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Learn what truly sets the UC Riverside MBA apart and how it helps in your professional growth
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If you’re applying to Columbia, NYU Stern, or Yale SOM, you need more than strong stats. Each school defines “leadership” differently, and your essays must reflect that. Join Sia Admissions founder, Susan Berishaj on November 20th
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01 Jul 2025, 12:17
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi everyone,
I’m currently preparing to apply for graduate programs in business analytics and finance, and I would love to hear your insights on GMAT target scores and school selection.
Background:
Thanks in advance!
I’m currently preparing to apply for graduate programs in business analytics and finance, and I would love to hear your insights on GMAT target scores and school selection.
Background:
- Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from the University of Alberta, Canada
- GPA: 2.98 / 4.0
- Work Experience: Mainly part-time jobs during undergrad, mostly in customer service (not directly related to finance)
- Competitions: Participated in the PCL Construction Case Competition
- Research: Currently working on a research paper (in progress)
- Programs:
- MSBA programs in the U.S. (targeting top 50 schools)
- MSc in Finance programs in Canada
- Studying for the GMAT
- Given my GPA and profile, what GMAT score should I aim for to remain competitive, especially for top 50 U.S. MSBA programs and reputable Canadian MSc Finance programs?
- Any suggestions for schools (both MSBA and MSc Finance) that are known to be slightly GPA-flexible but still well-ranked and career-oriented?
- How much weight do research and case competition experience carry in these types of applications?
- Should I consider taking additional certifications (e.g., CFA Level 1, Python, SQL) before applying?
Thanks in advance!
MyGMATbuddy
Expert
Joined: 27 Jun 2025
Last visit: 11 Aug 2025
Posts: 46
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 5
Location: India
Schools: IIMB EPGP'23 (A$)
GMAT 1: 730 Q50 V39
GPA: 9.82
Expert reply
01 Jul 2025, 22:52
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Hey, you’ve got a good GPA and part time corporate exposure, which is a great foundation. But for top MSBA or MSc Finance programs—especially in the US, Europe, or Canada—a strong GMAT (700+) is often the first filter. It signals academic readiness and helps you stand out in a competitive pool.
Right now, I’d suggest focusing fully on cracking the GMAT first. Once that’s in place, everything else—SOPs, shortlisting, etc.—becomes much clearer. Think of it as the first gate you need to unlock.
Pankaj Jindal | GMAT Classic 730 | IIM Bangalore | Helping working professionals
Success story: https://gmatclub.com/forum/how-i-scored ... l#p3588949
Mock-First Strategy: https://gmatclub.com/forum/the-mock-fir ... 47109.html
Right now, I’d suggest focusing fully on cracking the GMAT first. Once that’s in place, everything else—SOPs, shortlisting, etc.—becomes much clearer. Think of it as the first gate you need to unlock.
Pankaj Jindal | GMAT Classic 730 | IIM Bangalore | Helping working professionals
Success story: https://gmatclub.com/forum/how-i-scored ... l#p3588949
Mock-First Strategy: https://gmatclub.com/forum/the-mock-fir ... 47109.html
30 Jul 2025, 06:30
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi,
In order to get into competitive grad programs in Business Analytics and Finance, admission committees look for a couple of things :-
1. GPA - Since your GPA is slightly on the lower end, please aim to get a good score in the GMAT (700+) as your GPA and GMAT scores are used as the primary filtering mechanisms by admission committees while screening your applications.
2. Demonstrated Interest - You need relevant internships and academic projects in the field to demonstrate interest. If you have already graduated without any relevant internships, pursue a full-time work experience for a year and then apply!
3. Additional certifications (e.g., CFA Level 1, Python, SQL) are always good to have, but the first two points are the most important!
Let me know if you have questions or would like to book a consultation call!
In order to get into competitive grad programs in Business Analytics and Finance, admission committees look for a couple of things :-
1. GPA - Since your GPA is slightly on the lower end, please aim to get a good score in the GMAT (700+) as your GPA and GMAT scores are used as the primary filtering mechanisms by admission committees while screening your applications.
2. Demonstrated Interest - You need relevant internships and academic projects in the field to demonstrate interest. If you have already graduated without any relevant internships, pursue a full-time work experience for a year and then apply!
3. Additional certifications (e.g., CFA Level 1, Python, SQL) are always good to have, but the first two points are the most important!
Let me know if you have questions or would like to book a consultation call!
qiwang
