Msf/Mfin ultralow GPA, possible?

Never

For a Master in Finance ? You need a 3.0 GPA upwards

http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/11-months-till-graduation-need-so…

Mine was a 2.3 also, out of undergrad. Tiny liberal arts dump.

I got into the MSF at UIUC because they only use the most recent 2years worth of transcripts for their admissions process. They dont even consider anything from freshman and sophmore year. Lucky for me, because I averaged something in the 1's over my first two years.

A 2.3 will hurt you, but if your finance/math GPA is higher make sure you emphasize that. You HAVE to knock the GMAT out of the park. Also, make sure you have at least one finance internship under your belt.

MSF programs like to increase their GPA and GMAT average. If you can bump the GMAT average most programs will offset your GPA with another student. The killer is when you have a low GPA and GMAT.

When applying to programs, cast a wide net. The main programs get a lot of applicants so you might not get in to them, but there are dozens of US programs that are lesser well known and would be more willing to take a shot on you. The school name matters some, but you need to focus on improving your GPA.

What ANT said.

I can't stress the utility of the UIUC MSF program enough. Its definitely not a top school or top program, but holy shit...the networking opportunities are endless. UIUC has pumped out so many undergrads/MBAs that are in high places in Chicago, its pretty much impossible to not get in contact with them.

I just completed the MSF a month ago. My only regret is that I didn't come to UIUC for undergrad. Its borderline impossible to come out of this school without a job(unless you are international). The grade inflation is ridiculous. The alums wanna help. The professors in the program have industry experience/contacts. And finally, the top shops in chicago absolutely love UIUC and U of Chicago. They pretty much do all of their recruiting from these two schools.

I was able to do 3 co-ops at 3 different places during my 12months in the MSF, simply because the MDs/principals were alumni.

Thanks for all the information guys!

@ANT, Do you have any programs you think I'd have a chance for? I've read many of your other posts and I recall you mentioning the program is regional - should I apply to north eastern schools or set my sights elsewhere? Do you have a list of schools you think I should try? I believe I have the gumption to score a 700+, is that sufficient, or do you think I need a higher score to offset my GPA?

I currently have had an internship at a conglomerate in accounting, and an unpaid one in a small small houston hedge fund - is that sufficient? I heard somewhere that for an MBA I shouldn't mention the hedge fund exp, is that true here too? And if I did some work for an RIA, should I include that?

@ Cries, I hear you regarding UIUC - but my my freshman GPA was 3.5, and my senior GPA was low 3s, it's the in between that kills me - although sophmore year was the worse.

I see what you are saying regarding the bringing up the GPA using the Msf - that was my plan too. Considering the proximate location of UIUC, are you on the east coast? I hear the GRE is easier than the GMAT, but I was kind of looking forward to the challenge.

I'm PMing you now.