Chances for Cambridge MPhil Finance

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Finance(previous replies) didn't have to take the GMAT and he was offered a place in the program. You should check out his credentials. It would be great of
You have his background, you wouldn't need GMAT for sure!

Otherwise, I think the GMAT is highly recommendable, maybe a little introduction of your background would be great.

Original post by hanhgaby

I agree. I am going to apply for the 2013 intake too. Let's change our topic to discussion about 2013 intake!
I wonder if it is crucial to take the GMAT test. Cambridge does not require GMAT score, but I see so many people here talking about having a 700+.
Does anyone here got an offer from Cambridge without taking the GMAT/GRE test?
Do you think the chance of getting an offer will be extremely low if I apply in December? coz I can't seem to finish my application before December :frown:

Thank you!

Reply 121

titley

Sorry to hi-jack this somewhat, but i'm in a similar position.

I graduated from Aston with a degree in International Business & Economics, achieving a final grade of 76%. I have recently started on an Operations grad scheme at BB investment bank and previously I have had two undergrad internships, one at a futures brokers, the other at the same investment bank.

How crucial is the GMAT in terms of my chances of admissions success? I am prepared to take it, but obviously would need to dedicate enough time to studying, and so probably wouldn't be able to apply to the program until mid/late December.

Am I better off applying early or waiting and taking the GMAT?

Reply 122

Reaganyee

I have a suggestion!
Why don't you apply for next year's intake?

First, you'd work for less than a year and hence, still eligible for the programme. I think the experience within the BB is awesome.

Second, you can have time to take the GMAT. Your scores are great, but IMO, if coupled with a good GMAT score- even better!

Lastly, you can save up some money before going to the UK!

If I were you, I would do what I suggested!

Cheers!

This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

Reply 123

sg1992

Hi Folks,

I'm thinking about applying to this program this fall and I was hoping to get some input on whether I'm a competitive candidate.

Here is my profile in brief:
Currently perusing a BA in Accounting at a top 10 program in the USA (Michigan State University). I have a 3.85 GPA with Honors, research experience, and will be interning with Deloitte this summer. I have also qualified for a National Audit Case competition for Deloitte which will be held in April. I will also be studying abroad in the Benelux region (Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg) this summer on a short 3 week program. I'm well rounded with lots of Charity/Volunteer experience etc ...

So do I have a shot? Also, although I grew up in the US, I'm an Indian national so would that have an impact on my application? Also I was wondering if I would have to take the GMAT or not?

I've studied in India, Canada, and the US so far and hopefully the UK will be on the list next fall

Thanks in advance for your input.

Reply 124

IndEng_guy

You are an excellent candidate. A good GMAT/GRE score would also be a nice addition to that profile, even though it might not even be necessary.

Reply 125

sg1992

Hey Guys,

I'm deciding on which specialization I want apply to in the program and I wanted your input.

I believe the Financial Engineering specialization is the most math based and admits people with math backgrounds. Then the finance specialization is open to everyone. Finally, the financial accounting specialization is for students interested in accounting.

I'm doing my undergrad in Accounting and was wondering if I'd have a better chance of getting in if I pick the Financial Accounting specialization. However in general, which one do you guys think is the easiest to get into and what are some of the pros and cons of each specialization?

Thx in advance for your help.

Reply 126

IndEng_guy

I don't actually remember choosing a specialization when applying. Was there really a choice in the application form to choose a specialization beforehand?

Reply 127

sg1992

Original post by IndEng_guy

I don't actually remember choosing a specialization when applying. Was there really a choice in the application form to choose a specialization beforehand?

I'm not sure about the actual application but the website says that you do have 3 specializations:

[h="1"]Programme Overview[/h]The MPhil in Finance is an intensive nine-month programme combining advanced study and research for those with less than one year of work experience.
The MPhil in Finance has been designed in three broad specialisations:

•

Finance

•

Financial Accounting

•

Financial Engineering

Reply 128

thexfactor656

Original post by sg1992

I'm not sure about the actual application but the website says that you do have 3 specializations:

•

Finance

•

Financial Accounting

•

Financial Engineering

Depending on your course choices, you will share some of your classes with other students on the MPhil in Economics, the MPhil in Statistical Science, or Part III of the Maths Tripos.

Each specialization has a few different course options so I'm guessing there is one?

Current MPhil Finance student here, you absolutely do not need to choose anything beforehand. The specialization depends ultimately on the courses you are taking throughout the programme.

Reply 129

thexfactor656

Original post by sg1992

Your chances do not depend at all on your specialization preference. You first get admitted based on your stats (grades, recommendation letters, motivational questions), and then get to choose your courses as the MPhil progresses.

Reply 130

sg1992

Original post by thexfactor656

Okay I see. Thanks a lot!

Reply 131

HelicopterBen

Oh, I just realized this thread exists. Anyways, I see some of you are mentioning GMAT. I just wanted to add that I don't think it's that important. Or at least that was my experience, I didn't have an excellent score, and actually wanted to do it again, but in the end I didn't and I got the offer.

Reply 132

killer1992

Hi all

this is my profile, do you think I have a chance ?

Degree: Management - St Andrews
GPA: First Class Honours 75% - Top 5-10% of Class
Exchange: South Africa for 1 year
Modules: Highest Scores not in Finance, but Strategy Modules, Finance and Economics all v high 2.1 or First.
References: very good reference letter from MD from on Trading Desk of Tier 1 IB, and from Econ Prof.

School GPA: 90%+ Top of the class

Internships:
Tier 1 IB - EQ Derivatives Trading London (2 summers in a row)
Tier 3 IB - Sales & Trading in France (2 summers in a row)

Extra Advantages: Member of the University Squash Team at St Andrews. Minority Nationality: South African.

Languages: Portuguese, French, English and Italian.

GMAT still to go: but approx 720-710...

Has anyone done the MF, or been accepted lately - what are my chances to get in ?

Cheers,

Alberto

Reply 133

Dagur_91

Hi fellow students,

Degree: Finance from BI Norwegian Business School(Doing my 1st out of 3 years)
GPA: 3.9(Got one B)
Work: Payment collection for a payment solution company.

Extra curricular: Analyst at a asset management group at my school.

Do I stand a chance to get in when I finish my degree? What more do I need to get in? I really want to go to Cambridge or LSE and I would really appreciate any feedback.

Reply 134

sg1992

Hi Folks,

Currently working on my application and wanted some input. As an Accounting major / International business minor form a top 10 program in the U.S. do I stand a chance to get into this program? I have had math/stats/economics classes but I don't have a minor or anything like that.

Here is my profile again in brief:

Currently perusing a BA in Accounting/Minor in International Business at a top 10 program in the US (Michigan State University). I have a 3.83 GPA (with Honors) -- 3.86 (with honors) expected, research experience, and an internship with Deloitte Tax. I also won a National Audit Case competition for Deloitte for which I took 2nd place nationally. I have taken several advanced courses and even a graduate course in ERP systems. I also studied abroad in the Benelux region (Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg) this summer on a 3 week program studying finance.

I'm well rounded with lots of Charity/Volunteer experience etc ... At Deloitte I had the opportunity to peruse professional learning through which I obtained 2 certifications ( Finance Essentials - Harvard Business School & Analytic Insights - Deloitte Analytics).Through Deloitte, I also perused extensive learning (over 40 hours) which followed the MPhil in Finance program's course pattern.

Do I have a shot? Honestly, I'm a little intimidated by some of these candidates, you are all so smart. Also maybe this may factor into my chances -- although I grew up in the US, I'm an Indian national. Would that have an impact on my application?

I've studied in India, Canada, and the US so far and hopefully the UK will be on the list next fall

Thanks in advance for your input.

Reply 135

Leslie W

Original post by sg1992

Thanks in advance for your input.

AFAIK Cambridge makes the decision based solely on your academic achievements. All you need are a good result, good references stating your "top of the class" ranking amongst your cohort and good answers to the application questions.

Actually they will fail you if you have too much work experience :redface:

, cos this is a pre-experience programme. Extra-curriculars are irrelevant.

Reply 136

sg1992

Original post by Leslie W

AFAIK Cambridge makes the decision based solely on your academic achievements. All you need are a good result, good references stating your "top of the class" ranking amongst your cohort and good answers to the application questions.
ite.
Actually they will fail you if you have too much work experience :redface:

, cos this is a pre-experience programme. Extra-curriculars are irrelevant.

Okay that's good to know. I only have internship experience (4 months worth) and I believe that is allowed as per the web site.

I will probably have a 3.83 GPA with honors by the time I apply. Is that competitive for the application?

My core accounting classes have all been honors sections that have involved research / national case competitions or have been graduate courses.

So for example on my transcript it shows as a 3.5H GPA which translate as a 4.0 normally. Does Cambridge consider that level of difficulty at least? My grandpa passed away during finals week last semester leading to a drop in my grade as he was very close to me. Is that something I should mention in my application or ask my referees to explain?

Also do you know how many essays we have to write on the application?And what the world length/questions are?

Thanks for your help. I appreciate it.

Reply 137

Leslie W

Those application questions are a very good chance for you to explain your circumstances. They don't specify the word limit but I personally think they shouldn't be too long. In an online application, you can write as many words as you want but if you use a paper form, you will see that they just leave us a reasonable space.

Just create a draft application and discover! :wink:

Reply 138

sj27

Original post by Leslie W

If you're talking about the personal statement bit of the gradsaf form there is a word limit - I can't remember what it is but I think around 350 words?it certainly isn't unlimited.