Big 4 M&A (SEA) | CPA-CMA | 705 GMAT Focus | Aiming For LBS for London IB

Hi! Need your thoughts about my profile.

I have sent in my CV to LBS MFA AdComm for review and I was encouraged to apply. But after doing my research, I found that many recruiters value LBS MiF better so I’m rethinking my strategy to put in more years at Big 4 M&A. However, MFA has a more structured career placement program than MiF, I believe.

Anyway. Here’s my profile:

Education: Double Degree in Management & Accountancy from a semi-target university in a Southeast Asian country

GWA: ~3.26 (Letter Grade B).
Certifications: CPA & US CMA
GMAT Focus: 705

Work Experience (by matriculation date):
~24 months total postgraduate experience.
16 months in PwC Deals (Corporate Finance/M&A).
8 months in Finance/Accounting (Back office).

Deal exposure: Working on $100M+ valuations and buy-side/sell-side mandates in various sectors

Goal: LBS MFA -> London Investment Banking
Or LBS MiF -> London Investment Banking

Questions for the monkeys:

1. How much will the 3.26 GWA hurt if it’s "offset" by the 705 GMAT and professional licenses?
2. Given the 16 months in Deals, am I a stronger candidate for the MFA "Analyst" pipeline?
3. Does LBS still value Big 4 Deals experience from SEA for the London Milkround?
4. Would you rather I put in more years at Big 4 and go for MiF or go for the MFA now?

Would appreciate your insights. Thanks!