London IBD/Fin. Restructuring – LSE Law and Accounting vs IE vs ESCP

Hey guys,

I just wanted to ask for some opinions and hints here. My goal is to work for a financial restructuring firm post grad (or IBD if that does not work out). To my best knowledge, HL and PJT are the only ones recruiting directly on FT RX positions. Unfortunately, I did not (and will not) find time to take the GMAT.

The programs I am admitted to, though not the best, are:

ESCP Europe – Grande Ecole / Master in Management (MFin is post-exp)
IE Madrid – Master in Management (MFin requires GMAT)
LSE – Law and Accounting (all Finance Masters (and the MIM) require a GMAT)

My background: Target BS in Germany (though unrecognized in London), M&A internship at Big4, LevFin internship at Tier 2.

I have to say that the program at LSE appeals very much to me. In general, one can take classes from the MFin program (e.g. Applied Corporate Finance). In addition, the curriculum includes classes on Insolvency Law and Valuation and Security Analysis. Core courses are somewhat similar to the MSc Acc and Fin (Topics in Financial Reporting and Corporate Financial Disclosure). Moreover, its "the LSE" having, in general, clear advantages in terms of network, reputation, and location.

However, Law and Accounting at LSE is not a flagship program (though 12k GBP cheaper), while the MiM programs at IE and ESCP are ranked third and sixth globally, respectively. How would you actually compare these two? ESCP seems to be more established and to have the greater network, especially in London. On the other hand, IE seems to me a little bit more prestigious?

Would you rather suggest me to go for 2-year master programs so that I can apply for SA positions at Tier 1 first, before I apply as FT?

Any thoughts/tips?

Thank you! Cheers!