MSF to IB timing confusion and potential programs

Hi, I'm a current junior in the US. My undergrad degree is in an engineering field (similar to industrial engineering/management), and I'm now very set on pursuing an MSF to be able to recruit for IB. I have two main questions:

  1. Outside of MIT Princeton and Vandy, are there any other schools that are seen as at least semi-targets for BB/MM? I've seen Georgetown and UT floated around, and something like a tier list would be appreciated.
  2. I think this is the more complicated question: I graduate in Spring 2027 and would be targeting Summer 2027 analyst roles, but MSF applications aren’t due until around January 2027, and decisions are released around March. Since IB recruiting starts earlier (Fall 2026), is it standard to recruit without MSF admission in hand? How should this be communicated to recruiters while networking and interviewing (e.g. “MSF applications in progress / Fall 2027 matriculation planned”)?
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