Which MSF programs to apply to?
Hi,
I'm from Turkey. I studied Mechanical Engineering with a GPA of 2.7. I currently have 2 years of Corporate Banking experience. GMAT 720, TOEFL 112.
I'm looking for above average schools in Europe and US. Which of these schools should I apply to? (In which do I have a chance?
Duke, Claremont Mckenna, Vanderbilt, Villanova, Boston College, St. Austin
Stockholm School of Economics, Rotterdam, Warwick, Imperial, Cass, Bath
Hmmm. Are you currently working? What kind of job are you trying to land? Which country are you in and which country do you want to work in?
@"TNA" is really the guy for MSF advice, but with your experience, an MSF may not be necessary, and you may also be qualified for an MFE or MBA. If you're in the US and want to stay but work for an investment bank, you may not even need grad school.
Yeah, what I said. I'd recommend and MFE since you have the background, but I'd want to know why you struggled in an engineering degree. I think engineering is an amazing major, but some people just aren't suited out for it. Square peg in a round hole, etc.
GPA is on the low side, but your work experience and GMAT make up for it. Give a little more detail and I can give you some advice.
Hi TNA, thanks for your kind reply. Firstly, I had to work during my education. That's the reason for my low GPA. However, I managed to finish school in 4 years, which is rare in Mechanical Engineering.
After being in the financial sector for 2 years, I'd like to do an MSF to broaden my view and knowledge. I'm looking for prestigious programs in US and UK. After MSF, I'd like to work in that country. (The one I went to school in) In the US, LA, Chicago or NY doesn't matter. I want a high quality education, as well as good career opportunities. I don't want to apply to schools in which I don't stand a chance. Which schools would you recommend I apply to?
Any help is appreciated!!!
You may have a shot at NYU's Financial Mathematics program or at UChicago or Cornell. (UChicago does not have the best placement rates, however.) LSE, Oxford, and Cambridge also have programs that you may be able to get into. The one year programs don't have the best placement rates, though.
How do you feel about having NYU, Cornell, or Oxford on your resume? And how much do you enjoy math? These are going to be math/stats heavy degrees that prepare you to be a quant, but they also prepare you to work in structured products, portfolio strategy, and decision science. I think decision science is going to start augmenting IBD in the next ten years and there might be some opportunities there for a smart ORFE guy.
I get the desire to push MFE programs, but do you honestly think they are going to be possible (at these schools) with a 2.7 GPA in Mechanical Engineering? Especially with the other type of candidates that apply to these programs?
His work experience is also in line with more traditional finance. I just don't see how an MFE at a top school is particularly relevant in this instance.
What line of work are you looking to get into post graduation and to throw a bone to IP's suggestion, are you interested in financial engineering vs. more traditional finance type jobs?
OP is looking for an MSF program. GPA is low but some good schools are achievable.
Well, I'm looking to get my CFA simultaneously with my MSF degree. I'm interested in S&T, Asset Management or research kind of stuff.
Well, do you guys have any recommendations? Which schools should I apply to? Which schools would be suitable for my profile? Thanks!
Duke, Claremont Mckenna, Vanderbilt, Villanova, Boston College, St. Austin Stockholm School of Economics, Rotterdam, Warwick, Imperial, Cass, Bath
OK, you have a weak GPA, but hard major. Good essays will help mitigate the GPA. GMAT is great so that helps and makes you stand out. Work experience is also very good.
Duke - 50/50 - Duke's admissions process is all over the place, IMO. I should get them on the phone and get some type of guide post. I had a friend get in with a horrible great GPA, but below 500 GMAT. I've seen otherwise really strong applicants get wait listed/denied. I would say your work experience might hurt you in this instance as I believe they prefer more junior applicants
Claremont - I am going to say no, but they have been aggressive this year. Your work experience and GMAT give you a good shot. In the past I would say no, but this year is different.
Villanova - GMAT+Work Experience > GPA. Admit
Vanderbilt - probably a no. The GPA is really low and they don't seem to be as forgiving.
Boston College - I think you'd get in there.
UT Austin - I am going to say admit, but the adcom is different this year and the program is gaining in popularity. Past year(s) I would say 70/30 admit. This year, 50/50 - ,maybe 60/40.
UK programs, tough to call. I am not as close to them as US programs. Add Bocconi to that list. Probably get into half the schools on that list if you apply to all.
Is this what you are looking for our would you like me to elaborate on other options? Happy to help.
Thanks a lot TNA. I really appreciate it! Other than these programs, would you recommend any other programs? Thanks a lot.
For MFEs, you're in the running for UChicago, maybe Cornell, and NYU if you can pull off a 165. Columbia, Princeton, and CMU are probably out of reach without front office experience and something to paper over the GPA.
You should think about doing an MFE as well. What Illini says is tempting.
@TNA Hey TNA, any advice will be appreciated!
@IlliniProgrammer Yes, MFE is definitely on my list now. However, I need a GRE for MFE, right? What score in GRE is equal to a 720 on GMAT? Thanks.
https://www.ets.org/gre/institutions/about/mba/comparison_tool
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