Hello All,
I wanted to get a couple opinions on my chances of getting into a MSF program. What I am really worried about is my weak academic background: a degree from hawaii and shakey start in college. However, my strengths could include interesting work experience and extracirriculars, which I believe really show my passion for finance.
-Profile-
B.B.A in Finance University of Hawaii - Graduated August 2007
GPA 3.29 (dragged down from early on in college...I got 2 F's...) Also placed on probation in the 1st semester
3.89 GPA in major and 3.81 GPA in all Business Cirriculum
Won an award and scholarship for outstanding student in financial analysis
Received scholarship to take CFA L1
Extracirricular:
For over a year I have been involved in a Asia-focused financial analyst training program. Seperate from the University, the program works to provide students with more hands on training and career networking opportunities. I am actually teaching and working with the new entrants this fall.
Also working on other projects related to this program.
GMAT - 700 92%
50Q 95%/34V 70%
Passed CFA level 1
Experience:
Research Internship - 6 mos - at a local boutique research and brokerage firm, serving hedge funds and mutual funds investing in Japanese securities.
Treasury Analyst Internship(paid) - 3mos - at a local bank. Worked on profitability analysis, fixed income products, and deposit forecast modeling.
Research Internship(paid and current) - 1 mo - boutique research and brokerage firm, serving hedge funds and mutual funds investing in US securities. This firm is based out of NY, but I am working with my boss in Hawaii.
Cirriculum Writer - Full-time position(current) - The Asia-focused financial analyst training program received a grant to develop a structured program. In this project I will be working under hedge fund professionals, individuals on the CAIA board, and professors across the US.
Working as a cirriculum writer and research intern I am compensated pretty well(almost twice what starting at the local banks offered), if this helps at all in my application(I noticed BC asks for salary).
I also have a couple sources that I believe could give me great reccomendations.
So, as in the title my target school is Boston College. I would really like to be in or near a financial center. I am also looking into UIUC and GWU. So do I have a reasonable chance at BC?
Also, how is the selectivity at Washinton University, Vanderbilt, LBS, LSE, Oxford, or Cambridge. Would they be worth applying or looking into given my profile? Also, are there any other programs I should consider?