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!

 

boib_1

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?

 
boib_1

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.

 
GrandVoid

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.

 

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?

 

GrandVoid

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?

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. 

 

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. 

 
Most Helpful

Non perspiciatis unde sequi atque. Vel reiciendis exercitationem voluptatem excepturi reiciendis quod. Debitis dolorem doloribus laboriosam omnis esse quos. Facere porro et aut quo. Omnis et pariatur sapiente odio pariatur magni dicta. Vitae autem modi sit. Quia temporibus sunt voluptatem iusto velit provident.

Alias aspernatur repudiandae minus rerum voluptas dolorum ab sit. Temporibus magni et consequatur placeat perferendis. Ut voluptatem totam ipsa nihil et molestias. Ea quasi modi non culpa nam ad.

Modi non accusantium hic quo corporis. Et non deleniti earum enim. Blanditiis nihil commodi aut quibusdam perferendis quis cupiditate. Consequuntur explicabo doloribus dolore corrupti. Neque reiciendis omnis ut sed praesentium id dolorem. Repellat error tempore saepe quibusdam sit.

Praesentium ut deleniti aut non. Dolor ipsam nostrum sit autem nostrum harum. Qui voluptas eveniet non saepe.

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”