Is it possible to get admitted to a top MiF with a 2.5 GPA from a non-target school?

I'm pursuing a MiF in Europe at one of these top schools:

Oxford
HEC Paris
LBS
Cambridge
ESSEC
LSE
Imperial College
University of St. Gallen
Erasmus (ESE)
 

Here is my case: I studied Chemical Engineering at one of Brazil's top schools and graduated with a 2.5 GPA. Besides that, I'm a second-year investment banking analyst, have passed CFA Level 2 (just sat for Level 3 this Sunday), and I believe I can achieve a GMAT score of 720 by the Round 3 deadline (mid-March).

I'd like to know if I have any chance of being accepted for the 2025 intake, considering the high cost of coaching and application fees. What are my real odds of getting into the Fall 2025 intake? Should I wait and apply for Fall 2026 in Round 1 instead?

6 Comments
 

Even in a stem discipline, it does seem low. But a high GMAT, some good work experience, and CFA you have the chance to tell your story. 

LBS you can only be max 2 years from your undergrad, FYI. Depending on where you are in your 2nd year of work, you might be as well off waiting another year and trying to pursue an MBA. Late in this application cycle, I wouldnt use any coaching services etc. Just fire the applications and see how you land. 

 

UK schools usually have a strict 3.0+ GPA rule so there is a good chance they will pass. But the rest of the schools seem achievable, especially if you’ve get a 720+ GMAT. IB experience is also +. If you also have any international experience and you're solid in interviews, you’ve definitely got a shot. Just move and apply fast bec most rounds are wrapping up for international applicants because of visa timelines.

 

Ullam amet eveniet dolor distinctio eos et fugit. Ipsam illo incidunt voluptatem tempora reiciendis. Enim dolorum delectus aut nobis libero et. Quia hic placeat impedit harum illum. Necessitatibus harum veritatis molestiae. Dignissimos quibusdam voluptas aut distinctio minus quidem. Id veritatis et incidunt ad veritatis fugiat debitis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”