Tips for Applying to the Asness and Liew Master in Finance Program

The MiF Program is designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals looking to build careers in finance, and offers specializations in asset management, investment banking, and fintech. Generally, applicants have two years or less of professional experience. However, there are no prerequisite courses or stipulations on work experience to apply.

We recognize that, due to certain circumstances, you may be a more experienced individual who is interested in the MiF Program. However, there may be other Booth programs that make more sense for your background. If you are unsure if the program is right for you, please email masteradmissions@chicagobooth.edu.

Yes, most MiF Program applicants have to take the GRE or GMAT and submit their scores. Because of the quantitative focus of the program, we only offer test score waivers to UChicago students or graduates.

We accept scores from both tests and have no preference for which one you take. We also superscore, meaning we look at your highest scores for each section, even if they were from different test dates. While you can send additional test scores after you’ve submitted your application, we can’t guarantee they’ll be evaluated.

International applicants are also required to submit scores from an English proficiency test such as the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. We make exemptions for students who completed their undergraduate degree in certain English-speaking countries or primarily in English, or who have been living full time in the United States for more than two years.

No, there are no test score requirements for the MiF Program. The median score on the quantitative reasoning section of the GRE for our first MiF cohort was 170, which can seem intimidating. However, we practice holistic admissions. When evaluating quantitative skills, we also look at your transcripts, résumé, letters of recommendation, and essays. If you have a low test score you’d like to provide context for, you can use the supplemental essay as a space to explain.

There are no required undergraduate courses or majors to apply for the MiF Program, though we do look for some quantitative experience, including with coding. We generally recommend that applicants have taken math coursework such as multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and statistics. If you didn’t take quantitative courses like these for your undergraduate degree, we also look at community college classes and even coursework from online platforms such as Coursera and Khan Academy. Be sure to include all of your relevant transcripts and records in your application.

Also remember that your transcripts are only one part of your application. We will also consider quantitative experience on your résumé, your quantitative scores on the GRE or GMAT, and essays that show a passion for finance and quantitative work.

To best represent yourself, avoid using heavy industry jargon in your application materials. Not everyone who reviews your application will have a finance background, so it’s best to make sure your essays and résumé can be understood by a general audience. That’s especially true for your résumé, which will be the only material your interviewer sees before speaking to you. Consider asking a friend or family member from outside the finance industry to review your application before you submit.

If you don’t have extensive experience on your résumé, don’t worry. We recognize that this program is for early-career professionals, so we don’t expect lengthy résumés. We do look for exposure to finance through internships and research. More than anything, though, we want you to clearly articulate your passions and goals in finance, as well as how Booth can help you get there.

The MiF Program has one application deadline: January 8, 2026. We evaluate applications submitted before then on a rolling basis. However, we keep the same application criteria throughout the entire cycle, meaning you do not get an advantage by applying before the deadline. Instead, we recommend you apply when you feel ready to submit your strongest application. For current college seniors, that might mean waiting until your transcript shows your fall grades and projected spring coursework.

Applicants who are interested in investment banking internships for the following summer should consider applying to the MiF Program early. With rolling evaluations, applicants should expect an interview decision within four weeks of applying and an admission decision within four weeks of interviewing. Receiving an admission offer early can be advantageous during the fall recruitment process.