Another MSF thread

Dude why don't you just re-take it?? You have time deadlines are still far away!! I say with this kind of GMAT score you can still consider masters at LSE in the UK its a great school and they place fairly well in the city. Going to any of the school you've mentionned would be useless cuz they just dont place well in wall st.

my 2cents

Apparently uiuc has a good msf program. I was considering it straight out of undergrad, so I do know a bit about it. They strongly prefer us students since most of their students are international. But im pretty sure they put a strong emphasis on gmat as well. You should check it out. Otherwise I would just retake

Yea i know retaking is definitely an option. However of the programs I mentioned, uva duke and nova all have average gmats in the 650-680 range(can not find gmat scores for claremont) so is there real worth in going through and retaking i? I always see kids hoping that a higher gmat can help a low gpa...is it possible for my higher gpa to help out me shit gmat???

Even with a higher GMAT the MFEs and LSE will most likely be out of the picture, I am not doubtful of my ability just not naive..the top MFE's are ridiculously competitive. Nova was always a top choice for me so if I am still competitive for their program I am content for now. Guess I will have to wait to see what ANT thinks.

check out masters in management at LBS, GMAT average is 700 but your gpa will probably save your ass if you went to a good undergrad. The program places much better than any MFE in IB and far better than LSE in the UK. but much is going to depend on the quality of your undergrad, you will not have much chances if you come from some unknown school in the US

good luck

MSF and MFE are very different - pick one and stick to it. Retake GMAT and apply to top schools.

650 is fine for all of those schools, with the exception of CMC. Claremont likes higher GMATs. If you don't want to work in Cali it isn't an issue.

I went to Stanford for their MS Financial Math (basically Stanford's equivalent of MFE) program and most of my classmates are working in trading either at boutiques or BBs. I also have a friend at LSE doing the MFE program currently.

We both took the GRE and scored >1550 (the GRE is out of 1600). You might want to look into taking the GRE instead as I've heard that it's easier than the GMAT (but again, I don't know from first hand experience).

For both the LSE and Stanford programs, a strong background in Math is required and so, I would highly recommend stressing that in your application/essays/recommendations. Almost everyone in my program and the LSE program majored in math (and econ) in their undergrad. Programming is a huge plus too - almost every trading desk now will ask you about your programming skills.

I can't speak for the other schools on your list but hope this helps.

Good luck!

Thanks guys. I will prob just apply to va duke and nova and see what happens, as nova is really where I want to be anyways.

@LeYoun ---- unfortunately the only thing prestigious about my undergrad is...there is absolutely nothing prestigious about it. It is about as non target as you can get so LBS isn't realistic.

@Dr Joe --- I understand the differences and understand what you are saying. I went back and forth for quite some time but I am drawn more towards fundamental finance and S&T than quant work which is why I was looking at MSFs. Without a very high gmat MIT and Princeton are out therefore I am back to the same core MSFs for which a 650 might not be the end of the world, which is why I will prob just hope for the best and apply.

@ANT --- is there any advice or criticism you can give me that could strengthen my application to villanova??

PM me for more personal advice, but in general I think you are fine.

If you want MIT you should aim for a 700 or above GMAT. They are heavily expanding their program, but want to make Princeton caliber so you will need a higher GMAT. For all the other schools you are fine. A 650 is the average GMAT and you have a higher than average GPA with a hard major. You have internships which also helps.

Apply early and you will be fine. PM me for more info.

hey ANT, looks like you are the big expert here when it comes to masters. I would like to know what you think about the new masters in management at LBS. Its fairly new but already placing much better than LSE in IBD in london. Kids there have gone to GS and Blackstone.

I am considering both msc accounting finance at LSE and Msc management at LBS. I dont care about anything but placement in IBD. Do you think I should take the risk of going into LBS although its not as famous worldwide as LSE?

thanks,