8 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, both LBS (MFA) and HEC (MiF) place significant emphasis on the overall profile of the candidate, which includes academic performance, GMAT/GRE scores, work experience, and extracurriculars. While coming from a very non-target UK university might not be ideal, it is not necessarily a dealbreaker.

Admissions committees at these schools are known to evaluate candidates holistically. If you can demonstrate strong academic performance (e.g., a high GPA), a competitive GMAT/GRE score, and relevant work experience or internships, you can still be a strong candidate. Additionally, crafting a compelling personal statement and showcasing your motivation and career goals can help offset the perceived disadvantage of attending a non-target undergrad institution.

In summary, while the name of your undergraduate university might play a role, it is not the sole determinant. Strengthening other aspects of your application can significantly improve your chances.

Sources: LBS MiM / LSE Global MiM / HEC-Yale M2M, UK TARGET SCHOOLS TIER LIST 2020, Best non-UK university for London IBD, 2018 UK Target Uni - MSc - for FO jobs: put your POV

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

What if I have a first class honours (75%+), 700+ GMAT, speak 3 languages, 3 month finance internship in an export and import company, a 3 month m&a internship at the biggest bank in my home country and a 6 month off-cycle m&a internship at Société Générale in my home country (not eu office). Will my undergrad university still affect my chances of getting in? 

 

Basically every EU applicant has all of these, + a better undergrad uni. It's still worth applying, worst case you lose the application fee. 

 

LebanonJordan

What if I have a first class honours (75%+), 700+ GMAT, speak 3 languages, 3 month finance internship in an export and import company, a 3 month m&a internship at the biggest bank in my home country and a 6 month off-cycle m&a internship at Société Générale in my home country (not eu office). Will my undergrad university still affect my chances of getting in? 

Once you get enough work exp, it shouldn't really. 

I know people from non-targets with GS / MS / JPM IBD who managed to get into business school and v.v. 

Having SocGen is probably going to put you up there as well for a shot. 

It really depends on the interview stage and how you put yourself across. 

 

Commenting strictly on LBS, if you go look at the people on linkedin, i would argue no...being a nontarget school in the UK has someone beat from jesus and mary college new delhi (real candidate, imo). 

Anyways ---- the application is supposed to be holistic... gmat score, gpa, work experience, extracurricular etc all count. 

 

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