MiF Motivational Essays
Off the back of the 'rejected from Bocconi with a 770 GMAT' thread and reading what clearly wasn't the best motivational essay, I've been having a look online and pretty much all advice and examples (mostly from application consultants) looks so bad.
So I'd be curious to hear from those who have succesfully been admitted to top MiF programmes, what is the general advice on motivational essays?
Obviously, similar to cover letters, I imagine the typical 'why this school?' and 'why finance?' questions are important to address, but how academic are these essays - is it anything like the UCAS personal statement, where you're really just trying to prove your academic interest in the subject and topic area you're applying to?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, when it comes to crafting motivational essays for top Master in Finance (MiF) programs, there are several key points to consider that can help set your application apart:
Personalization: Tailor your essay to the specific school you're applying to. Show that you've done your research and understand what makes the program unique. Address the question of 'why this school?' by connecting the program's offerings to your career goals and academic interests.
Career Goals: Clearly articulate your career aspirations and how the MiF program will help you achieve them. Top programs are looking for candidates with a clear vision for their future in finance.
Academic and Professional Experience: Highlight your academic achievements, especially in relevant subjects like finance, economics, and mathematics. Also, include any professional experience that demonstrates your interest and capabilities in finance.
Research and Academics: While MiF essays are not purely academic in nature, showing a strong academic interest in finance and the ability to engage with complex concepts can be beneficial. If you have a particular area of research interest or a topic you're passionate about, make sure to weave that into your essay.
Personal Qualities and Skills: Discuss personal attributes that make you a strong candidate for a finance career. This could include analytical skills, leadership experience, teamwork, or any unique experiences that have shaped your perspective on finance.
Conciseness and Clarity: As with any essay, clarity of expression and staying on point are crucial. Make sure your essay is well-structured, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Proof of Interest: Show that your interest in finance is genuine and longstanding. This could be through past internships, student clubs, competitions, or personal investments.
Remember, the goal of the motivational essay is to get the admissions committee interested in you as a candidate, to showcase your academics and research capabilities, and to demonstrate how the program aligns with your career goals. It's not just about proving your academic interest but also about showing your potential to contribute to and benefit from the program.
Sources: Advice for Princeton MFin Applicants, Advice for Princeton MFin Applicants, The MSF and MiM application process, Q&A - Non-ranked undergrad 'ORM' with a 660 GMAT who got into multiple top 20 programs
I can share letters to
Bocconi (Merit), LBS (accepted), WU SIMC (interview, but withdrew), RSM (rejected for lacking specific classes), HSG (didn't submit), ESADE (interview but withdrew), USC (30k usd scholarship), NOVA (accepted).
The academic level depends on the school. For example Bocconi, fairly academic response about what in finance interests me, LBS, nearly no academic and mostly job related goals (they have focused questions).
Hey can I pm you? Really interested in those letters. Thanks
ofc
HI, can I pm you regarding the letters and advice?
you bet
Thank you sooo much for sharing your insights and experiences ! As an international applicant navigating the admissions process, your comment resonated with me. In these challenging times, your guidance is invaluable. If you're comfortable, could you please share your essays/letters? It would mean a lot to me, and I really hope to pay this kindness forward in the future. thanking you - a fellow international student applying to Europe :)
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