Profile Evaluation for LSE's MSc Finance Program

Question

Hi All,

I studied abroad in London this past fall and loved it. With a passion for finance/investments I was hoping to get back to London by pursuing LSE's MSc Finance programme.

I know its a very competitive, but do you think I have a shot at admission with a 3.5/4.0 GPA in economics from a top US liberal arts school, a 680 GMAT (46Q, 37V, 8IR) and a couple internships (One in corporate finance and one in investments in London while studying abroad)?

As for extracurriculars I am the captain of my colleges golf team, I am an officer on the investment club, I have participated in a couple researches (econometrics, wealth management) and Im sure there are some others

Some students take the GRE and some dont take a graduate test at all so I cant seem to get a feel for how competitive of a candidate I would be. I will also likely be applying to Warwick, Cass, Imperial and Cranfield, but LSE is by far at the top of my list, any help or advice would be much appreciated!!!!!!!!

Thank you !

CriticalSquare · Answer

Hey there,

Thanks for posting! I definitely understand the desire to go study in London - one of my favorite cities! So your background is on the right track with your internships, involvement, GPA, etc. They consider every background and we've had both clients with no professional experience (post graduation) and those with get in. So they're definitely open to it! The one thing I'm not a huge fan of is your GMAT. You're ~30 - 40 points below their median. You have a bit of time - do you think you could bring it up? You really don't want to leave something controllable that far away from the median. What do you think?

Bhavik

JoJenkins9 · Answer

Thank you for the response!

As for the GMAT score I definitely think I can improve it to the 700 level. I am a little disappointing with the 680 result and was expecting to do better. I took the test April 15th so I would have to wait until mid may to retake. My main concern is that spots are going to start drying up and wonder if holding off until the retake will hurt more than it helps.

I spoke with an admissions officer at LSE and let her know my dilemma. She told me the 680 was fine and encouraged me to apply sooner rather than later. With all this being said I am still a little bit torn on what to do because obviously my goal is not to just hit their bottom line requirements to be considered but to actually get in. Let me know what you think I should do.

Thanks

John

CriticalSquare · Answer

Hey John,

Thanks for the additional info. Well, since you've spoken to the adcom, I'd say maybe go for it. Something you can do is apply as soon as possible and then retake the test the moment you can. Then, if it's higher, send them an update. There's no guarantee they'll consider it but chances are they might - especially when we're talking about a MSc with rolling admissions. So that's an option too! I think if you go down that path, you could pull the trigger as soon as you're ready. What d'ya think?

Bhavik

Profile Evaluation for LSE's MSc Finance Program

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards