Msc Finance international student

Hi,

I am a second year finance student from Norway, considering to go to UK for my msc in 2017. Does anyone have experience with the msc in finance and private equity at LSE? I am really interested in PE, this program therefor triggered my interest. I have also looked at the msc finance at Imperial. How should my profile be to stand any chances at these programs?

Reply 1

StefanG

Original post by TheNarsisisst

I've recently been offered a place on the MSc Finance course (LSE) so in my opinion, here are the 3 most important factors:

Achieve high grades - equivalent 1st class UK. Depending on the reputation of your university, you might require a higher average % than a 'low first class'.

Sit the GMAT (and score AT LEAST 700) - Although i'm sure your English is pretty much native, it's a great indicator of your quant/verbal ability. They care a lot more about the quant side, but a balanced score is valued.

Have a compelling plan - The personal statement must explain your future goals - and what you've done so far/plan to do to achieve them! Don't be unrealistic

As for Imperial, competition is definitely not as stiff as it is for LSE, and the requirements are lower, but the same applies.

Hope this helps

Reply 2

TheNarsisisst

Thanks! 1st class is equivalent to a GPA of 4.5+ correct? How important is extracurricular activities? I currently work part-time (back office) in a huge international pharma firm, and I'm not sure if i will be able to get any financial experience before i apply. I plan to start studying for the GMAT this summer, how long time should i aim for? I understand that its best to apply as early as possible.

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 3

StefanG

Original post by TheNarsisisst

Not a clue how it translates to Norwegian grades, you'll have to do some research on that one. EC's will help if you don't have work experience, you just need enough to speak about in your statement. In terms of work experience, I only have 2 summer internships so I don't think they care too much. Considering you want to do the FPE course it might effect your chances though. To my understanding, that course is more suited to individuals who have work experience in finance (particularly M&A and corporate finance), so you'll definitely have better shot at the regular finance programme. As far as I can tell, you can still study PE on the finance course, just isn't compulsory. As for the GMAT, I studied for 3 weeks, but a good guideline is 100-150+ hours over the span of 2 months.

Reply 4

TheNarsisisst

Thanks, so it would be better to apply for the regular finance program?. I thought that one was much more competitive. Would it be a good idea to apply for both finance and accounting and finance?

Reply 5

StefanG

Original post by TheNarsisisst

Thanks, so it would be better to apply for the regular finance program?. I thought that one was much more competitive. Would it be a good idea to apply for both finance and accounting and finance?

I don't think the MScFPE is more competitive, just more specialist. If you want to gain admission, you need to have a compelling story to why you want to study PE. This requires more than just a small bit of background reading, in my opinion. I've heard that individuals have been redirected from the PE course to the normal one for this reason.

As for A+F, competition is a fair bit less rigorous as far as I know. Admissions rates are higher, and the average GMAT is lower, so yes I would suggest applying for this course as a second preference.

Reply 6

mliw

Hi,

I am a current second year BSc Finance student from 1994 group. Got 76% in my second year. I believe my courses are less quantitative course: Econometrics, financial modelling, portfolio theory, foundation of finance. I am considering Risk & Finance in LSE. And not planing to take GMAT. Current preparing CFA 1 so do not have much time to take GMAT. Only got two interns,one is bank,another is security firm.

Do you think i have chance to get into LSE?

Many Thanks !

Reply 7

theolck

Original post by StefanG

Hi,

If you don't mind do you think you could share your application profile? Would be great to see a one from a successful applicant as a reference!

Cheers