----

Question

I also want to apply for the LSE. There you probably have a disadvantage with your score. Maastricht University, I study there and I guess that you get accepted with 680.

etienneb · Answer

Hello,

I am also applying to the same program except for HEC.
Here is the average acceptation for the master program that I got through my research :

1) LSE - around 700/730
3) Stockholm School of Economics in : 690
4) HEC Paris - around 700/720

Where do you come from ?

BM · Answer

Assuming that the rest of your profile is good, then a 680 is probably enough for HEC and SSE. But also consider expanding your list of schools. Oxford, for example, has an MFE program, while IE has a MSc in Finance.

For LSE, the competition is hell and acceptance depends on much more than a GMAT score. That could be said, of course, for any program. But my 730 GMAT score, high GPA, and international exposure certainly wasn't enough. On the other hand, I read on these forums about someone who was accepted with a 660 (along with good recommendations and an internship). At this point, my advice to you is (1) get the best recommendations possible, and (2) answer the essay question perfectly. You need to make your application a work of art.

alejonz · Answer

I think your 680 is already a great score and will help you get into many schools in Europe. From the schools you listed, I have only done some research on Warwick and LSE, as I would like to apply to those finance programmes as well.

- In the case of Warwick, your score seems be the minimum they expect, that means that it won't really strengthen your application, it will just be neutral. 
- For LSE, a 680 score is low. This doesn't mean you shouldn't apply with a 680... but it will require other parts of your application to be above the average.

That said, I would re-take the GMAT if I was in your place. For all those schools that have a defined deadline, applying at the end of January or end of February won't make a huge difference. The case, however, would be different for schools that operate on a rolling admissions basis....

Good luck!

Duke007 · Answer

I just saw this post and wanted to react shortly.

You GMAT score is a good score, unless your really want to enter at LSE I wouldn't retake de test but focus on other area of the application. I also heard they are full.

For Maatrischt 680 is more than enough, I don't know for finance but for some master (business, mangement and other) they ask for a 500 or maybe 550. To be honnest I live in Belgium and know a lot of people studyng there, but with your potential I would aim higher.

I have a friend of mine who has been accepted with a 640, average academic record, but 2 summer internships in investment banking.

Get into a master program is not tough as an MBA and it this even more so for european (non UK, US) school. Don't forget those school want to have tuition fees and there are not so many people seeking for master degrees with high GMAT scores. Most of the people that want to study a master are young graduated (about 21-23 years) (bachelors), so GMAT score tend to be lower... I think; it is a really different profile.

I know for example other very good european business school that accept people with low GMAT where sometimes no GMAT but just an entrance exam (where they don't give you the score because they appreciate the results by their own).

eg: Vlerick School of Management 550

Good luck!

Duke007 · Answer

I have a friend of mine who has been accepted with a 640 AT WARWICK, average academic record, but 2 summer internships in investment banking

larsgrans · Answer

680 should be enough for SSE. Not a lot of people in Sweden do the GMAT, and I've heard from friends that people got in to the other specializations with 5-600.

However, you should note that the application deadline was 15 jan. 28 feb is the deadline for sending them your GMAT score.

In general, SSE is a really good school with tight connection to major players in the financial industry, both in Sweden and London. Lot of people go straight from BSc in finance to top banks in London.

HygeinicGangster · Answer

Does anyone know whether passing CFA level 1 exam help in MSc Finance admission? If yes then how much?

Duke007 · Answer

For the Msc-Finance I am applying for, it is wether GMAT or CFA level 1. As I have no financial knowledge at all, neither strong quant knowledge I choosed the GMAT.

So I guess if you have a good GMAT and CFA you should be a very good candidate. I heard it is a non standardize test average required time of study 180h, 60% failure.

Gottesschaf · Answer

Do you guys know if it is necessary to submit the AWA as well to the b-schools mentioned.

And are you sure that 680 for HEC is enough? I did an internship with BCG as a consultant, is that considered as a good internship?

Duke007 · Answer

BCG yes it is one of the top consulting firm! Awa is automatically sent with your scores. I just know that with a 700 you will be directly accepted at hec.

Posted from my mobile device

Gottesschaf · Answer

Sorry I was not clear enough. Is it necessary to do the AWA for the european b-schools? Otherwise I'd just skip the AWA and concentrate directly on quant and verbal.

Mackieman · Answer

If you have applied for SSE you will have a good shot at acceptance with a 680 score.
I have friends at CBS who got accepted at CBS most popular MSc Finance programme with just good grades, >3 GPA or so.

For the record, I'm going for SSE and CBS as well, with SSE as my 1st priority. :-)

When is the last date for applying to HEC and LSE?

When is the last date for applying to HEC and LSE?

Duke007 · Answer

Sorry it is confusing because 2 people ara talking about 680 scores. Actually if you are in a rush of time to prepare for the gmat your chance to get a top score are thin!

AWA will take 2 days of preparation to get a somewhat decent score 3-5. So what is 2 days compared to several month of prep (at would say min 2 month for a topscore)

So it would be stupid to see a AWA 0 next to a top score. Otherwise if you have a toefl or ielts b school won t look that much at it.

Ps; I heard lse is already closed for this year. Can anyone confirm?

Posted from my mobile device

kseel · Answer

Direct acceptance at HEC with a 700... is this correct? Where did you see this information?

iLdern · Answer

Hi,

In case some might me interested, I just got accepted to the MSc in Finance programme at LSE.

My profile is as follows:

Nationality: Norwegian
GMAT: 720, 6 AWA
GPA: 3,688 (A Norwegian GPA of 3, or "B", is by LSE considered equal to an american GPA of 3,5)
WE: None what so ever.
References: At most average; we neither rank student nor have a close relationship with our professors.

The average GMAT score of the MSc in Finance students last year was around 690, so 680 should not be THAT big of a long shot.

I do believe the references are are very important. I have heard (from former alumni) that it is important for LSE to know that you are a top student from a top institution in your home country.

Also, your grades are VERY important. You should check LSE's website in regards of how they rate your country's grade scale.

I am curious about where you are from, as you are applying for the same programmes as I did. Are you scandinavian?

Good luck with your applications.

Cheers

Good luck with your applications. Cheers

iLdern · Answer

And BTW, Most of the LSE programmes are NOT closed yet, so the comment about LSE being closed is invalid

	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

----

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards