MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES

Why did you apply to MMSS?
My decision to apply to the MMSS program at Northwestern was guided by my passion for math, and more importantly, its practical uses in areas such as economics and political science. I was captivated by the notion of using math as a tool to better understand the world. The collaborative structure of the program was another major factor in my decision. I was drawn to the idea of studying closely with the same group of students, allowing for ongoing teamwork and shared intellectual growth. Additionally, I viewed MMSS coursework as a great foundation for deeper engagement with the STEM fields

How has MMSS prepared you for graduation?
The MMSS program has been instrumental in my preparation for graduation. The rigorous coursework in mathematics, economics, and modeling during the initial two years equipped me with the knowledge and skills I needed for my subsequent studies in the Kellogg Undergraduate Program and graduate statistics courses. Perhaps more importantly, the MMSS program has honed my ability to collaborate effectively--a skill that is undoubtedly vital in the professional world. By working intensively with the same group of students for over two years, we’ve developed a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual understanding that has facilitated highly productive teamwork

What have you enjoyed most about MMSS?
Without a doubt, the highlight of my experience at MMSS has been the people--the students, staff, and professors. My peers in the program are not just classmates--they’ve become some of my closest friends, with whom I often engage in stimulating discussions about academics and potential market modeling ideas. My roommates after graduation include two other MMSS students. The faculty and professors have been equally influential in my journey. At the start of our college coursework, we immediately jumped into the deep end with multivariable calculus and turbo microeconomics. The professors, especially Professor Schulz, offered great support in our transition to college coursework. I made it a point to take two more of Schulz’s classes while pursuing my economics major

Why did you apply to MMSS?
I applied to MMSS because I wanted a more quantitative experience in college to supplement my economics education. After successfully completing the MathWorks math modeling challenge in high school, I wanted to learn more about how to apply my mathematical skills to issues in finance and economics.

How has MMSS prepared you for graduation?
MMSS has prepared me for graduation by allowing me to take courses that I would have otherwise not have had access to. The econometrics courses were especially helpful in interviews and my internships

What have you enjoyed most about MMSS?
What I enjoyed the most about MMSS was writing my senior thesis, “How Market Maker Inventory Affects Options Liquidity.” I was able to apply my knowledge in options market making and quantitative finance in a way that was meaningful and fruitful for both my personal interests and my future career.

Why did you apply to MMSS?
I applied Early Decision to Northwestern with the intention of pursuing my interests in mathematics and psychology, not knowing until after I had gotten in that MMSS existed, a program that combined all of my interests. Nothing else felt like the perfect fit—a pure math major seemed too theoretical, while psychology or economics majors on their own didn’t have enough math to excite me. When I found out that there was a program that provided enough mathematical and theoretical education to challenge me, without ever straying too far from the real-world phenomena that motivated me, I quickly applied and the rest is history!

How has MMSS prepared you for graduation?
MMSS has prepared me for new opportunities and challenges more than I often realize. MMSS classes challenged me in ways that fostered my critical thinking and problem-solving skills, encouraging me to look at problems from different angles and work collaboratively to identify the best path forward. The economic and analytical principles taught in MMSS courses shape the ways in which I parse complicated and nuanced issues. And, no matter what industry or path one takes, the technical skills gained from MMSS are unmatched. For example, it hit me recently how useful the program was when it started paying out huge dividends—as I worked on my thesis, I knew way more about the theory behind and implementation of econometric and statistical methods than I realized. When I was asked by a research advisor to help grade an MBA course, I saw how much knowledge I had about topics taught in graduate school and how prepared I would be if I chose to go that route. I’m constantly being surprised by new contexts in which my MMSS education comes in handy.

What have you enjoyed most about MMSS?
It is difficult to pick just one aspect, so I’ll share two. First, I really enjoyed the close-knit community of MMSS. The classes are challenging, but they never felt cutthroat—instead, the challenge of the material encouraged collaboration and support. It is helpful to have a built-in community and structure when you first enter college. The second aspect I most enjoyed was the proximity to brilliant professors. There are fantastic educators throughout Northwestern, but MMSS has a particularly great concentration. It was a joy to get to learn from accomplished professors such as Prof. Jeff Ely, Prof. Eddie Dekel, and Prof. Rob Porter, and I was also blown away by the amount of support I received. Prof. Porter helped me get a research assistant position that I held during junior and senior years, while Prof. Ely supported the various ideas, I had to shape my course of study. The MMSS program is so unique in allowing these close connections with brilliant and highly supportive faculty.