Chances of getting into MFin/MFE US/UK

I’m a final year student about to graduate from UNSW and with a physics and econ degree and I’m considering applying to a masters in the US or UK so I can possibly immigrate there later down the line. 

I’m graduating with a low wam of 72 due to some extenuating circumstances that affected me during the first 3 years of my degree, my final year has a 85 average though. 
I’ve also had 3 internships, one in energy consulting one in tech add one in front office ib s&t in the commodities team. I’ve accepted an offer working in a energy company in their trading team and I’ll be doing that after graduation.

I’ve got some research experience as part of my degree with the federal government but nothing like a dissertation. 
ive got some solid extracurricular activities though and am studying for the gre now.

Do I have a chance at an MFE/MS,

I'm targeting the following schools:

Princeton

MIT

UChicago

Columbia

Oxford

LSE

UCL

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights regarding your chances of getting into top MFin or MFE programs in the US and UK:

Academic Background:

  • Undergraduate Degree: Physics and Economics from UNSW.
  • GPA: Low WAM of 72, but a strong final year average of 85.
  • Research Experience: Some experience with the federal government, but no dissertation.

Professional Experience:

  • Internships:
    • Energy consulting
    • Tech
    • Front office IB S&T in the commodities team
  • Post-Graduation Offer: Accepted a role in an energy company's trading team.

Extracurriculars:

  • Solid extracurricular activities.

Test Preparation:

  • Currently studying for the GRE.

Target Schools:

  • US:
    • Princeton
    • MIT
    • UChicago
    • Columbia
  • UK:
    • Oxford
    • LSE
    • UCL

Analysis:

  1. Academic Performance: While your overall WAM is on the lower side, your strong final year performance (85 average) can help mitigate this. Admissions committees often look for an upward trend in grades, which you have demonstrated.

  2. Professional Experience: Your diverse internship experience, especially in front office IB S&T and your upcoming role in energy trading, will be valuable. These experiences show a strong practical understanding of finance and trading, which is crucial for MFE programs.

  3. Research Experience: Although you lack a dissertation, your research experience with the federal government can still be a positive point, especially if you can highlight any significant contributions or findings.

  4. Extracurriculars: Solid extracurricular activities can help differentiate you from other candidates, showing that you are well-rounded and have leadership or teamwork skills.

  5. GRE Preparation: A strong GRE score will be essential, especially given your lower WAM. Aim for a high score, particularly in the quantitative section, to strengthen your application.

Recommendations:

  • Highlight Final Year Performance: Emphasize your strong final year grades in your application and explain the extenuating circumstances that affected your earlier performance.
  • Leverage Professional Experience: Detail your internships and upcoming role, focusing on any achievements or responsibilities that align with the skills needed for MFE/MFin programs.
  • Strong GRE Score: Aim for a high GRE score to offset your lower WAM.
  • Compelling Personal Statement: Write a compelling personal statement that ties together your academic journey, professional experiences, and future goals. Explain how the MFE/MFin program will help you achieve these goals.

Conclusion:

While your overall WAM is a concern, your strong final year performance, relevant internships, and upcoming role in energy trading, combined with a high GRE score and strong application materials, can make you a competitive candidate for the MFE/MFin programs at the schools you are targeting.

Sources: MSF Class of 2018, What are my chances of getting into a top Mfin or MFE (the likes of U of T MFE, Desautels MMF, Western MFE, Schulich Mfin), Advice for Princeton MFin Applicants, Do I have any chance to secure a grad scheme (Asset/Portfolio Management), Advice for Princeton MFin Applicants

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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