Hi, I'm currently studying in Hong Kong and I want to further my study in UK, perhaps doing something related to Econ/Finance. Now I face some problems.
1)My academic results are not that good, only a 2-1. However, I do quite well in my paper writings and I have my own publication on a journal. Would that help? And I am going to take GMAT. How much gmat score do I need to get into schools like LSE or Imperial College?
2)And how important is my academic reference? Is it necessary for me to get a "big guy" to write me one? Would a reference from a mere "associate prof." be too weak? Or it only depends on the content? If I can get "non-academic" references from established businesspeople, would that help?
Thanks for helping out! Pretty frustrated right now.
Being as I'm American, I have no idea what 2-1 means or how you can "do quite well in Your paper writings" and still have crappy grades. But as for your title question ("How well should I do..."), that's easy: do as well as you fucking can. If you're not an academic rockstar, spend the money on a top-notch prep course and get the highest score possible on whatever standardized test you're taking.
The answer to the rest depends on the advanced degree you're getting. If you're getting an MBA, they won't ding you because your good rec comes from an associate prof, but they will ding you for shitty grades, so your score needs to be really, really high (750+). Plus, if you want an MBA, you're not getting in anywhere good without some serious post-graduate work experience.
If you're not getting an MBA, why the hell are you taking the GMAT? Maybe the UK is different, but in the US, Masters/PhD programs want a GRE score. They'll also weight your academic publications and recommendations a little bit more highly, but if your grades in Finance/Econ suck, your odds are not good.
Hey thanks for your answer. Maybe I should clarify something to avoid confusion.
First, by 2-1 I mean I am having approximately 3.3 in GPA. Basically because my GPA got dragged down by some irrelevant courses.
Second, I am planning to do a MSc in schools like LSE/Imperial College.
Just wondering how well should I do in GMAT.
BTW, thanks for straightening things out!
Is GMAT required for business schools in UK now? I did MSc at LSE and didn't need to take GMAT... in 2001...
Oh yes. And one needs to score highly now on it.
The highest you possibly can.
The average GMAT at LSE last year was around 680, but I imagine that that could be higher now and there's no reason to aim just for that. Try to get as high a score as you can.
GMAT for MSc Finance LSE (Originally Posted: 02/09/2014)
Hello. I'm applying to MSc Finance at LSE for 2014-15. My bachelor is in mathematics but I don't have a great GPA. Now I'm at the last semester of MBA (Corvinus School of Management-Budapest) one of the best in central Europe with a GPA of 4.88 (out of 5). My GMAT is 680 (50Q-31V). Should I retake my GMAT? I'm not sure as I should improve verbal section and it is difficult. (some info: I have some work experience and now I'm teaching assistant in corporate finance course)
That verbal is pretty low (60th percentile). I would retake and aim for at least the 80th percentile if you're shooting for LSE.
Thank you for comment. do they really care about verbal section? or just overall score is important? And what if I take GRE instead? I can take 170 on Quantitative but I'm sure verbal will be low again.
I think most programs put more value on the Quantitative section, but your Verbal score might be low enough to raise some concerns.
If you put in an hour a day for a month you should be able to raise that Verbal score pretty easily, so why not? I used the Manhattan GMAT books and went from a 34 to a 40.
yes it's possible, but i'm worried about availability of program. Latest update shows it's still open, but who knows about next month?! I wanna take GRE or GMAT in first possible date. Is any chance that my application be considered if i apply on March?
gmat score for getting into MSc in Finance/Finance and Private Equity at LSE (Originally Posted: 10/09/2014)
Hi guys, looking for some expert opinions here.
I wrote the GMAT with little preparation and got a 710 total with 58th percentile in quants (44) and 96th percentile in verbal (42). What I am worried about is the quant score, since it's a quantitative program.
I am wondering if this will be enough to get into LSE MSc in Finance/Finance and PE given that everything else on my profile is good? (top BSc grades, IB boutique + Top 3 management consulting internships, LSE Summer School with top grades...)
I will redo the GMAT if I really have to but I am a bit short on time and VERY much like to avoid that. Anyone who has more experience of applying to these programs?
Thanks in advance guys!
bump
710 should be fine
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