Hi guys,
I'm currently enrolled at a top MSF/MMS program. My program offers scholarships, and gave scholarships to (what seems like) a majority of the class this year. Despite receiving maximum scholarships to every other school I applied to, my interview at this school was botched by the interviewer and I ended up on the waitlist in error. After contacting the school, I was admitted almost immediately.
I can't help but assume that I would've gotten a scholarship (20-30k) if my interview process hadn't been botched, but I'm not sure if it would be considered rude to ask the school if there is something that can be done (or if it's even possible). I have contributed a lot in my time in this program, including getting one of only two front office IB jobs, serving as a board member for the class cabinet, and doing tons of mock interviews with other students. It's very frustrating to me that people who contribute nothing and aren't even trying to get a job were given huge scholarships, where I've worked my ass off and will have to pay off 50k+ in debt.
Is it unheard of to go to my program director and talk to him about this? I don't want to damage the relationship I've established with the school but it could be a $20,000 question to ask.
Thanks for your thoughts.
MSF/MMS...should I even go? Scholarships? (Originally Posted: 12/20/2012)
Ok, long story short I am a junior at a non-target (big school though and we send a few kids to banking each year).
I have a 3.73 GPA, ok internship/work exp (nothing awesome), trying to land something IB related this summer.
Have not taken the GMAT yet, but took a diagnostic/practice test and scored a 720. I would be pretty happy with that score, but with some practice could I bring it up to a 750? When should I take it? Kind of soon, right?
I have also thought about going to get a MSF to give myself a boost recruiting wise, a wider alumni base (and hell who doesn't wanna add a 5th year of college..though I would be focused as hell until I get that job offer).
Big hesitation for me is the cost, especially when I know that it is possible (albeit a lot of hard work) to break in from my current school. Obviously hoping that I don't need to use a graduate degree, but we'll see.
Right now on my list I have:
-Texas MSF (really curious on their placement stats) -Claremont McKenna MSF (would love to work on the West Cost and their placement stats are impressive) -BC MSF (proximity to NYC is great, Boston is great in its own right. Plus I read you can do it at night and intern during the day, that would be nice) -Vandy MSF (don't mind living/working in the South. Like that you can return and get a MBA in one year) -Villanova MSF (solid program it seems like, and seems like one of the more bang for you buck programs. Also heard they are decent with scholarships) -WUSTL MSF (might take this one off...but then again placement stats are probably better than Vandy and Nova, right? Eventually I'd like to settle in Chicago, so WUSTL might not be so bad) -Duke MMS (seems to get mixed reviews, like how it is not finance/banking focused completely. Degree sounds stupid though and people have said it is sometimes hard to explain)
Might throw my hat in for MIT, but that would be my big reach. Placement looks phenomenal from there though.
Also, where could I get some merit $$$? What schools offer some for my numbers and should I add any schools that might throw big money at me? I don't have a concrete gmat score, but for now base off of 720 (what if I can raise it up to 750?). 3.73 GPA, gonna try to bust ass to get up to 3.8 by the end of my first semester senior year.
Question about cost. Duke MMS lists tuition at $44k (seems to be around going rate), but then total cost $70k...holy shit, really that much? Can't I just live like I did in undergrad (I lived fairly well) for about 10-11k? Didn't know where those costs came from haha
Thanks, any input guys?
Edit: Forgot to mention, also interested in consulting so that is kinda why I am still considering Duke MMS. Banking would be my first choice, but I would love a chance to interview with MBB.
Also, any other schools like Vandy that allow you to go back and get your MBA in one year? I think Nova is one, any others? I think I'd rather branch out to a different OCR/Alumni base by then, but it would be a nice option to have.
Junior at a non target?
You still have time. Network to get an internship and come senior year try to get a full time job. Planning for msf/mms at this point is pointless.
MBB out of all those programs is possible but not very realistic.
Seconded.
Focus on getting a job first. Also, take the GMAT. Practice tests are nice, but they don't always translate. If you get over a 700 you can start thinking about all the programs and money at some. If you come in at a 680 the story might be a little different.
Thank you very much for the input guys.
I know and agree with you that I still have time to find a job out of UG. I'm lucky enough that my school is big enough where although it is a non-target but it still has alumni in a lot of different places.
I'm also the kind of guy that likes to have Plan A. B,C, D, and E, etc... so just trying to get some feelers and I've got to have some plan in place in case I need it.
Put MBB in there because I noticed that apparently Duke MMS have placed a couple of people there (doesn't appear like a whole lot). Looks like MIT has sent quite a few...but that is MIT.
Thanks again!
Which MSF Programs Are the Most Generous with Scholarships? (Originally Posted: 10/21/2013)
?
Really depends. You can lower the cost through fellowships, grants and scholarships. Newer programs that aren't as well known will be more generous, especially if you are a domestic student with a good application. Other programs offer fellowships, but those are very competitive and used as a way to land sought after students. Scholarship/grant money is smaller dollars, but usually "easier" to obtain. Apply early and make sure to ask around.
You could also go after PT/Night Time programs. That will allow you to work during the day (either FT or PT) and will lower your all in cost substantially. Good programs include Boston College, Johns Hopkins, Santa Clara and Rochester.
Keep in mind that a cheap MSF might not be worth it if you could have spent a little more and had access to better jobs and alumni. All depends on your goals and financial situation.
There are so many schools that actually pay YOU to go there. Are they good schools? No.
CMC is a well regarded program and is incredibly generous with scholarships due to their massive funding situation. Every student gets at least a 50% scholarship which makes the total cost about 22.5k (excluding living expenses). And many people qualify for 75% or 100%. I'm biased, but the ROI on this program is second to only Princeton in my opinion.
Oh wow, didn't know that about CMC. Program is amazing and this just adds to it. Thanks for sharing!
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