BA and OR Programs in the U.S.: Admissions Cases from Columbia, UCB, Duke & Tips for Canadian Undergrads

发布时间：Date: 2023-07-09 返回新鲜资讯Back to News

In the era of big data, business analytics and operations research have become popular study-abroad choices due to their broad career prospects. Taking Canadian undergraduate students as examples, this article by CheersYou（清柚教育） provides an in-depth analysis of top programs at prestigious U.S. universities such as Cornell, UC Berkeley, and Columbia, detailing admission requirements, preferences, and real admission cases, offering valuable references for prospective applicants. Addressing the concerns of both parents and students, the article summarizes key strategies for Canadian undergraduates applying to top U.S. BA and OR programs, including submitting applications early to secure spots, strengthening quantitative and programming skills, and tailoring application essays to match program characteristics. CheersYou（清柚教育） advises applicants to plan ahead and position themselves precisely, enabling them to stand out in the fierce competition and successfully secure offers from dream schools.

In recent years, business analytics and operations research have shown high demand globally, making BA/OR a popular choice for studying abroad. In the context of the big data era, data-driven decision optimization has become particularly important, so graduates with BA/OR-related degrees will have broad employment opportunities and career development space! Next, CheersYou（清柚教育） advisors will use admission cases of Canadian undergraduates as examples to introduce BA/OR programs at renowned U.S. institutions for reference by prospective applicants. For more questions, add CheersYou（清柚教育） advisor: qingyouge23 for detailed information!

Cornell University - Operations Research and Information Engineering

Program link:

https://tech.cornell.edu/programs/masters-programs/master-in-operations-research-and-information-engineering/

Admission Cases:

Canadian Top 3 / Industrial Engineering / GPA: 3.8+ / GRE: 325+
Canadian Top 3 / Economics / GPA: 3.7+ / GRE: 330+
Canadian undergrad / Mathematics / GPA: 3.7+ / GRE: 325+

Key Admission Factors:

This program does not have strict requirements for applicants' academic backgrounds, and both U.S. and Canadian undergraduates have many opportunities. It is strongly recommended to apply in the first round, as spots become limited later and many applicants may be placed on the waitlist. The College of Engineering emphasizes the Studio course, so you can slightly mention relevant content in your application essays.

University of California Berkeley - Industrial Engineering and Operations Research

Link: https://ieor.berkeley.edu/

Admission Cases:

Canadian Top 3 / Quantitative Finance and Statistical Analysis / GPA: 3.8+ / GRE: 330+
Canadian undergrad / Finance and Agricultural Risk Management / GPA: 85+ / GRE: 330+

Key Admission Factors:

This program has no undergraduate background restrictions, but the overall admission requirement is a GPA of 3.8+. In addition, there is a high requirement for applicants' programming skills in Python, C++, or Java, and GRE Quant scores are also considered.

Columbia University - MS in Business Analytics

Program link: https://msba.engineering.columbia.edu/

Admission Cases:

Canadian Top 3 / Computer Science and Statistics / GPA: 3.9+ / GRE: 330+
Canadian undergrad / International Economics / GPA: 86+ / GRE: 325+

Key Admission Factors:

Applicants to this program should preferably have a background related to their undergraduate major, such as mathematics, statistics, computer science, economics, or engineering. In addition, although there is no explicit GRE requirement, based on past data, most applicants' GRE scores are usually 325+ or 330+. Compared to the OR/MS&E program, the BA program is more competitive, so when only being able to apply to one program in the School of Engineering, one must choose carefully.

Duke University - Master of Quantitative Management (MQM): Business Analytics

Program link:

https://www.fuqua.duke.edu/programs/mqm-business-analytics

Admission Cases:

Canadian Top 3 / Finance / GPA: 3.8+ / GRE: 325+

Canadian undergrad / Finance / GPA: 3.8+ / GRE: 330+

Canadian Top 3 / Innovation and Strategic Technology / GPA: 3.7+ / GRE: 330+

Key Admission Factors:

This program does not have strict restrictions on applicants' bachelor's backgrounds, and even applicants from non-Top 3 universities have a good chance, though those with STEM or combined backgrounds have an advantage. The program prefers interesting applicants with rich internship experiences (one of the application requirements is to describe 25 random things about yourself), so an engaging writing style and relevant internship experience are particularly important.