It seems like you're trying to do finance -> machine learning. When maybe a more appropriate (and faster) way of going to just do finance -> programming. You're

It seems like you're trying to do finance -> machine learning. When maybe a more appropriate (and faster) way of going to just do finance -> programming. You're in NYC so finding a job shouldn't be a problem, but http://careers.stackoverflow.com/jobs?searchTerm=python&allowsremote=true http://careers.stackoverflow.com/jobs?searchTerm=python&allo... might be useful. Why aren't you applying for jobs right now? (and working on getting better at work). As far as acceptance to anything, You won't know unless you try (and apply). Don't self select as someone who can't get in because you didn't apply. Make them say no.