Imperial MSc vs. taking GMAT to apply for LBS/LSE (for career in IB)
Hey guys!
I have a dilemmma I would love your view on. I will be applying for masters programs during the fall, and am currently at a crossroad whether I should take the GMAT or not. The GMAT would allow me to apply for LBS/LSE, whilst without it I would only apply for Imperial MSc Finance. My plan was initially to take the GMAT in December (I don't have time before December), and apply for schools in January. However, now I am considering applying to Imperial in August, and only take the GMAT if I am not admitted there. I guess my question is around if Imperial is worth not having to study for two months for the GMAT, just to have the opportunity to apply for the other schools.
I want to break into IB at top BB in London after my masters, then likely PE afterwards. I know Imperials brand is weaker than LBS/LSE. However, not having to do the GMAT will open up ~2 months to get more internship experience.
For information, I am from the Nordics, and will by the fall have internship experience from MBB, IB at a top Nordic investment bank, PE at a Northern European PE firm, VC at a Nordic VC firm, and ER at a Nordic bank.
How much impact does the MSc program have when going into work? I would prefer not doing the GMAT, but will ofc. do it if it adds a lot of weight to have LBS/LSE vs. Imperial on my resume. Thanks for your input!
you can obtain a good score without studying, it is not a difficult test. I got 690 without practising/reading the books and I am not a genius ...
This varies person by person. Some poeple take up to a year. 690 would also not be enough for LBS
690 gmat focus = 740 old gmat
690 is absolutely enough for LBS. They focus more on work experience. Spoke with a representative of theirs back in October that told me 690 was their class average for the year. I also personally know a guy that got into the MFA with a 690.
Honestly, with that CV, you'll likely place well from anywhere, especially as the market will be picking up in the following years. I'd say familiarize yourself with the exam for a few weeks, take a mock, and see where you're standing. If your score is decent, continue studying and take the GMAT. If significant effort is required to improve your score, I'd just go with Imperial. It's still a target, albeit "lower" than LSE/LBS, and will place you just fine with the experience you've got.
I would do the GMAT and wait for LSE/LBS. The difference between the Masters is quite big, and either the LSE or the lbs name will be much stronger on your CV
How big a difference are we talking about? I've got an offer from them and looking for some additional insights. Most people I've spoken to claim placements are decent to good if you've got relevant experience. Wondering if you might have any information on how it's viewed, as an assoc. Assuming you're in London, that is.
How is it that you are giving advice to someone on their masters and career choices literally on the comment above when you yourself are in the same situation and looking for guidance?
This is how misinformation spreads in WSO lol
I hate you Europeans lol! Trust me, you will be good at any institution you choose to go to. Many people break into top BB's studying MSc management at Imperial with less experience than yours. Also remember that even if you were to go do MSc Finance at LSE, you still might not break into a top BB especially in this market. Last year, I saw people with stacked CV's not get top BB's but extremely successful in recruiting for SA's at Mid-to-low BB's and EB's. Regardless, I'm sure you will make the right decision.
I got into both without the GMAT with CFA Level 1 90%+ score. Could be a reasonable alternative for you if you're considering the charter, plenty of time to study and sit for November 2024.
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