Program suggestion for Fall 2016 start
[#permalink]
17 Apr 2015, 14:33
Hello everyone! I'm looking for a master in finance degree starting next fall. Any comments and answers are appreciated!:)
Here's my profile:
- junior student from Ukraine
- current GPA converts to a 4.0 on US grading scale though it's from a regional Ukrainian university (not known internationally)
- GMAT 760 (Q50 V42), IR8, AWA4.5 (AWA is not that great percentile-wise but I guess application essays demonstrate writing abilities better)
- no work experience (at the moment)
- extracurriculars are ok overall (university case club organizer, participated in case champs, university newspaper editor, active member of some student clubs)
- basic French
I would like to work in finance in another country and maybe one day come back to Ukraine if there is conducive situation here. I'm interested primarily in asset management / investment research (at least at the moment), though any opportunity is better than nothing:) I base my program search on several criteria: placement, rigorous curriculum, and cost.
Programs of interest (in no particular order):
1. SSE MSc finance / MSc Acc&FinMan - great program but very tough to get in (especially w/scholarship)
2. HSG MBF - great program, impressive placement; however, their decision is done in spring so in case anything goes wrong there will be few programs to choose from
3. HEC MiF/ESSEC MiM/EDHEC MiM - all top programs in France, HEC MiF or 2 year programs mean possibility for summer internship but costs are big
4. Vanderbilt MSF - great placement, small class, supportive career service though only 20% int-l students so it seems to be very selective in terms of int-l students
5. Boston College MSF - great program, perspectives in NYC, scholarships but w/o them costs are too big
6. Simon MSF - top program, good curriculum, helpful career service, scholarships but again w/o them costs are too big
7. Claremont McKenna MFin - fantastic placement, nice curriculum, generous scholarships but so hard to get in
8. Fox MSIM - interesting program, job opportunities sound nice, they offer some scholarships
And many-many more though these are target ones. I would like to know your opinion on these programs as well as on my chances to get in. Maybe there are other programs that you would advise. I think placement is the most important factor since I haven't had relevant work experience yet, so maybe 2 year programs with summer internships will be of greater value.
Many thanks in advance!