What MSF programs should I choose?
Hi guys, I am planning on applying to MSF programs for fall 2022. Just a bit about my background, I’m an international student from a semi-target with a 3.2 GPA (not very hot), 2 finance internships, 1 PE internship, and a consulting internship. GMAT 740
I didn’t start fully exploring opportunities until late junior years, which was late for IB recruiting, so I want to use MSF program to rebrand (school & GPA)
I have made many major mistakes in career development during undergrad, so I have a few criteria in mind while I am looking into choosing the MSF program.
1. STEM designated (I am an international student trying to break in banking)
2. Good placement in IB/PE/PB/Consulting
3. 16 months or longer program length (summer internship is crucial)
4. Locations (easy access to major cities: NYC, Boston, LA, SF etc.)
5. Curriculum focus on IB, financial modeling etc.
6. Hands on experience (Case competition, Venture funds etc.)
So here’re my questions, and I’d appreciate any insights / feedback:
1. Many prestigious programs are 11 months, (like Vandy) which won’t give me an opportunity to do a summer internship and turn it into FT, but they have an incredible placement for IB. What should I do in my position? I want to do IB FT post graduation. According to my profile, should I apply to more prestigious institutions or the ones with summer internship like MSF at Simon?
2. Would BB/EB consider STEM international students with 3 years of OPT?
3. Any recommended programs?
Hey Hotpot, I just graduated with my MSF from a semi-target & can shed some light. In terms of your stats, they are very solid. The high GMAT should cover your modest UG GPA. With that said MSF programs (at least currently) are very bi-modal. Either they're top notch or practically un heard of. I would shoot for the best such as Vanderbilt, Princeton, etc with that high of a GMAT. I would even say UF but they're a 4+1 program that you can only get accepted to while being a Gator undergrad. In terms of your summer internship: you're spot on the money that an IB internship is crucial, however, most MSF programs are accelerated lasting only a year. Don't fret though, because if you go to a top program, you should be slated very well for FT opportunities upon graduation especially now that COVID is starting to fade. My only piece of advice is you might want to apply for Fall '21 instead of Fall '22 (not sure if you're still currently in undergrad or not). Reason being... most MSF programs are targeted for a 4+1 model. So if you have more than 1 or 2 years of FT work experience, you'll probably be passed. For reference, I had 3 years of FT experience before applying for Vandy MSF and the ad comm basically said I should apply for the MBA instead, because of my FT work experience. Cheers.
Slated for FT IB roles* message me if you want to chat more.
I saw the resumes for Princeton Class 2019, their UG GPAs are all above 3.8
You’re absolutely right. When you start targeting the Ivy Leagues, 3.7+ GPA’s are the norm. However, pending your story, extra curricular’s, diversity, etc., a 3.5 GPA could get you in pending a 700+ GMAT which the OP has. It’s certainly worth the shot. With that said, the Princeton, MIT, Stanford, etc. MSF programs are very quant heavy, normally target math undergrads, and place into quant shops like DE Shaw, Two Sigma, BlackRock Etc. I wish they would rename these to a Masters in Financial Engineering which better reflects their program nature. A normal MSF is a “topper” degree that drills down to more specific functions in finance such as modeling, asset management, and cap structure. And these programs typically recruit for more traditional paths such as IB, Management Consulting, etc. and you can basically get the MBA experience for just 1 year (note: you WILL be recruited as an analyst. Not an associate, even with the MSF). I would target Vandy, Wash U, UT Austin and USC. These are strong schools with solid alumni networks, good career services, and place in those areas that OP is looking at.
Are you also international student?
Thanks for the input OnPeakPhysicalFixed, I have contacted the admission at Vandy today, and am def convinced that it’s a good program to put on my list.
Honestly MSF in America are a massive waste of time. I’d rather just do two years of work experience at Big 4 and get an MBA worst case scenario. Vanderbilt MSF is okay, but it is expensive and placement is 50/50.
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