Princeton vs. LSE Masters in Finance. Please help x
Princeton vs. LSE Masters in Finance
hey, i've been admitted to princeton and LSE master in finance. i'm struggling to split the two and wondered if people thought one was better or whether one was held in higher regard by banks/hedge funds?
thanks in advance. am finding this decision really hard
x
Congrats! Two great programs. But go w/ Princeton. it's much more difficult to get into and has better recruiting. But the only caveat is that if you want to work in London, then I say go w/ LSE for obvious reasons.
the MFin at LSE is not as you characterized it it is not for young graduates aiming for top PhD programs, but rather people who are looking for a rebranding, hoping to break into either investment banking or sales and trading
in other words, it's just as professionally oriented as the MIT program, perhaps even more honestly dude, application fees aren't THAT expensive you don't even know if you could get into any of these programs, so you should really apply first, see where you get in, then ask opinions on where you should go
Thoughts on MFin: Princeton, MIT, LSE (Originally Posted: 01/25/2014)
I am considering applying for these programs (for LSE I'm thinking about MSc Finance & Econ) as I am weighing my next career steps, and I'd appreciate help in figuring out if any and which of these might help me in progressing towards my goals. Note: I am listing options but not discussing chances of getting in here (because all of them seem in principle feasible to me, and if I don't get in somewhere, I'll have to change plans anyway). Thoughts on this aspect are welcome anyhow.
My background: 27, currently working at the Central Bank in my country (developed, non US) in Macro Risk Analysis. Graduated from local target here (4.0), currently also enrolled in a PhD Finance program (employer tolerates) at local semi-target, planning to graduate in 2-3y
My goals: Generally, I like my current field and could imagine sticking around for a longer time, moving up the ladder at my current place, on to similar public sector type institutions (eg IMF), or (somewhat less preferred) to related roles in the private sector (eg strategic risk management or consulting). Also, I like being involved with the academic world, though I'm happy doing it through occasional publications as an analyst rather than as a full-time researcher (wouldn't mind being a professor with lots of free time, though ;)). I also have the idea in the back of my head of managing my own portfolio in order to build some wealth (which is otherwise difficult on public sector salaries) - I am toying with trading algorithms and macro-based asset allocation and chatting with friends who have set up algo funds.
How an MFin at Princeton/MIT/LSE might help: In the public sector and the academic world, the pedigree of such an institution would be a big benefit career-wise, and the extra-skills very useful as well (in the private sector it won't hurt neither). For my academic work, I could benefit significantly from the theoretical classes and from exposure to leading scholars in my field. Also, I should be able to use the time in the Master's to progress towards graduation in my PhD as well (in fact, I think I'll have to ask for at least a 6m leave anyway in order to graduate). For my investments, the network of those schools may also be very interesting, as well as certain electives in those areas.
Alternatives: - Stick where I am: work exp + PhD should in principle be sufficient to help me achieve goals - MBA/MPA/other professional degree: will help for career advancement but less for research. My hope is that I can strike a good balance between career advancement and research skills through an MFin with good quant/theoretical courses. This is also why I haven't yet considered LBS or other more professional MFin programs, but open for suggestions - Top PhD program: would help the most career-wise in the public sector, but really unsure about the heavy time-committment
Points to consider: - I am unsure how much debt I'm prepared to take on for a master's, particularly given that I see it only as a help but not absolutely necessary for achieving my goals. Tbh, any tuition above 30k will be a heavy lift for me (after factoring in other expenses). If I have to pay 100k+ on my own, this would practically rule out the public sector at least for some years, interfering with my goal of progressing there - I'd rather work in my region than the US after graduation, despite salaries being lower here (another concern for tuition) - Generally, I really like the idea of taking a break from my job for a year or two to return to school while I'm still young enough. I have a slight preference for a 1-year program because of money and time, but the summer internship at 2-year program (eg at macro and or algo HF) might also be interesting.
Points about the specific programs: - Princeton: 2-year, 84k total tuition. Faculty for my specific field is imho the best of the three schools. Program seems to be nice mix of quantitative theoretical courses and interesting electives (basically, an MFE-style program, so also interesting for ivestment) - MIT: 1-year, 74k. Imho best general reputation of the 3 schools, which matters to me (as I'd like to leverage it for career progression). Program seems to be slightly more professionally oriented (less interesting for my research), though very interesting elective. Excellent faculty, though not exactly my research field - LSE: 1y, 23k £. Most theoretical program (interesting for research, less interesting for private sector and investment). Seems to be geared towards young graduates aiming for top PhD program. Cheapest, though probably least scholarships available. Generally would prefer US masters
Any thoughts or ideas on what you think might the most sensible next step for me to consider are welcome! And thanks for reading such a long post :)
I think both are amazing, but I would pick Princeton personally.
first of all congrats on your acceptance... don't mean to hijack but do you mind sharing your stats?
Princeton hands down, much better recruting set up, amazing univ. and better pedigree for america, however, working in lond or europe, lse might have better connections
USA USA
I am from london and want to work there, at least for the near future.
Does that change the fact that princeton seems to have a bit better rep?
J x
not really used to these boards but guess this is what you want...
liberal arts major at oxford worked at oil and gas major, private equity firm, working in sales and trading at BB this summer 740 gmat
If you are dead set on working in London then you should probably go to LSE because firms aren't going to want to fly you back to London for an interview when they have a million kids in their backyard to choose from already.
That aside, it's not even close, Princeton is far better, it will be better for you in every conceivable way EXCEPT for working in London right away.
Really it's up to what your priorities are. Hope this helps.
Princeton for sure. LSE is a degree factory.
I have visited the Princeton campus as well as that of the LSE. 1st: LSE doesn't even have a campus as such; Ive been on an exchange prog at LSE, it is a quality uni with many brillant minds but still lags behind Princeton.
In addition to a perfect academic setting, Princeton offers the brand name! I know many of the major firms, inclusing GS and MS strongly favour Princeton candidates. It is not exactly the same thing for LSE
So I'd go to princeton if I were you
Both are good schools; Princeton is the clear winner in terms of placement at the NY BBs.
Start studying up on 'yer math! It's a tough, quantitative program.
Do a lot of companies come to Princeton's campus specifically for masters in finance students? I heard they got a new recruiter who has had a hard time placing students.
Ms. Collins strikes me as a very smart lady who's a shrewd salesperson. If she's having trouble, I would chalk it up to the recession more than anything else. That said, I think Princeton has fared better than most MFE programs, though part of it has to do with a reduced class size.
go to princeton
This thread is like 4 years old. He really needed your advice now.
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