MS Finance Profile Evalution
Hello everyone, I am planning on applying to MSF Programs for Fall 2024 admission. I would really appreciate any feedback that anyone could provide on my chances and how I could strengthen my application. I am primarily concerned that my low GPA will hurt my chances, particularly at the European schools that tend to have GPA cutoffs.
Age: 25
Undergrad: BS in Applied Math from Ivy League University (GPA: 3.15)
Work Experience: 5 years of managing an investment fund that is now just shy of $1 million. Annual compounded return of 25%.
Relevant Details: Passed CFA® Level 3 (passed all levels on first attempts -> Don't know if this will sound impressive or arrogant). Completed Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA®) certification.
GMAT: 770 (51Q, 42V)
US Schools: Vanderbilt, WUSTL, UT Austin, USC, UIUC
European Schools: LBS, LSE, Insead, Bocconi, IE, ESSEC
Post MSF Goal: Enter Investment Banking before moving to HF/MF. Long term goal is to be a portfolio manager.
Reasons for MSF: Get back into the recruiting pipeline for jobs, Solidify the skills I developed completing the CFA exams.
Thank you for your time and advice.
Hey, former MSF student here. Not one of the schools you mentioned, but still in IB so likely will be relevant to you. At 25, with a 5 years of experience, why are you not going for an MBA? Especially coming from an Ivy league school?Despite your GPA, and given your certifications, experience and GMAT score, the MSF is not going to get you what you want. People typically use an MSF to get into analyst programs after going to less noticeable undergrads or underperforming in undergrad. Unless you want to start as an An1, I would heavily consider pursuing an MBA. Your age, background, undergrad institution, certifications and scores make you overqualified by a long shot for an MSF. Unless you are severely socially stunted or have some red flag (i.e. committed a crime) yes, even with your GPA you’d likely get into every US MSF program there (can’t speak to Europe as well). That being said, it will be difficult for you to recruit for associate positions from an MSF program. The MSF is just not as respected as an MBA in the states (more so in European countries but not sure where you want to work) and pursuing one just seems silly in your position. Dive head first, go get an MBA if you really want to go back to school and don’t waste your time with an MSF.
Thanks for your advice, ilovethefed. I appreciate the timely response.
I considered an MBA as well but the investment fund I am managing consists only of money from friends and family. I started the fund during college and continued it when COVID happened the year I graduated. I spent the following 3 years (during COVID) growing the fund to its current level while pursuing the CFA. Since it is not an official job but more of a self-employed position, I don't if it would suffice for an MBA.
So I think you should definitely still shoot for an MBA (except you still haven't shared the full story). MBA programs pride themselves in having a pretty diverse class especially regarding work experience.
I think it's all about how you tell your story. Your profile is pretty impressive, you just have to be confident in your experience and highlight your achievement properly. 25% is really good too.
It'll be almost impossible to recruit for associate positions with MSF. Don't give up on being admitted to the MBA without even trying.
Apply to top MBA Programs and hedge your bets by applying to some MSF programs.
Good luck!
With your profile aim for LBS, if not then sadly go to LSE.
Don't you need at minimum the equivalent of a 2:1 for LBS and LSE?
normally yes :)
but a 3.15 can be enough with a solid GMAT :)
Do you know someone who was admitted without a 2:1 equivalent? It says "Minimum entry requirement" on the LSE website. Doesn't sound like they make exceptions. I think it would be better since it doesn't make sense to have the same minimum GPA for someone who studied math and someone who studied business but it doesn't seem to be set up that way.
This is exactly my biggest concern. If they can consider profile, I am sure my high GMAT and CFA progress would make me a strong contender. But if they throw out application once they see the GPA. then there is nothing I can do.
I think Bocconi doesn't have a GPA stated in their requirements so you should have a good shot there.
If you go down the MSF/MBA route, just set up calls with the admissions people and explain the GPA. Like applying for jobs, you need to actually talk to them and not just send an application into the abyss.
>3.0 in applied math with CFA is strong.
Considering your GMAT and pro experience, I think that your concern is more about MSF vs MBA than if your are going to be accepted somewhere. Regarding the large pool of schools your are looking for, you probably have like 99.9% chance of getting an offer at at least one of them
WUSTL's MSF placements have collapsed. They haven't bothered to publish them since 2021. The Corp Fin track places like 50.0% of the grads with a median starting salary of $36K. "Retail" is listed as an exit. Imagine paying ~$90K for an MSF and ending up in "retail." The MSF program, in general, seems to have lost its utility over the past 5-8 years or so.
Thank you for suggestions, everyone.
I have also heard about WUSTL's plight and it is something I should consider.
I myself would prefer to do an MBA over an MSF as well. But I really want to go to a top 20 MBA in the world and I think my unstructured work experience would knock me out of the race.
So my plan is to do an MSF, work for a few years, and then apply to MBA programs with a stronger application.
But there are some opinions on the forum that my small fund is not a liability as I am thinking. Do you guys agree as well?
You're a T15 MBA candidate easily. Do not apply to an MSF. Cornell Johnson would be your safety lol. Start reading up on the Wharton application.
That's a terrible idea. You don't need two graduate degrees in business/finance. Your WE is fine; MBA apps are down and these programs are less selective than you think. Apply to MBAs.
EDIT: I just reread your profile and I'm shocked. You're easily an M7 candidate. You just need to get your story right. You can present/turn your WE into a highlight.
An MSF would be the worst financial and career decision you could make.
It sounds like you really need to just network to land a gig. You’re also a good MBA candidate, so if you need to continue collecting accolades, roll with that. Your only work experience is managing friends and family money?
I graduated in 2020 when Covid led to college closing down. Since the economy was looking uncertain, I decided to use the time to manage my fund and complete the CFA exams. I just passed level 3 last week. Therefore, the fund is my only work experience.
I am looking for a way forward to enter the IB/ER but most firms are only hiring from universities. So I am considering MBA/MSF/MiM programs.
I am interested to hear your thoughts about this situation.
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