Chances of getting into LSE Msc Finance/LBS MFA
Hey guys,
As title suggests I would like to gain some insights into my chances of admitting to either LSE Msc Finance or LBS Master of Financial Analysis programs in 2021.
My background:
- Final year student at a top Australian university with a major in Finance; weighted average mark is around 80/100 (I think equivalent to 3.2 GPA?)
- Completed CFA Level 1, near 90th percentile
- Extracurriculars: president at a finance club + 'analyst' at a student-run investment fund for 9 month
- Have been interning at a macro hedge fund for 8 months now doing trading-related tasks; my bosses came from BBs & top European hedge funds
I will finish my undergrad at the end of this year, and am currently studying for GMAT. Assuming if I get a 730+ GMAT and recommendation letters from my school professors and my superiors at work, what do u think will be my chances of getting into the masters programs at top UK universities?
Any help would be really appreciated...
LSE is more academically focused, so they give more weight to the GPA and/or academic work. LBS is more practical, so they focus more on job experiece, extracurriculars and GMAT. With that GPA, your chances at LSE are low. However, if you get a good GMAT (730 is good), and you apply soon, you will have decent chances for LBS. With an outstanding GMAT (+760) your chances would be high.
Thanks for your reply. do u think a high gmat will be able to compensate for my low undergrad score at lse?
With a solid GMAT, i.e. 730+ with a strong quant, your chances should be decent at both places, potentially even for the Oxford MFE.
Disagree with the above comment about how academically focused LSE is. Provided your GPA isn't very bad, it only becomes a major hurdle if you are also sub-par on GMAT score and work experience (which it doesn't sound like you are).
Thank you. do u know how oxford mfe program tends to value gmat and internship experiences relative to lbs and lse? I.e. do they give less weight to practical experiences and focuses on academics etc.
bump
Hi mcNuggets_96. I previously worked at LBS leading admissions for Early Career Programmes, most recently as Admissions Director, and am currently a consultant with Accepted.
Does your weighted average of 80 equate to a Distinction at your university? If so, this should meet the academic requirement of the UK schools you're looking at. The other posters are correct in suggesting that a high GMAT can help to strengthen your academic credentials, though the CFA Level 1 pass will also be a plus. What I would say about grades is that the admissions committee will be looking for consistency and a record of success in relevant finance/accounting/economics coursework. If there are any inconsistencies in your transcript, you'll want to make sure this is addressed in your application.
Otherwise, the ad com will be interested in seeing you've taken a leadership position in a student club (campus engagement) and also that you have relevant work experience. Are you planning to continue in employment between completing your undergraduate this year and potentially beginning your studies in 2021? I would absolutely suggest this, as it's a great way not only to boost your profile, but to continue gaining experience and building your network.
If you'd like to chat through anything, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'd like to wish you all the best with your applications.
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