MSF/MFin quandry

Hi Guys
I am Harsh Agrawal and am an Indian resident. I am aspiring to be a part of a decent MSF programme. BTW, am looking to apply for 2012 sesion.
About my Profile:
I am a 22 yr old commerce graduate from an unknown place & college (Score - 63.17%/100)
Have done my MBA(Finance) from India in the year 2009(GPA - 5.69/10 ). I am also an FRM (if that helps). Since July '09, I have been working with a government owned bank in the risk management function specifically looking at Asset Liability Management & Market Risk. By the time I apply for any course I would have around 30-36 months work experience.
I am also expecting a GMAT score of =>680. I need you advice on how to make myself a stronger candidate for MSF for year 2012. I can't afford to get later than that.
Limitations : No language other than english and mother tongue, a series of bad GPAs, not very quant oriented, money and therefore RoI.
Looking at my profile, what college do u guys suppose fit me. (St. Gallen seems awesome though - value for money being the best bit about it.)
Really would love some answers here. Thanks

 

I think strategy number one is to get a GMAT score above 700, ideally at least 720-740. Alternatively, take the GREs and score at least a 790Q and a 650V.

For a 680 GMAT score and reasonably strong references, you can probably get into the University of Illinois' MSF program, but if you do just a little better on the GMATs, Michigan, Berkeley, Columbia, and perhaps LSE come within reach. As an FRM, you should be able to score an 800 on the GREs pretty easy. With that kind of a test score, strong recs, and a strong personal statement, you would probably be a competitive candidate at most MSF/MFE programs in the country.

 

Thanks IlliniProgrammer, I do not want a quant heavy programme. That is why I am not looking at Berkeley,Columbia,Princeton (i can dream right?) and similar colleges. Was looking more on lines on European colleges like HEC,IE (masters in advanced finance), LBS, St.Gallen, Judge etc. Pretty confident on GMAT though. I will get good recommendations (but then, doesn't everyone). FRM was done to compensate for bad grades. Will professional experience be a spoiler? What do you think my chances are at Villannova, Vanderbilt, Olin & previously mentioned colleges ? Thanks a lot again for the reply.

 
Best Response

Industry experience isn't a spoiler at all for an industry program. Most MSF and MBA programs- at least in the US- are industry programs and treat it as a plus rather than a negative.

It's really a shame you're interested in the quant heavy programs. Those ones tend to get the strongest recruiting and would really leverage your risk management background. A math-heavier program like Princeton doesn't mean you have to go be a quant or a risk manager- you can just as easily go into portfolio management or trading if that's what you want.

I'm not sure if you want to work in New York or not, but if you do, the only school I recognize on that list is LBS. I am not sure how many other New York banks would recognize those schools if they saw them. I'm familiar with LBS/LSE, Oxford, and Cambridge, and as an engineer I'm familiar with Manchester, too, but this is the first I've heard of the other schools.

 

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