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Hey Guys.
Please help me out with my problem.

I’m studying in my final year of Computer Engineering from Mumbai, India, and will be graduating in May 2010.

I am interested in the Sept. 2010 intakes for MSc. Finance.

I have a 3.00 GPA, 92/100 in English in both 10 and 10+2, and in all probability will get a good score in IELTS.

I have had Applied Mathematics for 6 trimesters and also a subject on Economics.

I have played sports at a good level, completed speech and drama from the Trinity College London and have also done social work. I’m fluent in 5-6 languages. So I’m good on the extra-curriculars.

I have also interned during my summers for 1 and 2 months respectively in reputed firms.

Now the question which troubles me is that I am from an engineering background and whether that will work against me if I want to get into banking and finance. I dont want to get into Financial Math or Financial Engg.

Also, which universities (Warwick, Imperial, Cass, LSE, Durham, Edinburgh, Lancaster, Exeter) do I have a good chance of getting admitted to?

My main doubt is getting admitted to these univ’s. I am applying quite early and thus have sometime to plan this out. Looking forward for your replies.

Warwick is my main aim followed by Imperial, Cass, LSE, Lancaster, Edin.

Please help me out with this problem.

Thanx.

Dev

Hi Dev

Your background of computer engineering is actually pretty ideal for a masters in finance, certainly suitable for Warwick. How are your grades in Applied Maths? if they are good you have a really great chance to be accepted by the top universities you mention. GPA of 3.00 – do you know what % score that is (is it around 58%)?

I’ve got between 65 and 75 in the 6 trimester exams of maths.

3.00 is out of 4.00 so technically it should be 75% ???

But I think my University uses another formula so that means it is around 68-72%

Does the possibility of being accepted by these schools look positive?

Incredibly positive I would say!

Hi Dev, Finally I can give you an answer! I agree have a great chance to be accepted with your academics and extra-curricular and also because you will be applying early. Of course some of the courses (LSE for example) will be requiring a GMAT score but if you can do well in GMAT you will be a great candidate.

Thanx a lot! You guys are the first people to give me encouragement regarding this!

What should be my next few steps, in order to secure my admission…?

I am aiming at Warwick, Cass, Imperial, King’s for the MSc. Finance and LSE for the MSc. Financial Mathematics.

Which other schools should I apply to? Are these the best schools for me?

Thanx again to both Cozzie and Kieran, looking forward to your replies again!

Hi Dev,

Tts a great list of universities, the other top ones of course are Oxford, Cambridge and perhaps the ICMA centre at Reading University. It always a good idea to have a back-up university as well but only apply if you would honestly enroll there, perhaps somewhere like Birmingham University.

As for GMAT, if the university does not require it then it is not important but if they do ask for it (and some of yours do) then it is vital. For the top universities which you are applying to applications to offers ratio is often around 5 to 1 so that’s a good reason for a back-up university for even the best student.

As for predictions. I only ever predict the result of a football game after the game has been played so I’ll do that for applications also!

After Warwick, Cass, Imperial, King’s and LSE(Fin. Math.), I’m keeping Durham and Edinburgh as back-up…I should get into atleast one right guys?

John, I’m not looking at Oxford, Cambridge, LBS, Manchester and Lancaster, they require GMAT and a degree in Finance related subjects.

So now I can finally ask, other than the seven (5 I’m applying to and the 2 backups) and the the other 5 (oxford, etc) have I missed out on any univ.?

I think you’ve got all the best there, good luck!

Cozzie

Is Birmingham City University (www.bcu.ac.uk) the same Birmingham University you spoke about?

Let me know, because I met the guys from the Birmingham City University and they said I could easily get into their programs.

So, is it the same?

No, they are different

yes, very different. Birmingham University is one of Britain’s top research universities. Birmingham City University is the new name for the university formerly called the University of Central England which is not nearly so selective in their admissions.

Thanx. No wonder they sounded so friendly!

Hi All !!

I am another aspirant for Masters in Finance from a Reputed University of UK.
or probably a beginner in the decision stage !
I a Phd. Scholar in Finance (Mutual Fund)Area and about to finish it by mid 2010.

Plz anyone can help me in deciding which degree can suit me best which can propell my career in the same field and also provide me a good brand value.

I am looking for a help in career planning…!!

Hi tribhuvan, why would you study a masters degree after studying at PHD level? For career planning you should start work after completing your PHD