Is an MSF Possible

Hello fellow WOS'ers,

I have been a long time lurker and this will be my first post, so bare with me. I am wondering what my chances are at an msf program, almost any program. Although I would like to get into a top-mid-low tier program, unranked schools are still an option. I’m really looking to offset my UG GPA and see this as an opportunity.

A little background. I graduated a little over a year ago from a non-target state school with a degree in business administration with an emphasis in finance. I finished with a cumulative GPA of 2.878 and a major GPA of 3.1. Granted, this is a pretty shitty GPA, I have been able to land three internships: one at a boutique investment bank, one at a small hedge fund and lastly one in Asset Management that total 13 months of finance related experience. Shortly after my last internship I decided to manage a family business since I couldn't land anything worthwhile. I’ve been at the business for the past 9 months, full time running and operating but am eager to get out and see the MSF as an opportunity to do so. Since the beggining of my undergraduate, I always wanted to work in investment banking but other than my internships I haven’t been able to gain much ground and would like to use the MSF to break in. Although, I want to work in NYC, life has humbled me and has taught me to take what I can and be happy with it so although the plan is still the same, I'd be more than okay with working within investment banking locally.

In short, I have a sub-par 2.878 GPA (3.1 GPA finance) 13 months of internship experience and a gre of 315.

Keeping all of this in mind, what are my chances? I'd appreciate all input.

 

think of your profile as multidimensional--if you're weak in other areas, just do better than average in other criterias and you'll be fine.

your Work exp. is nice. However you'd lack "Analytical Amplitude" if your GPA/GMAT are both subpar--either have a solid GMAT, alternative transcript or solid recommendation from academic refs would help your case.

 
wishfullbanker:

@TNA , decided to take the gre and scored a 315. Do you have any programs you'd think I'd be competitive in?

315 isnt superb but depends on your Q score- MSF will look a bit more on the Q side for its nature. Verbal would be less important/useful until you apply for that MBA with quant-side work

 
wishfullbanker:
Since the beggining of my undergraduate, I always wanted to work in investment banking but other than my internships I haven’t been able to gain much ground and would like to use the MSF to break in.

If this was the case, why didn't you transfer? And more importantly, why didn't you get a better GPA?

Without a good excuse, I have a feeling employers/schools would have the same first impression that I did; that you partied all throughout your undergrad, got a 2.8 in business admin, and want a second shot/bail out.

A good MSF could possibly do this for you, but you're gonna need a good story.

 
Best Response

My two cents: This late in the game, your best bet would be to spend the next year networking and trying to bulk up your resume with another finance-related job experience (maybe in the form of an unpaid or off-cycle internship). What experience you have already is a great start but given your relatively weak GPA and average test scores, this is going to be an area where you have a chance to shine in front of an adcom.

Most MSF programs worth attending are already in the final round of accepting applications and many classes have already been filled. I would also spend this time doing some GMAT self-study and try to boost your test scores. If you do these two things, I think you would have a shot at some decent MSF programs next year.

 

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