Do I need prior Python experience?
No. We teach the foundations and care more about your willingness to learn than the number of libraries you already know. Some coding experience can help, but it is not a prerequisite.
Recruiting
Bring your curiosity. We’ll build from there.
Checking the current application status. We welcome Cornell students of every year, major, and experience level who are excited to learn, think creatively, and build with others.
Cycle status
Checking…Confirming the current recruitment cycle.Fall 2026
Recruitment at a glance.
Save the dates, come meet us, and apply when you’re ready.
5 key momentsFriday, September 4 through Week of September 14
- 01Friday, September 4
Applications open
The application portal opens for the Fall 2026 recruitment cycle.
- 02Saturday, September 5
ClubFest
Meet CATC, ask questions, and learn what members build together.
- 03Thursday, September 10
Alpha Research at AQR
5:30 PM Eastern on Google Meet. A CATC Speaker Series event open to all Cornell students. Find the meeting link on the Events page.
- 04Sunday, September 13
Applications close
Submit your application before the portal closes at the end of the day.
- 05Week of September 14
Interviews and follow-ups
Selected applicants will hear from the team throughout the week.
The process
What to expect when you apply.
The exact dates may change each semester, but the path into CATC stays simple.
- 01
Get to know us
Explore our research and education pages, come to an information session, or talk with a member.
- 02
Tell us about yourself
Share what interests you, how you think, and what you hope to learn or contribute. Prior experience is not the point.
- 03
Meet the team
Selected applicants join us for a conversation about their interests, ideas, and approach to learning with others.
- 04
Start building with us
New members learn the foundations, meet their teams, and begin turning questions into research.
Who should apply?
You do not need a quant résumé. You do need a reason to care.
We are open to applicants from every year, major, and level of experience. What stands out is genuine interest, an original way of looking at problems, and an open mind about where the evidence might lead.
You are genuinely excited to learn how quantitative research works.
You approach unfamiliar problems with creativity and persistence.
You test your ideas honestly and change your mind when the evidence does.
You listen well, share what you know, and make the team better.
Things people ask us.
Do I need experience in trading or finance?
No. You do not need to have traded, studied finance, or built a strategy before applying. We are interested in how you approach unfamiliar problems and what makes you want to explore quantitative research.
Do I need to be a freshman to apply?
No. Cornell students of every year and major are welcome to apply. There is no single academic background or point in your Cornell experience that makes someone the right fit.
What do you look for in an applicant?
We look for genuine enthusiasm, a creative and open mindset, and the humility to test ideas and learn from other people. Show us what draws you to the work and how you would add to a team.
Application portal
Checking application status…
We’re confirming the current recruitment cycle and application availability.