Many thanks!

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  Michsund

• 10/25/18

Hello Andy,

I have recently become much more active on QuantNet and was wondering what are we doing to increase the number of reviews for all the programs that we have on the website here. One idea is talking to someone is the departments of these programs and ask them to ask their students for a review? Not the best, but I think this a problem we should address to help this forum grow.

Thanks,

Michael

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  snovis

• 10/19/18

Andy,

Over the last month, I have been working on my finals for University of London (there finals are in September in October), in addition doing a python bootcamp at Rutgers. As a result, I haven't been able to put in more time on this course. I was hoping to extend once possibly twice, to insure I am able to get the most out of this course.

Would this be okay?

Very Best,

Steve