Quant interview prep guides

Expected Value Interview Final Checklist

Expected value interview final checklist for outcomes, probabilities, payoff signs, costs, risk assumptions, and communication.

Candidates in final review mode for EV, fair games, and decision questions.

Outcome checklist

List every possible payoff state. If outcomes are grouped, make sure the groups cover all cases without overlap.

Probability checklist

Check whether probabilities are unconditional or conditional on reaching a branch. They should sum correctly within the relevant space.

Payoff checklist

Use net payoffs with correct signs. Subtract entry costs, fees, penalties, or spreads when the prompt includes them.

Risk checklist

Ask whether the prompt wants fair value under risk neutrality or an actual decision under risk and constraints.

Explanation checklist

State the model, compute the expectation, sanity-check the result, and explain what would change under different assumptions.

Common mistakes

Candidates often produce a number without the setup. In EV interviews, the setup is usually what the interviewer is testing.

Practice the pattern

Use the LeetQuidity curriculum and calibration to turn this topic into a focused practice plan.