Suggestions for Grad School

pjm372 · Post by **pjm372** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 5:31 pm

I am a sophomore at NYU Stern studying math and finance. For my math major, I am doing 6 courses from the Math Finance master's program (Derivative securities, Computing for Finance, Scientific Computing, Stochastic Calculus, Stat Arb and Fin. Econometrics, and Probability Theory). I am obviously interested in a career as a quant, so naturally I want to complete a PhD in math. Does anyone have suggestions for schools that would be a good place to further my interests in applied math? I really do not want to go to NYU either, despite its ranking. I was thinking along the lines of MIT, Harvard, Princeton, or maybe Columbia. I am also not decided completely on pure vs. applied. I know that the end result of either degree with be work in applied, but I am uncertain which would be most beneficial in the long run. Thanks.

rod · Post by **rod** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 6:06 pm

pjm372,

Sophomore year? And you already worry where to go for PhD? If I were you, I would instead focus on getting the most of your undergraduate education, learn all you can (even if not directly related to finance), and discover what your interests are. In the end of your junior year, you can start worrying about grad school. Moreover, keep in mind that you don't choose a grad school, they choose you... and there are a lot of people as smart or smarter than you in this world.

I would say: pursue your passions, and strive to be very good at what you do. With no financial experience and you want to be quant? The potential for disappointment is enormous. Why take a Math PhD if you want to work in finance? Why not a MFE? There are dozens of related threads on NP. Use the Search functionality; you will find it most useful.

Cheers Beer

diogenes · Post by **diogenes** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 11:11 pm

Just a follow up; I once asked someone why they went to NYU as an undergraduate, he told me that he did not go for NYU, but for New York.

So, my suggestion is that while your coursework looks good,try to have a bit of fun, too.

Also, to echo the above sentiment on potential downside, maybe be willing to change your mind on what you want, would be beneficial.

pjm372 · Post by **pjm372** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 4:13 am

I definitely understand where the two below comments came from. I am enjoying myself in the city; however, I like to get a head start on things. I am pretty certain that a PhD in math is somewhere in my future, whether it be after undergrad or after working for a few years. I am mainly wondering what I should try to pursue in the future so I can prepare (like learn french and russian for the translating requirement many schools have).

baraider · Post by **baraider** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 4:37 am

Don't be so sure that you will do or enjoy doing PhD. Keep your options open.

When I was doing my undergrad, grad study, I was sure PhD is a natural progression of my study.

Sure enough, I ended up in a Math PhD program and found I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hope. There are things I rather do and enjoy much more.

And don't worry about German or Russian for your translation exams. It's easy.

Nonius · Post by **Nonius** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 7:53 am

well, Princeton would be the pick for math all around. but it's extremely selective.

mj · Post by mj » Wed Jan 23, 2008 9:39 am

I was top of my year at Oxford

I scraped into

MIT,

I was turned down by

Harvard, Princeton,

I hope your grades are very good.

Nonius · Post by **Nonius** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 10:04 pm

and if MJ GOT TURNED down, you knooooow it's reallly fucking hard to get in.

rowdyroddypiper · Post by **rowdyroddypiper** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 10:24 pm

I am pretty certain that a PhD in math is somewhere in my future, whether it be after undergrad or after working for a few years.

It's not certain that you will find it easy to go from working back to undertaking 4-5 years of study in relative poverty as a student. The tastes one acquires when young and working steadily can be expensive to say the least.

rod · Post by **rod** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 10:42 pm

RRP's point should not be neglected: once one gets used to a certain level of comfort, it's practically impossible to survive 5+ years of poverty and frustration in grad school.

Let's not forget that a PhD in Math is the academic equivalent of joining the Navy SEALs: only a few have what it takes. Let's also keep in mind that Math is a sport for young people, those who can tolerate poverty, frustration and pain all for the noble purpose of pushing the frontiers of Mathematics. Once one starts worrying about comfort, a decent income, and a family, one is dead for Mathematics.

MJ's point is critical: top schools have far too many top applicants. Many apply, few succeed. Everyone I know who got to top PhD programs in Math was an IMO veteran and had started preparing a career in Math early on in junior high school (or earlier).