LBS MFA and LSE MSF profile review

Hi all,

Posted a similar question in another website but posting here too with some edits.

I am interested in applying for the **LBS MFA **or **LSE MSF **program but am unsure about my odds.

Some background: I graduated from the University of London International Programme (Accounting & Finance) in May 2018 with First Class Honors. Almost all my modules had First Class Grades but i unfortunately have 1 fail (Financial Management). If i have to give a reason, I would say it was because I was doing a full time audit internship with one of the Big 4 while having classes at the same time, so failing one module was my choice as I wanted to focus on getting First Class for the other modules (I did). I did not participate in other extra co-curricular activities throughout my university life.

Currently I am working in audit at one of the big 4, but I am looking to get into a top tier masters programme (LBS,LSE etc) as i feel that it would help open up more career opportunities. I want to "rebrand" myself and I think that doing a masters a top school will surely help.

Anyway, I have a couple of questions i hope you guys can help with:

1. I know that for LBS MFA, CFA level 1 can be substituted for the Gmat. I have done neither, but will do one of them. Do you think I should go for the Gmat or CFA Level 1? I am inclined towards the CFA as I'd rather learn something in the process, than revisit math that I will never use again, also the CFA might also open some opportunities for me. Of course if i do go down the cfa route, my aim would be to complete the whole thing eventually and not just level 1. My worry about doing the Gmat is that my time would be wasted if i score well but still fail to get into the masters programme. However, if i sit for the CFA level 1 in Dec 2019, the results will only be out mid January 2020, which would be somewhere in the middle of the application timeline for the MFA. If i do the Gmat then my plan will be to take it in Nov/Dec as i need some time to study. I know that admission gets more competitive as the deadline approaches, hence my dilemma. I can only focus on either the Gmat or CFA level 1 as my working hours are sometimes quite long. So do you think I should take the Gmat or CFA level 1?

2. Am i aiming too high? I have seen the backgrounds of people who did the LBS MFA and LSE MSF programmes and was wondering if I even stand a chance given my background. Is there anything I can do to improve my chances?

3. Do you guys know how strict LBS is on the 1-2 year work experience "limit" criteria for the MFA? I am nearing 1 year of work experience, I initially hoped to wait one more year before applying but am unsure on how much that would hurt my chances.

I know that LSE does not require me to take the GMAT as my degree is a UK degree. However, given the fact that i failed a module, should I take the GMAT? As above, my preference is to take the CFA level 1 instead, will that be enough?

Thank you in advance.