Profile Evaluation For MSc Finance
I understand that this is a recurring topic, but after doing some research, I am still not confident about my decision on which schools to apply for MSc Finance. I mainly target second-tier b-schools but still want to know if I have any chance is better universities (for my calibre). I would really appreciate it if you guys could give me some advice!
My Profile:
Age: 21 (Expected graduation date = Jun 2022)
Coming from: Hong Kong
GPA: 3.28/4.0 (Expected) in CUHK (~top 3 local university with a world ranking around #40) , but the thing is: The honor of my school grades on a curved system within my degree, and I am pretty sure that I can only graduate with a 2:2 due to intense competition.
Work Experience: Summer equity research Internship @ mid-cap local brokerage firm, winter research internship at @ big 4, planning to find more internships before I graduate.
Qualifications: GMAT = 700, CFA L1 Passed
Extracurriculars: Regional Chess Go player, college table tennis team member, community service director at college club, student ambassador of college faculty, one-year exchange in the UK
Schools I am Planning to Apply to:
US: Vanderbilt, Illinois, Boston College, Texas McCombs, Rochester, Maryland, Ohio etc.
UK: Warwick, Cass, Edinburgh, Henley
Europe: ESSEC, ECEP, ESADE, EDHEC, SKEMA, IE, Nova, Bocconi, FSFM etc.
I am determined to break into banking but I have started a bit too late (didn't work hard in my first and second year of undergraduate). With that said, I have gradually developed interest in the market. During my free time, I learned building financial models and I have created a few models for different stocks in Hong Kong in my free time.
I think my weakness lies on my GPA (3.28 and a possible 2:2), really did screw it up in my freshman year. I hope to score better in my GMAT in the future to make up for my GPA. I don't any preference for location/budget. Any advices? Thanks in advance!
I was admitted to LBS recently.
The only real problem are your grades. a 2:2 is seen quite poor in the UK even though it doesn't tell your full story (different grading system). But then, the fact that you managed to pass CFA L1 & 700 GMAT shows that you aren't actually bad academically. This, in a way, balances things out so you definitely have a strong chance for the programs I list below.
I'd try speculative apps to top schools too. You might get lucky if your essays are strong. 3.28/4.00 isn't that bad considering it's from a top university. Better than 2.1 from random world 800-1000 uni.
RE: US - Your options seem very weak. Don't bother going to programs where at least 30% don't get into a sector you want. Arguably the most important thing for you is the employment report. If they are hiding it, there's probably a reason. Download the employment reports of the universities you are considering and compare them. A few schools will eventually become your ultimate goal - reach out to alumni and speak to them. It will make your essays stronger.
Schools I would apply to if I were you:
US: cant comment
UK: Warwick, Cass, Edinburgh, Imperial, Durham (?)
Europe: ESSEC, ESADE, EDHEC, IE, Nova, Bocconi
Speculative apps: LSE, LBS, HEC Paris. What's the worst thing that can happen besides wasting time for the essays?
Good luck!
Thank you kind sir/madam! That was really some very insightful comments, I would definitely look into the options you suggest and keep improving myself. Have a nice day.
Outside of Vandy, WUSTL, and UT Austin. US MSF programs don't have great placement and I wouldn't even bother, especially as an international student.
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