How to apply

Masters in Finance FAQs

• What weighting do you put on the different selection criteria?

  We look carefully for: academic record;work experience and track record; application for and personal statement; references, GMAT/GRE score; interview performance. The admissions committee makes a careful, balanced judgement based on all these criteria, both on absolute grounds and also relative to the other candidates being considered.

   
• Are all applicants invited to interview?

  No. Your application is very important, and only the best applicants will be invited for interview. No one is offered a place without a personal interview.

   
• Can I speak to MiF alumni or current participants during the application process?

  Yes. If you are shortlisted for a place on the programme, we can arrange for you to talk to one of our alumni and hear about their experiences of the programme.

   
• Do I need a visa to study at LBS?

  Please see visa requirements for more information.

• Policy on unsuccessful applications

  We aim to treat all applications to our programmes fairly and equally, in accordance with our published application policies and procedures. Competition for places on our programmes is very intense and the quality of the applicant pool is extremely high. Consequently, we are not able to offer places to a large number of qualified candidates.

   
• Feedback

  In the great majority of cases we are unable to give individual detailed feedback as the decision is the result of the high degree of competition. Our initial review of each application checks that the candidate has met our basic admissions criteria. All candidates are reviewed. In some exceptional cases we actively encourage applicants to improve their application and reapply with some feedback on how to enhance their competitiveness as a candidate.

   
• I have previously applied unsuccessfully. Can I reapply?

  If there is new information that adds significant weight to your reapplication, the Admissions Committee will consider this. Examples include an increased level of responsibilities, a new role, a new qualification or a substantially improved GMAT or English test score. If there is no new information, no purpose can be served by reapplying. We will need a formal request (by letter or e-mail) for us to reconsider your application. This should also detail the new information that you wish the Admissions Committee to consider. If after a reject decision you reapply for entry more than one year after your original application, then a new application will be required.

   

• Appeal against an admissions decision

  Appeals will only be considered against an admissions decision on the following grounds:

  
  

  • There is a substantive evidence of bias or prejudice against the applicant
  • There is substantive evidence that the Admissions Committee have departed from published policies and procedures.

  In the first instance appeals should be made in writing to the admissions team. The admissions team will acknowledge the appeal within 5 working days and respond fully within 20 working days.
  
  If, following this step, the applicant is dissatisfied with the outcome they may petition the Executive Director of the programme to review their case. This decision will be final.

• Can I waive the GMAT/GRE?

  We offer waivers for GMAT/GRE to a very small number of applicants. To qualify, candidates will need to exhibit previous academic excellence. GMAT/GRE waiver decisions are made at the discretion of the MiF Admissions Committee. When the Admissions Committee are considering whether or not to grant a waiver, they will be looking for strong grades in previous university studies, especially in quantitative subjects, and outstanding professional experience in finance. In addition, professional qualifications will add weight to the case for a test waiver. Holding CFA II or above gives you an automatic GMAT waiver.  If you are a non-native English speaker, we will also be seeking to establish that you are fluent in English. It is important to note that having insufficient time to prepare for GMAT/GRE (for example, due to work commitments) is not one of the grounds on which a waiver will be granted.

   
• So what does this mean in practice?

  You are welcome to submit your application without a test score. After reviewing your complete application we will advise you that:

  1 - we have decided to waive the GMAT/GRE requirement OR 

  2 - we have decided to move forward to interview, but our offer may still be conditional on a strong GMAT/GRE score OR 

  3 - we have decided to wait for a test score before making a decision to call you for interview, OR 

  4 - we have decided not to consider you for this intake. In all cases the Admissions Committee reserves the right to require a strong score in GMAT or GRE before confirming a place on the programme.

  The earlier you apply, the more time we will be able to give you to take the test, if we make a conditional offer. Conversely, if you apply very late in the cycle, you will have a shorter time frame to meet the test requirement of a conditional offer, and it will be unlikely that you will be given the option to resit if your first test siting does not go well.

   

   

   
• Can I ask for a waiver before I apply?

  As a first step, you should submit your CV for review. If we believe the Programme is a good fit for you, we may then give our view on your test options, however in most cases we will need to assess a full application before making a decision on whether to grant you a GMAT/GRE waiver.

   
• How do I apply for a waiver when I submit my application?

  All applications submitted without a GMAT/GRE score will be automatically considered for a waiver.

   
• Important consideration re GMAT waivers

  If you are offered a GMAT/GRE waiver you may still wish to take the test in order to make your application more competitive to the Admissions Committee. We receive a large number of applications for the programme and it is a highly competitive selection process. A high test score is important to some recruiters, so you should be prepared to take it to maximise your future employment potential.