Which MSF Programs Should I Apply For This Fall?
Background Info (ORM White male)
Currently in Undergrad, studying Accounting and Finance and graduating in December this year. My GPA is at 3.1 right now but long story short, I have been in university for 7 years now (same university) and for the last four years I have averaged probably a 3.9.
In the past year I have had 2 audit internships. One at a regional firm and one at a big 4 in NY.
GMAT Plans
I'm strongly considering not taking the GMAT if I can get waivers for it. For one, I am terrible at standardized tests and for two, some programs I am targeting have waivers for GPAs above a certain threshold or are optional. If they only consider my GPA in the last four years, I should be eligible for all of them.
ECs:
- Treasurer for a STEM club on campus for which I raised very high 5 figures in funding + a sponsor
- Member on a small student-led university committee that manages a 7 figure budget every year and where it should be spent
- Finance-related research with a professor.
- Made mid-5 figures in a short few months by starting a business to do marketing for other companies.
- CFA Ethics Challenge winner in my state. It's different than the CFA research challenge with a focus on... Ethics.
Work Experience
- 4 years working a basic job part-time (Think cashier/retail that kind of job)
- 4 years doing basic marketing for a local business part-time
- 2 years total working my business (no longer active)
- 2 Audit internships
Current list of programs on my radar (Not really in order)
Specially without a GMAT, MS programs at schools like MIT, UChicago, Yale, and Cornell are out of the question.
MSF:
- Vanderbilt (Definitely my first choice. The rest, I'm still unsure of on how I should prioritize them)
- Villanova
- U-Rochester
- Georgetown (I just spoke with their admission this week. I feel like they will accept pretty much anyone with a pulse)
- UT Austin
MSA
- NYU Stern MSA
Appreciate any info.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and recommendations for your MSF application process:
Key Considerations:
GPA and GMAT Waivers:
Work Experience and Extracurriculars:
Recommended Programs:
Vanderbilt:
Villanova:
University of Rochester:
Georgetown:
UT Austin:
Additional Program:
Application Tips:
Essays and Recommendations:
Interviews:
Conclusion:
Given your background and preferences, prioritize Vanderbilt, Villanova, and UT Austin for your MSF applications. Georgetown and University of Rochester are also strong options. For the MSA, NYU Stern is a good fit. Focus on programs that offer GMAT waivers and highlight your strong recent academic performance and relevant work experience in your applications.
Sources: The MSF and MiM application process, MSF Class of 2019, MSF Question and Answer, MSF Fall 22, MSF Class of 2017
I would think Georgetown is your best bet. I think a 3.1 is much too low for Vanderbilt's program, as that can skew their class profile.
UT's program is specifically for non-finance majors, so thats a no.
Out of the 3 remaining listed, Georgetown would be the best (despite being online), as Rochester and Villanova don't really lead anywhere. Georgetown will allow you to leverage the name brand, potentially reach out to alumni, and just look better for networking calls and being seen on a resume. It also is a 1.5 year program so you can recruit for another summer for a more relevant internship (assuming this is for IB considering an MSF for any other reason is kinda pointless).
You are right, I forgot UT was a first degree in finance. I looked at them a year ago.
My only problem with Georgetown is that it isn’t fully in person. Rochester also has a option to extend the program by one semester to do a summer internship.
In terms of skewing class profiles, lets say with an incoming class of 65 people and a 3.81 average gpa without me, my GPA would only drop the average to 3.8. I think as long as it doesn’t drop the average to a lower grade range it wouldn’t matter. I actually spoke with Vanderbilts admission and their recommendation was to just take the GMAT and get a finance related internship. But i think they mostly care about employment numbers. Their major question with any applicant is can this person get a high finance job.
I also forgot to mention I did a summer business program at a T20 school as well if that makes a difference.
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