Profile Eval for MSF/MMS

Question

Hi guys,
I am a prospective MSF/MMS applicant from India. My profile is as follows:

June 2014 B.Tech CompSci grad, India: 73.24%(>3.5 GPA), June 2015 CFA Level II Candidate(Passed Level 1 this June), GRE:328(Q:168) & TOEFL: 110, Summer intern in Master data mgmt, Currently working as an Intern at a regionally well known Inv Bank (work primarily involves Due Dilligence). Post Masters aim is IB.

Will be applying to:
1. MIT MFin
2. Duke MMS
3. LBS MiM
4. LSE MSF
5. UVa MS Commerce
6. UMich MS Mgmt
7. UTAusitn MSF
8. Vandy MSF

What do you guys think are my chances at these?
Truly appreciate any advice/suggestions you might have.

Thanks in advance!

MSFHQ · Answer

Over a 3.5 GPA, strong GRE, CFA LII and work experience at a well known firm. I'd say you have low chances at MIT and UVA, decent chances at UTA, Vandy, LSE, LBS. UMich is new and I really don't know too much about their admission preferences.

I'd put an application into MIT, but focus your efforts on Duke, UTA, Vandy, LSE and LBS. Michigan, I have a gut feeling, would be a long shot. I'd email Emma at UVA to test the waters before wasting time with the application. They are looking for a specific student.

yamanarora · Answer

Hi, 
Thanks for the response!

Don't quite understand what you mean when you say UVA is looking for specific students. Please elaborate.
Also, I recently talked to a guy(Indian applicant as well) with much weaker profile than mine(B.Tech, no finance exp, lower GRE, no CFA) who got in at UVA for fall 13. He was pretty confident that I'll get in too! 
UVa is certainly one place I am eyeing, so if you have any advice as to how I could improve my chances, that would be immensely helpful.

Thanks again!

MSFHQ · Answer

UVA is 20% international which is lower than many other programs. My comment was in reference to the fact that UVA has a specific student in mind (non finance/business UG, top scores, generally younger, less than 2 years work experience, etc). Other MSF programs are more "open" to who applied (they don't care you UG major, age or work experience). That was what I was saying.

yamanarora · Answer

Got it. Thanks!
In that case I think I fit the "specific student criteria" pretty well, don't you think?

Will make sure to email Emma before applying.
Anything else I can do/should be doing to improve my chances for UVa?

Also, what do you think are my chances at Duke?

Would be happy to hear any other advice you might have!
Thanks a ton!

MSFHQ · Answer

Oh cool. Tell Emma I say hello. I was supposed to see her a week ago, but my schedule conflicted.

I think you are a good shot at Duke as well. I'd apply there as another option. Really depends what type of career flexibility you are looking for. Duke is going to give you broader career options whereas UVA will be more specific. Both have a great brand and program so you really can't go wrong either way.

yamanarora · Answer

Thanks for the response!
As for my career goals, I am aiming to get into IB post the degree. Hence, only applying to the "target' schools or to schools with a good network on the street.
But like you said, Duke will provide a broader career outlook, so it's right up there in my list just because I'd like to keep my options open!

Keeping all that in mind, would you refine the list, add or remove some univs?

Would love to hear any other advice you might have!
Thanks again!

MSFHQ · Answer

Your list is good. Includes all the main schools.

yamanarora · Answer

MSFHQ Seems like I'm not eligible for the MS commerce program afterall.

Emailed Emma, shared my profile and she said that I'm not eligible due to my banking internship. Strangely, I am eligible if you believe the criteria given on their website. Really wanted to apply for the program. Hard luck I guess.

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