Calling all St.Gallen MBF Applicants (2023 intake)

Question

To all St. Gallen MBF of 2023 applicants.

Would like to start this thread for updates on MBF applications and a community for admitted students. Application strategies, questions regarding the program and networking all welcomed.

Please reply with application status, date applied, GMAT score, home country, etc.

ade231 · Answer

No response yet, how about you?

Orlywissy · Answer

I got my acceptance later yesterday evening!

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ade231 · Answer

I got my acceptance later yesterday evening!
Same!

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Majka123 · Answer

Hi, could you share your profiles please? Thanks!

Orlywissy · Answer

Bachelor’s in Economics and Finance(Italy), 29.52/30 (not sure how it translates to Swiss grading system )
GRE quant 169/170
3 relevant internships, 1 research assistantship, and some uni clubs 
Also I am non EU

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DKHT98 · Answer

Same, just didn't check it the portal till yesterday. Keen on connecting guys?  Orlywissy   ade231   spencerlapointe 
 ?

DKHT98 · Answer

Me and my friends experience is that your overall profile is not that important for EU schools, and especially the dark horses: ETH Zürich, Bocconi and St.Gallen. They ONLY care about your tangibles, i.e. your GMAT, GPA, and undergraduate awards. You basically apply, and if you are good enough in terms of historical academic performance, you'll get an offer. You are not asked to nominate any referees, although they claim the following (as per ESG reasons most likely):

Average GPA during your undergrad accounts for 30%
GMAT/GRE accounts for 30%
Extracurricular activities accounts for 15%
Letter of motivation accounts for 25%

Source: unisg.ch/en/studying/admission/admission-to-a-masters-programme/banking-and-finance/

Basically, I would adjust it to:

Avg. GPA = 55%; GMAT/GRE = 40%; extra-curric: 0%; SOP: 5%

So if you have at least a somewhat competitive GPA, and since you are applying to a finance programme, I would say aim for 680 BUT with a Q50/51 minimum. For MiM and MBA, which have more qualitative modules and electives, a balanced score is better. I scored 670 with a Q51 a week before R1 deadline and got an offer at St.Gallen. I also believe that they are trying to compete with ETH in terms of recruiting the best quantitative brains, so your quant score is very important. I retook it for other application purposes btw. And yeah, don't slouch on the SOP because of my thoughts.

Also, I think objectively speaking that the GRE = GMAT in terms of overall difficulty, but there is a lot more geometry in GRE. So if your strongest math skill is geometry, I would personally take the GRE.

Maybe the other guys feel differently about this, but that's at least how I feel. I don't think your personal statement weighs 25%, and I don't really think they look at your extra-curricular activities haha..

Read the following eye-opening comment which is a response to somebody claiming that St.Gallen was a weak school (compared to American schools) because they do not have a comprehensive application portal like their peers:

GL with your GMAT/GRE prep, and hope to see you next year (if I do not get an offer from the other schools I have applied to ofc)

Alex999 · Answer

Hello!
I am applying in the second round for MBF.
Do I have any possibilities?
Undergrad Bocconi GPA 27/30 (not too high), exchange 
GMAT 740 (Q47, V44) ; IELTS 7,5
Stage in PE

Thanks in advance

rollsboy · Answer

Hello everyone, I'm an Italian student (bachelor), I'm about to apply in the second round

Average 29.58/30 (not sure how that transforms under the Swiss voting system)
2 or 3 relevant internships (in banks and I also did an exchange even if it was only for 4 months)
Gre 332/340

Can I be admitted to the master in your opinion? Thank you guys !

Panahtistratst · Answer

Sup guys.
I'm also applying to the MBF by the round 2 deadline.
Just wondering, where does everyone see that 680 is the minimum GMAT required to apply? The admissions page on their site states nothing of the sorts.
I'm over 680 either way but still.

MiMEssay · Answer

Hey Panahtistratst, A GMAT score of 680 is not necessarily the minimum required to apply to graduate business programs, but if you are aiming for a school like St. Gallen , it's recommended to aim for a score of 700 or above, as that is the average score for the school. However, it's important to keep in mind that GMAT is just one part of the application process, making up 25% of the overall application. The major part of your application is your profile and how you present yourself in the right manner. To make your application stand out, it's important to quantify your experiences , highlighting specific numbers, and showcasing your leadership abilities. If you combine this with a good GMAT score, you will have a good chance of getting accepted into the school. However, it's also a good idea to apply to other reputable schools like LBS, INSEAD, ESSEC, ESCP and HEC Paris, as they are great comprehensive schools to consider. If you need more help, we'd be happy to setup a call and give more pointers on how to improve your profile and the right schools you should target. You can setup a call via this link: https://bit.ly/3DSH5km

MiMEssay · Answer

Hey Panahtistratst, Applying to MBA programs can be a bit tricky when it comes to GMAT score requirements. Some schools may list a specific minimum score on their website, while others may not. It's common to hear that a GMAT score of around 680 or 690 is considered the benchmark for getting admitted to prestigious MBA programs, but it's important to keep in mind that it's not the only factor that the admissions committee will consider. Your work experience, academic background, extracurricular activities, essays, SOP, and LOR also play a crucial role in the admissions process. Additionally, some schools offer GMAT waivers for applicants with a strong professional background. Remember that while your GMAT score is important, it's just one of the factors that will be considered, and it's not the only thing that will determine your acceptance. If you need more help, we'd be happy to setup a call and give more pointers on how to improve your profile and the right schools you should target. You can setup a call via this link: https://bit.ly/3DSH5km

283LSF · Answer

Some of you already received a decision from HSG for the second round? Or they have to wait until tomorrow to get all the applications for the second round?

GranitGiaca · Answer

(I cannot eliminate this post, sorry!)

GranitGiaca · Answer

The decision will be released around the 14th of February

283LSF · Answer

Thank you for the information. I hope we will both be admitted 🤞🏻

Thomas98 · Answer

Has anybody who applied within the 2nd deadline already recieved feedback? By the way - my fingers are crossed for all of you!

283LSF · Answer

Last year most of the applicants of the second round got an answer around the 12th of February. Weird that we still don't have any feedback from them. Especially for those who applied early January. I guess it is just a matter of time before we get an answer...

MahdiNaouar · Answer

Hey guys, I'd really appreciate your opinion on my profile. Here are my stats: GMAT score of 700 (49Q/35V), GPA of 3.19 (from one of the top schools in my country, where I ranked in the top 20% of my class). I also did a fully funded exchange year in the US, and I've had three internship experiences, including one in private equity and another in Big 4 advisory. I've also been pretty involved in extracurricular activities. Do you think I stand a chance if I apply for MBF ?
Got an offer from whu mfin

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Calling all St.Gallen MBF Applicants (2023 intake)

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