University of Buffalo

[Jack Silverz]

Dear All,

I wanted to know about the University of Buffalo. I am interested in masters in financial economics course. The course at Buffalo is reasonably priced and from what I hear the cost of living there is lower comparatively. Kindly tell me more about this university.

Although I will pursue a doctoral program after my masters, I am tight on funding my tuition. I need a school which will give a good content program for masters but at the same time provides an inexpensive program.

Will doing a masters from Buffalo while maintaining a good GPA, add to my profile for entry into a doctoral program with top business schools?

Anyone know the average accepted GRE score at Buffalo, especially quant score? Any other suggestions for masters in economics with financial economics as a track.

Regards,

Jack Silverz

[AClockworkGreen]

Dear All,

I wanted to know about the University of Buffalo. I am interested in masters in financial economics course. The course at Buffalo is reasonably priced and from what I hear the cost of living there is lower comparatively. Kindly tell me more about this university.

Although I will pursue a doctoral program after my masters, I am tight on funding my tuition. I need a school which will give a good content program for masters but at the same time provides an inexpensive program.

Scores are relatively unimportant for this program. A decent GPA and a good statement of purpose will get you in. Just as a guess, I'll say that if you're 650 or above with a good GPA you'll be accepted rather easily. What are your numbers and background like?

It's pretty easy to be admitted and the benefit of marginal improvement is low because you aren't competing with other students for scholarships. (MA/MS students are never funded in this department.)

Keep in mind that with over 200 masters students in residence you'll be responsible for the direction of your program. You will not have the opportunity to do a lot of writing - you'll need to be a pit bull with the professors to get any research done.

Don't succumb to the temptation to check out and coast through the program, because it's very easy to do. The vast majority of the courses are crosslisted 400/500 level so you'll be getting the same lectures as upper-division undergrads.

Don't go to UB expecting a cutting-edge program, and don't go expecting to get PhD-level material. If your object is to get better at intermediate material and get a nice line on your resume, then it's a good, cheap place to do that.

Edited March 26, 2011 by AClockworkGreen

[Mohawkmonk87]

Scores are relatively unimportant for this program. A decent GPA and a good statement of purpose will get you in. Just as a guess, I'll say that if you're 650 or above with a good GPA you'll be accepted rather easily. What are your numbers and background like?

It's pretty easy to be admitted and the benefit of marginal improvement is low because you aren't competing with other students for scholarships. (MA/MS students are never funded in this department.)

Keep in mind that with over 200 masters students in residence you'll be responsible for the direction of your program. You will not have the opportunity to do a lot of writing - you'll need to be a pit bull with the professors to get any research done.

Don't succumb to the temptation to check out and coast through the program, because it's very easy to do. The vast majority of the courses are crosslisted 400/500 level so you'll be getting the same lectures as upper-division undergrads.

Don't go to UB expecting a cutting-edge program, and don't go expecting to get PhD-level material. If your object is to get better at intermediate material and get a nice line on your resume, then it's a good, cheap place to do that.

I will affirm most of this however as a UB alum (BA Math) who already has alot of experience (I will be coming back for the MS this year) with this department I think it deserves another perspective.

Admissions is a relatively easy process. I got in without the GRE. However math was my undergrad, and my GPA > 3.5

Its pretty rare for masters programs to be funded.

I think pit bull might be a bit of an overstatement. The opportunity is there, but you must request it. For example, my math background was sufficient to be placed in the PhD 600 level macro/micro sequence. My math is rusty though so I shall see if I actually have the drive and mathematical memory to do this. What is your math background? If its good enough you can ask for upper level course work. If its not you might be better served by a mathematics program if you really want to do a PhD a top business school (or do the MS in fin. econ. but spread it out to 2 years so you can take math courses).

The cross-listing thing is admittedly bad. Tests and assignments differ for grad-students, but yes I agree with Clockwork on this one. You must find ways to push yourself either by independent research or taking 600+ level work.

If you were pre-econ PhD I'd tell you to look elsewhere. Pre-business though I think this program can work for you. UB will be what you make of it, its on you to pursue your academic interests and prepare yourself for a PhD. I enjoyed my UB experience, hence why I am choosing to come back, however my further-education interests fall more along the line of either an M.B.A or a Ph.D in Politics, I.R. or Security Studies. A masters where the work is above UG, even if below PhD level econ, will still be overqualifying in my case. But Business is a different beast...

Best Wishes

Mohawkmonk87

Edited March 29, 2011 by Mohawkmonk87