MSF help.
Hi I am applying to STEM Designated MS Finance program in US and would like some help.
I am an Indian male, graduated from a decent Indian university in Economics. GPA 3.1, GMAT 690 (Q49, V36) and cleared Level 3 of the CFA program.
I have been working as an FP&A analyst at a mid size textile firm for the past 2 years. Also recently I have started working as a financial consultant with an early stage solid waste management start up.
I have participated in several extra curricular activities during my college and also volunteered, but after college, working and preparing for the CFA exams took all my time.
I am targeting Master's programs at following universities:
Rochester
Rutgers
Tulane
SUNY buffalo
Fordham
Syracuse
Brandeis
Babson
My goal is to work in buy side equity research in USA.
Substantial scholarship is crucial for me.
I wanted to know about the quality of these programs and also the career prospects post graduation.
I would also like to know how competitive my profile will be for entry level jobs in the US and what I should do to improve my chances to secure a job there.
Thank you
Vanderbilt is STEM designated, they just don't advertise it like the others because that's not their only plus lol.
However, as an Indian applying to Vanderbilt, you will be at a disadvantage for 3 main reasons: 1) You are from an over represented majority. Every year, tons of Indians apply to MSFs and MBAs and other engineering STEM designated masters. So you'll have to stand out and reason number 2 is how you'll do it. 2) Since you're an Indian and a foreigner, you will need 700+ GMAT to get in. This is not to say that 690 is a bad score but 700+ to be on the safe side 3) Low GPA but luckily, MSF admissions are not as strict as top MBAs. So your GMAT can offset your GPA. Get a 720+ on the GMAT and I'm sure you'll be competitive.
Now, if you have any other solid verifiable achievements, that may also offset the low GPA.
In the US, only Vanderbilt, UT Austin, WUSTL, USC, UMN are worth attending, in that order. WUSTL and USC are not STEM but they have a lot of experience placing internationals.
Hope this helps!
Edit: I totally forgot about your CFA. Yes, don't retake GMAT. CFA is enough. Only explain why you got a low GPA and you'll be fine. CFA is a major advantage because 90% of the applicants haven't passed all levels of CFA.
I echo this, the ones that the OP listed are out of range in terms of placement. Vandy, UT Austin, USC, WUSTL and I would say UVA MS Commerce are more than fine.
Thank you for your replies. I will look into Vanderbilt. For the other non STEM programs, I am extremely reluctant to apply because I have seen the problems people face due to Visa. Many of my friends had to return to India even after securing visa sponsorship and full time positions with top companies. The H1B itself is a lottery and now with rising RFE requests and higher scrutiny, its probably not a good idea to take the risk.
I would really appreciate it if you could expand upon the STEM programs.
Vanderbilt, UT Austin, UMN Carlson. That's it. Other MSFs even STEM are just not worth it.
Here is a list of all the schools with STEM designation:
Vanderbilt University Syracuse University MIT Tulane University University of Rochester University of Oregon Loyola Chicago University of California at Davis University of Cincinnati Babson College Washington University - St. Louis University at Buffalo University of Conneticut Northern Illinois University Clark University Princeton University Case Western University University of California Santa Cruz Portland State University Bentley University Columbia University Rochester Institute of Technology Iowa State University Lehigh University Pacific Lutheran University University of Utah University of Minnesota Brandeis University Rutgers University Temple University Fordham University University of Iowa
List formats weird, but you get the gist.
With your stats, Vanderbilt is going to be tough. MIT is near impossible. Rochester might be worth looking at. Utah has remarkably good placements. You could go for lesser schools in good metro's (Babson - Boston, Fordham - NYC, Temple - PHL, Loyola Chicago - CHI).
Hope this helps.
Thanks for the reply.
I don't think Vanderbilt is going to be tough. CFA plus that GMAT is enough. You have presented a list of schools that send majority of their international students back to their home countries even STEM. Congrats for giving the worst advice
@TNA" is the n1!!
what is n1? lol
Sorry @TNA" do you know if one of these progrs have no gmat request?
Boston college - stem designation
@TNA" what is your opinion of Rutgers MFinA ? It’s a fairly new program..but does it place well in NYC?
PS shoutout to you for giving a comprehensive list of STEM certified programs!
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