MS programs and qualifications

I struck out this year for full time recruitment, was prepped for finance, did not get many 1st rounds, poor networking landed me interviews at mid-tier consulting firms, lack of case practice killed me for the few 2nd rounds I got.

Looking for something to do for the next 1-2 years that will make me a more attractive hire for ib/eq research/mc. Mainly been looking into MSF/QF programs. Am a little concerned about the lack of focus on hard skills in most MSF programs. Also thought about MS in computer science programs to diversify my academic background and I don't mind doing something unrelated to finance/mc if it sets me up for an MBA later to change career tracks.

Was wondering what tier schools/programs I should aim for with this profile:

US top 10 school for UG
Majors in Math and Econ w/ focus in fin econ
3.3 GPA,
GRE: 162V, 169Q, 4.5A
Had one 'relevant' summer internship in finance at a bb wm group. Was not too rigorous or analytical,
Not great ECs in school, two leadership positions

Thoughts?

3 Comments
 

That's a pretty solid GRE score, especially the quant. If your UG is a top ten school, I'd imagine you'd be pretty competitive at the top programs like a Vandy, WUSTL, Claremont, Duke, and UVA. With that quant score, you may even think about MIT as a reach.

 

MS students are largely cash cows for universities so don't be intimidated by the top schools. You should be competitive for pretty much anywhere.

 
Best Response

Voluptas vitae iusto qui sint. Voluptas tempore qui nisi molestias. Optio aperiam sint est nihil sint unde beatae saepe. Sunt laboriosam dolorem hic recusandae et quia sequi.

'Before you enter... be willing to pay the price'

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (47) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (74) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
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...”