Last visit was: 20 Nov 2025, 06:55 It is currently 20 Nov 2025, 06:55
Home
GMAT
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Rewards
Chat
My Profile
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
MSF Q&A 18 Jul 2013, 17:13
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Thanks and I completely agree. In my case I was just exploring IB as a means to a hopeful buy side end.

Posted from my mobile device
avatar
ftwsday
avatar
Joined: 24 Jul 2013
Last visit: 18 Jun 2014
Posts: 9
Own Kudos:
38
Given Kudos: 8
GMAT 1: 700 Q50 V34
GMAT 1: 700 Q50 V34
Posts: 9
Kudos: 38
MSF Q&A 24 Jul 2013, 08:20
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hello Anthony,

I'm looking for advice about MSF admission in top5 schools (for example, EDHEC or IE).

My profile:
- GPA: 3.4/5 (~ 2.75/4)
- 1 year of full-time work expierence as accounting consultant (audit and taxes) in regional firm + 4 months part-time in same position
- several extracurricular activities
- gmat 720

What do you think can I be an appropriate candidate for top5 MSF programs ?
Thanks in advance.
User avatar
MSFHQ
User avatar
Joined: 17 Jul 2010
Last visit: 11 Jun 2023
Posts: 905
Own Kudos:
229
Given Kudos: 2
Location: United States (NY)
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 905
Kudos: 229
MSF Q&A 24 Jul 2013, 20:42
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Since you mention IE and EDHEC I am going to assume you are looking at European programs. Your GPA is good, strong GMAT, work experience is solid. I'd say you'd be competitive at all the programs in UK and Europe. I suppose it will impact your application depending on the reputation of your UG, your major, the name of the firm you work at, your rec's etc. Otherwise you look pretty good on paper.

I'd make the decision based on where you want to/are eligible to work and what your career goals are. Obviously look at LSE, St. Gallen, Bocconi, SSE, LBS, Oxford, etc etc etc.
avatar
apurvadesai
avatar
Joined: 26 Aug 2013
Last visit: 06 Oct 2013
Posts: 2
Posts: 2
Kudos: 0
MSF Q&A 26 Aug 2013, 20:18
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hey..
I gave the GRE (Q - 155, V - 157 AWA 5.5)..
I am looking to apply to a MS Finance program in the US..
Specifically University of Illinois or Purdue.

Am I aiming too high?
What are the safe schools?
User avatar
MSFHQ
User avatar
Joined: 17 Jul 2010
Last visit: 11 Jun 2023
Posts: 905
Own Kudos:
229
Given Kudos: 2
Location: United States (NY)
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 905
Kudos: 229
MSF Q&A 28 Aug 2013, 09:38
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
If you are looking at Purdue then add UIUC as a safe school. Maybe DePaul in Chicago.
avatar
apurvadesai
avatar
Joined: 26 Aug 2013
Last visit: 06 Oct 2013
Posts: 2
Posts: 2
Kudos: 0
MSF Q&A 28 Aug 2013, 17:13
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
MSFHQ
If you are looking at Purdue then add UIUC as a safe school. Maybe DePaul in Chicago.
Show more

UIUC as a safe school? Is it that easy to get into? Even with my dismal scores? :|
I am just pretty discouraged. I dont know where to apply.

Thanks for your suggestion. Big fan of your website :)
avatar
raghoo111
avatar
Joined: 15 Aug 2013
Last visit: 04 Feb 2014
Posts: 6
Posts: 6
Kudos: 0
MSF Q&A 29 Aug 2013, 04:05
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Suggest me please MSFHQ...

I am taking my GRE next month, aiming to get 160+ in maths...

How much do i need to score in maths and total GRE ? If i need to get in the below schools.
MIT
Princeton
UCB
UI UC
vanderbuilt

my profile
10th 76%, Maths 92%
+2 88% Maths 88%
undergraduate 76%, Quants 92%, Finance & accounts 88%
Graduate MBA Finance (decent school) 3.50/4 CGPA.
Qualified ICWAI(CMA) India, Certified Management Accountant.

3 year work ex, 18 months Bank of America Merrylynch(Equity Data Analyst),National Mineral Dev Corp as Finance Executive 2+ yeras.
User avatar
kv18
User avatar
Joined: 17 Mar 2013
Last visit: 25 May 2014
Posts: 7
Given Kudos: 39
Concentration: Finance, International Business
Schools: ISB '15 (S) HKU '15 (II)
GMAT 1: 720 Q49 V39
Schools: ISB '15 (S) HKU '15 (II)
GMAT 1: 720 Q49 V39
Posts: 7
Kudos: 0
MSF Q&A 29 Aug 2013, 22:34
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi Anthony,

I have 3 years of work experience (engineering background). I am looking to pursue MSF degree as I am aiming for a career shift into finance sector. But in majority of the schools' sites, I found the courses to be aimed at candidates having 1-2 years of work experience. Is Masters in finance, in general, a degree aimed at college freshers or people with less work experience? or Is MBA in Finance a better option with the experience I am having? But I seriously doubt the latter option because of my non-finance background. Kindly advise.
avatar
Acropora
avatar
Joined: 30 Aug 2013
Last visit: 04 Aug 2014
Posts: 2
Given Kudos: 1
GMAT 1: 650 Q47 V31
GMAT 1: 650 Q47 V31
Posts: 2
Kudos: 0
MSF Q&A 22 Sep 2013, 18:25
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Top 50 school in the US by USNEWS, social science background, 3.1/4.0 gpa
GMAT 680, Merril Lynch internship experience, taken CFA LEVEL 1- didn't pass but ranked in the top 10% of those who didn't pass

What are your thoughts on where I should apply to? My list thus far is Vanderbuilt, Ohio state, University of Texas at Austin, and Pepperdine but I feel like I am reaching for the stars here with my low GPA. What do you suggest as some back up schools?
User avatar
dustwun
User avatar
Joined: 11 Apr 2013
Last visit: 10 Dec 2015
Posts: 44
Own Kudos:
29
Given Kudos: 13
Schools: Booth '17 (M$)
Schools: Booth '17 (M$)
Posts: 44
Kudos: 29
MSF Q&A 26 Oct 2013, 17:07
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
MSFHQ, thanks for all the good info. I wanted to ask if you knew anything about the new MSF program that Georgetown is offering. It's online :( and brand new, just wondered how you thought it would be received by recruiters/employers ect?

I'm waaaay too old to be getting an MSF probably, but I'm locked into a military job for the next two years and this program seemed like a step in the right direction that I could start now and finish prior to getting out. Want an MBA but I got so much bad feedback about eMBAs for career changers that I backed off that idea and will be applying next fall for full-time in the unenviable position of a 30 y.o. seeking a career change. Hoping an MSF would be a good alternative investment as I wait out the end of my military obligation.

Appreciate your thoughts!
User avatar
MSFHQ
User avatar
Joined: 17 Jul 2010
Last visit: 11 Jun 2023
Posts: 905
Own Kudos:
229
Given Kudos: 2
Location: United States (NY)
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 905
Kudos: 229
MSF Q&A 14 Nov 2013, 17:50
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
kv18
Hi Anthony,

I have 3 years of work experience (engineering background). I am looking to pursue MSF degree as I am aiming for a career shift into finance sector. But in majority of the schools' sites, I found the courses to be aimed at candidates having 1-2 years of work experience. Is Masters in finance, in general, a degree aimed at college freshers or people with less work experience? or Is MBA in Finance a better option with the experience I am having? But I seriously doubt the latter option because of my non-finance background. Kindly advise.
Show more


People with 3-5 years experience typically benefit from an MBA, especially career changers. With that said, if you can't get into a top 15 MBA program you might want to consider an MSF and save time and money. If you do go this route I would suggest you try interning or networking before hand.
User avatar
MSFHQ
User avatar
Joined: 17 Jul 2010
Last visit: 11 Jun 2023
Posts: 905
Own Kudos:
229
Given Kudos: 2
Location: United States (NY)
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 905
Kudos: 229
MSF Q&A 14 Nov 2013, 18:14
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
dustwun
MSFHQ, thanks for all the good info. I wanted to ask if you knew anything about the new MSF program that Georgetown is offering. It's online :( and brand new, just wondered how you thought it would be received by recruiters/employers ect?

I'm waaaay too old to be getting an MSF probably, but I'm locked into a military job for the next two years and this program seemed like a step in the right direction that I could start now and finish prior to getting out. Want an MBA but I got so much bad feedback about eMBAs for career changers that I backed off that idea and will be applying next fall for full-time in the unenviable position of a 30 y.o. seeking a career change. Hoping an MSF would be a good alternative investment as I wait out the end of my military obligation.

Appreciate your thoughts!
Show more


I think the program is good and well done. They are making an effort to have the online offering be innovative and interactive. I think it is going to be the best online experience you can get right now. I do believe there is a stigma attached to some online education (for profit mainly), but a bunch of well known and great schools have online degrees (Indiana, Penn State, Gtown, Drexel, etc).

As long as the military is going to help you defray the costs I think you should go for it.
avatar
SunnyAnd75
avatar
Joined: 01 Nov 2013
Last visit: 08 May 2014
Posts: 13
Own Kudos:
2
Given Kudos: 1
Schools: Owen '15 (D)
GMAT 1: 640 Q38 V40
GPA: 3.88
Schools: Owen '15 (D)
GMAT 1: 640 Q38 V40
Posts: 13
Kudos: 2
MSF Q&A 17 Jan 2014, 12:34
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Because MSF program applicants typically have less experience than MBAs (0-2 years), how important is work experience in relation to the rest of the application?

Do you see working part time for my father's company during the summer and winter breaks since I was 16 (now 21) and a good talking point? It was mostly bookkeeping and shipping/logistics. It is a small company but I grew up surrounded by business and definitely have more of an owners POV than an employees POV. I have always seen this work experience as a potential negative, thinking that it's my dad's company so they assume I have special treatment (except for getting days off for finals, not really) but now I'm starting to think it is a unique experience and a potential positive that I should highlight.

Also, how important is the interview? Are they looking more for the content of the answers or your delivery (poise, charisma, articulation, well-dressed, etc)?

Thanks!

Posted from my mobile device
User avatar
MSFHQ
User avatar
Joined: 17 Jul 2010
Last visit: 11 Jun 2023
Posts: 905
Own Kudos:
229
Given Kudos: 2
Location: United States (NY)
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 905
Kudos: 229
MSF Q&A 18 Jan 2014, 20:32
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
SunnyAnd75
Because MSF program applicants typically have less experience than MBAs (0-2 years), how important is work experience in relation to the rest of the application?

Do you see working part time for my father's company during the summer and winter breaks since I was 16 (now 21) and a good talking point? It was mostly bookkeeping and shipping/logistics. It is a small company but I grew up surrounded by business and definitely have more of an owners POV than an employees POV. I have always seen this work experience as a potential negative, thinking that it's my dad's company so they assume I have special treatment (except for getting days off for finals, not really) but now I'm starting to think it is a unique experience and a potential positive that I should highlight.

Also, how important is the interview? Are they looking more for the content of the answers or your delivery (poise, charisma, articulation, well-dressed, etc)?

Thanks!

Posted from my mobile device
Show more

Work experience is a plus, but not necessary. Anything business related that you can put on your resume and talk about will only benefit you. Sounds like what you did at your job is relevant and should be highlighted.

As for the interview, be able to answer "why XYZ university/program" and "why a MSF". Schools want to know that you aren't just mass applying (which is fine if you are) and they want to know that you have thought about how this specialized degree is going to help you get to where you need to be.
avatar
raghavkhurana
avatar
Joined: 08 Jan 2014
Last visit: 04 May 2015
Posts: 3
Own Kudos:
1
Posts: 3
Kudos: 1
MSF Q&A 16 Mar 2014, 07:28
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi, Have been following msfhq for a around a year, and really helped me in getting insight knowledge on MSF which i really want to pursue. I have done MBA and have bachelors in engineering ( usual trend in my country). For the Past three years have been working with a reputed bank in trade finance. But i see myself focusing on Corporate finance, as i helped, rather advised one of my SME clients and helped them in initial structuring of private equity. I want to explore this avenue in detail and have a tremendous urge to study in depth about Mergers and acquisitions. Also have done a course ( two day only) from BSE India , Just to get an idea what M&A actually is.

I have given GRE, scored 303 and was aiming for brandies and Bentley, but due to some document delay i couldn't apply and would be applying for fall 2015. gave TOEFL today itself and positive on getting above 100.

My query is whether i should re appear for my GRE as i have time at my hand. or should i apply to these plus more A tier universities, cause my focus is only on studying corporate finance and M&A.

Also are there any "Good" universities which take spring intake in east coast

Please help :)
avatar
samham22
avatar
Joined: 18 Mar 2014
Last visit: 06 Jul 2017
Posts: 8
Own Kudos:
5
Schools: Tippie '17 (A$)
GPA: 3.31
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: Tippie '17 (A$)
Posts: 8
Kudos: 5
MSF Q&A 18 Mar 2014, 14:35
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Interested in the MsF, Vanderbilt in particular.

Undergrad GPA 3.3 (Poli Sci)

Law school GPA 3.4 (Top 30%)

Just took GMAT and scored 620 (60+ points below my practices), definitely re-taking.

A little less than 1 year work experience on Project Finance team at a top tier regional law firm in the middle east, will have about 2 years total when matriculate in fall 2015. Interned for a federal judge second year of law school.

Want to switch careers from law to finance, in particular interested in i-banking or equity research.

Took Microecon (A-) and Macroecon (D+, pathetic I know but just never showed up for class/studied/etc) in undergrad but didn't take a ton of math and only stats course I took was a political research stats course (A or A-).

In law school, set the curve (A+) in Corporate Finance - a purely quantitative course, not legal in any respect. Also, did a project on the TVIX (a volatility linked exchange traded note) that got the top grade in another law school course called Deals, the project examined the underlying economics of the product and the legal governance of it (part of why I'm so interested in Vandy is the guy who invented the VIX is a prof there and I believe teaches courses in the MsF program).

What GMAT would I need to have to a shot at Vandy? Or is Vandy out of the realm of possibility?

I also notice they say in their FAQs that "it is expected that incoming students have one year of calculus and statistics" - how concrete is that expectation? Is it a strict requirement or more of a suggestion?
avatar
samham22
avatar
Joined: 18 Mar 2014
Last visit: 06 Jul 2017
Posts: 8
Own Kudos:
5
Schools: Tippie '17 (A$)
GPA: 3.31
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: Tippie '17 (A$)
Posts: 8
Kudos: 5
MSF Q&A 19 Mar 2014, 09:23
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Additionally, after further research I am also interested Villanova's MSF, especially their fellowship program. Given the information I posted above, what GMAT score would I need to have a solid chance at the fellowship?
avatar
BostonCollegeMSF
avatar
Joined: 20 Mar 2014
Last visit: 21 Mar 2014
Posts: 3
Own Kudos:
1
 [1]
Given Kudos: 1
Posts: 3
Kudos: 1
 [1]
MSF Q&A 20 Mar 2014, 09:43
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hey Anthony was just wondering what the general consensus is about the Boston College MSF (Cohort) daytime program I keep hearing mixed reviews and have been accepted to the program. Trying to make the decision as to whether to take the plunge or not!
User avatar
MSFHQ
User avatar
Joined: 17 Jul 2010
Last visit: 11 Jun 2023
Posts: 905
Own Kudos:
229
 [1]
Given Kudos: 2
Location: United States (NY)
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 905
Kudos: 229
 [1]
MSF Q&A 20 Mar 2014, 09:47
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
BostonCollegeMSF
Hey Anthony was just wondering what the general consensus is about the Boston College MSF (Cohort) daytime program I keep hearing mixed reviews and have been accepted to the program. Trying to make the decision as to whether to take the plunge or not!
Show more


It is all relative I suppose. I think BC is the 2nd best program in Boston (MIT being the first). I think they have a great rep in Boston and outside. They have an established program and a couple options to complete it. The night time program has a lot of local professionals and you'll get decent local guys doing the MBA. Good networking opportunities.

Do I think there are "better" programs? Maybe. But it is a very good one with a well know and established brand.
avatar
BostonCollegeMSF
avatar
Joined: 20 Mar 2014
Last visit: 21 Mar 2014
Posts: 3
Own Kudos:
1
Given Kudos: 1
Posts: 3
Kudos: 1
MSF Q&A 20 Mar 2014, 12:09
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Thanks for the input for the sake of clarity my profile:

Non Target undergrad double major finance/econ 3.5
GMAT 680
1 BB PWM internship
10 months irrelevant full time postion

Should I be aiming higher if I am trying to break into IB in NYC??
   1   2   3   4   5