francescop2001 wrote:
Hi all,
I am a 21 yo student from Italy and I am planning to apply to the MSc in Finance offered by LBS (MFA), LSE and Hec Paris (MiF). I hope to file my application within the 3rd round because I think the 4th will be the most competitive.
Here some additional information on my academic profile:
- I attend the final year BSc Finance at Bocconi (Target school in Italy) and my GPA is 28/30
- I went on Exchange to USA during last semester (GPA 4.0/4)
- 2 Letters of reference from Finance professors
- Fluent in English, conversational German
- I am currently studying for GMAT and I think I will score a 650-690
Regarding my professional experiences:
- In 2020 I did a six figures exit with an online Brand created by me
- In 2021 I founded a financial consultancy company along with a friend who is financial advisor and I am the CEO.
- I didn't do any internship bc I have always been pretty busy with my job and university chores.
- I consider myself as an open-minded guy (I travel a lot, even solo) and I have a very entrepreneurial attitude. Want to be an entrepreneur for a living.
Do you think that odds are on my favour even without a 700-level GMAT?
Thanks in advance!
francescop2001hope this finds you well. Your profile seems good on the surface. I have worked with LSE applicants there would advise you to keep the following suggestions in mind while preparing your application.
For LSE's MSc Finance particularly, I advise you to cover the following points in your application to show a strong motivation for the program
• Proof of enthusiasm and motivation for study of the subject :
To give context around your choice of métier, you could talk about being passionate about business and finance since early, and supplement your interest with examples of courses or internships/projects you did. Your founding a finance advisory company speaks volumes about your love of this field. Build on it. LSE SOPs are expected to be highly focused on academic learnings (75%). Since you do not have internships, elaborate on learnings from your job and supplemental sources.
• Understanding, experience, and appreciation of the subject through real-life applications and projects:
For this, you can leverage insights from your work. Speak in depth about any projects or finance-related topics that were pivotal in motivating you to explore this subject further. What did you learn during your entrepreneurial stint and how has the learning motivated your decision to study this subject?
• academic focus: Highlight any other academic accolades/scholarships/recognition if any
• Super curricular – what supplementary books, articles, research papers, and newspapers do you read.
What podcasts do you listen to? How do these activities support and complement your interest in the subject?
I advise you to cover this point well in your sops
• Extra Curriculars
Talk about the transferrable skills from ECs that will help you achieve goals as a future business and finance leader.
Other points to keep in mind
• Show originality and thought process in your application
• Show active engagement with the target school and potential recruiters post Masters (show how conscientious you are!)
Pro tip- Write to the professors or request a catchup. You could make a great first impression by seeking insights about some academic subjects and recommendations for supplemental reading. You could talk about it in your SOPs later.
Target a high quant score on GMAT and put your best foot forward.
Best wishes