riyanhrushi wrote:
I'm a fifth-year student, 21 years old, currently pursuing an M.Sc in Economics at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT KGP), ranked 6th in India. I've taken several finance-related courses in my economics studies and am considering applying to MSF programs in the United States.
My GRE score is 316 (150V, 166Q, AWA-3.5), and my TOEFL score is 93. My GPA is 3.5/4.0 (8.2/10.0 on an Indian scale), and my secondary education score was 99.2%. I completed a two-month summer internship in a small financial services company, worked on some finance projects, and earned online certifications. Currently, I'm working on my final-year thesis on finance under the supervision of the Finance Department Head at IIT KGP.
I applied to MS finance programs at Texas Austin, Vanderbilt, Boston College, and Notre Dame but received rejections. I'm uncertain about the reasons but I suspect I may have overestimated my qualifications, and I'm feeling quite helpless now with only two decisions left, one from USC Marshall and the other from Northeastern. Given my stats and previous rejections, I'm also worried about my chances at these schools.
I would appreciate any assistance in identifying universities where I might have a 100% chance of acceptance. Some schools on my list include (Ohio, Wisconsin, Fordham, ASU, Brandeis, Tulane, Villanova, and Babson. I'm also unsure if I stand a chance at these institutions). Can someone please help me?
Hey
riyanhrushi,
Your profile presents a strong academic foundation, particularly with your M.Sc in Economics from IIT KGP. Your GRE and TOEFL scores, while respectable, might be slightly below the average for top-tier MSF programs in the U.S., which could partly explain the rejections. Your GPA is solid, but the finance-related internship and projects, though valuable, may not sufficiently distinguish you in a highly competitive applicant pool.
To enhance your application, consider gaining more relevant work experience in the finance sector. This could be through internships, part-time positions, or even relevant project work. Additional certifications, especially those recognized globally in finance, would also improve your profile. For your final-year thesis, aim for a topic that is innovative and relevant to current financial trends or issues, as this can be a significant talking point in your applications.
Given the rejections you've faced, it's important to reassess your target schools. The schools you've listed (Ohio, Wisconsin, Fordham, ASU, Brandeis, Tulane, Villanova, and Babson) are good choices and should offer a mix of reach and match options. To increase your chances, ensure your application essays and recommendations strongly convey your passion for finance, your academic prowess, and your future career goals. Tailor each application to reflect how that specific program aligns with your aspirations.
Lastly, while aiming for a "100% chance of acceptance" is challenging in the competitive field of MSF programs, broaden your list to include a few more schools where your profile aligns more closely with the average admitted student's profile. This could include universities with strong regional reputations or emerging programs in finance. Remember, each application is an opportunity to present a comprehensive and compelling narrative of your academic journey and professional aspirations. Keep a positive outlook, and focus on showcasing your unique strengths and experiences in each application.
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