MSc in Finance: apply to LSE for 2024, or work on a high GMAT score and apply to target schools in Europe for 2025?
I am a female with a non-target undergraduate integrated master's degree in International Business & Modern Languages, incl. a one-year exchange at a grande ecole in France, with a strong leadership profile. Since graduation in 2022, I have completed internships at a buy-side EB family office (rotation in Equities/Funds/PE/VC) and a sell-side mid-cap TMT boutique firm, both in London. I also completed a tech placement at a large US corporation during my studies. My plan now is to pursue a career in TMT investment banking, and I am considering options for studying a MSc in Finance. I am currently preparing for the GMAT while doing an internship in IB. I have two options: I could apply to the MSc in Accounting & Finance at LSE starting in September 2024 (does not require the GMAT), or request for my current internship to be extended (fixed term - no opportunity to convert due to small team) and work on achieving a high GMAT score to apply to other schools whose application processes open in October. Is LSE's MSc in Accounting and Finance worth it, or should I hold off to work on the GMAT and apply to other target schools i.e. Bocconi/HEC/LBS etc for 2025?
I would extent your internship. Your master could be the last degree you get so aim for the best. The fact that are female is stupid but will help a lot because most that apply are male. Have a strong experience and GMAT and aim for the top: LSE MSc Finance Or Oxford Financial Economics or HEC MiF or LSE MSc Finance and Private Equity. Good luck
At the risk of sounding like an incel, you're a woman, so you'll be fine regardless. I've seen girls with essentially zero experience from worse universities get BB/EB SA spots without breaking a sweat. As to your question, recruiters only really focus on the school you attend - specific programs aren't as important (as I've gathered from students/alumni of target MSc's and employees involved in CV screening) and differences in placement between them mostly come down to the quality/motivation of the admitted students themselves. Hence, LSE A&F, combined with your already strong profile, would serve you well. If I were in your shoes, I would apply for the current intake and reapply for Sept. 2025 in case of rejection.
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