Hello all,
I am planning to apply to MS in finance programs at near elite frontier schools (Boston College, Washington U, and U of Illinois Urbana Champaign). I understand that this section is primarily for MBA admissions; however I would really like to know if most admissions will overlook a poor academic record in light of recent achievements and effort. I'm guessing there is some overlap between MBA and MSF admissions, but correct me if I am wrong.
Post graduate school:
I plan to work in the alternative investment space with a focus on Asia. My long term goal is to be part of the development of the financial sector in Hawaii(my home state), through efforts in education, community support, and bringing local talent back to Hawaii.
I am currently part of some exciting efforts locally that are reflected in my work experience and extracurricular experiences.
The bad part….
• Took 6 years to graduate with breaks in between
• Put on probation in my very first semester
• 4 course withdrawals
• 2 F’s early on in college
Essentially, I was put on probation during my first semester. I took a semester off and then transferred to a community college. While attending the community college I was hospitalized for 2 weeks for liver failure and a severe viral infection. I had to drop all but 1 of my classes. However, this life threatening event really motivated me to take charge of my life. I attended another 2 semesters at the community college and then transferred back to the University. While at the University I began to put more effort in my classes and soon realized I had a natural aptitude for finance and math. I was slowly able to build confidence and work ethic. By the end of my college career I would say that I was at the top of my class in finance, although my academic record did not reflect it.
Here is my profile:
GMAT:
September 2007
700 - 92%
50Q - 95%/34V - 70% 4.5AWA - 49%
Education:
BBA Finance, University of Hawaii August 2007
Cumulative GPA 3.29
Major: 3.86
2007 Award and scholarship for outstanding student in Financial Analysis
CFA 2007 Scholarship - Passed level 1 of the CFA, hope this will be a + with admissiosn.
My work experience:
Finance Curriculum Writer(current) – 2 months –Working as a curriculum writer for a $1.5mm grant to develop an intensive finance training program for highschool and college students in Hawaii. I am working under a curriculum committee of hedge fund managers and professors from schools across the US(UMass, Yale, Wake Forest, and others). Also, if the MS program permits I will be able to keep this position while I attend graduate school as we conduct most of our work at home and through video conferencing.
Research Intern (current) – 2 months – This is a part-time position and is paid. This firm is a NY based boutique research/brokerage firm. We conduct research on tech/media/telecom companies for many hedge funds and mutual funds.
Treasury Analyst internship – 4 months - Worked under the SVP Treasuer at a commercial bank.
Research analyst internship – 6 months – Japanese securities research/brokerage firm. They service many Japan-focused hedge funds and mutual funds.
Extracurricular:
Senior Member at a Finance Training Program – 1 year – After going through the program I was chosen to continue to work on this project by becoming a curriculum writer and asked to instruct the incoming students. We were able to grow class size from 6 students on average to 17 this semester. The program is a serious commitment and holds a 6 hour class each Saturday.
Financial modeling instructor for the Finance Training Program(current) – 3 months
Research Analyst Internship/extracurricular(current) – 2 months – As part of the finance program we are working with a start up hedge fund to provide students with hands on experience. I am learning the research methods and coverage, so that next semester I will be able to manage a group of student analysts.
I have a pretty odd profile with a lot of +’s and –‘s…
What do you guys think? Am I safe to apply and be considered by admissions(BC, Washington U, U of Illinois)? Or do I need to take other measures?
I am considering retaking the GMAT after more studying. I would like to improve verbal, but there is no guarentee that I will improve in time as admissions is coming up pretty quickly.
Last resort would be to apply next year and take some addition classes to show more consistency.
Thanks!