I have been reading a lot here about good MBA programs for finance. but it seems like most of the discussion is around the European programs like LBS and INSEAD.

I would like to do an MBA in finance in the US. I will be applying to these schools for next fall intake:

NYU
Chicago
Columbia
Wharton

I think that these are pretty good choices. But I need to find one or two safety schools in case I can not get into those schools. Does anybody have any suggestions?

Clearly the safeness of a school is really related to your strength as a candidate. try: GMAT Tiers - strong schools for your GMAT www.find-mba.com/board/27082 I'd say Notre Dame and Indiana are okay safety schools for finance MBAs who are targetting the schools you mentioned.

[Edited by Duncan on Jul 21, 2015]

What does your profile look like? I know some people who use NYU as a safety school if they can't get into Booth, given the differential between the two schools' average GMATs.

If you're looking for something safer, there are lower schools like Tepper, Jones and Darden that place a fair number of grads into finance roles. Notre Dame, as Duncan mentioned, is also a good secondary choice.

So it sounds like it comes down to my GMAT score? I've been scoring 740 and 750 in the practices.

Your GMAT score isn't going to be everything, but it's very important. Booth has gotten extremely competitive in terms of average GMATs, last year's average was I believe 756. Makes sense, though, it's a highly-quantitative program that demands people with above average quant skills, especially for those who are on the track you're on.

I think that with the other schools on your list, you stand a decent chance, depending on the rest of your profile (if you have a degree in a science or another analytical field, or if you've worked in an analytical role, this can help).

In terms of safeties, maybe something like the Simon School? Or Cornell?

In terms of safeties, maybe something like the Simon School? Or Cornell?