Candidate Profile
The Financial Mathematics Program seeks candidates with strong math skills, relevant work experience, and basic computer programming skills. We admit driven individuals that come from diverse educational, social, and geographic backgrounds. Candidates should be able to demonstrate excellence in both academics and leadership.

Mathematics
All candidates should have a solid background in mathematics. The minimal math prerequisites are the successful completion of at least multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and probability.
Because our Program is accelerated, and because the coursework is dense and demanding, we cannot afford to be flexible about our math requirements. Those without adequate math skills will find it difficult to keep up with the fast pace of the Program.

Work Experience
Although many candidates without work experience are accepted, we strongly encourage those with relevant work experience to apply to the Program and to include this information in their applications. Candidates with industrial experience oftentimes find that they have an extra level of confidence in their decision to pursue a career in the financial industry. Although this is not as strict a requirement as the math skills, we do give this a fair amount of consideration.

Computer Programming
In addition to academic mathematical training and work experience, candidates with basic computer programming skills, especially in C++ or other object-oriented languages, as well as experience in MATLAB, will have an advantage in the Program. All incoming students are required to take a computer programming placement exam before the start of the fall quarter. Those who do not pass the exam must take Computing for Finance in C++. All students are required to take a minimum of 200 units of Computing coursework.

Required Documents and Test Scores
- Resume/CV
- Candidate Statement
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Video Statement
- GRE General Test scores
- Transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended
Please do not submit GMAT scores, high school transcripts, thesis from master’s or doctoral programs, or professional or academic publications, as we do not consider these materials during the admissions process. Those who graduated with a bachelor’s degree prior to June 2013 are strongly encouraged, but not required, to send the GRE General Test score. We do not require a minimum GRE score.

Applicants are advised to self-report their GRE scores when they submit their online application. The departmental review committee will work with the self-reported scores while waiting for the official report from ETS. GRE scores are only valid if the exam was taken within five years of the application deadline.

While the GRE Math Subject Test is not required, it is strongly recommended. Scores from the Math Subject Test are very useful to the Admissions Committee.
GRE Institution Code: 1832
GRE Department Code: 0799
(If the Department Code 0799 does not appear as an option, please search for, and select, "Mathematical Science - Other")

The Financial Mathematics Program requires all foreign candidates to meet basic English language requirements by submitting either TOEFL or IELTS scores, except in the cases listed below. Exams must be taken within two years of the application deadline. Policy in the Physical Sciences Division requires a score of at least 90 on the TOEFL or 7 IELTS, unless other demonstrable evidence of English proficiency is available. The Financial Mathematics Program does not impose a fixed standard TOEFL or IELTS scores beyond that required by the Division, but generally prefers candidates with scores significantly higher than the minimum requirements.

Exception - English language requirements are waived for those who meet any one or more of the following conditions:

(a) are natives of, and have lived in, the United States for at least 5 years
(b) have graduated from an accredited college or university in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or English medium universities in Canada or South Africa
(c) are natives of, or have studied for at least one year within the past five years at a university in one of the previously listed countries (those who studied in English in any other country must still submit the required test score).

TOEFL Institution Code: 1832
TOEFL Department Code: 72