USC MSF - profile evaluation

Hi WSO,

I am a European undergrad student looking to end up working IB on the west coast through the US masters-OPT-H1B-GC path. I am planning to apply to USC MSF, as I’ve read about their strong alumni network and semi-target status in the area.

Here is my prospective profile by the time admission dates come around:

Academics:

7.85/10 GPA (US 3.7 GPA) Finance

710 GMAT

Oh and incredibly average high school grades but idk if that matters.

Internships:

  1. Internship at Dutch big3 bank (sponsor coverage)
  2. Internship at IB boutique, specialized in M&A Advisory
  3. Possible internship at lower mid market PE firm (This would take place after admissions deadline, so might not be fully relevant)

Extracurriculars:

Involvement in multiple undergraduate finance related student clubs. Committee member for IB event.

I would appreciate some insights regarding US based MSF programs, especially those located on either coast, as I am relatively inexperienced when it comes to the US scene.

Furthermore, if my profile does not seem qualified yet, would it be better to apply to lower tier schools? Or acquire more internship experience in my home country and wait another year before reapplying? (I would be 23 the second time around)

Any other insights related to MSF in the US for international students would be greatly appreciated as well!

Cheers

4 Comments
 

Thanks for the input. Do you happen to have any experience/advice to share regarding the OPT path to permanent residency in the US? Would love to hear more!

 

Quos sit officiis incidunt. Voluptatem aspernatur repellendus provident est recusandae distinctio.

Possimus sapiente voluptatem aut porro ducimus iste. Dolorum nisi omnis reiciendis quae recusandae.

Deserunt sit quas ut quis maiores consequatur ipsam. Accusamus cumque corporis temporibus nemo illum iure odio. Explicabo ea itaque eos explicabo.

Fugiat ipsam dolorem autem vitae ea laborum. Doloribus qui molestiae velit fugiat qui. Saepe repudiandae non aperiam culpa sed pariatur. Vel cumque quis quae corporis excepturi voluptatem. Nobis eum expedita voluptates labore.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (66) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”