Hello,

Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to read this - I will try to keep it brief. Also, I apologize if this is a bit dull, but I feel it is important to disclose some information about myself in order to help you answer my questions.

General

Age: 24
Nationality: Dual U.S. and Belgian citizenship
Languages: English and Spanish

Education

School: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (U.S.)
Degree: BS in Accounting - May 2007
GPA: 3.2/4.0
GMAT: N/A

Professional Experience:

Deloitte & Touche, LLP - Audit [New York, NY]
Financial Security Assurance - Financial Reporting [New York, NY]

I stumbled onto this site a few weeks ago on a whim and was surprised to find such helpful advice. Since then, I have done a considerable amount of research into business schools across Europe. I have narrowed my search to the following 10 programs, in no particular order:

1 EADA - International Master in Finance
2 EDHEC - MSc in Finance, MSc in Capital Markets
3 SDA Bocconi - Master in Corporate Finance
4 Rotterdam School of Management - Masters in Financial Management
5 ESADE - MSc in Finance
6 CERAM - MSc in International Finance, MSc in Financial Markets
7 City University: Cass - MSc in Investment Management, MSc in Banking & International Finance
8 Vlerick Leuven Gent - Masters in Finance
9 International University of Monaco - Masters in Finance
10 London School of Economics and Political Science - MSc in Finance

This may look like quite an exhaustive list, but it has taken me countless hours of research to narrow it down this far.

How would you rate these schools in terms of academic quality?

I am trying to determine my chances of admission to some of these programs. I am anticipating a GMAT score in the 680-720 range, based on practice test results.

My experience, both academically and professionally are restricted to accounting and audit work. As an undergraduate, I decided this would be a solid foundation for me to begin my career and knew that I would eventually obtain a post graduate degree in finance.

My experience with Deloitte was in the Audit: Financial Services group, where I had exposure to several global banking organizations [The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Morgan Stanley, Natixis]. I held an internship during school and was subsequently offered a full time position.

Unfortunately, I was laid off in September, as were many of my colleagues. Luckily, I was able to quickly find a position at FSA - a financial guaranty insurance company - and have been there for about six months.

I am leaning towards Barcelona - in particular, EADA. I feel that ESADE may be too selective for my credentials.

Should I be aiming lower/higher?

Cost is a factor, but then again so is location, quality of education, recognition and accreditation, CFA partnership, etc...

Also - as I am seeking a career change, I assume it is best to select a Masters program, rather than an MBA. In my research, I have found that most MBA programs are for more qualified and experienced candidates. Perhaps I am wrong?

Please provide any feedback, its getting late and I may not be as clear as I would like to be - but any commentary would be appreciated and hopefully it will spark some new thoughts/ideas.

Thanks,
Eric

Hi alianzg,

I also applied to HEC Msc. Finance program but haven't heard from them yet. If I were you I would go with ESADE. A friend of mine goes to Cass and he is not terribly excited with the program and his career prospects. Besides, Barcelona is very nice. ;) Have you heard anything from HEC?

Congrats on your GMAT score then. :)

I am going to give it another shot in august, so I would really appreciate it if you could tell me how you prepared for the test.

And of course, gl with HEC. I hope you make it!

My LSE application status just changed to: "A decision has been made..."

Should I smile or cry? :O

I'm so nervous right now!