LSE vs LBS
I have been accepted in the MSc Finance at LSE and the MFA at LBS.
Which one should I attend? I want to secure a SA position for the next summer at a top BB, but I only have one internship in M&A at a big 4 and a spring internship at a large French BB. Which of these two provides me the greatest chances to achieve this goal? I have heard that LSE’s program is more competitive so I am feeling inclined to LSE. Any thoughts?
LBS>LSE
No further discussion required.
What makes you feel so sure about it? I’ve been told that LSE’s entrance standards are higher than LBS’s and LSE’s placement is marginally better than MFA’s
Brand name: LBS > LSE LBS got private networking class probably the best carrier team and at LSE you are competing with undergraduates. All banks have headcount and competiton is higher at LSE.
Think it depends a lot on yourself, but for me LBS is better without hesidation.
What about LBS vs. Oxford MFE?
It’s interesting that you mention that point, because when I look at previous year’s employment reports LSE’s MSc Finance looks better. So not sure I can rely on that reasoning
Then go pick LSE hahah. I am just saying just because you got LSE/LBS master won't mean that you will get a SA, its all up to yourself. Having only a big 4 internship is average imo.
But based on the people I know, I would pick LBS over LSE because of the brand name
LSE if you want a more academic curriculum, LBS if you want to focus on networking. Both are great schools that will place equally well.
Personally, I believe that the value added of a Masters programme is the professional opportunities it opens, not the education. So from what you told me, it would make more sense to go LBS. However, I feel that the brand name of LSE's MSc Finance looks better on your CV than MFA's (probably because it is newer)? Would you agree?
Brand names are very similar and won’t matter much. It’s like debating who’s better between Harvard or Stanford for your MBA. You sound like a good fit for LBS imo.
brand name difference doesn't really exist if you want to work in UK, but you're right, especially in Asia where LSE is more well known than LBS
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LSE is the more established institution and definitely have more alumni around the city, since it has always converted multiple undergrads going to work straight in the city. However, as mentioned above LBS is more exclusive as it offers only MSc's and MBA's. Therefore, on paper you should be able get a better response rate and build some meaningful connections. One other thing which can be overlooked is the broader quality of the people who graduate. Sure, LSE have rigorous entry standards, however the number of people attending it are definitely much more and a lot of 18/19 old kids, would just figure out that they want something else. LBS on the other hand gets applicants who already have done their BSc and graduated with at least a solid 2:1, and have done GMAT/CFA and for post-experience courses/MBA's have solid experiences. Hence, you would contact/meet people who already established what they want.
I think LBS are doing a lot of career workshops, events, guest talks which help shape your overall skills and knowledge and justify the 35K fee. However, strictly for entering banking LSE is probably still the place to go. In either case, both programmes should get your foot in the interview room.
P.S do you mind sharing what was your GMAT and when did you apply to LSE and after how much time they've sent you the offer (as their website does not provide such info). Thanks and best of luck!
Indeed, that is one of the points in favor of LBS. LSE has much larger number of applicants towards banking. Do you think that MSc Finance students have an edge in comparison to undergraduates? I would like to go to IB or a PE but have been told that for PE, probably LBS is the best place due to its close network. Any idea on this?
Sure! Portuguese; GMAT: 700; top of class from one of the best unis in Portugal; LSE's response took approximately 3 weeks
Depends on your undergrad. If you already done one in Finance, the MSc will probably not make a big difference. However, the institution where you do it, will matter. If I am to do an undergrad in finance at a non-target and just do a MSc in finance at the same place, simply because it is the easiest thing to do, not much will change. Doing CFA lvl 1 will give you the same knowledge as the LBS/LSE modules (not the same leg in recruitment, hence why you pay 35K). Again, brand and reputation.
P.S Do you mind sharing when did you sent you application to LSE?
Have you already received the offer from LBS? I thought the decisions are only sent out on the 7th of May.
Yeah, it is on the 7th. I asked for an early response due to the offers I got from other programmes
Is that possible? I have offers from HEC, Imperial and Bocconi too that would run out. Whom did you ask lol
If you want go to a top BB, then LBS is better option as it will prepare you more practically and you will have more time for applications
I partially agree with your answer. LBS programme begins in mid-August while LSE only in the beginning of September. However, all the important LSE exams are on the last term (April-June) and there are almost no group projects in the first term (September-December) while LBS has some group projects/exams in the first term. What time (months) do you think it’s the most chaotic in terms of recruitment?
The program at LBS is structured to be lighter in the recruitment period, plus the LBS team prepares you in advance of recruiting for what to expect. It is a more practical and careers focused program, whereas LSE is more academic in nature. Really can’t go wrong with either choice, but the program with LSE would be more intensive during the recruitment period I believe. You should look into the culture at both schools too and whether students at both schools are more collaborative or competitive with regards to helping each other out in recruiting.
September as you are writing cover letters and applying, then November - December - January AC's (but it's more smooth than Sep - Oct).
Did my interview a couple of weeks back. Fingers crossed
Good luck!
LBS has offered me a scholarship. I would say this was the deciding factor (but also took into consideration all the feedback you gave me).
Thank you so much everyone!
Did you receive the email about the scholarship after you got an offer?
I think scholarships will be rewarded by the end of next week.
Yes, exactly! I got an early offer and in the email it mentioned that I had been awarded a scholarship
You chose LBS because of the scholarship?
Yes, I did. From all the feedback that I got, it seems the MFA and MiF at LSE are similar. in terms of image for potential recruiters, I think that attending the MFA with a scholarship has greater value than LSE without scholarship
https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/european-masters-ranking-2020
Does anyone know what are the options for the international exchange at LBS during the forth term?
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