Finishing undergrad in 2 years is it too fast?

[Nolikegreek]

Hello all,
I'm currently a freshman studying Math at my state uni (top 40) and, due to an accelerated academic path, I’m on track to graduate by the end of next year. I’m increasingly concerned that this timeline may leave me extremely underprepared, particularly for competitive MFin or MFE programs.

To provide some context: because of financial reasons, I couldn’t attend an out-of-state university that might have offered better placement into quant roles. I originally hoped that supplementing my undergrad with a top-tier master’s (e.g., MFin or MFE) would bridge that gap. However, I’m realizing now that my accelerated graduation might not leave enough time to develop a competitive profile. Most of the applicants seem to have some sort of internship/work experience by the time they apply, which I do not, since this upcoming summer is the only summer I have before graduation-and if I do land an internship in my 2nd year, admissions won't be able to see it at the time of application. My undergrad thesis will be started winter quarter next year meaning admission also likely won't see that.

I currently have no internships or publications. While I’ve begun to build some research experience through graduate-led seminars and professor-led group study, I’m not sure if it’s enough. I’m worried that I’m heading toward graduation without the depth that top programs expect students to have.

With that in mind, I’d love your guidance on a few questions:

• How do admissions committees interpret a fast graduation in the absence of quant internships?
• Would it be better to stay at my university for another year taking graduate math courses that might impact my GPA and then apply? (graduate measure theory, graduate probability theory(full series), graduate Analysis(full series))
• Are there nontraditional ways to stand out in quant or MFin applications if you lack direct internship experience?

Thank you!!

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Unless there is great financial benefits to finish a BS in 2 years, I think you should spread it out and find a few internships along the way. In this market, without an internship, it's extremely challenging to break in.
As you realize now, it will also leave you in a unique position where the 2 years may be a disadvantage for master quant programs.

 

[Nolikegreek]

Unless there is great financial benefits to finish a BS in 2 years, I think you should spread it out and find a few internships along the way. In this market, without an internship, it's extremely challenging to break in.
As you realize now, it will also leave you in a unique position where the 2 years may be a disadvantage for master quant programs.

If I really stretch it out with just 12 units per quarter (the minimum for financial aid eligibility), I’d still graduate in three years. That means this upcoming summer would be especially important for applications. Would an investment banking-type internship be helpful in this case? Thanks again, I really appreciate your insights.

 

[Daniel Duffy]

A maths degree in 2 years? Depends on how deep the level..

 

[Nolikegreek]

A maths degree in 2 years? Depends on how deep the level..

Here are the current courses and planned pathway for the two years, but I think it might be best for me to take a third year. I also Included a plan for 3 years. Any feedback would be appreciated thanks!

2024 - 2025
Fall: Linear Algebra , Intro Proof writing
Winter: Real Analysis, Numerical Analysis, Probability
Spring: Real Analysis2, Math Finance, Stochastic Processes
Summer: Real Analysis3, Differential Equations

2025- 2026
Fall: Numerical Analysis3, Math research(needed for undergrad thesis)
Winter: Undergrad thesis, Modern Algebra, Numerical Analysis2
Spring: Optimization, Measure Theory(graduate)

2026 - 2027
Fall: Analysis(grad), Probability(grad), math research
Winter: Analysis2(grad), Probability2(grad), undergrad thesis 2
Spring: Analysis3(grad), Probability3(grad), Applied linear algebra

I am unsure how "deep" my schedule is expected to be for a math undergrad, but it does satisfy the graduation requirements by the end of the second year. In terms of coursework, I think it should be decent for a Master's program(correct me if I am wrong), but the issue is for extracurricular activities. I definitely don't think this will be enough for a PhD, as you can see there are no courses in number theory, topology, combinatorics, lie groups, advanced modern algebra, or into complex analysis. I have talked to my advisor previously and there might be issues with having a 4th year, but we plan to have another meeting regarding the possibility of this in the summer.

2027 - 2028
Fall: PDE(grad), Stochastic(grad), Intro complex analysis
Winter: PDE2(grad), Complex Analysis(grad), Modern Algebra2,
Spring: Complex Analysis2(grad), Differential Geometry, Modern Algebra3

 

[Daniel Duffy]

This agenda looks pretty good. But 4 years is needed.
It's worth it because it's essentially a golden opportunity.

 

[Nolikegreek]

This agenda looks pretty good. But 4 years is needed.
It's worth it because it's essentially a golden opportunity.

ok thank you very much, I'll try to go through with it if my school allows me!

 

[Urahc]

I know a similar person ,look for John zeng in yt, or reach out to him if you wish , don't know if it 'll be helpful to you though