JayBansal wrote:
Hey everyone. I really appreciate this community and all those spending their valuable time to help out young applicants. Here's an overview of my profile:
Nationality & Background: Indian, Business/Finance grad with CFA Level 1 cleared
Undergrad Information: 3.26 GPA, Bachelors in Business Administration (BBA) - Finance Specialization from NMIMS University (BBA Course Ranked #1 in the country)
Question: Should I round this GPA off to 3.3 for applications?GMAT: Not given yet. Expect to score at least 700-720, more if I prep longer.
Work experience: No Full time experience, only internshipsCurrent: Intern at US-based VC Fund (past 1 month), Pro-bono strategy consultant at a social startup in India (past 5 months)
Past: Merchant Banking Internship & Real Estate Investment Internship (2 months each)
Community and others:Mensa India Member, University's Social Impact Club Member, Have training in Bloomberg Terminal/SAS/Python, done a number of virtual internship programs and certifications.
Programs Interested In:LBS MFA
LSE MSc Finance/other finance courses
Oxford/Cambridge (if i get an exceptional GMAT Score)
These programs are targeted at applicants without work ex, and I believe my CFA Level 1 and VC Internship help my cause, even though i have a low GPAPost Master goals: Wish to work in IB Advisory in London. Goldman Sachs is my target/dream firm and I've been trying to build connections there already. I'll also be giving CFA Level 2 in May.
Additional Info:So I am a bit behind schedule, and just started preparing for the GMAT 2 weeks ago. I perform well in aptitude exams usually, and got a 700 in Official Practice Test 1 two weeks ago (albeit under terrible sleep deprivation) to get a baseline. The Economist/LBS website test gave me a range of 740-770, but its not as reliable. The official questions and
OG question sets I've attempted till now (while timing myself), I've been hitting 80-100% accuracy. So I strongly believe I can get a high score if I prepare well.
My
main concern is regarding the LBS MFA application - which favors a CFA Level 1 and doesn't require such applicants to submit a GMAT Score. I also know that having a great (740+) score will definitely help my chances. However, Round 1 of LBS' applications close on 30 September - which is not enough time for me to give the GMAT and get the maximum possible score that I can - which i'll need to apply to other unis.
So my options are as follows:1) Apply to Round 1 of LBS without a GMAT Score - just my CFA Level 1 and profile. Round 1 usually has higher acceptance rates.
2) Apply to Round 2/3 with a GMAT Score (lets say 720-740)
(Other unis I'll only apply to after giving the GMAT)So do you think I have a profile strong enough to pick Option (1), or should I get a GMAT Score and apply in a more competitive round?
I hope this isn't all over the place and that it makes some sense. Let me know if you honestly feel i'm aiming too high! For the kind of jobs I am targeting, I want to ensure I get into a great course and be close to London. Appreciate the help.
Hey
JayBansal,
You have a pretty decent profile.
Your GPA 3.26 is pretty good. You have a strong educational background and have the name of a top-ranking institution, NMIMS, name attached to your profile. Given your core interest in finance, majoring in Finance reflects your passion to build a strong foundation in finance.
Speaking of your work experience, you have relevant work experience in the field of finance which would work in your favor as schools appreciate relevant work experience. Your profile lacks big brand names, but you can negate that by talking about the quality of your work, the positive impact you created, and how you went above and beyond and bloomed in the role.
Having a CFA level 1 is again an excellent point and would help strengthen your application. As it highlights not only your interest but the determination to do well in the finance industry.
You have undertaken decent extracurriculars as well. Your volunteering activities, certifications, and training programs display your analytical skills and how you have a proactive approach towards your education and career.
As you are yet to give your GMAT, it would be great to target a GMAT score of 700 or above. Especially in the quant section, any score around 50 would serve as a testament to your quantitative aptitude to take up the MFA program and excel in it.
Further, I wouldn’t suggest waiting until round 2 to apply for the program because it has 15% more competition and unless you are taking up another internship, preferably in a big brand company, your profile remains the same. Hence, in Round 2, you would be relying only on your GMAT score & would face tougher competition. So, make a wise call here by deciding the best course of action depending on how much time you have and if you want to take up another internship.
Given your school choice, all of them are under the dream category. Clearly not saying that you don’t have a strong profile for those schools, only that they have a very low acceptance rate, somewhere between 8-15%. So getting into these competitive programs and schools, you’ll need a strong application that sets you apart from the competition.
Reflecting on your decent profile, you can target all of those schools. Alternatively, you can also target schools such as ESSEC, ESCP, ESADE, Imperial, etc. However, you might need to check the GPA required for Imperial.
Lastly, if you wish to seek more personalized assistance, you can book a FREE Consultation Call with one of our consultants through the link given below. We have successfully had 35 admits to LBS, 20 to LSE, and 59 to ESCP this year and helped countless other applicants in their journey to their dream schools. We’d be happy to help you too
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https://www.mim-essay.com/book-an-appointment-form/