MSF possible?
I have been auditing financial services (hf) clients at a big 4 firm (1 yr). I absolutely hate it.
I want to rebrand myself and raise my gpa so that I can hopefully get a job at a boutique or MM Ibank.
My ug gpa is a 3.0. I have passed all of my CPA exams and the first level of the CFA exam (I took this because I was planning on moving into my firms valuation group and they like cfas). I plan on sitting level 2 in June.
I am taking the GMAT in two months (I will most likely score in the 700-750 range).
What msf programs can I realistically get into?
Looking at duke, BC, USC, Villanova, bandy, cmc
Side note: I want to live in California (SF) after my program
When are you scheduled to take the GMAT? Are you aware of the deadlines of the schools you have listed?
CMC's program is top tier as far as california branding goes, but USC's is also very good. Aside from CMC, which is a bit of a reach, as long as you have a decent GMAT and can spin your work experience successfully, you have a shot at all the schools you have listed.
I plan on taking the GMAT in November. I have not looked into the application dates for all the programs yet.
By decent do you mean 700+?
If you score a 700 I deff see you getting into Claremont. USC had a good year last year and I'm still getting a feeling for their ideal admit criteria. That being said, it's worth a 1st round application.
Thanks for the replies guys.
Would you say that applying early would increase my chances of getting in? I noticed that there are 3 separate dates I can apply by.
Edit: Also, is my gpa not too low for cmc?
You want to live in Cali but you're looking into BC and Villanova? Do you think anyone in California knows anything about these schools that isn't directly related to basketball? What sort of networks do you think they have in the west coast?
To answer your question, if you get around a 720 on the GMAT you'll be competitive at all of those schools.
If I network hard enough I'm sure I can find a job on the west coast. I would rather have a better shot at having a job I enjoy instead of staying in audit.
You have a B average, a CPA, CFA L1, work experience. You get a high 600, low 700 and you will be fine at most schools. If you want to work in Cali I would suggest CMC, USC and Santa Clara. If you are open to working in NYC or Houston, then I think you can expand your list. These programs are largely geographic.
And yes, you can network, but inertia will pull you towards a city close to the program. Real hard to fly out and interview at west coast jobs when going to an east coast school. And banks coming for OCR will be hiring for East Coast positions. Not to mention you'd be competing with great West Coast schools with a lesser known East Coast brand.
Thank you for the input. I am not trying to disagree with you, however, I do believe that it will put me in a better position than I am now.
I will be applying to CMC and USC but I am a little hesitant to apply to Santa Clara. The school does not have the best reputation on the west coast. You can debate this but its definitely considered to be 2nd/3rd tier by most people I have spoken to. I know Santa Clara might be more respected in the Bay Area but I have heard that they lack strong OCR so I might skip applying there.
It isn't the best at all, but it's West coast. Frankly, I'd either apply to just USC and CMC or open up your geographic preferences.
I'm a senior at a tier-two school, BBA-marketing.
3.0 overall GPA and 3.4 major GPA. It'll increase; I still have 2 more semesters to go. I have sales experience. Interned at a major NPO. Taking the GRE and GMAT soon. Aiming for a 700-720. I want to switch my career focus to finance. I know many MSF programs encourage non finance backgrounds to apply. Can you guys recommend what schools I should look into?
Ipsa nihil aut dignissimos totam labore. Nulla voluptas earum ab nulla.
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