MS Finance?

Hello Monkeys,

Sorry if this post has been answered elsewhere, but I am currently a Junior and have to weigh my options as I approach graduation.

Unfortunately, I didn't land an IB internship for this coming summer, but I will be working as an FP&A intern at a F500 company. I currently have a 3.7 GPA from a non-target state school and still want to work in IB at some point (preferably sooner than later).

Would getting an MSF significantly improve my chances? Or should I wait until later in my career and get an MBA instead? I have looked into the programs at schools such as Indiana, Illinois, Ohio State, Michigan, etc. If getting an MSF is a good idea, which ones, I have a realistic chance at getting into, are best for helping to achieve my goals? Indiana said that based on my resume and GPA they would waive my GMAT, is this frowned upon when applying to an IB? Also, I know that the MBA program at Kelley places decently on Wall street, are their MSF students also somewhat successful in breaking into Wall street?

I know that this post is all over the place, but any advice would be appreciated.

12 Comments
 

Do you think that I would have a good chance for acceptance with a 3.7 from a non-target and my internship experience in FP&A at Vandy?

 

I would say it depends on your GMAT score. you have wiggle room because your GPA is good. my gpa was a 2.7 but I got over 700 on the gmat and vandy and nova won't stop emailing me. I didn't apply but MSF programs love good GMAT scores it seems

I’m also a non target with an internship at a commercial bank and a few months of corporate finance experience. similar profile except my garbage gpa

 
Most Helpful

To be safe, you should still try for FT offers, but I would definitely study for GMAT asap, perhaps during the evenings when you are home during your summer internship. Since you are considering MBA, the GMAT is valid for 5 years, so you can work FT for 3-4 years and use the same GMAT score for MBA.

MSFs are definitely a good option, but they are also expensive (55k for 1 year) so if you are able to land a good paying FT job offer, then it probably makes more financial sense to work instead of MSF and go MBA.

When considering which MSF programs, their employment report is the most important fact to consider. Vanderbilt, Villanova, and UVA MS in Commerce (finance track) are all able to place in BBs. The school's reputation is not as worthwhile as data points of successful placements. That being said, a non-target state school will also be less likely to place.

You should have good chances at MSFs if you get 700+ GMAT since you will be able to "upgrade" from non-target undergrad to target MSF. There are plenty of GMAT prep books, and you can see examples from this recent forum post https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/studying .

Good luck!

 

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