Application Tips

1. Take the GRE/GMAT now!

Did you know that sophomore year is actually the best time to take the GRE? 

According to the article “Why Every College Student Should Take the GRE by Their Sophomore Year,” the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section consists of arithmetic, geometry, algebra, data analysis, and number properties. All of these concepts were studied in high school, so it is best to take the GRE while the information is still crisp in your mind! One other compelling reason discussed in the article is that the scores last for 5 years, so if you take the test as a sophomore, you will still have 3 years after graduation to use them!

Students are required to take the GRE (or GMAT) in order to be considered for the MS Finance Program. Most students prefer to take the GRE due to immediately being able to view your unofficial scores (which we accept) and it being more widely accepted for graduate school admissions. Here are a few additional tips regarding the test:

  • The Program only considers the quantitative score, so you should focus your studies on that section although you must take entire exam.  Submit scores to Texas A&M.
  • The minimum quantitative score to be considered is the 50th percentile.
  • The GRE/GMAT is offered throughout the year, however, it’s important to keep in mind that scheduling the GRE/GMAT can take at least a 3-4 day lead time.
  • Students may take the exam all the way up to the deadline if needed, since the unofficial scores will be received immediately upon finishing the exam.
  • The GRE offers free practice test software called PowerPrep, which can be very helpful to students. 
  • In light of COVID-19, both the GRE and GMAT can be taken online.  We recommend taking the exam 30 days prior to the admission deadline to allow time for an exam retake if necessary.  We recommend the GRE as it immediately gives the unofficial score; the GMAT can take up to 7-10 days to receive.
  • GRE Website
  • GMAT Website

2. Plan for the Prerequisites

The following MS in Finance prerequisites are required to be completed by the end of the Texas A&M Spring Semester, but are not required at the time of admission:

  • ACCT 209/229/640 Introductory Accounting (one of these)
  • ECON 202 Principles of Economics (Micro) OR ECON 203 Principles of Economics (Macro)

A grade of a “B” or better must be achieved in order to meet the requirement.  We do accept transfer and AP credit.

ACCT 640 Accounting Concepts and Procedures I (online) is an equivalent course to ACCT 229 that is offered to admitted students (even undergrads). ACCT 640 can potentially count as a technical elective, so be sure to ask your academic advisor to see if that is true for your major.  The MSF section of ACCT 640 is offered each Spring Semester.  If you are a non-business major and desire a face to face accounting course, your only option is to take one at a community college.  Blinn offers mini-mesters or you could take it during the summer at your local college.  You’ll be looking for ACCT 2301 (refer to the https://catalog.tamu.edu/undergraduate/appendices/texas-common-course-numbering-system/).  ACCT 209 is also included in the Industrial Distribution and Construction Science degree plans.  You still must take it by the conclusion of the spring semester prior to beginning the program.

Contact Misty Page in order to register for ACCT 640, if you find you need an override.

Transfer credit is accepted from other accredited universities. Lone Star College and Blinn College examples of community colleges that MSF students have been successful taking prerequisites online at in the past. 

3. Polish Up Your Resume

If you don’t know how your resume should look or need help building it, be sure to reach out to the Career Center for free help. Another resource for resume help would be to check out the MSF Student Directory, where you can view all of the current MSF students’ resumes. 

4. Write Your Essay

Tell us a little about yourself, background and why you are interested in pursuing the M.S. in Finance. What are your career goals immediately following successful completion of this degree, and longer term? What is your motivation to begin at this time and how is this degree going to enhance your professional life?