Waste of time applying for a top MSc Finance with low 2:1 (62%)?

I've just graduated from a UK semi-target university with a Masters in Physics and have been planning on applying for some Finance Masters programs at top European business schools (LSE/HEC/etc) for the 2020 intake. Unfortunately, my grades were pretty bad and I graduated with a very low 2:1 and a 62% grade average.

Given the intense competition at top schools for these flagship programs, I'm wondering if there is any point applying with these poor grades, and instead focusing my efforts on landing a FT role without the masters. My goal would be something within the realm of S&T/Markets/Asset Management, but as I have graduated with no relevant summer internship experience from undergrad I don't think this is achievable. Luckily, I managed to land a 1 year internship in fixed income strategy at a non BB which will fill the gap from now and until june 2020. My question is, will having this work experience (and lets say a 700+ GMAT score) be enough to make up for the 62% average, or are grades just too important for it to compensate?

2 Comments
 

62% may hinder you for MFin courses but it is worth a shot if you can get a great GMAT/GRE... You may have to widen your scope to Cass/Kings etc and network in the meantime.

Not many FT roles about due to SA offers and those that are are fiercely contested. If you could show some trading or investing track record in your personal life could help greatly.

 

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