MSF Chances in California (Non-Target 3.0 GPA, Econ Major)

Hello,

I am contemplating different strategies of breaking into ER after working in a back office role for a year after undergrad. MSF programs for the year have already started so my best hope would be to apply for next summer. I am located in soCal and have been thinking of applying to USC, UCI (new program), and UCR. What are my chances of getting into USC if I do great on the GMAT (740+), along with a possible CFA level 1, and shitty 2 year BO experience? Or should I forget about USC and apply to UCI/UCR? How relevant would MSF ranking be if I don't have any experience in investing (Unless I can get an internship during the MSF)? Thank you for the help.

5 Comments
 

check admitted student profile - why would you ask it here

For USC, in general you'd be OK given your assumptions

[quote="M7 MBA, iBanking. Top MSF grad. AntiTNA. Truth is hard to hear! But... "] [/quote] [quote="DickFuld: Yeah....most of these people give terrible advice."] [/quote]
 

The GPA will make it tough. If you do very well on the GMAT you should be fine though. Definitely apple.

The other programs shouldn't be an issue.

 

In eligendi dolor sed impedit autem. Nemo neque reiciendis aut perferendis. Non impedit eius quam qui quia. Quidem similique dolorum veritatis. Molestias ut soluta enim laudantium.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”