Need Advice - Vandy and other Top MSF for IB
Hi all, I'm a rising junior possessing a 3.75 GPA double majoring in finance and Econ at a top state school in NJ and will graduate in Dec 2022. I am new to to IB recruiting and have been leaning towards the MSF path to break into an EB or BB.
Here's a bit of my situation - before attending my current school, I attended CC for three years (due to going through a severe depression). I took 2-4 classes per semester my first and second year (dropped some my first year.) I had a 2.4 my first year but got my shit together, got help, and retook a few classes I got a C on and finished my time there with a 3.3 GPA. I transferred into my current uni on a full-ride scholarship. During this time is where I developed my love and interest in finance and economics.
Outside of school, I am in MLT and SEO, and doing my first real internship at a search fund.
Here is sort of my plan:
Network my way into a winter and summer internship at a boutique IB or PE firm around my area (NY/NJ area) to gain more experience to add to my CV.
Purchase the GMAT prep books and start studying for the GMAT ASAP to better my chances of getting a score of a 700+.
My questions are:
-
Will it be an issue that I finished CC with a 3.3 and that it will take me 5 1/2 years in total to get my bachelor's?
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What other things should I do to better my chances of getting into these top programs?
I am looking forward to your responses!
EDIT: during my time at CC, I got a B in financial accounting, B - in calc 1, and a B - in Intro to Macro. I got all A's and B+ for my business classes in CC. Will this be an issue?
Bump
As long as you have a good GMAT score and your GPA now is outstanding, that is fine. It is upward trending, and that is what they will look at. I don't think the "5 1/2" years will be an issue since it takes some people longer/quicker than others. It does not mean you are at a disadvantage. Plus you have a story going for it.
Something else you could do to offset is re-take some of those classes that you did bad in. ONLY if they were quant classes. Like did you get a low grade on Calc/Stats? That's the only thing you could really re-take and show that you can do better.
Also, something I advise students is to think of long-term. You want to go for an MSF, enter IB, what then? Is IB your plan forever? Is there a Plan B? Any further studies like an MBA? Something you can do is think of 2+2 MBA programs as well. Give your GMAT, be involved in college and community service and apply. This means that when you complete your undergrad and start working (no matter where that is), you are guaranteed an MBA spot 2-3 years later. You can also pursue IB then and use that to start as an IB Associate instead of IB Analyst. You just need to find a good job after your bachelors (doesn't necessarily have to be IB).
Thanks so much for the insight! I got an A - in stats and a B - in calc while in CC during the first summer of the pandemic. I'll def see if I can retake it. If I can't, will my grade be an issue? I plan on doing IB for 2-3 years and then break into PE.
I don't think that is something you need to re-take. I only suggested if you got a C or a D in those classes, but aside from that you are fine. In general, your stats should be similar to the class profile. If you have a low GMAT, high GPA offsets it and vice versa. Remember this will get your application looked at and your essays/LoRs will do the rest. At this point, focus as much as possible on the GMAT and smash it out of the park.
For GMAT - Study for 1 week to give yourself a general overview of what GMAT consists of (Youtube videos, BeattheGMAT, GMATClub). Give a mock test from GMAC (first 2 are free, but only use one! these are official mocks, so don't waste them since you can only get 6 max) and see how well you do and where you lack. Focus on the things that you scored on/struggled. If you completely lack the foundation, I highly recommend TTP (target test prep) for quant/verbal. It will take forever to complete but you will be in a good condition to get a 700+. Also don't go straight to official guides. I see a lot of people making this mistake. Learn, build your foundation, than go to official guide. If you have no clue about GMAT and the content, you will be wasting official questions away.
Your goals of Bachelors -> Masters -> IB -> PE is very common and hard to achieve due to the competitiveness. From here on out focus on school, GMAT, and start building on your IB/Msc network. Once you get to IB build on your PE network.
Good luck!
Isn’t starting IB as an associate usually more of an IB career path than starting IB as an analyst?
Thank you so much! I appreciate you taking the time in writing all of this.
Some book recommendations:
Feeling Good
Stoicism
Man’s Search for Meaning
Best of luck
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