Below you will find full details on application components, including the essay and testing policy, and other details you’ll need to satisfy the Dr. Bruce I. Jacobs Master of Science in Quantitative Finance admissions requirements. However, the most detailed instructions are included in the application itself. Remember, you must complete the online application to be considered for the Jacobs MSQF program.
Your Journey
Begins Now!
Important Dates for the 2026 Application Cycle
- Application Open: Monday, September 15, 2025
- Application Deadline: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
- Decision Release: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
- Enrollment Deadline: Friday, February 27, 2026
Jacobs MSQF Application Checklist & Requirements
Transcripts
The Jacobs MSQF program is currently available only as a submatriculation program for undergraduate students at the University of Pennsylvania. Applicants must upload a copy of their transcript, inclusive of all completed coursework and grades. Fall 2025 courses must be listed; grades should be included if available at the time of submission. You may upload unofficial transcripts at the time of submitting your application.
(Optional) GMAT/GRE
For the 2025-26 cycle, standardized testing is not required. If you have a valid GRE or GMAT score and wish to share this at the time of your application, you may self-report those scores on the Test Scores page of the application. There is no advantage to submitting scores nor is there disadvantage to not submitting scores.
Resume
Applicants should upload a current, one-page resume. The resume should summarize relevant academic, internship, research, and/or leadership experiences. Your resume should be uploaded as a PDF document with the proper 3-letter extension, and should not include a password protection or macros which will cause the upload to fail. Your file size should not exceed 10 MB.
⭐ Tips from the Admissions Committee
One-Page Format: We expect your resume to be one single page. A one-page resume is easier to read, allows you to narrow down and highlight your most relevant qualifications, and demonstrates your critical thinking skills. If you’re struggling to edit your resume enough to fit into a single page, try reducing the page margins, inserting bullet points, or eliminating any objective or summary statements.
Bullet Points: Bullet points can inform the scope of work completed during a research project, internship, or part-time work role. You might also include some extracurricular involvements that you find are relevant or display leadership and impact abilities.
Relevant Experience: There is no specific internship, work, or research requirements; however, qualified candidates will likely have some exposure to quantitative asset management or related fields from an academic and/or experiential learning standpoint. Share any projects that is directly or indirectly relevant to such fields.
Essay
As part of the Jacobs MSQF program, students complete a team-based Applied Research Practicum in their final semester, working on real-world challenges provided by industry partners. In 300 words or fewer, propose a potential idea for your practicum. Your response should include 1) a research question or problem relevant to quantitative finance, 2) the type of company (or companies) you’d like to collaborate with, and 3) what you hope to learn and how it connects to your goals.
⭐ Tips from the Admissions Committee
- Your job in the essay prompt is to demonstrate your understanding of the Jacobs MSQF program and careers in quantitative asset management. There is no right or wrong research question, company, or goal; we want to see that your curiosities and ambitions align with the objectives of the Jacobs MSQF program.
- Do not place undue pressure on yourself to be creative, memorable, or compelling in this essay response. This is not a personal statement, so, simply put, just respond directly to the prompt.
One-Way Video Interview
As part of your application, we ask that you complete one short video response. This video helps the Admissions Committee get to know you and your research interests beyond your written materials.
Letter of Recommendation
We require one letter of recommendation from an individual who is well acquainted with your performance, preferably from a current or recent professor or research advisor. After you have selected and contacted your recommender, please complete the form on the References page which will trigger an email inviting them to submit their recommendation through the application system.
We use the prompts found in the Common Letter of Recommendation from GMAC. If you or your recommender have questions, please reach out to jacobs-msqf@wharton.upenn.edu.
How to Select a New Recommender
If you need to change your recommender to a new person, you can make this change from the References page in the application system. Click on the recommender’s name and select Exclude. You cannot change a recommender once they have completed and submitted their recommendation.
⭐ Tips from the Admissions Committee
You can prepare your recommender by sharing a copy of your resume, your reasons for applying to the Jacobs MSQF program, and a list of projects or responsibilities you hope they might highlight in their letter. Provide reminders to your recommender to make sure they submit by the application deadline.
We give a brief grace period from recommenders after the application deadline. So you do not need to wait for your recommenders to submit their letter before you submit your application. As long as your application is submitted before the application deadline, we will consider your application complete and on time.
Our Process
As you begin to think about why you want to pursue the Jacobs MSQF, we want to provide you with a better understanding of our application and what we are looking for in your application.
Two independent reads: Every application to the Jacobs MSQF program is read by at least two people with no knowledge of the other reader’s feedback. This allows us to reduce bias and noise, and give everyone a fair and equal shot at being admitted.
“Read to Admit” philosophy: There is no such thing as a perfect application or perfect applicant. When the Admissions Committee learns about you through your application, we are actively seeking reasons why you would be a great member of the Jacobs MSQF program. These reasons will vary from person to person, but — if you see this program as suitable for your interests and goals — you should apply with confidence..
