Profile Review - Msc Finance

Question

Hello guys,

I would really appreciate if anyone can look into my profile and give their thoughts on the same.
 
 So, I aim to apply for Masters in Finance at ESSEC, ESCP, NUS Singapore   and Uni of Melbourne as well  .

My profile :

Indian student 
 
Bachelors: Financial Markets at Mithibai College (Top College in India) 
 GPA : 8.82/10 (top 10% student)

CFA: Cleared Level 1 & 2 (in first try & score above 90th percentile in both)  
 
 GMAT: 680 
 
One internship as Equity Research Analyst (4 months) 
 Another internship at real estate consulting firm (3 months) 
 {Will work again after CFA Level 3 exam}
 
 Language : Fluent in English (& some French)

Also worked at NGO (2 months)

Basically, the 2 main flaws are the low GMAT score and limited extra-curricular activities.

Do I have any chance in getting into any of these universities? 
Also open for any suggestions on another universities or anything.

Thanks everyone!

MG4MBACrystalBall · Answer

ds112 , your profile shows potential given the college pedigree, GPA and the internships. The score may actually be a deterrent mainly for NUS, not for others by a lot. Some more MiF/MFE options here . While ECs help, they are also not as big a deal for MiFs as for other programs such as MiM/MBA. Feel free to reach out with a resume on mcb@mbacrystalball.com and other details for a deeper discussion. Cheers,

TheRedPen · Answer

Hi  ds112

Your profile has several strengths, but your GMAT score and limited extracurriculars might pose some challenges for the most competitive programs. Let's break it down:

Strengths:

Strong Academic Background: Your GPA of 8.82/10 from a top college in India is a significant achievement.
CFA Credentials: Clearing CFA Levels 1 and 2 in the first attempt with high percentile scores demonstrates your commitment and dedication to finance.
Relevant Internships: Your internships in equity research and real estate consulting provide valuable industry exposure.

Areas for Consideration:

GMAT Score: While a 680 is a respectable score, it might be considered slightly below the average for the most competitive programs like ESSEC, ESCP, and NUS.
Limited Extracurriculars: Your extracurricular activities are limited to NGO work. While commendable, building a more diverse profile through leadership roles, volunteering, or other activities could enhance your application.

ESSEC, ESCP, and NUS are highly competitive. Your profile might be competitive, however, a nudge in the right direction would significantly strengthen your application. You can also explore other European schools. We can discuss those once we understand your profile and largely your goals in depth.

You need to tailor your essays to highlight your unique experiences, career goals, and fit with the program's values. Secure strong letters of recommendation from professors, supervisors, or mentors who can attest to your academic abilities, work ethic, and potential.

Your profile has a strong foundation. By focusing on improving your GMAT score, enhancing your extracurricular activities, and crafting a strong application, you can increase your chances of admission to top-ranked finance programs. Would you like to discuss your post-Masters goals and how a Masters degree can help you achieve them? This can help you tailor your application to specific programs and increase your chances of admission. You can  schedule a complimentary call  with our team. They can provide personalized guidance on your application strategy, target schools, and how to leverage your strengths to maximize your chances of admission. You can also connect with our team directly via call at +91 9769092456.

MBAGuide · Answer

Here are some tips I have shared with MFin aspirants earlier on this platform-

ds112

For MFin applications, I advise you to address the following points in your application to demonstrate a strong motivation for the program:

Academic focus: Solid GMAT is good. Highlight any other academic accolades, scholarships, or recognitions you have received. If the GMAT is not very impressive, highlight your quant score and quant acads from the past.

Proof of enthusiasm and motivation for the subject: Provide context regarding your passion for finance, starting from an early stage, and supplement your interest with examples of relevant courses, internships, or projects you have undertaken.

Understanding, experience, and appreciation of the subject through real-life applications and projects: Utilize insights from your internships, jobs, or other finance and economics related projects. Discuss specific projects or related topics that have been pivotal in motivating you to further explore the subject.

Super curricular activities: Share details about supplementary books, articles, research papers, or newspapers you have read. Highlight any relevant podcasts you listen to and explain how these activities support and complement your interest in the subject.

I strongly advise you to cover these points thoroughly in your SOPs.

Additionally, having a variety of extracurricular activities and language skills is advantageous. Discuss how these experiences and skills can contribute to your future as a business leader.

Here are a few other points to keep in mind:

1.Demonstrate originality and a thoughtful approach in your application.
2.Show active engagement with the target school and potential recruiters to learn about the post-MFin prospects, showcasing your conscientiousness. My applicants who recently successfully converted their offers from competitive schools like the LSE had actively reached out to professors and engaged in discussions to gain meaningful insights about the program and courses. Demonstrating enthusiasm to truly understand the academic environment at LSE and other schools can greatly contribute to your success.

Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

ds112

Hello guys,

I would really appreciate if anyone can look into my profile and give their thoughts on the same.

So, I aim to apply for Masters in Finance at ESSEC, ESCP, NUS Singapore and Uni of Melbourne as well.

My profile :

Indian student

Bachelors: Financial Markets at Mithibai College (Top College in India)
GPA : 8.82/10 (top 10% student)

CFA: Cleared Level 1 & 2 (in first try & score above 90th percentile in both) [Also Level 3 candidate]

GMAT: 680

One internship as Equity Research Analyst (4 months)
Another internship at real estate consulting firm (3 months)
{Will work again after CFA Level 3 exam}

Language : Fluent in English (& some French)

Also worked at NGO (2 months)

Basically, the 2 main flaws are the low GMAT score and limited extra-curricular activities.

Do I have any chance in getting into any of these universities?
Also open for any suggestions on another universities or anything.

Thanks everyone!

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hello  ds112 ,

Hope this finds you well.

You do have a chance at most of the schools in question, even with your current profile, provided you put a compelling set of essays in place.

NUS might be a bit difficult to crack and if that is your dream school, you might want to consider working on your GMAT score.

All the best!

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