Profile review for LBS Masters in Financial Analysis and LSE Masters in Finance
Hi all,
I am a recent graduate at the University of St Andrews studying Business Management. I graduated with a 16/20 (a high 2:1 (16.5 is first class)) GPA. I have had 4 internships, one at a fast-growing fintech startup as a growth and operations inter, two at boutique equity funds as an equity research intern and one at a major Chinese bank rotating between different teams (all in HK). I plan to take the GMAT in mid October/early November (targeting a 645 score which is equivalent to a 700 with the new GMAT format) and apply for round 2 at both LBS and LSE.
From what I have read, LBS places more emphasis on work experience and potentially GMAT whilst LSE places more emphasis on your undergraduate grades. Based on my profile and my target GMAT score, what do you guys reckon my chances of getting into either program is?
p.s. if there are suggestions for other graduate schools that fits my profile better, feel free to comment.
Thanks!
following as i’m in a similar situation!
Also interested
My 2c
1) Target 700 in GMAT Focus. Aim for that, you might get 650. Aim for 645, you might get 625. Need to back yourself
2) LBS looks for well rounded candidates. Not having a first isn't a deal breaker (likely would be for LSE). Need to balance work exp and tell a good story for LBS, once at the interview stage it's yours to lose. Reckon you'd be competitive for LBS, but make sure you take your time with the application as it's a long one
3) LSE, I've heard, is declining especially careers wise. Has a much better brand name though, especially out of Europe. Very theoretically focused course
4) Look into HEC, Imperial, ESCP as alternatives
RE the career decline you have mentioned - I have seen comments across the board for this one for all non Oxbridge MSc's (LBS,LSE,IMP, etc...)
In your opinion, do you think this is a product of the market or specifically an LSE issue?
LBS placement wasn't even that terrible this year - plenty of BB/PE placements across the board. Either way, it's clearly the market. Once rates start getting cut, hiring will eventually pick up.
Does LBS MFA still place well in Europe especially in IBD or in an ER role?
Also for LSE, given my GPA, would I be able to make up for it through a higher GMAT score (say 720+ equivalent) and (not sure if it matters) given where I did my undergrad?
Agree with 1,2,3. LSE is internationally recognizable even outside finance, but I heard its Master's programmes are not great career-wise.
For 4, I think OP should aim for Oxford MFE, HEC, as alternatives. These 2 alongside LBS MFA are the top programs, imo. To my knowledge, Imperial and ESCP don't place as well as Oxford, LBS, HEC, and LSE in London.
You are replying to a 1.5 year old thread lol...having a 2:1 in a non-quantiative undergrad, is not very indicative of success at Oxford when their requirement is "a first class or strong upper second class"
I did the LBS MFA
Your profile seems ok, some question marks, but that GMAT stands out as a bit low? Is it possible to aim higher? Wouldn't delay application to Round 3 though - becomes a lot more competitive.
MrMalteser above is right - take it into account.
Also - don't underestimate the importance of crafting and telling your story in a way which makes sense. We can't judge your work experience as we don't have details but you need to tie everything to a story in essays. I also think it's important for LBS to show that you know what you want, why, and to have a plan in how you'll achieve it (among other things).
Hi, is it alright if I PM you?
Hi, thanks for the reply. Regarding my profile, what do you think my target for the GMAT should be?
Also, do you mind PMing me since you have done the LBS MFA? Would like to ask some further questions regarding the application process and your overall experience at LBS. Thanks!
Also, if anyone has taken the GMAT before, do you guys have any recommendations for study sources? Would you guys recommend using an online course like Manhattan Prep or is it entirely possible to achieve a high mark via self-study?
I heard from a lot of people that used the Manhattan Prep books and were very satisfied. Personally, I'm doing the TargetTestPrep course which is a great all-in one solution and very detailed (especially for Quant really good). However, it's imo only worth it if you have a lot of time ~3months or even more, because the course is veeery long.
Yeah, I am planning to take the GMAT in 2.5 months and the courses are quite expensive. Would it be possible to achieve the same results purely through self study (i.e. using study books rather than enrolling to paid courses)?
Also, how many hours are you studying a day if you are doing it for 3 months+?
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