Need your advice on MSF programs in the US

Hi guys,
I am a business administration and economics with concentration in finance undergrad from Germany and my biggest dream is to do my Master of Finance in the US (STEM) and work there afterward.
I am a bit concerned about my GPA, it is only 3.2 and I am currently studying for the GMAT (Hope to end up somewhere around at least 650 - the more the better).
I also spent my exchange semester at San Diego State and I hope this is also a positive fact for my application?
Concerning work experience, I did an 2 1/2 year apprenticeship, worked as an Accountant for almost 1 1/2 years at an international corporation and did an internship in the M&A Transaction Services department at Deloitte.
I wanna have all doors open in M&A, Private Equity, or even things like consulting or Real Estate but I don´t say that I absolutely have to go to a BB or so. Time will tell.
So the brand of the university is important but the culture and the city is also important to me.

These are my favorite programs:

USC
UT Austin
Vanderbilt
Notre Dame
UCSD
SMU Dallas
UT Dallas
Ohio State

What do you think about these choices?
Do I have a shot at universities like Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, or USC??

And what about universities like Ohio State and UT Dallas? Do you also have many doors open later with these universities?
It is so hard to evaluate for me since I am from Europe and barely have insights.
Where is it best to live/What is the best culture and where do I have the best opportunities for later?
Would love to hear your opinions, I really appreciate your help!
Thanks!!!

 

Non ut quaerat qui ut debitis. Doloremque velit nesciunt blanditiis eum voluptatem accusamus occaecati repudiandae. Nam quae quis velit porro est quidem soluta voluptas.

Dolorem voluptatem quo excepturi voluptas omnis rem. Et sunt fugiat modi et accusamus temporibus. Qui quo amet et reiciendis quia nam sed.

Ex in et voluptatem error pariatur. Est occaecati necessitatibus pariatur ut quae dolores quae. Error cum beatae consequatur. Rerum temporibus dolor commodi incidunt numquam in omnis.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Lazard Freres No 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. 25 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (21) $373
  • Associates (91) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (68) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”