Oxford MFE Program

I'm no expert, but you went to Yale and got 2 internships at big investment banks. That seems pretty good to me. There's no chance of you getting in if you don't apply, it's always worth a try really.

But like I said, I don't even go to Oxford so I have no idea, especially about the US system.

While your academic credentials seem good, it's below the usual admittance for an Oxford masters. The internships should help somewhat, but with an average starting age around 25 most people on the course have some decent work experience. The big issue though would be how much maths have you taken? The MFE is a pretty mathematical course, and so having taken a few economics modules isn't really the issue, more whether you've taken a couple of maths ones.

I would also question why you're aiming for the programme. The MFE is not an easy route into a banking job, it's far more aimed as at least a part-academic course, looking at the economics behind finance. If that's what you want, it's a fantastic course, however if you're more looking at something for the CV to then go into banking, I'd recommend looking at the LSE's or LBS's finance masters programmes.

I am actually looking to get more into the trading / asset management side of things. I have not taken any maths past Calc I. I think more theoretical/applied knowledge is necessary before entering the financial markets. So, the MFE is not really for getting a job because I can get that now, it's more about really being prepared to add value and to succeed on the trading floor after having learned the underlying theory (or at least increase my chances of succeeding)

I have also thought about perhaps enrolling in Columbia's post-bacc in quant finance and then applying for Princeton and Oxford. However, I am not quite sure if the opp. cost of not working for three years as opposed to working in banking/trading for 3 years then getting a top tier MBA is worth it.

Would getting a post-bacc in quant finance + my credentials make me a shoo-in or at least substantially increase my chances at a place like Oxford and Princeton?

I don't understand how you can enroll in a programme in quant finance even though you haven't done any maths past calc.

Or is it that in the US they would teach you the things all over again? In the UK many quant finance programmes have an admission test on maths (eg. Warwick's one).

The UK system tends to be a lot more rigid. To get into quant fin programme you must have done either maths or physics (and also engg). They would start at advanced maths straight away.

well i think you have it mistaken. your quant finance programs are graduate degrees in and of themselves correct?

this is a post-degree certification essentially than enables students to get the maths they need so they can apply to a masters at say, Princeton, Imperial, Oxford, LSE, etc...

Yale History Major with a 3.1 GPA
I have also studied at Harvard for two summers
I have taken 3 economics courses in college

Work Experience
- Internship in trading at Merrill Lynch
- Internship in investment banking at Deutsche Bank
- Internship in investment banking at a smaller boutique

GRE/GMAT
-Scored a 690 on the GRE