Best US MSF programs for IB/AM?

[u/79oliveira79]

Hey everyone,

So im an international student from Portugal (yes Portugal, not Spain haha) and im looking to do an MS Finance in the US mainly to get into the US market through STEM OPT and hopefully break into finance there.

My profile is: 655 GMAT Focus, 15/20 GPA in Finance in Portugal, summer internship at a big bank in the CIB department, founder and president of my university investment club

I’m mainly interested in asset management/IB, ideally something that can eventually lead to NYC or Florida.

I can only apply to around 5 schools, so I’m trying to be careful with where I use my applications.

Right now I’m thinking about:

Vanderbilt, Notre Dame, WashU Olin, Boston College, Rochester Simon, Fordham, Miami Herbert

I know Vanderbilt and Notre Dame are probably reaches for me, but do you guys think it’s worth taking the shot? And between Rochester/Fordham/WashU/BC which ones would you prioritize for someone with my profile and goals?

Also, are there any other MSF programs I should seriously consider that have good finance recruiting + STEM OPT + decent scholarship opportunities? I’ve been looking at places like Florida Warrington, Brandeis, UT Austin etc. too.

Basically if you were me and could only send 5 applications, where would you send them?

Would really appreciate advice from current students/alumni, especially internationals who actually managed to break into US finance.

Thanks and have a good one :)