Got Dinged from 1 of my 2 Top Choice programs! What do you think are my chances for LBS MFA?
Hello there everyone! So ever since I started my undergrad I have been wanting to get into: HEC MIF & LBS MFA, so in the past years I have worked my ass off to get the best CV I could. My goal is to break into Investment Banking. Tell me what you think. Alright, here's my profile:
EDUCATION:
- Italian student. Not Bocconi. Top 10 uni. GPA 30.11/30. Took me 4 yrs to finish rather than 3. Had to do that to maintain my GPA. Compensated for it with a second internship in M&A.
- GMAT 700. Bit of a bummer this one. I had initially scored 750 but they invalidated my score.
- Exchange in top 5 business school in Europe. Excellent GPA there, 18/20.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
- 2 internships in M&A. First ongoing, small boutique in Milan. Second will start shortly, Big 4, also M&A. (I managed to get this second internship the week after I had had a meeting with a recruitment officer from LBS in Milan. The only thing she mentioned about my profile was that I could have had greater chances with a second internship, and so I found it)
- Lot of experience in the family business (non finance)
- Founder of a profitable real estate start-up. 50K revenue in 7 months of operation.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACT.:
- Founder of the biggest finance-related club in my uni. Helped a bunch of people with getting internships in high finance.
- C2 in English
- Completed Wall Street Prep modelling course
As for the LBS essays I put a great effort into crafting them (almost 2 months). Moreover, to increase my chances I attended some events and spoke to a bunch of alumni/admission officers. I mentioned that obv. Joining LBS would be my dream.
Today, I received my rejection from HEC, without an interview....that seems a bit odd to me. What do you guys think?! What are my chances for LBS?
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Why did your GMAT score get invalidated?
Obviously GMAT is a bit low, but GPA and your work experience is good. I've seen people with worse gmat/gpa and less work experience get in.
Did you have an LBS interview? Or just recently applied?
Thanks a bunch for the comment!
God only knows why... I have a theory. While I was doing the Analytical Writing bit, my mom came and knocked at the door (she assumed I was done with the exam, as I had started later than scheduled), she slowly started to open the door and I had to mumble "no" to prevent her from entering the room....I think that's why.
When I spoke to the admission officer she said the GMAT was nothing to worry about, and that the average GMAT score of admitted candidates last year had gone down to around 690 something....she said it wouldn't make nor break my application. But I understand that that is my weak spot.
I have only applied so far....interview decisions will be in next week.
GMAT is not your weak spot at all man.
Without reading your essays it is impossible to say whether they were the cause of your rejection.
Also, no Bocconi in your CV is a malus if you are Italian + high GPA doesn’t really matter if it took you 1 extra year to graduate.
I’m sure you’ll be fine, just don’t give up and keep pushing!
Did you try and dispute with GMAC? I had a similar experience with someone entering the room, and didn't get dinged.
Might as well just wait till next week, just theory crafting until then.
why is joining LBS your dream?
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UniCredit is looking to hire an intern in the high yield syndicate team right now in Milan. It’s a good team
Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, I already have my second intern lined up, which will end exactly when my eventual master will start!
I'd say you have a fair chance, especially if you'll have the big 4 internship on your CV by the time you apply, but ofc there's a very large element of luck involved with the LBS app as with any other.
The extra year to finish shouldn't have much of an impact. Also, not to discourage you, but the vast majority of Italians (plus quite a few internationals) at LBS have either studied in the UK or at Bocconi (I think only like 5 across all programs haven't). This might be due to asymmetric info or something but LBS definitely likes Bocconi as a feeder.
In bocca al lupo!
Hey there! Thanks for the comment. The results will be in tomorrow! And yes I applied with "incoming M&A intern at Big 4" in my CV. I guess we shall see. I have toiled so hard in the past years to achieve this that being dinged by both would feel a tad disappointing. Ahahah these schools love to boast about diversity but god forbid they let in a student from a different background than the ones that come from Bocconi. I truly hope LBS is different!
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