Graduate / MIT Sloan Master of Finance Essay - Relevant details, such as awards, rankings, and media references [16]

Hello,

I'm currently preparing my application for various M.Fin and M.FE. programs, with the MIT M.Fin. program being my first choice.

As a part of the application, I have to write a 500-word essay with the following instructions:

Essay:

Please discuss past academic and professional experiences and accomplishments that will help you succeed in the MFin program. Include achievements in finance, math, statistics, and computer science as applicable.

Although I place great emphasis on originality, I'd be grateful for any advice on my essay. It is obviously a tremendous challenge to fit all that information into mere 500 words. Obviously I feel that it's quite a waste of words to count all the classes that they can find on my Transcript, but they still ask for "achievements in finance, math, statistics, and computer science as applicable," which raises a little dilemma. But here is my first draft, all help is greatly appreciated:

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My Economics degree from the University of Iceland has given me a solid foundation for further academic success in finance. I achieved my goal of graduating at the top of my class from a rigorous program, acquiring a strong quantitive skillset and a good understanding of the fundamentals of economics and finance. Furthermore, I had the honor of being selected by my university to participate in Stanford University's International Honors Program in 2014, where I got to experience the benefits of studying at a distinguished educational institution. I feel more than adaquetly prepared for the MIT MFin program having taken STEM-level Linear Algebra and Probability&Statistics courses, two econometrics courses, three mathematics courses and almost every available finance elective. Additionally, I chose to deepen my understanding after graduation by taking graduate courses in Financial Mathematics and Statistics alongside programming courses. I'm glad that I tick all your boxes when it comes to suggested background and I believe that I've studied more finance than many finance majors and similar mathematics as engineering majors. I also have the experience of writing an extensive Bachelor's thesis about the global hedge funds who acquired distressed debt on the Icelandic banks following the financial crash. I consider the thesis one of my finest achievements and the results were published in a book written by my professors.

I've gained invaluable insight into the world of business and finance as a journalist for Iceland's leading business newspaper, Viđskiptablađiđ. I was offered the job without even applying as the publisher was impressed with my work as editor of the annual magazine of my university's Economics students. I've enjoyed the privelege of interviewing some of Iceland's most prominent figures in finance, business and politics as well as performing thorough analyses on the Icelandic economy and stock market.

I look forward to pursuing a career in the world of finance and my aim is to work in asset management after graduation. Although I'm happy to have learned the fundamentals in Iceland, the MIT MFin program is the perfect opportunity to take the next step. I hope to get work at a leading financial institution following graduation and in the longer term, I wish to bring my knowledge and experience back home and help develop my country's financial market.

There are many reasons for MIT being my first choice, besides the institute's prestige. The program is more diverse and flexible than a financial engineering program, the faculty is outstanding and many courses seem tailored to my ambitions. The proseminar in capital markets and finance research practicum provide a precious opportunity to bridge the gap between academics and practice and I'm fascinated by the student clubs, where I'll undoubtedly meet new people who share my enthusiasm. I'm also delighted that MIT places strong emphasis on ethics and social responsibility, as I feel it's essential for the financial sector to regain people's trust. Overall I feel that I have the qualities and skills to get the most out of the MIT Sloan MFin program and hopefully I can share my unique perspective with my classmates.