Best MSF's to shoot for given my stats?
I know you guys get asked stuff like this all the time but it's a very case by case thing so I'm going to ask again. I'm a state school kid with a 3.9/4.0, expecting a 720+ GMAT at the very least (you'll just have to trust me on that), with no real work experience to speak of. I did a small consulting gig for a local health care start up on some accounting issue about a year ago, I basically did another consulting gig for my honors thesis for my university's admissions office (basically estimating demand elasticity for higher ed, but parameter identification wasn't super strong tbh), and I do grunt work in Stata as a research assistant right now (basically just collect/clean data, and log process for review). I applied for all the internships I could but completely threw the few interviews I did get, so I'm currently studying for the GMAT to see what kind of score I can manage thinking that an MSF may open the door a little more.
I feel like an MSF as a means to break into IB would only be a positive EV play if I were to attend a really good school (basically am only doing it to boost my prestige, get the stamp, that jazz), but I'm worried that my lack of direct experience will be prohibitive to at least some programs. What are they? Which could I realistically consider? Thanks for the help.
I'm starting an MSF in a few weeks. I did a lot of research deciding on schools and what not. From what I've learned about MSF applicants, they typically fall into two groups. Those students that have no background in Finance/Business (as in myself), and those that didn't get a the job they wanted out of undergrad (whether from lack of networking, not enough quality internships, low to average GPAs, etc.)
www.MBA.com is a great resource for finding other MSF programs that you can research. If you're GMAT score is really where you'll say it'll be, I would apply to Vanderbilt MSF and the University of Texas MSF. Look into the UVA and Duke Master of Commerce programs. I don't know how well they place into IB, but I believe their graduates' starting salaries are pretty respectable.
Just to clear your name a bit, if Mba.com is garbage for finding a list of programs, so is msfhq.com
What is your major? If it is finance or business major you can’t apply to UVA. UTA favors liberal arts and engineering grads as well.
I’d target Vanderbilt. If you have a good story and required math, throw an application in to MIT. Bonus points if you are domestic.
Don’t bother with Duke.
And I would try and get an unpaid internship during your MSF. Bolster the resume.
MBA dot com is garbage.
Economics and Business (finance concentration) double. No finance major so I went with next closest thing we have to offer. I have a friend that goes to Vandy (just graduated from same school as me) but he has better work experience than I do. But he also got a 690 on his GMAT so maybe i could make up the difference there. Good to know that the work experience isn't strictly prohibitive there though, as that is definitely a school I would be happy with. I appreciate the insights.
Let's call bullshit on IB. You will have very low chances for such unless your Pre MSF internship is a star and you are a star all around. If you want to apply MSF, Vandy is fine but it might not be what you wish for placement
and I would take UT Austin all day because calling them UTA not UT just means they have no idea about school hierachy in Texas. UT has a huge network, dominating in Texas and Vandy is nice close to new york all that but no way a powerhouse like UT.
Yeah, can’t do UVA. Should be competitive at Texas. Try and get an unpaid internship before and/or during the program. Will help your job prospects.
IMO, I think Vanderbilt is probably the best program you can go to for education and career prospects. They really have it down to a science.
Hey TNA,
If you have the time, what are your thoughts on my credentials? I am only applying locally in Mass so my top is BC and Northeastern as 2nd choice.
Undergrad GPA from non target state school: 3.68 cumulative, 3.8 major GPA
Extracurricular: Particpated in the UMASS school system Student Managed Fund
Misc: Taking CFA Level 1 Dec 2018
WE: 6 month co-op, investment ops, MFS Investment 4 months, investment ops, State Street
I plan on taking the GMAT 4 weeks after CFA Level 1. Which gives me enough time to get my results for BC deadline. Assuming I get between a 690-720 what do you think my chances are at BC?
Pretty good. Assuming you get a 680 and aboice, you should have a high probability of being accepted.
are you sure to apply for MSF after your foot is in the door already? One more perspective is to work hard, network within, and cross into other functional jobs you want. You save tuition PLUS results can be better, because you are not leaving for Harvard stamp but it's for BC/NEU
I did the Vandy MSF. If you get a 720+ with that GPA you’ll absolutely get in. So many kids come in with no work experience and do an internship the summer before that the school helps them get. You should definitely be applying to MIT as well with those stats. Harder to say if you’d get in but you probably have a shot. I’m a bit biased and think those are far and away the best two, but if you have a strong regional preference then look at programs in that area.
MIT is the clear winner here.
No some fools say MIT is only good for being MIT. ROFL
Don't know why anyone would say that when their placement stats are available online. They're fantastic, by the way: http://mitsloan.mit.edu/career-development-office/employment-reports/mf…
Oh by the way I'm not gonna waste more of my breath on ya. Good luck getting anywhere and take TNA's advice. My time is too busy for you.
If your "time is too busy" for me (Crossing my fingers you're ESL or your "M7 MBA" is looking more and more suspicious lmao) why are you so intent on getting the last word?
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Tag me for something productive plz
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