Hi guys,
I'm new to this forum, therefore I introduce myself.
I'm a recent economics graduate from Italy. As I'm currently in the grad school application process for MSc's in Finance, I would like to discuss some concern with you.
First, my profile:
22 years' old.
Bachelor's degree in economics from non-target university (final grade 105/110 and grade average of 26,5/30 according to the Italian grading system). Top grades at finance-related subjects.
No work/practical-experience except a curricular internship at a local company.
TOEFL 103 (R 28; L 27; S 23; W 25)
GMAT 640 (Q 43; V 35; AWA 5.0)
Looking for MSc programs in finance in Europe and either 1 or 2-year in lenght, but preferably the latter (since I have no work experience and I might decide to return to Italy in the future; in this case a 2-year program would be the only way for my degree to obtain fully recognition in my country); the cheaper the better, but I'd be willing to spend more for a valuable degree in case it's really worth it.
Not the best profile and my GMAT is currently on the low side. From my point of view, and from what I've learned on this forum as well as on other sources, RSM (Finance&Investments) would be the among the best choices, given the first-come-first-serve admission policy, my low GMAT, the lack of work exp and the good overall placement. However, it is a 1-year program and I know that there are obviously programs out there that place much better. Plus I still have some time before the deadlines expire for 2017 income.
Therefore I'm considering retaking the GMAT in one or two months and trying to get into more reputable programs. HSG, and maybe Imperial, Warwick and Bocconi are on my list, but HSG would actually be my top choice in this case for many reasons. I know it's hard to get a serious improvement on the GMAT (at least 720) in such a short period of time, but I want to try anyways. I'm just a little bit concerned about the placement after St. Gallen given the fact that I will have only 1,5-2 years to learn German language at a high level. It does seem to be a great program, but I'm still wondering if it's worth it to keep studying hard to get a high score on the GMAT or if I better stick with RSM or look somewhere else.
Where else should I apply?
I really appreciate any advice you can provide.