Schools I am applying to are: Princeton, MFin MIT, MFin Duke, Master of Management Studies, Washington Unversity in ST. Louis, MSF Vanderbilt, MSF U of Virginia, Master of Commerce Villanova, MSF Oxford, Master of Science in Financial Economics Cambridge, Master of Philosophy in Finance LSE, MFin/MSc Accounting & Finance University of Warwick, MSF General Info 1. https://drop.io/MFinMSF Excel file with more info Pros/Cons of some schools Villanova Pros: 12 mo program Day Classes Strong Professional Development Services Prime Location Student Manage Fund required (Hand on Experience on Investment) Strong focus on Quant (stotastic process aka mathmatic with random variable usually used on the Black-Schole Model) Cons: Nationwide Reputation (In the East it is known as a close to Ivy League but everywhere its not well known) Strict structured program (No electives they structure the program as is) Cost of Living expensive Vanderbilt Pros: Top Faculty Networking (taking Classes with MBAs) Personally tailor your degree, very variable Academic Reputation world-wide Cost of living Day Classes 35 students Con: Circulum is only 9 mos In Nashville, far from money centers Vanderbilt doesn't have a Undergrad Business Program Purely Grad Student Management Fund is optional (take away from overall education) Boston College Pros: Top-notch Faculty Location (Close to all money centers) Academic reputation as a School and in Finance Networking (classes with MBAs) Con: 9 mo program Circulum is suspect -(Coming from a strong finance backround it seems like the courses taught are the same as the undergrad courses) All Classes are 4:30-9:30 Large Classes 50+ Student Management Fund is optional Work Experience is strongly preferred progam cost 50K for 1 year Florida Pros: Small Classes Great Career Devlopment Student Management Fund Business School is well known Nationally Day Classes Cost of Living Con: Marginal Faculty Placement is Suspect Mainly place in the south No recognition as a recruiting ground for Wall Street Known as a Party school less known as a Academic School Weak Network from msf-typical-student-41323.html

This is what one of my acquaintances said: Here are my thoughts about MIT: Pros: Brand name Prestige Cons: Tuition alone is $75K. Overall cost is close to $100K Program was introduced in 2009 (Sloan does not have brochure for its MFin program yet) No placement records whatsoever Class of 2010 is mostly MIT undergrads Background: Top-10 public, 3.85 GPA, double major econ/math, aiming at GMAT > 750, 3 internships (banking, wealth management/private equity, random gig) I'd recommend you to work on GMAT just to be save, try out Knewton or something. Unlike MBA programs, MFin programs put more weight on GMAT because most of applicants don't have solid 4-6 years of work experience.

Last visit was: 22 Apr 2026, 14:27

It is currently 22 Apr 2026, 14:27

Toolkit

Business School and MBA

Masters Programs (MSc, MiM, MiF, Accounting)

GMAT Club Daily Prep

Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.

Go to My Error Log Learn more

Request Expert Reply

Confirm Cancel

Apr 23
When to Stop Studying for the GMAT and Start Working on Your MBA Application
10:00 AM EDT
-
10:30 AM EDT
Admissions committees evaluate the GMAT/GRE in context — your background, your representation in the applicant pool, the strength of everything else in your file. The same score works for one candidate and falls short for another with identical numbers.
Apr 23
ISB Interview Call Guarantee Module
12:00 PM PDT
-
01:00 PM PDT
Inquire for a free profile evaluation and guarantee statement for possible admits and scholarships!
Apr 24
Live Coffee Chat- MBA profile enhancement: How to fix your gaps in 4 months
08:30 PM IST
-
09:30 PM IST
Join us for a Live Coffee chat with Jenifer Turtschanow where we talk about enhancing your MBA profile and fixing gaps in just 4 months.
Apr 25
Begin your MBA admissions journey with a free 1-1 strategy call
11:00 AM EDT
-
01:00 PM EDT
Looking to secure a coveted spot at a top business school? Our team of seasoned MBA admissions consultants, including top B schools alumni and industry leaders, is here to help turn your dreams into reality. Let’s kick-start your journey to success!
Apr 29
MBA Class of 2028: AMA with Juno's Founder
08:00 PM EDT
-
09:00 PM EDT
Join us for a live Ask Me Anything (AMA) session with Juno’s Co-Founder, where we’ll break down everything you need to know about financing your MBA in today’s rapidly changing landscape.

Back to Forum

Create Topic

MSF/MFin Fall 2010 Applicants Get In Here

1 2 3 4 5 6

PussInBoots

Joined: 19 Jul 2009

Last visit: 08 Apr 2012

Posts: 35

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 4

Concentration: MSc Commerce, MMS, MFin

Schools:McIntire, Fuqua, Villanova, Vandy, WashingtonU

Posts: 35

Kudos: 12

Updated on: 07 Sep 2009, 01:26

Originally posted by PussInBoots on 31 Aug 2009, 02:09.
Last edited by PussInBoots on 07 Sep 2009, 01:26, edited 1 time in total.

Kudos

Bookmarks

Schools I am applying to are:

Princeton, MFin
MIT, MFin
Duke, Master of Management Studies,
Washington Unversity in ST. Louis, MSF
Vanderbilt, MSF
U of Virginia, Master of Commerce
Villanova, MSF
Oxford, Master of Science in Financial Economics
Cambridge, Master of Philosophy in Finance
LSE, MFin/MSc Accounting & Finance
University of Warwick, MSF

General Info
1. https://drop.io/MFinMSF Excel file with more info

Pros/Cons of some schools
Villanova
Pros:

Cons:

Vanderbilt
Pros:

Con:

Boston College
Pros:

Con:

Florida
Pros:

Con:

from msf-typical-student-41323.html

str1der

Joined: 02 Feb 2009

Last visit: 27 Apr 2015

Posts: 371

Own Kudos:

168

Given Kudos: 27

Concentration: General Management, Strategy

Schools: HBS '15 (D) Wharton '15 (D) Tuck '15 (M) Kellogg '15 (WL) Sloan '15 (D) Johnson '15 (A) Owen '15 (A$)

GMAT 1: 690 Q48 V35 Verified score

GMAT 2: 730 Q49 V42 Verified score

Products:

Schools: HBS '15 (D) Wharton '15 (D) Tuck '15 (M) Kellogg '15 (WL) Sloan '15 (D) Johnson '15 (A) Owen '15 (A$)

GMAT 2: 730 Q49 V42 Verified score

Posts: 371

Kudos: 168

07 Sep 2009, 00:28

Kudos

Bookmarks

Hey,

Great writeup. What's your background like? Also, what's your take on MIT Sloan for Finance? I am thinking of applying but:

a) I am an engineering major working with a top 5 Consulting firm in Management/Human Resource functions. How forthcoming would they be to take me in? Acads/Extra currics are good-excellent. (I am from India)
b) My GMAT is borderline - 690.
c) Work experience would be 15 months on matriculation
d) How is Virginia - McIntyre's MS Commerce in terms of placements?

Regards,
Ankit

PussInBoots

Joined: 19 Jul 2009

Last visit: 08 Apr 2012

Posts: 35

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 4

Concentration: MSc Commerce, MMS, MFin

Schools:McIntire, Fuqua, Villanova, Vandy, WashingtonU

Posts: 35

Kudos: 12

07 Sep 2009, 01:17

Kudos

Bookmarks

This is what one of my acquaintances said:

Quote:

I contacted one of my classmates last night and he is currently in UVA McIntire program. He said the program is very intense, all day of lecture and 4-5 hrs of readings afterwards. The faculties are good. It sounds like a very solid program

Here are my thoughts about MIT:
Pros:

Cons:

Background:
Top-10 public, 3.85 GPA, double major econ/math, aiming at GMAT > 750, 3 internships (banking, wealth management/private equity, random gig)

I'd recommend you to work on GMAT just to be save, try out Knewton or something. Unlike MBA programs, MFin programs put more weight on GMAT because most of applicants don't have solid 4-6 years of work experience.

bsd_lover

Joined: 17 May 2007

Last visit: 15 Mar 2020

Posts: 2,432

Own Kudos:

1,750

Given Kudos: 210

Posts: 2,432

Kudos: 1,750

11 Sep 2009, 06:37

Kudos

Bookmarks

I am surprised that you did not consider the LBS MiF program or the Imperial college's masters in finance, while looking into Oxford and LSE.

PussInBoots

Joined: 19 Jul 2009

Last visit: 08 Apr 2012

Posts: 35

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 4

Concentration: MSc Commerce, MMS, MFin

Schools:McIntire, Fuqua, Villanova, Vandy, WashingtonU

Posts: 35

Kudos: 12

11 Sep 2009, 23:10

Kudos

Bookmarks

LBS requires work experience. As far as Imperial, I'd rather go to Vanderbilt/Washington U/Duke.

deepikagprakash

Joined: 13 Sep 2009

Last visit: 14 Sep 2009

Posts: 1

Kudos: 0

13 Sep 2009, 06:02

Kudos

Bookmarks

Hi ...
My profile:
B.E in Telecommunications
2 yrs work ex in software field. Will be 3 years considering that im applying in 2010
Have attempted CFA Level 1 (with a band 8)

Have a GRE score of 1370/1600 + AW 4.5 with 790/800 in Math.

I am applying for Masters in finance in Warwick & Lancaster.
I have not yet shortlisted the other colleges.
I have ruled out LSE as its too expensive. Are there any other good colleges which are reasonably priced ?
I am particularly interested in getting into Lancaster. Any idea how good this college is ?

arvs212

Joined: 14 Jun 2009

Last visit: 21 Apr 2015

Posts: 52

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 9

Posts: 52

Kudos: 98

14 Sep 2009, 03:47

Kudos

Bookmarks

Hi my profile

BE in Electronics Eng (61%)...10th-76%...12th-70%...GMAt 670 (Q47,V35,AWA-6)

goood LOR's...
very good extra currs, associated wit an NGO...

working for Infosys for abt 2yrs now..will be almost 3 by the time i actually join....im really keen on masters in finance at LSE...since LBS requires alott of work ex n specificaly in the field of finance also...although ive been working n a bankning software project my entire time and also bin involvd wit pre sales...but still not sure...

just wantd 2 knw abt my chances and any oter univs i shud luk into..wit my choices...n profile...

evanstripp

Joined: 12 Nov 2009

Last visit: 30 Nov 2011

Posts: 12

Own Kudos:

Posts: 12

Kudos: 4

12 Nov 2009, 11:41

Kudos

Bookmarks

I am applying (or already have applied) to M.I.T., LSE, Vandy, Villanova, Tulane, BC, U. of Rochester, and Oxbridge.

Background:
3.9 from an SEC school with an academic scholarship. double major in mathematics and finance. GMAT: 760 (Q -51, V-41). 1 yr work experience in asset management for real estate group (yikes).

Very high on LSE Ms Finance and Economics (Research).

Should be interesting to see how the next few months play out. Good luck everyone.

MFINDreamer

Joined: 24 Nov 2009

Last visit: 10 May 2010

Posts: 30

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 1

Concentration: MS Finance

Schools:Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, MIT, Vandy, Boston College, IE, Illinois, Villanova

Posts: 30

Kudos: 16

07 Dec 2009, 12:55

Kudos

Bookmarks

Hello all.

I am applying to Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, MIT, Vandy, BC, and UIUC.

720 GMAT 49Q 39V; 3.75 GPA - Public School; Finance undergrad.

How are everyone's apps going?

lostsurfer409

Joined: 16 Dec 2009

Last visit: 01 Jul 2011

Posts: 1

Kudos: 0

16 Dec 2009, 16:03

Kudos

Bookmarks

Hello all

I'm looking for a ton of answers regarding to what I should do post-graduation in May, hopefully you guys could provide me with some advice that would benefit me down the road.

Background:
-will be 21 years old male and will be graduating in May of 2010 from UCF with about a 3.25 GPA and with a 3.4+ GPA in my degree program (Finance). I have not taken the GMAT yet, but expect a score of around a 650(have not taken any practice tests or anything). I'm applying for a internship for the spring and that is all the work experience I would be graduating with.

?'s
- What are some of the top Finance schools that I could attend in Florida (also considering California, and the Southeast)? i've started looking at Florida, Nova Southeastern(not looking very promising), Miami U
- I would like to get a MFin relatively young, but how much do you oppose going to get your Masters with no work experience and directly after you received your Undergrad degree? (considering the job market now also)
- I am interested in sports management such as doing something with a finance degree with a professional sports organization. Is there an MBA or program that could help me better my chances to land a job in that kind of market?
- How likely would it be for a company to hire me as an undergrad, then after a few years help pay for some of the costs of continuing my education?
- I have not begun studying for my GMAT yet, and some applications for Fall 2010 deadlines are due mid-march. I expect myself to achieve a lot higher GMAT score then my GPA would suggest, so how likely would it be with that limited of study time?
- I also plan on getting my real estate license over the early part of the summer of 2010, so would that affect my application at all and would an internship help me out in any way with applying for jobs in a finance market?

Thank you in advance sorry for so many questions. I may have 1 or 2 more pop up also

MFINDreamer

Joined: 24 Nov 2009

Last visit: 10 May 2010

Posts: 30

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 1

Concentration: MS Finance

Schools:Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, MIT, Vandy, Boston College, IE, Illinois, Villanova

Posts: 30

Kudos: 16

18 Dec 2009, 08:44

Kudos

Bookmarks

I would not look at Florida. First, too be blunt, you will not get in. Also, they have a strong prejudice against students that did not do Florida undergrad. They have a weird system there where professors nominate students for interviews at banks. If you don't know the professor and some other student has worked with him for two years, whos going to get the spot?

I would look at Florida State, Tulane, and Auburn. All 3 have stronger alumni networks than UCF. If you are interested in Sports Management, than its a completely different story. I know NYU has a program, but I do not know what it entails. Some investment bankers transition into sports after their analyst/associate stint. A story that is close to home for you is Andrew Friedman, Devil Rays GM. He did a few years at Bear and look where he is now.

Figure out what you want short term and long term. Also, take the GMAT soon. Finally, start a new thread when you are starting a new topic, it keeps things less cluttered.

blopez0487

Joined: 31 May 2009

Last visit: 15 Sep 2014

Posts: 26

Own Kudos:

Posts: 26

Kudos: 3

23 Dec 2009, 22:53

Kudos

Bookmarks

I've applied to Krannert (Purdue), Owen (Vandy), Olin (WashU), and LSE.

So far I've got an admissions offer from Krannert, and I've been rejected for 1 of the 2 programs I applied to at LSE.

I had a phone interview with Owen at the beginning of the month, and I have a phone interview scheduled with Olin two weeks from today. Anybody have any insight on the Olin interview?

Student1258

Joined: 30 Dec 2009

Last visit: 10 May 2010

Posts: 2

Kudos: 0

30 Dec 2009, 11:55

Kudos

Bookmarks

I am just sending my applications to meet the second round deadline at Tulane University, Vanderbilt University, University of Florida, and Purdue University. I was wondering what people's opinions of my chances are because I'm considering going back to undergrad. I have a BA in English from the University of Miami, with a finance minor, although I took more finance courses than the minor required. I also took classes in accounting, economics, two calculus and one stats. GPA: 3.89 (magna degree), GMAT: 710. I just graduated and have no relevant work experience or internships.

blopez0487

Joined: 31 May 2009

Last visit: 15 Sep 2014

Posts: 26

Own Kudos:

Posts: 26

Kudos: 3

30 Dec 2009, 12:35

Kudos

Bookmarks

Student 1258,

Not sure of your chances for Tulane and UF, but I think you have a great shot at Purdue. I would think your GMAT and GPA put you in a great position for Purdue and Vanderbilt, but since I haven't heard back from Vanderbilt yet I can't really comment on what I think your chances are. Since your major was English, they would probably want a good quantitative score on your GMAT (probably around 85th percentile or better).

Just out of curiosity, because I'm applying to similar schools, how would you rank the 4 programs you're applying to and why would you rank them that way?

MFINDreamer

Joined: 24 Nov 2009

Last visit: 10 May 2010

Posts: 30

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 1

Concentration: MS Finance

Schools:Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, MIT, Vandy, Boston College, IE, Illinois, Villanova

Posts: 30

Kudos: 16

30 Dec 2009, 15:12

Kudos

Bookmarks

Student1258:

I would say that your chances are very good at Tulane and UF: >90%. But I would not recommend that you attend either school
Vandy and Purdue is a bit more questionable. For Vandy, your GMAT quant score will matter. Anything 47-48 or up will help. They care very much about your quant skills, so I would say that GMAT quant along with your scores in quant classes will determine your admission decision. Same goes for Purdue, but not as much. You should get in.

BLopez:

In order (adding WashU for you):

1. Vandy
2. WashU
3. Purdue (Just because it is still new, few alumni, could be better in future)
4. Florida
5. Tulane

blopez0487

Joined: 31 May 2009

Last visit: 15 Sep 2014

Posts: 26

Own Kudos:

Posts: 26

Kudos: 3

30 Dec 2009, 15:46

Kudos

Bookmarks

Thanks, MFinDreamer.

What do you think separates Vandy and WashU from the rest? The curriculum, placement, etc?

MFINDreamer

Joined: 24 Nov 2009

Last visit: 10 May 2010

Posts: 30

Own Kudos:

[1]

Given Kudos: 1

Concentration: MS Finance

Schools:Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, MIT, Vandy, Boston College, IE, Illinois, Villanova

Posts: 30

Kudos: 16

[1]

30 Dec 2009, 16:53

Kudos

Bookmarks

Vandy - Established program. Tied to Owen MBA, so there are networking opportunities with MBA and MSF alum. Different tracks, depending what you want your focus to be.
WashU- Tied to Olin. A target for all Chicago firms. More quant than what most want.
Purdue - Good program, just new. We'll see what happens. I was impressed by the class profile though considering how new it is. Krannert is good.
Florida - Not a lot of options class wise. Not located near any money centers and not really a target anymore.
Tulane - Used to place well at Lehman, at least pre katrina. Now, it is an average program at best

blopez0487

Joined: 31 May 2009

Last visit: 15 Sep 2014

Posts: 26

Own Kudos:

[1]

Posts: 26

Kudos: 3

[1]

10 Jan 2010, 15:09

Kudos

Bookmarks

I received a phone call from Vanderbilt on Friday telling me that I've been offered a spot in the next MS Finance class. I'm stoked about this one.

I had my phone interview with WashU on Wednesday, and they said a decision would be made at the end of the month. I feel very good about how the interview went.

if anybody else is scheduled to have a phone interview with either Vandy or WashU, I'd be happy to offer any advice that I can.

nbd52

Joined: 30 Jun 2009

Last visit: 22 Mar 2011

Posts: 69

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 2

Posts: 69

Kudos: 12

10 Jan 2010, 19:49

Kudos

Bookmarks

Hey Everyone,

I am applying to the following programs:

1) MIT
2) Vandy
3) Washington U
4) Villanova

I had a phone interview with Vandy early in December and I just received an admissions call this past Friday (just like blopez.. VERY stoked about this one). I also had a phone interview with WashU on Friday. My question for everyone is between Vandy and WashU how would you choose? Right now I think I am leaning towards WashU bc I think it might be slightly more quant/programming oriented (I did engineering as an undergrad so I'm comfortable with that stuff). Of course this whole decision is dependent on me getting into WashU first, however, I know if I get an admissions invitation from Washington University I will have a very hard time decided between them and Vandy. Any thoughts? (blopez... if you have any info that could distinguish between WashU and Vandy please let me know...Thanks).

Also, just as blopez said, if anyone has any questions regarded the WashU or Vandy interviews feel free to ask me. I'd be more than happy to help.

blopez0487

Joined: 31 May 2009

Last visit: 15 Sep 2014

Posts: 26

Own Kudos:

Posts: 26

Kudos: 3

10 Jan 2010, 20:39

Kudos

Bookmarks

nbd52,

if you want a more quantitative program, I would say WashU would be great for you. While Vandy offers a few decent electives that cover asset pricing and stochastic processes, I think WashU's MSF is, overall, more geared towards quantitative finance. That being said, I don't think Vandy is very far behind.

I'll also have a very difficult time choosing between the two if I get into WashU. There are aspects about both programs that I like. I like the quantitative nature of WashU's program, and I feel like they have better job placement record. But I like the range of electives offered by Vandy (WashU's curriculum, while it has great looking courses, is fixed). Specifically, I like the financial economics courses offered (I also believe you can take electives in other departments if you get that approved by an advisor). I also think Vandy's program is better set up for later pursuit of a PhD (something I'm still considering for the future).

What do you think about Vandy?