MSF for Consulting, Worth it?

Hey guys,

I was wondering if the MSF is worth it, especially if you want to get into MBB or Tier 1 consulting firms? I go to a semi - target school which has an integrated MSF program so I would be applying to that and wouldn't need to take the GMAT.

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Some MSF's do well with consulting, but not all of them. Vanderbilt places well into consulting, UVA does, I believe UTA also.

A MMS might be a better fit.

 

There isn't a single MSF in the country, with the possible exception of MIT, that will give you a good shot at tier 1 consulting. It's possible at some programs (Vandy/Wash U), but highly unlikely. It's just not what the MSF aims to do. You can get into tier 3 consulting fairly easily though (Big 4 advisory) and try to transition into an LEK/OW/Parthenon type of shop (if you're good).

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MSFs are for individuals that screwed up recruiting in undergrad, basically (or for those that didn't have access to recruiting in undergrad). It's a second opportunity to break into finance. The top programs allow you to break into AM/IB/ER. Lower tier programs put you into accounting-lite (FP&A, small IM, Bval) with some IB (mostly boutique).

There are exceptional candidates, lucky candidates and connected candidates that, from time to time, go into BB/EB IB, MMPE, or MBB. This is rare (particularly the latter two).

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Go to an MMS program instead. Duke, Northwestern, and Michigan come to mind.

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"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there" - Will Rogers

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