MIF Profile Evaluation

Question

Hi,
I took my GMAT FE recently and scored 635 (Q83, V81, D80). I graduated from BITS Pilani and have a CGPA of 7.5
I also have 3 years of work experience in Analytics and Fintech. I have also cleared CFA Level II.
I am targeting MIF in schools like Booth, UT Austin, Columbia, USC Marshall, etc.

Do I have a chance of getting into these schools given my low GMAT score and CGPA or should I go for retake?
It would be great if anyone could help. 
Thanks.

TrishaSahni · Answer

Hi,

Since you are targeting competitive schools for MiF, I would highly recommend taking another shot at the GMAT to improve your score. I have often noticed that students score the highest in the second attempt and universities like to see multiple attempts as it shows your determination to succeed. Your GPA and GMAT are used as the primary filtering mechanisms by universities to screen your applications and a good GMAT score balances a low GPA.Given you have solid experience working in the industry, I would highly recommend taking another GMAT attempt to considerably increase your chances of admission to the mentioned universities. Best of Luck!

Please feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hello  Gama13 ,

As you are targeting some top notch programs, it makes complete sense for you to retake the GMAT. The retake becomes even important considering your low CGPA.

Needless to say, once the GMAT is out of the way, you must focus on putting forth a compelling set of application essays.

All the best!

LilacBuds · Answer

Hi,

You have a strong background with a BITS Pilani degree, solid work experience, and CFA Level II, which are definite plus points. However, for highly competitive MiF programs at Booth, Columbia, and similar schools, both your GMAT (635) and CGPA (7.5) may be on the lower side relative to their typical admits. While your profile is well-rounded, retaking the GMAT and aiming for a score range of 675+ could significantly improve your chances. If you believe you can realistically improve your score, a retake is advisable. Else I would suggest you to pick schools that falls in your current GMAT range to 655 on FE.

In case you have further doubts, please reach out!

Best 
 Rajiv Ganjoo 
 Founder CEO - LilacBuds 
 www.lilacbuds.com

Sanskriti28 · Answer

Your profile actually looks really solid. A 635 is a good score, especially since most MIF programs have average scores around that mark or even lower.
Plus, clearing CFA Level 2 and having solid finance experience of 3 years will strengthen your application. GMAT only counts for about 15–20% of the whole profile anyway, so what matters more is how you tell your story.
Definitely go for Round 1. Just focus on building a strong narrative and highlighting all the good stuff you've done. You’re in a great place, just package it well.

hope20 · Answer

Hello everyone,  
 Could you please evaluate my profile for top Master's in Finance programs in Europe (HEC, St. Gallen, ESCP, ESSEC, Bocconi, LBS, LSE, etc.) and the United States (Yale, Duke, Columbia, NYU, Brandeis, etc.)? I plan to apply for Fall 2026 intake. 
  Profile:  
 
  20-year-old male from Belgium, with dual nationality (Belgian and Swedish)  
  Fluent in French, Swedish, and English; working proficiency in Dutch  
  Developed a strong interest in finance during my undergraduate studies and have since pursued relevant academic and extracurricular experiences
   
  Education:  
 
  Currently completing a Bachelor's in Business Engineering at one of Belgium’s top business schools  
  Expected graduation: Summer 2026  
  GPA: 3.7/4.0 (in the US system)   
  Standardized Tests:  
 
  Planning to take the GMAT this summer (target score: 670+, is it enough ?)  
  TOEFL scheduled for early September
   
  Work Experience:  
 
  Worked several months in the hospitality sector (client-facing, high-pressure environment)  
  Junior Financial Trainee at a European firm:

Participated in client meetings  
  Provided advisory support on investment portfolios  
  Contributed to real-life financial case analyses and decision-making

Extracurriculars & Certifications:  
 
  Volunteer tutor in quantitative subjects (math, statistics) for other bachelor students  
  Participated in multiple business games, including the largest CSR-focused competitions in Europe  
  Managed a simulated $100,000 portfolio over 10 weeks and outperformed the benchmark by 8%  
  Completed the Yale Online Course:  Financial Markets  by Professor Robert Shiller to deepen my understanding of finance  
  Completed the Wall Street Prep  Excel Basic Package  (Excel for finance + intro to financial modeling)

Target Programs (examples):  
 
   Europe:  HEC Paris, ESSEC, ESCP, EDHEC, Bocconi, LBS, LSE, Imperial, St. Gallen  
   US:  Yale (MAM or Silver Scholars), Columbia (MFE/MFA), NYU, Duke MQM, Brandeis, MIT, Berkeley MFE  
   Canada:  University of Toronto (Rotman), McGill (Desautels)
   
 I’m currently using July and August to strengthen my profile further by preparing for GMAT/TOEFL.  
 Any feedback, tips on target schools, or GMAT strategies are greatly appreciated! 
 Thank you in advance!

TeamUniAdvise · Answer

You're off to a strong start. A 3.7 GPA from one of Belgium’s top business schools, combined with a Business Engineering background, shows you have the academic ability that finance programs are looking for. On top of that, your multilingual skills give you a clear edge when applying to international schools. Just be sure to briefly explain the strength of your university in your application essays and SOPs since not all admissions teams will be familiar with the Belgian system. As for the GMAT, a 670 can work at several schools, but aiming for 700 or higher will definitely make your profile more competitive, especially at the most selective programs.

Your internship as a Junior Financial Trainee is already a solid step in the right direction. The hospitality role might seem unrelated, but it shows you can thrive in high-pressure, client-facing environments. That’s something finance schools do value. If you’re able to take on another internship in finance before applying, it would help reinforce your goals and give you more to talk about in your application.

What really stands out is your extracurricular involvement. Tutoring other students in quantitative subjects, participating in CSR-focused business games, and outperforming a benchmark with your simulated portfolio all show initiative and real interest in the field. The Yale course gives you a strong academic anchor, and the Wall Street Prep certification is a smart move. The premium version could be helpful if you want more modeling practice, but it is not essential if you are learning those skills through other experiences.

All in all, you are building a competitive and well-balanced profile. Keep pushing for a strong GMAT score, continue gaining practical exposure, and craft a clear, personal story around your interest in finance.

For a more detailed analysis and guidance tailored to your goals, UniAdvise offers a free 30-minute consultation call to help you plan your next steps. We’ll support you with CV enhancement, profile building, and crafting a standout SOP/essays that reflects your unique strengths.

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