MBA vs MSF for int students?? pls helppp

Question

hi!
have to say i have learnt quite a lot from this site. 
would please like to throw in this question; i plan to apply for a program in the us next year (im from africa) by which il have about 4yrs work experience as an auditor in the top 4 accounting firms. was initially considering an msf but i read somwhere in the thread that anything above a 3yr experience is better off doing an mba.i also read that if u cant get into the top 15 mba programs then its not worth it.
so i would please like to know if to chase the mba or the msf considering my stats; 4yrs experience as an auditor, ACCA chartered, 3.5/4 CGPA in a top school in my country...i am yet to write the gmat.
my problem with going for the mba is the cost.my initial plan was to apply to wharton for the mba finance(a lot of pple i know have gotten scholarships from wharton thats why i am applying) and apply to UT austin for an msf (as a fall back since its cheaper). 
the aim at the end of the day is to hopefully get job placements in a good company with prospects afterwards.il like to specialise in asset management/venture capital but im flexible.
il appreciate any advice i can get
NB; my work experience is auditing majorly oil companies hence considering applyin to Austin but im flexible so i wont mind working with the FMCGs, airline industries etc..i just want something..different

Posted from my mobile device

MSFHQ · Answer

I'd still focus on MBA applications. Look at Northwestern or Cornell if you want to shorten the time for the degree. You could also look at top European programs (LBS, INSEAD) as they are usually shorter in duration than the typical 2 years that US MBA programs are for. As for which programs are worth it, I would expand your T10 criteria. Say maybe T20. CMU, Vanderbilt, Rice, UNC, etc are all good programs with finance placements.

As for MSF programs, you can do them with any number of years experience. The issue is your fellow students will be more junior to you and you will be the "odd" candidate. The MSF degree doesn't have the recognition in the US that the MBA has (right now at least). I'd say you would have a greater risk going with the MSF at this point in your career. I generally advise people that 3 years is the cut off and that is stretching it.

oludayo · Answer

Wow. Thanks! One more question though, whats your take on the 2yr mba vs the 1yr mba. Il have preferred the 1yr since its cheaper and is not as time consuming (i dont want to be finishing school at 28/29yrs and start looking for a job when all my mates i left back home will probably be aiming managerial positions!lool)...Everyone around me says the 2yrs is worth it because of the internship opportunities as this will help with job placements. So please whats your take? NB; i decided against Europe because of the post study visa issues for international students..
thanks a lot!

Posted from my mobile device

oludayo · Answer

Also any link or thread you can share on mba scholarships for int students will be amazing!

Thanks a lot

Posted from my mobile device

MBA vs MSF for int students?? pls helppp

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards