I get countless questions this time a year regarding MSF admissions and what they look for when students apply. As always, I answer all of these questions, but there are some very common ones which I think would benefit everyone if I answered them here for all to see. As with my other post I will monitor this thread and answer any follow on questions. Hope this helps.

Resume

Get your resume in order. Pay someone to redo it, get the M&I template and work on it, anything to make your resume look in order. Remember, education first if you are in school. Work first if you are not. Why is this important? Well for one thing it shows the level of professionalism you are bringing to the program. It also shows how viable you are when it comes to getting a job, something that adcoms focus on since placement stats are largely what drive MSF applications and reputation.

GMAT

This is obvious a major factor, but not as big as you think. MIT and Claremont are very ridged when it comes to admissible gmat scores, but most other programs allow a range of scores. If you score above a 650 you will be competitive at most programs, everything else being equal. The higher you score though the better since fellowships, grants and other financial aid is largely dependent on this score. Honestly, the more work experience you have, the better your resume, the lower the GMAT you need to get into the main programs most people look at. Once a formal ranking comes out this will change, but until then you have flexibility.

Also, something I want people to know is that most schools will accept a provisional GMAT. What do I mean by that? When you finish your GMAT you instantly get the score while the official score is mailed a couple weeks later. Many MSF programs allow you to email your “unofficial” score to the office and proceed with your application. This is important for you last minute applicants so that you can get your application in for say a 2nd round instead of a 3rd round.

Essays

This is where you sell yourself and explain away any issues with your application. These essays are actually pretty important since, much like your resume, it goes a long way to illustrating your maturity, readiness to handle the material and likelihood of getting a job. The essays should highlight your interest in the specific school and why an MSF. This is the important part. Being able to articulate what an MSF is and why you want one is really important. Specifically because you are going to be asked repeatedly what a Master in Finance is by potential employers.

References

This should be pretty standard. Professors and former employers are the most common ones. Just make sure these people will be supportive of you and complimentary. I cannot tell you how many times people have someone provide a reference only to have them send lukewarm or downright negative reviews. A lot of times the admissions office will be understanding and allow students to get someone else, but many times you just never know. Always check with your references before hand and make sure they are willing to not only write a reference for you, but a good one.

Interview

Not every MSF program conducts these and if they do some do it on the phone or through Skype. Prepare for these like you would an interview. Wear a suit or at least a blazer. Have questions related to the program and university. Ask about placements, recruiting, class size, etc. Show that you want THAT school, not just any MSF program. I can’t tell you how much certainty of execution will benefit you. There are only so many good MSF programs and they routinely fight over certain students. Knowing that you will go to a specific school if you are admitted is a big benefit.

Be able to walk through your resume and explain the “Why and MSF” question. This should be easy at this point since, as mentioned above, you should have thought this through and answered it in the above essays.

Miscellaneous

Visit the campus if possible. Each is different and you really should see which you like better. If you can’t tell which you prefer you aren’t looking hard enough or you aren’t putting enough thought into this decision.

Reach out to the admissions office. I speak with so many adcoms that never speak to students before they are admitted. Does this mean be annoying? No. But you can introduce yourself, ask them questions, have a brief call with them. Be front of mind.

Always do the extra essay. It will give you an opportunity to tell your story or come off more personable.

Get your LinkedIn in order.

As soon as you decide where to go, commit 100% to that school. Start networking with alumni immediately. Update your resume and LinkedIn. Do not way to start class because you will already be behind the curve if you do.