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Applied Math MSc: Possible for a quantitative, non-math major?

Grad Life

By Anonymous Hero
Posted Mon Sep 18, 2006 at 03:05:10 PM PDT

Hi, I'm a 25 year old financial analyst, looking to return to get a MSc in Applied Math and "test the waters" of a possible Ph.D in math or econ. But I didn't take math in college. Throughout middle school/high school I was passionate about math, taking through multi-variable calc in high school but then stopped in college, studying biology/economics (3.4 overall GPA, 3.9 Economics). I've scored well on quantitative tests--1600 SAT, 178 on the LSAT (99.9%) and scored in the top 10 in the state on the AHSME. (again, high school) Any suggestions on how I can get into an applied math program for 2007? Do I need to take several math courses, and if so, which? Alternatively, would it be enough to study intensively for the math GRE and do decently well? Which programs might be open to students with little "pure math" background but strong economics, and high quant ability? I am really interested in studying applications of math and committed enough to quit my job to begin preparing myself for school next fall. Any help would be much appreciated! --tyler.t.ray@jpmorgan.com

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Applied Math MSc: Possible for a quantitative, non-math major? | 2 comments (2 topical, 0 hidden)

[new] go for it (none / 0) (#1)
by vizioneer on Tue Sep 19, 2006 at 03:13:16 PM PDT

You should phone/email the directors of some grad programs you're interested in. I think taking some courses such as undergrad analysis (applied if available) and numerical analysis would be good (these are core courses in applied math programs), and as far as the GRE Math goes, I think that can only do good to present as part of your application (as long as you score well) but some don't require it. You can always apply and perhaps there's a way a program will let you in with your deficient coursework and then let you make that up while in their program. Your background I'm sure will be attractive to some programs who apply math to econ, and applied math programs frequently have people in from industrial backgrounds (naturally). I recommend you start beating the bushes and see what you can come up with! Good luck and let us know what happens.

[new] Let me first commend you for your academic (none / 0) (#2)
by Haanu on Tue Nov 07, 2006 at 09:08:17 AM PDT

Let me first commend you for your academic excellence. A 99.9% on your LSAT?! Wow, you must really be a genius. Seems like you are really taking your goal in life seriously. There are but a few people like you who would strive to do what it takes to get a good education for their future. As for your querry, I think you can easily research on this through google or any web search engine. Good Luck to you.

Applied Math MSc: Possible for a quantitative, non-math major? | 2 comments (2 topical, 0 hidden)

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