Waitlist at Vandy MSF help

I was just waitlisted for Vandy's MSF on Friday. The letter told me that they think there is a weakness in my application that they believe I can improve upon it. I believe this is due to me never having any professional experience (only worked as a server during the summers and a programming grader during the school year). I emailed them back and told the admissions committee that I am working hard to find an internship this summer and would like any advice they could give me.

Is there anything else I should do?

Does anyone have any other experience with these types of waitlist?

Do you have any idea how likely it would be I get taken off the waitlist if I do get a quality internship?

My stats are above average for the program so I don't think the waitlisting had anything to do with that. 

Any advice would be helpful

Comments (16)

Most Helpful
1y 
hq_life, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Can you provide your full application?
Your academics/College(Prestigious/no named)/ECs/GPA/GMAT/GRE score/Demographics

  • 2
1y 
_Lamestream, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Sure:

GPA: 3.81

Major: Economics, possible Comp Sci minor

College: top 25 Liberal Arts College

EC: Not many, I work as a grader for the school. finance chair of a club, member of a few others. Created an art database which is used by the school. 

GRE: 166Q 158V 4.5 - took it once. Might take it again soon because I am disappointed with my score. 

Demographics: upperclass white male

My recs were good and I'd say my essays were 8-9/10. 

  • 1
1y 
dollar.billy, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Same happened to me and I was later accepted. Look into any unpaid LMM IB internship. Email Vandy you received an offer and are planning to work there summer of 22. Feel free to PM me.

But advice would be look at all the MSF grads in past years linkedin. See their past internship experiences and that should give you an idea where to apply. Also would say reach out to past grads, say your interest in the program and why you think no experience is your weakness. Ask and see if they have any advice on applying to XYZ internship they worked at. odds are they probably know their boss. Focus on boutique IB/PE firms that do unpaid internships. Those tend to be a little less structured

1y 
_Lamestream, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Thanks for the advice! I have been applying to a couple IBs but have mostly concentrated it to my state as where I can afford to live is a big factor. 

I may PM you in a couple of days for some more help if that's alright. 

  • Intern in PE - LBOs
1y 
[Comment removed by mod team]
1y 
btierpleb, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Howdy, was in the exact same position last year where I was waitlisted. Apply to one other school (for me it was a similar "tier" think nova/ND/georgetown). Secure a summer internship. That's one of the top think these programs look for. The ability to be hired right out of thier program, so they can say "100% of our graduates received FT offers within 3 months of graduation". You land a summer internship for the summer leading up to vandy, your chances shoot through the roof. Hope this helps, cheers

  • 1
1y 
_Lamestream, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Thanks for the advice! I had an internship fall through just yesterday. So now I am frantically looking for a new one. I got into ND last week, but the program is very new and IDK anything about the success with placements so I am still gunning towards Vandy. 

1y 
btierpleb, what's your opinion? Comment below:

No problem, also think about geography in your decision, if you want to be in a LCOL southern city (houston, charlotte, other growers) gun for vandy like you said. But from what I've seen Nova/ND/Georgetown place a bit better in Boston/philly/NYC despite be ranked 2-3 places below Vandy. Can't express how if the goal is breaking in, the alumni are just as important as the school name.

1y 
ombryey, what's your opinion? Comment below:

I was waitlisted too, but I did complete a past internship in VC and have secured a BB IB SA offer for this summer so not too sure what else I can do. I also did receive a GMAT waiver, so I'm guessing that they would like me to submit a test score. 

  • 1
1y 
_Lamestream, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Hey,

Any updates?

The admissions person told me she will "talk with me soon" so I'm expecting any email any day now. 

if no updates yet, best of luck to you! 

  • Analyst 1 in PE - LBOs
1y 

Kenyon isn't a T-25 LAC bud

  • 1
1y 
_Lamestream, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Thanks to the administration it no longer is. 

1y 
_Lamestream, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Also thanks for reminding me to change my username

  • Intern in IB - Gen
6d 

Facilis ipsa inventore et et quas iusto qui vero. Magnam provident enim voluptatem consectetur voluptatem. Laborum rerum quo non inventore repellendus consequuntur. Sed quia nisi quod odio aut aut.

Ut et incidunt et temporibus quisquam sunt. Molestiae iusto eos magni voluptate qui numquam eveniet aperiam. Voluptates repudiandae quia corrupti optio nisi in. Perspiciatis molestiae dolor culpa rem rerum non labore.

Repellendus velit voluptatibus hic amet quae doloremque minima sit. Dolorem a fuga occaecati sit dolor. Aut dignissimos voluptatum maxime nisi pariatur. Commodi autem rerum maxime molestiae. Ducimus omnis natus soluta aut quae. Ea rerum suscipit voluptates veniam. Alias minima nostrum provident.

Start Discussion

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2023 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres (+ +) 99.5%
  • Lincoln International (= =) 99.1%
  • Jefferies & Company (▽02) 98.6%
  • Financial Technology Partners (▽01) 98.2%
  • William Blair (▲10) 97.7%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2023 Investment Banking

  • William Blair (▲04) 99.5%
  • Lincoln International (▲11) 99.1%
  • Canaccord Genuity (▲17) 98.6%
  • Stephens Inc (▲10) 98.1%
  • Financial Technology Partners (▲04) 97.7%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2023 Investment Banking

  • Financial Technology Partners (▲05) 99.5%
  • Lincoln International (▲01) 99.1%
  • Lazard Freres (▲13) 98.6%
  • Jefferies & Company (▽03) 98.1%
  • William Blair (▲02) 97.7%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2023 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (6) $592
  • Vice President (27) $425
  • Associates (141) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (9) $194
  • 2nd Year Analyst (86) $170
  • 1st Year Analyst (264) $171
  • Intern/Summer Associate (45) $165
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (193) $92