Profile Evaluation - MS Finance

Question

Hi,
I'm planning to pursue for MS Finance for 2016 batch. Till then I will have 2 years of experience from HSBC UAE before applying, as an Asst. Relationship Manager, Business Banking. I'm hoping to clear CFA level 2 before applying. CGPA in Bachelors is 3.6, with degree from one of the top 4 universities in Pakistan, majors Finance.

Keeping in view my profile, please advise good schools in USA where chances of admission would be higher.

Thanks in advance for your help.

MSFHQ · Answer

Ok, 3.6 GPA is good. Work experience is solid. HSBC is a name that will be recognized in the US also. The GMAT is going to be the big thing.

Where do you want to work and what do you want to do? Are you looking to stay in the US or are you open to working back home/UAE? Fill in some details and I can point you in the direction of some programs.

AnjleeHemnani · Answer

Hi Thank you for your response.

I would want to work in US during/after completion of studies and live there permanently.

Hence, kindly advise, schools which can land me into a job with high chances of sponsorship for work visa, keeping into perspective my profile.

Thanks in advance.

MSFHQ · Answer

Assuming you do well on your gmat, I can see you being competitive at all the major programs, with MIT most likely being a very long shot. Outside of that, look at WUSTL, UT Austin, Vanderbilt, USC, Claremont, Villanova, Boston College, etc.

vibhorekanoongo · Answer

Hi,
Nationality: Indian
Course: MSc Finance
GPA: 9.19/10
GMAT: 620 (Q49, V26) expect it to increase at least to 680 on a retake.
Work Experience: 6months equity trader, 1-month equity research internship
Undergrad: Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics ( Bachelors in Financial Markets )
ECs - Yt Football related channel with 30k subs (If it helps)

The problem is I complete my undergrad in July 2019. Got the job in Nov 2019 but lost it in April 2019 due to covid. I got into the Frankfurt School of finance and mgt(Masters in finance) without a scholarship. I am thinking of taking 1 more gap, in that year I will improve my GMAT to at least 680, will have 6 months of experience in IB(internship) and will give my CFA in November. Do you think so that because it will almost 3 years since I have completed my undergrad, this 1 year will have a negative impact on my profile and chances of getting into good colleges in Europe and Canada(Mcgill MMF)?

Target college - RSM Msc Fin and Inv, SSE MSc Fin, Mcgill MMF. 
Do you guys think so that it is worth waiting 1 more year for these colleges When I have already got into Frankfurt school?
I will be 23 by the time the Frankfurt school program starts and will be 24 by the program starts next year. Do you think my age will be an issue because MSC finance is usually a pre-experience program?

Baburqv · Answer

No. We should never associate learning with age. You should also pay more attention to your career goals. The work experience you have is not very big so the program you want to participate in It is absolutely perfect for you

Posted from my mobile device

vibhorekanoongo · Answer

Thanks for solving the age problem. There is a 1year gap because I lost my job due to covid, will this decrease my chances in these colleges next year? 
Bro, do you think so it's worth waiting 1 more year for these colleges? I mean are SSE, RSM, McGill that much better than FSFM? With 7 months internship, 6-month work-ex, GMAT 670-680 and CFA level1 I will get a scholarship in one of these colleges?

Baburqv · Answer

No
Waiting for one more year would be considered inappropriate, I can't tell you for sure about the scholarship but I want to tell you for sure that whatever university you go to for study purposes So you give your best in that university and the important thing is never to associate the university with the ranking. All the teaching methods of the university are different. But the goal of all is to get you more success on your career goals

And last
FSFM is good for study
But 
Germany is not good for management student

Posted from my mobile device

Namuy · Answer

Your answer is good

mateo11 · Answer

Hi I am from Argentina, Patagonia

Below is my profile, i'm planning to apply for MSc Finance at LSE:

1. 2yr's of Work experience - Goldman Sachs as Analyst.
2. Cleared CFA L1, appearing L2 in June 2022.
3. CGPA - 7.9/10. Bachelor in Economics at Universidad de San Andres (Top undergraduate school).
4. CGPA - 8.8/10. Master in Economics at Universidad de San Andres.
5. GRE: Quant= 169
Verbal=155
6. Toefl: 110

Dhruv16 · Answer

Thanks for the response, Really appreciate it!

MSFHQ · Answer

Good GPA, OK GMAT, Like CFA L2. As you identified, McGill, USC and Texas are the stretch schools and one you need to focus on. You'll get into Ohio State, decent shot at Vanderbilt, most likely in at Emory. USC will be tough. They like high (>700 GMATs) and favor well known undergraduate schools. Here is there most recent class profile (https://www.marshall.usc.edu/programs/s ... ss-profile). If you poke around you can see some resumes from current students. UT, similar story, but I think you'd have a better shot. Their class profile is here (https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/Master-o ... ss-Profile). McGill - unsure. I am not as close to Canadian schools. In my experience, they are very score focused (like the European schools). McGill is one of the top programs in Canada so I would expect it to be highly selective. IMO, Vanderbilt is the best program in the US when you consider placements, cost, school reputation and program quality. Good luck!

MiMEssay · Answer

Hey Dhruv16, you have a strong profile and your GPA is also impressive.
Although your GMAT score is low.
For you to get an admit in McGill, Vanderbilt, USC Marshall and other universities you mentioned you would require a GMAT score of 700+.

I would recommend instead of applying in Round 2 which are mostly over now, retake your GMAT in February or March and prepare to improve your score in the month of January so that you can apply as early as March just in time for Round 3 deadlines.

In the meanwhile start preparing for your Essays, SOPs, resumes and other admission requirements.
Follow these steps and you can study MiF in your dream university.

You also need to mention what extracurriculars you have been part of explicitly in your application.
Some other universities you may also consider applying for your MFin if you increase your GMAT scores include
- Oxford (Said)
- MIT
- HEC Paris
as they were ranked to top universities for MFin by QS Ranking list 2020.

You need to increase your GMAT scores if you want to get into your dream school, at least aim to score between 680-710 as GMAT only holds 20% weightage. 
Your work experience with a well know brand is gonna benefit you and your GPA is also good.

If you need help with your application process and how you can improve your GMAT scores, we at MiM-Essay can help you with that.
We have helped many students get admitted into their dream university and helped them make a strong application.
If you would like, we will be happy to schedule a strategy session with you at any time you want.
You can set up a Free consulting session with our experts through the link provided:  BOOK YOUR FREE SESSION

_________________
 Abhyank Srinet
Founder and Head Consultant at MiM Essay

97% Success Rate| 5000+ Admits in Top Schools| 5 Million Euros in Scholarships

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MiMEssay · Answer

Hey mateo11,

You have got a strong profile here:
- A GPA of 8.8 is good! 
- I see you have cleared CFA, which shows your leadership and hardworking skills.
- Your TOEFL and GRE scores are also good, leaving you with a wide choice of universities. 
- I don’t see you mentioning any extracurricular activities, so make sure to mention them in your application.

As you mentioned, you want to pursue MFin; your work experience at Goldman Sachs is great, so make sure to mention that in your application.

You can also mention the best or most impactful projects you have worked on and elaborate on your role and your value to the company.
All of this will add value to your application.

All in all, I would say is that you have a strong profile.

LSE is a great choice, and with your profile, you can get an admit you need to build a strong application and essay and bring it all together.

Some other schools you might also consider applying to are :
- Queens
- Schulich
- IE
- ESADE

We have helped over 5000 students get into their dream schools with scholarships.
If you would like, we can set up a free consulting session with you at your convenience

You can set up a Free consulting session with our experts through the link provided:  BOOK YOUR FREE SESSION  
 
_________________ 
 Abhyank Srinet 
Founder and Head Consultant at MiM Essay 
 
97% Success Rate| 5000+ Admits in Top Schools| 5 Million Euros in Scholarships 
 
Get your profile evaluated for FREE and know your chances at Top Schools of the world 
 Take our Free Profile Evaluation

anmol2005 · Answer

Hi !
Please check my profile and help me know my chances at the following programs for MS Finance.

London Business School
LSE
HEC Montreal
Imperial College Business School
Mcgill University
Warwick Business School

Background and nationality: Indian
Undergrad Information : Graduate in 2019 in BBA ( Finance Specialisation) from Christ University, Bangalore CGPA – 3/4
GMAT/GRE – Yet to appear
Work experience and leadership: 
1. Deloitte Investment Banking division (July 2019 – Present)
2. Deloitte Investment Banking (Internship 3 months; Mar’18- Jun’18)

Others: 
Social Welfare
Worked in an NGO for 3+ years (Currently working on the weekends)
Post Masters Goals
Want to work in IB firms post maters program.

If you have any other recommendation of colleges that align with my profile, do let me know.

Also, please let me know the desired GMAT score to make it to these colleges.

Thank you

Saprakash · Answer

Nationality: American citizen 
Undergrad Information: BCom (Honours) with a major in Finance and Investments from Christ University. 
GRE: (Q:156&V:150)
Work experience and leadership: Audit Big 4 (2years), internship at a wealth management firm. Significant work ex from M&A audit. Founder of a cultural team at university, Led the international student affairs team, led a small project at work. 
Community and others: community service at healthcare centers. 
Post Master goals: IB or M&A and MBA after working 
Anything else?: strong extracurriculars with significant milestones.

Program : MS Finance 
Universities targeted: Emory, University of Minnesota, UCSD, Colorado University, Brandeis and Babson. 
Which universities can i consider applying to?

Posted from my mobile device

MiMEssay · Answer

Hey Saprakash,

Academic-wise , your degree in Finance and Investments is a strong suit given your target program. However, your GRE score, particularly the Quantitative section, may be a concern for top-tier schools as it indicates your mathematical and analytical abilities, key for a MS Finance. Improving this would be a great enhancement.

Your  work experience  in Big 4 audit, particularly in M&A, showcases your ability to work in demanding environments. However, it's crucial to delineate your individual contributions and learnings. Being specific about projects, achievements and learnings can make this aspect more robust.

Your  leadership experiences  are promising. For instance, founding a cultural team demonstrates initiative, and managing international student affairs shows ability to handle responsibility. Enhance these points by highlighting the impact you made, skills you developed, and how they will be transferable to your future studies or career.

Community service  at healthcare centers sets you apart, showing a diverse perspective and commitment to social responsibility. Elucidate on your roles, impacts made, and the personal and professional growth experienced from it.

For your  post-Master's goals , explain the 'why' behind your ambition, tying it to your previous experiences, your proposed MS study, and your future aspirations. A clear, coherent narrative can increase your chances of acceptance.

Now, let's refine your  university choices :

Competitive : University of Minnesota - Your work experience will be valued, but elaborating on your leadership roles and improving your GRE would better your chances.

Safe : Colorado University, Brandeis, Babson - Your profile aligns well with these schools' holistic approach. Nonetheless, individualizing your story and experiences would further enhance your application.

Finally, a  CFA certification  could augment your finance competency, displaying commitment to your career path, and making your application more competitive.

If you need  more help , you can  message me directly  and I'd be happy to give more pointers on how to improve your profile and the right schools you should target.

LucaLeimbeck · Answer

Hello,

I am 19 years old and currently a penultime year Econometrics and Operations Research student at the Erasmus University Rotterda. I wish to pursue a MF degree in the August 2024 intake. Since I still have some months until applications start, I wanted to know if I should apply this year or take a gap year to further strengthen my profile. I am currently targeting the following master: MIT, LBS. HEC, Oxford, LSE and Bocconi (and maybe NOVA and RSM as safe options). Thank you a lot!!

Grades
1) 7.75/10.0 -- High 2:1 (only 6/120 people got first class honours in my year) with the following relevant courses: Econometrics, Analysis, Finance, Statistics, Programming, Corporate Finance, Accounting, and major in Quant Finance.
2) GMAT -- Expected to take in September
3) Exchange Semester -- University of Buenos Aires. Economical Sciences Faculty

Extracurriculars
1) Internship in Neuroscience Institute of Alicante -- Quantitative Research Study Assistant - Behavior of Organisms
2) Asset Manager Student Association Rotterdam -- Quantitative Finance Analyst
3) B&R Investment Group -- Equity Research Analyst and Funding Member of Plutus Investment Fund
4) Currently I am a Exam Preparation Tutor at AthenaStudies
5) Won the 2019 and 2020 Copa Federación Valencian Community teams tournament
6) Tennis player since I am 6 years old, played internationally

Languages: Spanish (native), German (native), English (fluent), French (intermediate), Italian (basic)
Technical Skills: Java, MATLAB, AIMMS, R, Microsoft Office Suit (PowerPoint, Excel, Word)
Certificates: Investment Banking Virtual Program by J.P. Morgan, Bloomberg Market Concepts
Post Master Goal: Investment Banking.

MBAGuide · Answer

LucaLeimbeck hope this finds you well You have a very interesting profile with diverse experience. However, if you are looking for a career in finance, I do not see a targeted professional internship in the details you mentioned (maybe I missed it?). An internship can help you stand out from the crowd by talking about real-world applications you have experienced and how that may have fueled your interest in exploring the topic further. Also, at a school like LBS, there is more emphasis on hands-on experience (thus valuing your internships) than some of the other academically focused programs on your list such as HEC Paris or LSE. If you want to wait another year, an internship could definitely raise your profile. For MSc Finance/Acc & Fin applications, I advise you to address the following points in your application to demonstrate a strong motivation for the program: Academic focus: Aim for a high GMAT score. Highlight any other academic accolades, scholarships, or recognitions you have received. 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-related projects. Discuss specific projects or finance-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 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, ex admissions interviewer) MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

riyanhrushi · Answer

I'm a fifth-year student (21 years old) doing an M.Sc in Economics at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT KGP, 6th rank in my home country of India). In my economics study, I took several finance-related courses. I'm considering applying to top MSF programs in the United States. While my profile is pretty standard when compared to other applications, I am still interested in knowing my possibilities at universities with my current profile, so any assistance is greatly welcomed.

GRE Score: 316 (150V, 166Q, AWA-3.5)
TOEFL score is 93.
GPA: 3.48/4.0 (8.2/10.0 on an Indian scale)
Secondary Education-99.2%.
1. A two-month summer internship in a modest financial services company.
2. Some projects on finance and online certifications
3. Currently in the final year Thesis on Finance under the supervision of the Finance Department Head at IIT KGP.

I require the most excellent possible placement following my graduation from university. Please indicate whether or not the universities listed below have a high percentage of placement.
I intend to apply for MS finance programs at the following universities:
Texas Austin
The University of Illinois Chicago, urbana champaign
Washington st Louis
Vanderbilt
Boston questrom
USC Marshall
What are my chances at the universities listed above? Please recommend two more universities based on my qualifications.
After graduation, I only need a solid job paying between 70,000 and 80,000 dollars.

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