By Charlotte Tait, MiF Student Recruitment Associate
Applications for the Masters in Finance (MiF) programme starting in August 2022 are open! As our first application deadline on Tuesday 28th September is fast approaching, we wanted to guide you through how to submit a strong, early application.
Applications are highly competitive in the later rounds, therefore we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible. This also increases your chances of being considered for our scholarships. Please see all application deadlines for our 2022 cohort here.
The most important thing before starting your application, is to do your research:
- Get a thorough understanding of the MiF by visiting our website and downloading our brochure.
- Learn more about the student body and career impact by downloading our employment report.
- Develop your awareness of the MiF student experience by speaking to our Current Students, Ambassadors and Alumni.
- Have your questions answered live during one of our many events.
We in the MiF Recruitment Team also help and support you across the research and applying stages. You can submit your profile for review, and we will informally assess your eligibility for the programme. We also host one-to-one consultations, where we answer your questions and provide you with tailored application support.
Once you have completed your research, the next step is to start your application. You will be required to fill out our online application form, which involves submitting a GMAT or GRE score, two essay questions, a one page CV, your academic transcripts and a professional reference.
Applications are reviewed holistically, therefore all aspects of your application are measured equally by the MiF Admissions Committee.
Below is an explanation of the individual application requirements in more detail.
GMAT/GRE
So we can assess your quantitative ability to ensure you can keep up with the rigor of the programme, we require a GMAT or GRE score. We have no preference between GMAT or GRE. A strong GMAT score is 650 or above, and for GRE we look for around 160 in the quantitative section, and 155 in the verbal section. You can also submit your application in advance of GMAT or GRE as we do make conditional offers.
For a small number of candidates, we waive the GMAT/GRE requirement. If you have cleared CFA Level II then you will automatically receive a GMAT/GRE waiver. We also grant GMAT/GRE waivers to candidates with strong grades at undergraduate and postgraduate level, especially those who have studied quantitative subjects, and who have outstanding professional finance work experience. Professional qualifications like CFA Level I, FRM, CPA and ACCA will increase your chances of getting a waiver. To apply for a GMAT/GRE waiver, please share your CV and your undergraduate and postgraduate transcripts with us at mif@london.edu.
Two essay questions
Our two essay questions are focused on why you are interested in studying the Masters in Finance at LBS, and how will you will contribute to our community. Remember, there is no right or wrong answer. Use the essays to tell us your story, and to highlight your personality. Demonstrate your leadership potential, your global mind-set, and showcase your academic capabilities.
CV and transcripts
You must include a one page CV in our recommended CV template and your academic transcripts. We require transcripts from your undergraduate and any postgraduate degrees. If your transcripts are not in English, they will need to be translated.
References
We require one reference from you, and this should ideally be professional i.e. by someone you have worked closely with and who know you very well. The seniority of your referee does not matter as much as the quality of your reference. Please note that your reference needs to be submitted before we can start reviewing your application. You should give your referee sufficient time to prepare and submit the reference, and spend time explaining your motivations to them, so that they can complete the reference thoroughly.
Once you have submitted your application, the Admissions team will inform you about whether you have been selected for interview or not. Interviews are conducted by our Alumni. For a deeper insight into the interview stage, take a look at our blog here.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact us at mif@london.edu
Best of luck with your application!