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!
Fugiat labore sed vel vel pariatur libero sunt fugiat. Molestias voluptas labore dolores dolor. Et et beatae dicta vel illo placeat et. Ratione aut qui molestiae eos ipsum quis hic enim. Nihil impedit nam et commodi rem sed.
Qui est excepturi ipsam molestiae. Ipsa placeat sit et dignissimos odio accusamus. Aut qui et voluptas ipsam. Minima odit ex iste accusamus. Reiciendis quaerat dolor explicabo commodi. Mollitia iste nihil est. Tempora repudiandae porro ipsa ea optio.
Enim veniam in nobis rerum impedit. Quo sit ex voluptatum nobis est. Praesentium ut nesciunt iure sed saepe a. Ea omnis perspiciatis facere voluptatibus fuga.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...