University of Minnesota
School of Mathematics
School of Mathematics         Superposition of the cAMP wave (dark blue) and the cell streams.  
    math.umn.edu / finmath / admission_requirements

Admission Requirements / Application Process

 

School of Mathematics, Master of Financial Mathematics (MFM) and Fundamentals of Quantitative Finance (FQF) Programs, at the University of Minnesota

Application Overview

The MFM and FQF programs are experiencing increased interest from a variety of applicants, so it is important to submit your application, which includes all requested materials, by the application deadline. The final deadline for MFM applications is February 1. The final deadline for FQF applications is May 15. The Admission Requirements are listed below.

All MFM and FQF application materials are submitted electronically to the Graduate School using the online ApplyYourself application system. It is important that you do not send hard copies of any documents. All application documents must be uploaded to your online application. The online application includes all the materials required by the Graduate School, as well as materials specific to the MFM and FQF programs. Selecting the submit button on the online Application does not constitute a completed application. Admission decisions are communicated to applicants using this system. The Admission and Application Process are listed below.

For students who are currently enrolled in a University of Minnesota Graduate Program and wish to change to a higher degree level or to a different type of degree, you must fill out a new online application for a Change of Status.

There is no way we can accurately assess your chances of acceptance without seeing your completed application.

If you have questions about the status of your departmental application please contact Ms. Bonny Fleming, at b-flem@umn.edu. It is important that you include your full name on your emails.

Important MFM Deadlines

Applications, which include all the necessary materials required by the Financial Mathematics Program, received by the deadline listed below will be given priority consideration for admission.

  • February 1
    		•  MFM Application Due
     
  • March 15
    		•    First Round of Offers Made
     
  • April 15
    		•    Responses from all applications with a first round offer are due.
     
  • May 1
    		•    Second and Final Round of Offers Made
     
  • May 15
    		•    Responses from applicants with a second round offer are due.

    Important FQF Deadlines


    Applications, which include all the necessary materials required by the Financial Mathematics Program, received by the deadline listed below will be given priority consideration for admission.

  • May 15
    		•    FQF Application Due
     
  • June 15
    		•    FQF Offers Made
     
  • July 15
    		•    Responses from all applications are due.

    General Admission Guidelines

    Our admission process is competitive and decisions are made based on a thorough analysis of each application. The requirements are different for the MFM and the FQF programs and both admission guidelines are outlined below. We consider only applications that meet the minimum requirements specified below.

    Note: Applicants who are not offered admission to the MFM Program will not be considered for the FQF Program unless the applicant has indicated they would like to be considered for the FQF Program if not offered admission to the MFM Program.

    MFM Admission Requirements

    Minimum Requirements:


    MFM Application Process

    Materials

    All application materials should be submitted electronically via the ApplyYourself admissions system. We cannot review your application until ALL of the materials listed are submitted successfully, including letters of recommendation.

    IMPORTANT: If you wish to apply to the Master of Financial Mathematics (MFM) Program, you must choose Financial Mathematics-MFM in the proposed major and degree objectives pull-down menu, not Mathematics MS.

    Submission of the following indicate a complete application file:

    ApplyYourself Field: What to Complete/Upload:
    Personal Information All fields.
    Application Information All fields.
    Educational Background All fields. You should list all colleges and universities you have attended, with degrees earned, and grade-point averages.
    Test Information-Self Reported GRE Subject Test Scores, if known.
    TOEFL exam scores, if you did not grow up speaking English in your home as a native language.

    Note: Official GRE and Official TOEFL scores are sent to The Graduate School by ETS and uploaded under the Credentials section.
    Languages All fields.
    Awards & Activities All fields.
    Employment/Residence Information All fields.
    Financial Support All fields.
    Applicant Statements Statement #1: Personal Statement of Purpose and Goals is very important for us to assess your sincerity, motivation, and expectations.

    The other statements are not required, but they will be considered if you submit them. All application materials are submitted electronically to the Graduate School using the online ApplyYourself application system and it is important that you do not send hard copies of the same material(s) that have been uploaded to your online application.
    Program Supplementary Information
    1. Graduate Program Additional Application
    2. Writing Sample
    3. Description of Research or Work Experience
    4. Resume' or CV
    5. Other Credentials
    6. Upload 1
    7. Upload 2
    1. There is no Graduate Program Additional Application required.

    2. Writing Sample is not required. but will be considered if submitted.

    3. Description of Research or Work Experience may be uploaded and will be considered.

    4. Resume or CV may be uploaded and will be considered.

    5. Other Credentials are not required, but will be considered if submitted.

    Any additional materials are not required, but will be considered if submitted.
    Supporting Documents
    Three (3) Letters of Recommendation You should list the three people who will write your letters of recommendation. These letters are a very important part of your application, since they are used to estimate your potential and motivation for the Financial Mathematics program. We recommend that applicants who have been out of school for a while get at least one recommendation from a professor (preferably a math professor) who can attest to their mathematical abilities. Letters should comment on the applicant's suitability for the Financial Mathematics program, including: analytical ability, communication skills, teamwork, ethics and integrity.

    Only letters from those listed by the applicant on the ApplyYourself application will be accepted. Letter writers should upload letters to ApplyYourself. Paper letters, from writers/recommenders only, are accepted if mailed or emailed (pdf format) directly to the School of Mathematics, but letters submitted to ApplyYourself are preferred.

    Our mailing address is:
    University of Minnesota
    School of Mathematics
    Attn: Financial Mathematics Administrative Assistant
    127 Vincent Hall
    206 Church St SE
    Minneapolis, MN 55455
    EMail: b-flem@umn.edu

    Letters submitted to ApplyYourself are preferred.
    Transcripts Unofficial transcripts or academic records should be uploaded directly to the online application. Please do not mail in paper copies of your transcripts, there is no need for official transcripts or academic records for initial review.

    If you are admitted, the University will then request official copies of this material.

    Click here for more information about uploading transcripts.
    Application Fee Click here for more information about fees.


    Optional Materials: What to Complete/Upload:
    Publications Upload your publications and articles into the Other Information portion on the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the ApplyYourself online application.

    Click here to access the online application.


    FQF Admission Requirements

    Minimum Requirements:

    FQF Application Process

    Materials

    All application materials should be submitted electronically via the ApplyYourself admissions system. We cannot review your application until ALL of the materials listed are submitted successfully.

    IMPORTANT: Applicants who plan to complete FQF locally should select the "Fundamentals of Quantitative Finance - Certificate" option under the "Application Information". Applicants who plan to complete FQF online should select the "Fundamentals of Quantitative Finance - Distance - Certificate" option under the "Application Information".

    Submission of the following indicate a complete application file:

    ApplyYourself Field: What to Complete/Upload:
    Personal Information All fields.
    Application Information All fields.
    Educational Background All fields. You should list all colleges and universities you have attended, with degrees earned, and grade-point averages.
    Test Information-Self Reported TOEFL exam scores, if you did not grow up speaking English in your home as a native language.

    Note:Official TOEFL scores are sent to The Graduate School by ETS and uploaded under the Credentials section.
    Languages All fields.
    Awards & Activities All fields.
    Employment/Residence Information All fields.
    Financial Support All fields.
    Applicant Statements Statement #1: Personal Statement of Purpose and Goals should describe or emphasize aspects of the applicant that are not manifested in the rest of the submitted documents. This open-end document is an important tool to assess applicant's motivation, expectations and sincerity.
    Program Supplementary Information
    1. Graduate Program Additional Application
    2. Writing Sample
    3. Description of Research or Work Experience
    4. Resume' or CV
    5. Other Credentials
    6. Upload 1
    7. Upload 2
    • Description of Research or Work Experience may be uploaded and will be considered.

    • Resume' or CV may be uploaded and will be considered.

    • Other Credentials are not required, but will be considered if submitted.

    • Any additional materials are not required, but will be considered if submitted.

    Supporting Documents
    One (1) Letter of Recommendation The applicant should list the person who will write their letter of recommendation. The letter should evaluate applicant's mathematical ability, communication skills and integrity.

    Only letters from those listed by the applicant on the ApplyYourself application will be accepted. Letter writers should upload letters to ApplyYourself. Paper letters, from writers/recommenders only, are accepted if mailed or emailed (pdf format) directly to the School of Mathematics, but letters submitted to ApplyYourself are preferred.

    Our mailing address is:
    University of Minnesota
    School of Mathematics
    Attn: Financial Mathematics Administrative Assistant
    127 Vincent Hall
    206 Church St SE
    Minneapolis, MN 55455
    EMail: b-flem@umn.edu

    Letters submitted to ApplyYourself are preferred.
    Transcripts Unofficial transcripts or academic records should be uploaded directly to the online application. Please do not mail in paper copies of your transcripts, there is no need for official transcripts or academic records for initial review.

    If you are admitted, the University will then request official copies of this material.

    Click here for more information about uploading transcripts.
    Application Fee Click here for more information about fees.

     

    Address: 127 Vincent Hall, 206 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455     Phone: 612-625-2004     Contact the School of Math