2016-2017 MSF Applicant Seeking Help

Hey everyone,

First post here on WSO. Will be graduating in Spring of 2016 and I'm currently applying for 2016-2017 MSF programs both here in U.S. and Europe. Brief Profile: Public state university (non-target) Applied/Comp Math major; Finance & Econ. minors Undergrad GPA: 4.0 and Graduate coursework has been 4.0 as well GRE: 170 Q, 160 V, 4.0 AWA Professional experience: 2 actuarial internships with a company with a very competitive full-time actuarial program; non-finance related legislative internship under my State senator Research: Completing Fin Math Honors Thesis (focuses on the computer simulation of derivatives' prices); another fin math project centered around the efficient derivation of B-S pde solutions

Applying to: MIT, Vanderbilt, UVA, LSE, Oxford, HEC Paris

Long-term goal is to end up in IB in NYC or London. Currently, I am applying for IB SA positions for the summer before MSF to help add credibility in full-time search after MSF.

My questions: What schools do you think I have the best shot at given my background and interests? (definitely think I'll have a good shot at MIT with quant background)

Also, down the road, I'd like to end up back in states so how hard is it for someone to go to a MSF program in London or Paris and end up back in the states for full-time?

Thanks!

4 Comments
 

Very good profile. I don't have my gre to GMAT conversion tool, but I think that's a top score you have. I'd say competitive with all the schools you listed. Probably pull HEC though. Ad LBS for either the MiM or their new analytics program.

 
Best Response
"cpg12"

Thanks for the reply TNA. Just curious, do you recommend pulling HEC because of the difficulty for an american to place in London?

I think HEC is fine, but I think LBS and LSE are stronger brands. I'd also say that you'd have to have a pretty strong grasp of French to work in Paris.

It's going to be difficult for you to be sponsored, just as its difficult for international students to get sponsored here. If you want London I would suggest you start networking and researching which firms sponsor now. You'll want a targeted approach since you'll already be handicapped.

IMO, it's easier to get a job in NYC with a big bank and then try and go overseas with the firm.

 

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