<p>Hey guys</p>
<p>Long time lurker, first time poster here.</p>
<p>I'm facing some difficulty in narrowing my search for the ideal graduate program, and would really appreciate any help or insight you guys can offer.</p>
<p>My predicament:</p>
<p>I'm in my senior year and have decided to opt for a Masters degree in Finance, Economics & Business, or Management (or anything similar for that matter). The degree should preferably be offered by a respected (or prestigious) institution. The catch is that I don't have tons of cash at my disposal and can only apply sparingly. Scholarships, or other forms of financial aid, are also necessary.</p>
<p>My background:</p>
<p>I'm finishing up my B.Sc. Hons. degree in Accounting & Finance (ACF) from my country's leading business school. The program is highly competitive, very selective (admission rate < 7%), and well respected - in my country at least. Alumni have gone on to hold top-level positions in various multinationals and important posts in government.</p>
<p>My CGPA is hovering at approximately 3.5 right now, but I expect to graduate closer to 3.4 due to some unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances. I have plenty of courses in Finance, Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Business Management, Economics, and Entrepreneurship - so I feel I'm well-rounded enough to pursue a graduate degree in fields other than Finance, as mentioned above. I also have 4 internships (one abroad) in E&Y, PwC etc. and also have contractual work experience working on the demutualization of the local stock exchange. I'm also the captain of my university's basketball team (leadership role) and have several other extracurricular and community service activities on my resume. I also speak 4 languages, and have had a few of my articles and reports published at my university. I'll also be appearing for my CFA-1 in June (hopefully) and have registered for the January GRE. Had a score of 2120 in the SAT, so a decentish score on the GRE is expected.</p>
<p>Given my financial constraints I can only apply to 4 or 5 universities, preferably in Europe, Australia, Canada, and perhaps the States. As such, I'd like you all to offer your opinions on the best universities I have a realistic shot at. As mentioned previously, these universities must provide some sort of financial aid, otherwise I probably won't be able to go.</p>
<p>Would I have a realistic shot at acceptance (with financial support) from:</p>
<ol>
<li>St. Gallen University</li>
<li>University of Melbourne</li>
<li>University of Sydney</li>
<li>University of Toronto</li>
<li>Imperial</li>
<li>Stockholm School of Economics</li>
<li>HEC Paris</li>
</ol>
<p>Could I also land a spot at other more prestigious universities? If so, which ones would you recommend I focus on?</p>
<p>Also, I'd love to study in the States. What good schools do I have a realistic shot at? Given that financial aid is still provided.</p>
<p>I understand that this question is a bit vague and depends a lot on the quality of my application, interview etc., but I'd still love to hear what you all have to think.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>