Do I need to do a GMAT?
Hey Monkeys,
I'm considering applying for masters in UK for 2024 intake, applications open September/October.
My top choice is LSE MSc Fin.
This is my background; graduated with a 1st Class Hons in Economics at a semi-target (Bath, Exeter, Edinburgh, Bristol etc). Further, I'd have had over 2 yrs of FT experience in Credit for a top investment bank (GS, JPM, DB).
My question is would you recommend I do a GMAT? As I'm working FT and trying to recruit but market is terrible so thought I'd do a masters and re-enter the cycle for FO roles.
Any advice.
Shot answer - yes
Long answer - I also went to a semi target (one of the ones you've listed), have a couple of years of exp (albeit at big 4) and will be applying in October. I have spoken to an alum and know someone else who will be applying. Whilst there are some people that get in without a GMAT, MFin is one of LSEs most popular programmes and is very competitive. Everyone will have a 1st or equivalent. Everyone will have some good experience and ECs. You need to find a way to make your application stronger, and a really good GMAT is a fairly easy way to do this, because the only variables are your pre-existing knowledge and how much time you are willing to invest.
Why not take an official mock and see where you are at? If you score 650+ straight away, you probably wouldn't need to invest a shocking amount of time to get to 700-710, and a 700+ will already be better than no GMAT at all.
To add to this, any other really good masters will require a GMAT (LBS MFin, Oxford MFE, HCE MFin), so you're limiting yourself A LOT by not taking it. Don't think it's worth it to go to anything but a top tier masters if you want to re-enter the market and work for a top tier organisation, and they all need a GMAT.
Thanks for the insights. I agree especially with the last part, there's no point dropping out of work back into education, coughing up a load of money to not go to a top masters programme.
Just did a mock, got 390 - RIP OP lol, guessing GMAT will be my life until October now.
Oof, I really recommend checking out TTP and GMAT Club.
Good luck!
Thanks man. Ye the recruitment market for FO has really fucked my strategy and timelines. Hopefully getting to a good masters programme would allow me to land a good FO role.
Did you apply to LSE? Have you heard back? I applied end of October.
Congrats on DB!
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