Which U.S schools should I target?

Question

Hi I am a U.K student looking to do an MSF in the U.S. I graduated from Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland (I am English) with a degree Business and Economics but only received a 2.2 degree (just missing out on a 2.1). I did the relevant modules for an MSF (all quant and economics of finance modules) but i feel as though my 2.2 will hold me back. I sat the GMAT and scored 750 (Q51 V41 IR8), given that 750 is a reasonable score do you think is it enough for them to overlook my below par grades?

Other info: I am undergoing a 9 month internship in an accounting firm starting in september (my application will be for summer 2015 intake) 
I have decent extra curriculars. I played rugby for the university team, involved in societies. I worked in the family business throughout my college summers in an administration role (not finance related)
I have a small amount of charity work, working with children with intellectual disabilities but that was when I was 17. I might look to improve upon that this summer.

What schools would be realistic options for me to apply to? 
I am looking to eventually get involved in IB, I am open to anywhere in the U.S, location is not hugely important for me.

Would also be interested in applying to masters here in England but most specify that a 2.1 is a minimum requirement. I feel as thought the U.S schools put more emphasis on the GMAT which is where I am strongest.

Would schools like UT Austin, Vanderbilt and Villanova be out of my reach?

MSFHQ · Answer

That GPA you have, does that convert into like a B in the US? I tried researching what the conversion was, but dead ended.

750 is amazing. You are English fluent. Played sports, good EC's and internship experience. Assuming that a 2.1 = 3.0 or close to that in the US, I would say you are competitive for all the schools listed. It is getting into the mid to later rounds of admissions for some of those schools. Have you started applying yet? If not I strongly suggest you start soon.

neupew · Answer

Thanks for your help.
According to this foreigncredits dot com/Resources/GPA-Calculator/Ireland my results converted into a 3.3 but I really don't think that is accurate. Most resources have a 2.1 entry point at 3.0 so I would be just below that. I will not be applying to this years intake, looking more towards next year as I am doing a 9 month internship this year. Just trying to figure out what my options are for an MSF. Which program do you think is at the top of my range? Which do you think is best suited to getting a position in IB?

MSFHQ · Answer

Assuming your grade translates to roughly a B you should be good with many schools. Think USC, UT Austin, Claremont, Vanderbilt, etc. A lot can change in a year though as I have been seeing a consistent stream of new programs YoY. Maybe by the time you apply there will be other/better/different schools with a program. Bottom line is you have a good profile and will get into many programs. Good luck with the internship.

neupew · Answer

Just to update my profile. I was told by an admissions offer that my grades translate to a B. I am in the middle of a summer internship in a newly formed private equity company in Dublin. After that I will be doing a year long internship in GE capital. I have also decided to do CFA level 1 in January. One thing that I was wondering would be whether I would be competitive at MIT if I could get a 780+ in the GMAT. I have already gotten a 750 but did little to no work on the verbal section. I honestly feel that a 780 is achievable with some study. However if my GPA would hold me back from MIT regardless of my GMAT score and experience then I doubt if I would bother.

Would I be correct in saying that USC, UT and Vandy all have pretty much the same reputation and that it would depend on geographical preference as to which would be better career wise?

I know you are the MSF expert on here and WSO so any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

MSFHQ · Answer

I am not as close to MIT regarding their admission nuances. I know they are picky and I know some friends who are going there. If you crush the GMAT you will have as good a shot as any. Honestly, its the only variable under your control right now.

As for your comment about the other schools, I agree with you. USC - West Coast, UT Austin - Texas, Vanderbiilt - East Coast. You'll be competitive at all three.

Which U.S schools should I target?

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