Lanaaaa18
Hi guys,
I am in my last year of undergraduate studies and planning to apply for MS Finance this fall.
Nationality: Russian
Undergrad information: Regional school but still Top 30 in the country, majored in Management.
GPA: around 3.76/4
Still preparing for GMAT
No international experience due to Covid and political reasons
Extracurriculars:
1) volunteer at NGO, helping kids with homework
2) teach English as a second language
3) volunteer at financial literacy club that organises educational events for kids
Community: started my own little organisation that helps high-schoolers decide on a career path
Work experience: 3-week internship in finance department of a small company (under 30 people) and irrelevant here internship in marketing. I might find another internship in the following months
Post-masters goals: first-choice would be finding a job in real estate private equity, second-choice - wealth/asset management or consulting
I’m worried that I don’t have enough “finance” experience since I just decided on my career goals this spring
Schools I’m looking at:
Vanderbilt, Olin, Simon, Gouizetta, Duke, Marshall, Mccombs, UIUC, Yale SOM, MIT (I know that’s a reach)
I would really appreciate any thoughts on my profile! Thanks in advance!
Posted from my mobile device
Hi
Lanaaaa18Your profile is impressive specifically your academics. However, if you are looking for a career in finance, an internship can help you stand out from the crowd as it helps you reflect on real-world applications you have experienced and how that may have fueled your interest in exploring the topic further. Given the lack of internship, you should look at schools that are more academically oriented with paced out programs (longer programs and ones with the opportunity to intern). Also, at a school like Vanderbilt and other fast paced programs in the USA, there is more emphasis on hands-on experience (thus valuing your internships) than some of the other academically focused programs such as LSE or HEC Paris (which you are not considering) where you can also leverage the opportunity to intern along with the course.
For MSc Finance applications, I advise you to address the following points in your application to demonstrate a strong motivation for the program:Academic focus: Aim for a high GMAT score. Highlight any other academic accolades, scholarships, or recognitions you have received.
Proof of enthusiasm and motivation for the subject: Provide context regarding your passion for finance, starting from an early stage, and supplement your interest with examples of relevant courses, internships, or projects you have undertaken.
Understanding, experience, and appreciation of the subject through real-life applications and projects: Utilize insights from your internships, jobs, or other finance-related projects. Discuss specific projects or finance-related topics that have been pivotal in motivating you to further explore the subject.
Super curricular activities: Share details about supplementary books, articles, research papers, or newspapers you have read. Highlight any relevant podcasts you listen to and explain how these activities support and complement your interest in the subject.
I strongly advise you to cover these points thoroughly in your essays, SOPs or interviews.
Additionally, having a variety of extracurricular activities and language skills is advantageous. Discuss how these experiences and skills can contribute to your future as a business leader.
Here are a few other points to keep in mind:
1.Demonstrate originality and a thoughtful approach in your application.2.Show active engagement with the target school and potential recruiters to learn about the post-MFin prospects, showcasing your conscientiousness. My applicants who recently successfully converted their offers from LSE (that has very low selection rate) had actively reached out to professors and engaged in discussions to gain meaningful insights about the program and courses. Demonstrating enthusiasm to truly understand the academic environment at LSE and other schools can greatly contribute to your success.
As for your GMAT, you should focus on improving your verbal performance but try to maintain your quantitative score. Regardless, with a strong application expressing your motivation for the master's program, you should be accepted to the schools of your choice with a scholarship.
Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, ex admissions interviewer)MBAGuideConsultingLinkedIn |WEBSITE:
https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email-
mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com