Waitlisted at Vanderbilt MSF, what now?

A few months ago I made this post regarding my plans to apply to MSF programs. I have no applied to some of those schools listed on the original post and have two decisions so far.

I was accepted to Georgetown and waitlisted at Vanderbilt. They essentially want me to get a IB internship before potentially getting me off the waitlisted.

I'm kind of a bit lost on what to do. I have applied to a few local/boutique IB shops over the last few weeks and I guess I'm waiting to hear back but I'm not very confident. If I could get a IB internship myself out of nowhere then I wouldn't be looking at a MSF... So idk what to do. 

I'm sorry this is a bit of a weird post but honestly this wasn't a scenario that I ever thought about because it just never made sense to me to begin with as explained above. 

I'd appreciate any advice or insights that you might have. 

7 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some actionable steps and insights for your situation:

  1. Pursue an Unpaid Internship:

    • As suggested in previous WSO threads, securing an unpaid internship at a boutique IB firm can significantly bolster your resume. This experience is crucial and can potentially help you get off the waitlist at Vanderbilt.
  2. Leverage Your Acceptance at Georgetown:

    • Georgetown is a reputable program. If you are unable to secure an internship and get off the waitlist at Vanderbilt, attending Georgetown could still provide you with excellent opportunities in the finance industry.
  3. Expand Your Search:

    • Continue applying to more local and boutique IB shops. Networking can be a powerful tool here. Reach out to alumni, attend industry events, and use LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the field.
  4. Consider Other Programs:

    • If you haven't already, consider applying to other MSF programs that have strong placements and might be more accessible given your current profile. Programs like USC, BC, and WUSTL have been mentioned as good alternatives.
  5. Enhance Your Profile:

    • While waiting, work on any other aspects of your profile that can be improved. This could include taking additional finance-related courses, obtaining relevant certifications, or participating in finance-related student organizations.
  6. Stay Positive and Persistent:

    • The process can be challenging, but persistence is key. Keep applying and networking, and don't get discouraged by initial setbacks.

By following these steps, you can improve your chances of securing an internship and ultimately getting off the waitlist at Vanderbilt or making the most of your acceptance at Georgetown. Good luck!

Sources: MSF Class of 2018, MSF Class of 2018, Vandy MSF vs. Villanova MSF for IB, MSF Class of 2019, MSF Class of 2019

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

I was in your same spot last year.

If you don’t have relevant IB experience and you tell them you want to go into IB, they’ll push you to get IB related experience before you go into the program.

I got an internship with relevant experience ~3 months after waitlisted and got in a week later. This was basically an unpaid internship.

While I was on the waitlist I did everything I could: networked with MSF alumni, wrote an optional waitlist essay, even prepped to take the GMAT. Also I stayed in contact with them as much as I could to let them know I was being as proactive as possible.

At the end of the day, they care about placement numbers. Their best bet, and yours, is to get that experience for the betterment of them and you. I know it’s tough and it’s a grind but it’s worth it.

 
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