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MS Finance Profile Evaluations [Master Thread]: Post all Profiles Here

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Narenn

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11 Jul 2018, 01:42

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Hi Guys, This is a Master thread for all profile evaluation requests for MS Finance applications. We do not want random profile evaluation threads everywhere on the forum. This will help people get some consolidated advice from consultants and help others learn as well.

Post your profile here if you want!

Suggested Template

Background and nationality
Undergrad Information
GMAT/GRE
Work experience and leadership
Community and others
Post Master goals
Anything else?

RishiRamdani

Joined: 29 Jun 2024

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Location: France

GMAT Focus 1: 645 Q85 V81 DI79 Verified score

GPA: 3.5

WE:Securities Sales and Trading (Finance)

GMAT Focus 1: 645 Q85 V81 DI79 Verified score

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21 Nov 2024, 03:45

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Hello everyone,

I am currently undertaking a Programme Grande Ecole (MiM) with a specialization in financial market in a top 10 french business school. I would like to apply to Master in Finance program in a target school for Sales & Trading before graduating from my PGE. I have a few programs that interest me, but not sure about my chances with any of them, so any comments, ideas and recommendations will help.

Profile:
- Undergrad in mathematics and business/economics (french university): 14.60/20 (~3.6 GPA)
- First year of master : 16.50/20 (>3.8 GPA)
- GMAT 645 (Q85, V81, DI79)
- First internship (6 months) as a sales on a structured product trading desk in a renowned british company specialised in the manufacture and distrib of customised derivative products.
- Second internship (6 months) as a sales on a trading desk in one of the 3 largest french IB.

Volunteering :
- Tutoring for 4 months in mathematics and English for 25 middle school students from a disadvantaged background.
- French Scout troup leader (1 year) : Organizing charity events

International Exchange :
- Final year of undergrad : 1 Year in the UK
- January to June 2025 : 6 months in South Korea

Career goal: Sales / Trading on a trading desk in London.

Msc in Finance Programs:
London School of Economics
ESSEC
ESCP
Bocconi
Imperial College
Dauphine 203 & 272
Warwick

What do you guys think? Any chance of getting into any of these programs?

Thank you guys ! I appreciate the help!

al-connect

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28 Nov 2024, 11:57

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Hi Rishi,

you have a great diversified profile. I feel the exp also aligns with your career goals, now it would just be giving the colleges confidence in your profile which would be completely dependent on the essay. The programs listed below all seem pretty doable. I just feel the score is a bit low for LSE but a solid 1500 word SOP can compensate for your profile over there. You can even try your luck at HEC. With the right story that can also be possibility.

All the very best for your apps. I really wish you get into all

If you feel you need some help with the apps we are always available!

Founder, Al-Connect

RishiRamdani

al-connect

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29 Nov 2024, 08:56

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Hi Shreyas,

I hope you are doing awesome!

Assuming you have already applied to the colleges you have dreamt of and got an admit.

If not, lemme know I will help you choose the right narrative and colleges.

CGPA and Finance persona are definitely something we are missing right now but a strong narrative and a clever approach in apps can surely get you in.

Founder, Al-Connect.

Shreyas123Waykar

Hi there,
I recently finished my undergrad in engineering with degree in Information Technology from Tier one institute in India and am now looking at Mfin and Quant Finance programs. I have a few programs that interest me, but not sure about my chances with any of them, so any comments, ideas and recommendations will help.

Profile:
Undergrad: really low (6.07/10 on Indian scale) BTech in Information Tecnology from prestigious Indian engineering university
GMAT 710
No workex
Plan is to get into to finance roles after graduation (most likely in Europe, Asia(like Singapore, Hong Kong) but possibly in the US)

Reply will be appreciated.

al-connect

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29 Nov 2024, 09:00

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Hey,

Profiles seems strong enough to get into the colleges listed. Ofcourse the Impact of the work done is going to be Important.

I am assuming you have already applied to the colleges except LBS.

Lemme know if you have heard back from LSE(unofficially).

Founder, Al-Connect

chrissohk

Hi all,

I am a recent graduate at the University of St Andrews studying Business Management. I graduated with a 16/20 (a high 2:1 (16.5 is first class)) GPA. I have had 4 internships, one at a fast-growing fintech startup as a growth and operations intern, two at boutique equity funds as an equity research intern and one at a major Chinese bank rotating between different teams (all in HK). I plan to take the GMAT in mid October/early November (targeting a 645 score which is equivalent to a 700 with the new GMAT format) and apply for round 2 at both LBS and LSE.

From what I have read, LBS places more emphasis on work experience and potentially GMAT whilst LSE places more emphasis on your undergraduate grades. Based on my profile and my target GMAT score, what do you guys reckon my chances of getting into either program is?

p.s. if there are suggestions for other graduate schools that fits my profile better, feel free to comment.

Background and nationality
- Hong Kong but with a BNO visa

Undergrad Information
- University of St Andrews studying Business Management
- 16/20 GPA (high 2:1)

GMAT/GRE
- Targeting 645 (i.e. 700 for old format)

Work experience and leadership
- 1 internship at fintech start up
- 2 at boutique equity funds
- 1 at major Chinese bank

Community and others
- Fund analyst for university investment society.
- Organised fundraising event for student entreprenuers.

Post Master goals
- Investment banking
- Equity research

Anything else?
- Target schools: LBS MFA, LSE MscFin, ICL

Guntabulla

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Schools: ISB '26 (A$)

GPA: 9

Schools: ISB '26 (A$)

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22 Dec 2024, 02:26

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Hey Everyone!

I've been confused between a masters degree and an MBA for a while.

Nationality: Indian
Undergrad : Low tier university, Bachelors in Commerce 9.04 CGPA
GMAT Focus: 795
3.5 years of workex in accounting for an offshore unit of major US company
Post Masters goal is to transition out of accounting into finance
ECs: Nothing amazing, more of a generalist

What option is better for me? Do I stand a chance in good universities abroad when it comes to doing an MBA? Am I too experienced to consider a MFin? Anything else I need to know?

AmbitiousAchiever

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22 Dec 2024, 22:03

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Hello Everyone,

I am a recent graduate from The University of Mumbai, with a bachelors degree in Accounting and Finance. Apart from that I have also completed the US CMA Certification from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), with a scholarship from IMA.
Scores:
GPA - 9.86 out of 10,
GMAT FE - 565 (Q79, V80, DI75)
IELTS Academic - 7.5
US CMA - 880/1000

I have about 1 year work experience in Real Estate Valuation. I aspire to get into Investment Banking and Corporate Finance roles involving Valuations and Financial Modelling.

I have Completed two projects on Discounted Cash Flow and Investment Banking. Extracurricular include community service.

Below are my target schools and programs
1. ESSEC - MSc Finance
2. EDHEC - MIM Finance
3. USC Marshall - MSc Finance
4. Mcgill - MMF
5. Northeastern University - Msc Finance
6. UTD - Msc Finance
7. HEC Montreal - Msc Finance

I haven't applied yet planning to apply by year end. After my second GMAT attempt.

Thank You

MSFHQ,
MiMEssay

AmbitiousAchiever

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22 Dec 2024, 22:09

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al-connect

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23 Dec 2024, 09:52

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I completely understand the crossroads you’re at — it’s such a pivotal moment in your career. Based on what you’ve shared and reflecting on the experiences I’ve had with students in similar positions, here’s my take:
You’re absolutely right that your choice between an MBA and an MFin hinges heavily on your long-term goals, the type of role you envision yourself in, and the kind of career trajectory you're aiming for. From what I gather, with your level of experience, an MBA seems like a more fitting option. Top business schools in France and the UK, especially those with a minimum work experience requirement of two years, would find your profile compelling—provided you can articulate a clear narrative connecting your background in accounting, your desire to pivot into finance, and the specific impact you aim to create post-MBA.
Your GMAT score puts you in a strong position for several top-tier schools, but as I often tell students, the real differentiator lies in how well you can tie your story together. The essays are your chance to not just explain what you’ve done, but why it matters and how it aligns with your future goals. Admissions committees are looking for clarity of purpose and an authentic connection between your past experience and future aspirations.
Now, if your target is a highly specialized finance role—like investment banking or private equity—and you're absolutely certain about this path, an MFin could still be a strong choice. However, if your goal is to keep your options broader and potentially move into management or strategic roles, the MBA offers far more flexibility and long-term value.
The only slight concern, as you rightly pointed out, is the relatively early stage of your career for an MBA. But trust me, I’ve seen students with similar profiles excel because they had a compelling story, clarity of goals, and a strong application strategy.
If you’re still torn between the two paths, Feel free to book a session with us, and we’ll sort this out together. At the end of the day, the right choice will depend on where you see yourself in five to ten years

Founder, Al-Connect

Guntabulla

Hey Everyone!

I've been confused between a masters degree and an MBA for a while.

Nationality: Indian
Undergrad : Low tier university, Bachelors in Commerce 9.04 CGPA
GMAT Focus: 795
3.5 years of workex in accounting for an offshore unit of major US company
Post Masters goal is to transition out of accounting into finance
ECs: Nothing amazing, more of a generalist

What option is better for me? Do I stand a chance in good universities abroad when it comes to doing an MBA? Am I too experienced to consider a MFin? Anything else I need to know?

al-connect

Joined: 20 May 2024

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23 Dec 2024, 09:58

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Your profile has several strong points, and with the right approach, I believe you can target some excellent schools. Let me break it down for you:
Your GPA is undoubtedly a highlight—it’s a strong foundation that admissions committees value. However, the key differentiator will be how you articulate the impact of your work experience, especially in real estate evaluation, through your essays. For schools like ESSEC, USC Marshall, or even ESCP, demonstrating tangible outcomes and a clear connection between your experience and your post-Master's goals will be crucial.
One point to clarify is whether your undergraduate degree is three years or four. Schools like McGill, USC Marshall, and potentially UTD have a strict requirement for a four-year degree. UTD might offer some flexibility, but the others usually don’t.
Now, regarding your GMAT Focus Edition score—I sense it might not be highly competitive for USC Marshall or ESSEC. Northeastern and UTD, however, are more realistic targets. EDHEC looks promising, particularly if you're aiming for an MiM in Finance, and ESCP is another strong contender if you target their Finance specialization.
If you're open to Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS) could be an interesting option, provided your profile narrative is tightly aligned with your goals.
For Germany, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management and WHU are solid choices. They are highly regarded globally and could align well with your profile.
In the UK, Imperial and LSE are excellent options, but Imperial might prefer if you apply without your current GMAT score to avoid it weighing your profile down. If you plan to retake the GMAT, this could open doors to HEC Paris, Duke's MQM (Master's in Quantitative Management), London Business School (LBS), and LSE. But retaking the GMAT will require focused preparation.
Ultimately, the clarity of your post-Master's goals will make a huge difference. Schools like HEC will scrutinize this aspect heavily. Be crystal clear about your career vision—where you see yourself after graduation, and how their program specifically bridges the gap between your current profile and your aspirations.
I’d suggest taking some time to refine your narrative, ensure your essays emphasize the impact of your experience, and decide if a GMAT retake fits your timeline. If you’d like to discuss this further or map out a detailed application strategy, feel free to reach out. You’ve got a lot of potential here—it’s just about presenting it effectively!

Founder, Al-Connect

AmbitiousAchiever

MBAandBeyond

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24 Dec 2024, 07:32

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Guntabulla

Hey Everyone!

I've been confused between a masters degree and an MBA for a while.

Nationality: Indian
Undergrad : Low tier university, Bachelors in Commerce 9.04 CGPA
GMAT Focus: 795
3.5 years of workex in accounting for an offshore unit of major US company
Post Masters goal is to transition out of accounting into finance
ECs: Nothing amazing, more of a generalist

What option is better for me? Do I stand a chance in good universities abroad when it comes to doing an MBA? Am I too experienced to consider a MFin? Anything else I need to know?

Hi Guntabulla , I hope you are doing well! You have an excellent GMAT Focus score of 795 and a strong 9.04 CGPA. Your 3.5 years of experience in accounting at the offshore unit of a major U.S. company provides valuable industry exposure. However, with limited standout extracurriculars and being slightly over-experienced for a Master’s in Finance (MFin) yet on the lower end for an MBA, the decision between the two depends on your career goals. If you aim to transition into finance with a technical focus, an MFin from programs like LBS or MIT Sloan could be a great fit, provided their work experience averages align. For broader career growth and leadership roles, an MBA from schools like INSEAD, LBS, or Rotman offers flexibility and long-term potential. We would like to know more about your profile like achievements, international exposure, challenges faced, impact created, extracurriculars, post-mba goals and more. Discussing these details will help us identify if you can pull out good stories from your experience.

If you’d like, we are happy to hop on a 1:1 call with you to discuss your profile in detail and shortlist schools for you. Please feel free to schedule a profile evaluation call according to your convenience.

“Join Our Exclusive Webinar!"

Cheers!
Shantanu Sharma
Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond

nemochow

Joined: 18 Sep 2024

Last visit: 28 May 2025

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Location: India

Schools: HEC MiM "27 IE Imperial MiM "26 Kellogg MiM "26 LBS MiM "26

GPA: 3.83

Schools: HEC MiM "27 IE Imperial MiM "26 Kellogg MiM "26 LBS MiM "26

Posts: 24

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28 Dec 2024, 04:54

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Hi,

I am an Indian third-year student pursuing a BBA with a specialisation in Branding and Advertising from a top b-school in Mumbai, India. By the end of two years, I stand at a 3.83 CGPA, consistently topping in at least one subject per semester. I am very academically driven which motivates me to complete my higher studies in business management from top universities abroad. I come from a first generation family with humble beginnings and an appreciation for higher education and growth.

Target Universities for an MiM for R2:

Kellogg School of Management
London Business School
Imperial College, London
HEC Paris
ESSEC Business School
IE School of Business

Age : 21 years old

GMAT/GRE Test scores: Not attempted yet, finding it difficult to score as I couldn't get adequate prep time and a scheduled set date due to financial imbalance and limitations. The pressure to score with hectic deadlines is largely affecting my performance.

Work / Internship Experience (if any) : 2 months in a top media and entertainment MNC in the HR department at a role that exposed to different business functions, led campaigns and a TV program shoot that won a national award - very strategic, analytical and creative role, long-form content writing in a team that won 6 accolades, helped achieve a linkedin milestone of 250K followers, pitched event ideas to the CHRO and received recognition from the Vice-president of HR for creating a business newsletter from scratch during a leadership change, which was distributed digitally to employees across 6 states in India.

Post-MiM Plans (Short Term and Long Term): Consulting in strategy arm at MBBs, Entrepreneurship (B2B/B2C)

Who wrote your Recommendations?: Program Dean and associate professor (also program chair and mentor), also have a recommendation letter from the chairperson of the NGO I volunteered at for a marketing project - don't know if I should include that as it was a day only, nonetheless, I stood out for my work.

Volunteering: Volunteered at various NGOs since school time till date in initiatives like Animal Welfare, Blood donation drives in university, Lion's Club (Rural marketing)

Extracurriculars: 1. Chairperson of an international film festival (outreach, sponsorship and finance) 2. Club head of networking and public speaking club (growth from 3 to 87 members) Hosting experience, holding workshops as a trainer, organising alumni sessions 3. attending significant university events as a spokesperson and making a marketing film for the university with filmmakers 4. Won Intra-collegiate sports fest- women's football (sports is a major hobby; been a short distance athlete since school- didn't pursue professional due to a bigger interest in academics)

International Experience: None

I possess a medium of instruction certificate from my university that eliminates the need for IELTS. Additionally, I have relevant certifications in Market Research, ESG, Marketing and Advertising, Game theory and strategy in management.

I am hoping to get scholarships and international exposure. Experts, kindly evaluate my profile and advice keeping my weakness of GMAT/GRE in consideration. Will my chances decrease for the R2 with a below average test score? Which college will be an ideal for me and poses the highest chance of acceptance?

Other aspirants, feel free to send me a private message connect! Hoping we all make it

Narenn

Background and nationality
Undergrad Information
GMAT/GRE
Work experience and leadership
Community and others
Post Master goals
Anything else?

NickTheGreek14

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Schools: HEC (A) LBS (A)

GPA: 8.7/10

Schools: HEC (A) LBS (A)

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05 Jan 2025, 02:52

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Hi All,

I'm in the final year of my degree in Finance at a Balkan University and I will be applying in R1 for the 2026 intake. My goal is to work in IB/PE in London, Zurich or Middle East.

My targeted programs:
LBS MFA
HEC MIF
LSE MSc Finance
Imperial MSc Finance
St. Gallen MBF

Profile:
GPA:will finish with 8.5+/10 which is merit in my country
GMAT FE: 655
IELTS: TBD
Work Experience: 4 month internship at a non-Big 4 Transaction Advisory Services department, 3 month internship at a maritime company, will do one more internship at either a boutique IB firm or Big 4 M&A.
EC's: university finance club president, ex-professional basketball player, Harvard case competition
Passed CFA Level 1

What are my odds of getting in these programs? Also, I want advice mainly on which other programs to target in order to achieve my goals and what else I can do to enhance my profile.

Ale003

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05 Jan 2025, 10:42

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Hello everyone,

My name is Alessandro, and I am an Italian student who has just completed a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Business Management at a public Italian university with a GPA of approximately 3.3 (final grade of 99/110). I am currently doing an internship at a local banking institution specializing in finance.

I hold several certifications, including the IELTS with a score of 7.0, Bloomberg BMC, and the Private Equity and Venture Capital course completed through Bocconi University. I am also studying for the GMAT Focus, and in my latest official mock test, I scored 650.

Given my profile, what are my chances of being admitted to top Business Schools for a Master in Management, such as HEC, ESSEC, St. Gallen, EDHEC, or ESCP? Alternatively, would it be better to apply for a Master in Finance at institutions like St. Gallen or the other universities mentioned?

Thank you in advance for your insights!

BarakYEET

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GMAT Focus 1: 705 Q88 V86 DI81 Verified score

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13 Jan 2025, 06:00

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Hey everyone,

I am applying to only one programme, the MSc Financial Economics at University of Oxford. Here is my profile:

Background and nationality: Romanian Muslim studying in the Netherlands

Undergrad Information: BSc International Business Administration at Tilburg University. GPA 8.3/10 which is top 3% in my cohort of 550 students and, by grade, is translated to first-honors equivalent. However, the Dutch system is a bit annoying and I received only distinction, not cum laude, because of one irrelevant course I scored low on.

Postgrad Information: MSc Data Science and Society at Tilburg University. No GPA. Purpose is to compensate for my lack of quantitative courses in my BSc for the MSc Financial Economics application.

GMAT Focus: 705 (Q88, V86, D81). I actually took it 4 times because I am very driven to get into this programme. Nevertheless, I am just within the statistics of this programme, as last year the average was 717 on GFE and 743 on GMAT 10th.

Internship experience:
- 3 months in commercial lending at very well known universal bank
- 8 months in sells-side fixed-income research in a regional universal bank (decent achievements with LOR)
- upcoming 4 month in quantitative fixed-income analysis in the largest alternative credit fund in Netherlands
- upcoming 3 month in summer internship working directly alongside a credit portfolio manager as a steward

Leadership experience:
- President of the 3rd largest student-run investment club in the Netherlands, overseeing 56 students and a EUR 25000 portfolio. Restructured completely the club and grew it from 16 members to 56.

Others:
- YouTube channel with 30k+ subscribers and 7 million views for video games + eSports player background winning competitions with prize pool of 100k+

Post Master goals
- Become a Credit Portfolio Manager within 5 years. Plan is to do traineeship for 2 years after MSc as a return offer, Credit Analyst for 2 years, and then transition into Credit Portfolio Management.

Anything else?
- CFA level 2 candidate (90%+ percentile on Level 1)
- LSE summer school programme on Alternative Investments
- Highest grade for my thesis/dissertation within cohort
- Presented weekly economic outlooks in investment club to demonstrate passion for financial economics

I am really nervous for my chances and would love to hear your input. My concerns lie in my academic performance and GMAT score. In rest, I think my work experience and leadership skills stand out.

AmbitiousAchiever

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01 Feb 2025, 23:54

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I am at a crucial crossroads in my academic and professional journey and would appreciate your insights on the best path forward.

I have a bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance (CGPA - 9.8/10) from the University of Mumbai and have completed the US CMA certification (score: 880/1000). Additionally, I have about a year of work experience in Real Estate Valuation. My GMAT Focus score is 565, and my IELTS score is 7.5.

My long-term goal is to build a career in Investment Banking, Private Equity, or Valuation. Initially, I would like to work in the USA or Canada (without a strong preference between the two), gain about five years of experience, and then transition to the UAE or Saudi Arabia, where I can earn a high paycheck.

Currently, I have an offer from UT Dallas for the MS Finance program, and I am awaiting decisions from Boston College (MS Finance), HEC Montreal (MS Finance), and ESSEC (Masters in Finance). I also received an offer from EDHEC for their MIM Finance program but declined it due to budget constraints, as I prefer to avoid significant debt and would only consider a manageable loan (around 15 Lakhs INR max) and my parents are ready to provide about 20 Lakhs for my education.

Given my situation, I was considering applying to Babson College's MS Finance program and, since Smith School of Business's Master in Management Finance program is closed this year, waiting until the next intake to apply.

However, I am unsure of the best course of action.
1. Should I move forward with additional applications, wait for the decisions I am expecting, or explore other options?
2. Based on my background and goals, what would you suggest as the best path forward and the best University?
3. I am open to any insights or recommendations you may have.

Thank You

MSFHQ
MiMEssay
MBAGuide

AmbitiousAchiever

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02 Feb 2025, 00:01

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I am at a crucial crossroads in my academic and professional journey and would appreciate your insights on the best path forward.
I have a bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance (CGPA - 9.8/10) from the University of Mumbai and have completed the US CMA certification (score: 880/1000). Additionally, I have about a year of work experience in Real Estate Valuation. My GMAT Focus score is 565, and my IELTS score is 7.5.
My long-term goal is to build a career in Investment Banking, Private Equity, or Valuation. Initially, I would like to work in the USA or Canada (without a strong preference between the two), gain about five years of experience, and then transition to the UAE or Saudi Arabia, where I can earn a high paycheck.
Currently, I have an offer from UT Dallas for the MS Finance program, and I am awaiting decisions from Boston College (MS Finance), HEC Montreal (MS Finance), and ESSEC (Masters in Finance). I also received an offer from EDHEC for their MIM Finance program but declined it due to budget constraints, as I prefer to avoid significant debt and would only consider a manageable loan (around 15 Lakhs INR max) and my parents are ready to provide about 20 Lakhs for my education.
Given my situation, I was considering applying to Babson College's MS Finance program and, since Smith School of Business's Master in Management Finance program is closed this year, waiting until the next intake to apply.
However, I am unsure of the best course of action.
1. Should I move forward with additional applications, wait for the decisions I am expecting, or explore other options?
2. Based on my background and goals, what would you suggest as the best path forward and the best University?
3. I am open to any insights or recommendations you may have.

Thank You

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03 Feb 2025, 22:11

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AmbitiousAchiever My view may be a bit macro compared to the fine details you may have researched for these programs, but I will share it anyway since you asked. If you want to work in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, why would you want to play the game backwards and go to the US first, go through all the hassle and uncertainty, hopefully securing a relevant job in the States in the process, only to move to the Middle East. That does not make much sense to me. You should first find out what kind of companies in the UAE or Saudi Arabia are of interest to you and what their typical recruitment routes are for the different positions. Talk to as many people as possible who are currently working in these companies. People in the industry you are interested in are always looking to recruit, and your genuine interest will result in them giving you lots of meaningful details about how you can make a go of it. If you want to work in the Middle East at some point, I think the European programs or the UK programs (LSE, Imperial) make more sense as there is a strong alumni network (as well as prestige) there.

Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD MBA alumna, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
Founder, MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/| Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- [email protected]

AmbitiousAchiever

I am at a crucial crossroads in my academic and professional journey and would appreciate your insights on the best path forward.
I have a bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance (CGPA - 9.8/10) from the University of Mumbai and have completed the US CMA certification (score: 880/1000). Additionally, I have about a year of work experience in Real Estate Valuation. My GMAT Focus score is 565, and my IELTS score is 7.5.
My long-term goal is to build a career in Investment Banking, Private Equity, or Valuation. Initially, I would like to work in the USA or Canada (without a strong preference between the two), gain about five years of experience, and then transition to the UAE or Saudi Arabia, where I can earn a high paycheck.
Currently, I have an offer from UT Dallas for the MS Finance program, and I am awaiting decisions from Boston College (MS Finance), HEC Montreal (MS Finance), and ESSEC (Masters in Finance). I also received an offer from EDHEC for their MIM Finance program but declined it due to budget constraints, as I prefer to avoid significant debt and would only consider a manageable loan (around 15 Lakhs INR max) and my parents are ready to provide about 20 Lakhs for my education.
Given my situation, I was considering applying to Babson College's MS Finance program and, since Smith School of Business's Master in Management Finance program is closed this year, waiting until the next intake to apply.
However, I am unsure of the best course of action.
1. Should I move forward with additional applications, wait for the decisions I am expecting, or explore other options?
2. Based on my background and goals, what would you suggest as the best path forward and the best University?
3. I am open to any insights or recommendations you may have.

Thank You

MSFHQ
MiMEssay
MBAGuide
GyanOne

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05 Mar 2025, 23:13

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Hi,
I'm a developer in IT industry having four years of experience in two major IT firms based in India. However during my tenure at first company, I developed a great interest in finance and decided to apply for finance masters programs. My profile details are as follows:
undergrad degree: B.Tech(CSE)
undergrad GPA: 8.32
GMAT Focus Edition Score: 710

During my free time, I have done two beginner level projects relating to quantitative finance to gain some hands-on experience. Is there any chance of securing an admission in following schools:
HEC Paris
EDHEC business school
Bocconi business school

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06 Mar 2025, 05:38

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Hi!

I am a fourth-year student at private university in Serbia (unknown university). I received merit-based scholarship from my uni, as well as the scholarship for CFA level 1. I am studying finance and banking and my goal is to start a career in investment banking in London, and I am applying to master's programmes across Europe.

Undergrad GPA: 10/10
GRE: Quant 166, Verbal 153, AWA 4.0

Internships:
My position in the first one was Banking Operations and Client Service intern in a regional bank and the second one was in stock brokerage firm, Financial Markets intern (financial analysis, brokerage procedures). Both internships lasted 2 weeks.

Extracurricular activities:
1.Volunteered at my undergraduate university (helped in organising conferences in Economics, IT, Tourism and Hospitality Management)
2. Member of the Student Parliament
3. Volunteer for the Red Cross and a local marathon

I have completed WSO Excel Crash Course, Certified in basic use of accounting software (issued from a local company) and I plan to sit for the CFA level 1 exam in August this year.

The schools I applied to:

LSE - MSc Accounting and Finance
LBS - MFA
Imperial - MSc Finance and Accounting
Warwick - MSc Finance
HEC - Economics and Finance
ESSEC - Finance
SSE - Finance
Bocconi - Finance
FSFM - Finance

I already received an offer from Bayes. Rejected by HSG, Trinity, Said. What do you think of my chances of getting admitted to the schools listed above? Should I consider adding applying to any other school?

Thanks in advance!

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06 Mar 2025, 12:14

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Hi FinanceAspirant03
Priyanka here from ARINGO. Your four years of experience as a developer look like a solid foundation for your profile. Your plan to switch to finance, though, is where things get interesting. Your FE score is definitely strong, and your 8.32 GPA is respectable.

Your IT background, along with your interest in quantitative finance, could be a USP. Your target schools are highly competitive. HEC Paris, for example, really values candidates who can demonstrate leadership and a clear career vision. EDHEC is renowned for its finance programs. Bocconi, similarly, has a strong reputation in finance and economics, and they'll want to see how your tech skills can be applied to finance.

To really stand out, you need to weave a compelling narrative. Why the switch from IT to finance? What specific aspects of finance pique your interest? How do those quant projects you’ve done connect to your career goals?

FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT FOR A DETAILED DISCUSSION
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You can also email me at: [email protected]

FinanceAspirant03