Lse Msc in Finance - entry requirements and alternatives
Hello everyone,
I'll cut straight to the point. I earned my Bachelor's degree with a 3.3 GPA from Bocconi, and my GMAT score stands at 700.
I won't make excuses for my low GPA, even though I faced various challenges during my undergraduate years. However, I'm determined to put in the effort now and aim for an outstanding MSc.
In my senior year, I completed a 9-month internship at a boutique investment bank in Milan. I was offered a full-time position but chose to decline it in favor of pursuing further studies. Additionally, I played a pivotal role in a finance student association during my time at Bocconi. My deep interest in economics and finance truly blossomed during my last year. I believe in my abilities, and lately, I've started being brutally honest with myself.
I was admitted to ESCP MiM but decided to resign because it wasn't the right fit for me.
Given my circumstances, I have a few questions:
- Is it worth applying to LSE, or should I consider alternative MSc programs due to my low GPA?
- How can I strengthen my application and make up for my GPA shortfall?
- Are there other universities or programs you recommend I explore?
I appreciate any advice or insights you can provide. Furthermore, I wanted to mention that I've decided to take a gap year to apply to master's programs and gain valuable experience. During this year, I plan to undertake an internship in the field of investment banking to further enhance my qualifications.
Thx in advance
I would say it's going to be really hard to get admitted to LSE because UK universities care a lot about GPA, even though your GMAT is 700, there's gonna be a lot of international students with higher GPA applying to LSE with a similar GMAT score, so it's going to be difficult for you stand out, and LSE already has a very low acceptance rate. You can still try to apply but the odds are against you. Maybe you can try apply to HEC Paris, ESSEC, IE university and ESADE.
if you want me to be honest, If I were in your shoes, I would just start working straight away at a boutique investment bank in Milan since you already have done an internship, I wouldn't spend a lot of money and plus time just to get a masters degree when I already can work at an investment bank.
I really can't see the point in applying to lesser universities especially after refusing the ESCP Mim offer... except for the HEC Mim.
Do you feel like trying to get an higher score in the GMAT would improve my chances (like getting for example a 730 score)?
The ratio behind applying to LSE was to improve my chances in breaking directly into a BB, without risking getting stuck in a Milanese boutique for god knows how long.
Btw Good Luck with the Bocconi admission!
Maybe you can try to apply for less competitive programs at LSE, then you may have a chance. Basically, just using the brand name of LSE to get you a job in London in the IBD plus the work experience you already have. From what I have seen in the UK especially in the IBD, the program itself does not matter much compared to which school you went to. I have seen people with history degree and philosophy degree from Oxford university working in IB (Which seems ridiculous to me). But yeah, if you really want to target London, LSE brand will definitely help a lot regardless of which program you choose. Hope this helps.
IE and ESADE F***** joke
incredibly controversial topic for some reason but IE at least has good if not great placements at EU consulting and accounting. Just look at all of the alumni working at big 4 firms on Linkedin, definitely a target for EU placements. However, its not competitive at all for London, there is a decent amount of crossover to the US though.
You can always try or go for less popular courses at LSE. But it might be difficult.
The same goes for other Tier 1 finance courses in Europe. Median GMAT at HEC MiF is 710. At HSG MBF it is 730.
You might want to try other universities with lower entry requirements. ESSEC, ESADE, IE...
What about LBS? I've heard that the Mim selection is easier if you have a good GMAT and a not so "stellar" GPA
Last time I checked it was 690!
I want to ask - LSE requires a 108/110 minimum to apply. Can you get that with your 3.3 gpa?
No, i can’t. Btw they don’t “require” it formally, they state that “you should normally have” a 106 as “voto di laurea”. Basically if you have less than 106 it’s very difficult to be considered, but it’s not impossible.
It is listed as a "requirement" with them stating that most candidates get a 1:1 (so 110L/110). Have you talked with LSE about this? It would be a waste of money if you apply but lack the requirements.
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