Should I write the GMAT? Low GPA, CA, Big 4 Experience

Free advice from the world's top MBA consultants
This topic has expert replies
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2011 6:07 am
I was accepted into one of the Big 4 after my 2nd year at the University of Toronto. After which I was guaranteed a position to start at the Big 4 firm in audit upon completion and all I had to do was pass my courses. My grades went from a CGPA of 3.5 (as of the end of 2nd year), to a CGPA of 2.8 at the end of my 4 years.

I have written the CKE, SOA and UFE and have obtained my Chartered Accountant (CA, CPA equivalent) designation.

I'm now having a dilemma... I want to get into one of the top 10 MBA schools in the U.S.

I know I can score well on the GMATs, I did plenty of mocks and these questions are my strong suit. Is there even a point though? With my low 2.8 CGPA, will a high GMAT topped with my CA designation count for anything for getting into one of the top 10 MBA schools in the US?

Please let me know your thoughts. I'm at a point in my career where I have to make a decision on whether I will be doing my MBA or not. I really don't want to waste all this time studying, writing to end up not being able to get into one of the top 10 MBA schools in the U.S.

CGPA after 2nd year: 3.5
CGPA after 4th year: 2.8
GMAT ~ 700 (likely)
Chartered Accountant Designation (CPA equivalent)
Source: — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant |

Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2011 6:07 am

by stizzi » Mon Sep 26, 2011 6:18 am
I'd like to add that a 2.8 at U of T is the equivalent to a B- to B grade level.

Also - my undergrad degree was a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting Specialist) and I made the Economics Honour Roll (2nd year)

User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 810
Joined: Thu Jun 16, 2011 1:12 pm
Thanked: 127 times
Followed by:35 members

by MBAPrepAdvantage » Wed Oct 05, 2011 1:22 pm
A top 10 MBA school is uncertain because you would have to explain to the admissions committee why you did badly and why that characteristic should not cause them to adversely evaluate your candidacy. In other words, it is not the 2.8 that is the problem it is that you had greater ability and "coasted". So, what would make the admissions committee think that you wouldn't "coast" at their school in terms of say leadership in student clubs?

Best of luck,
Michael Cohan
MBAPrepAdvantage Founder & AIGAC Board Director
305-604-8178
www.mbaprepadvantage.com

Please thank and/or like individual posts.

Follow Michael Cohan on Image Image and BeattheGMAT.
Follow MBAPrepAdvantage on Image Image Image.

For a free assessment email [email protected] your target schools, goals, resume, GPA and GMAT or fill out our Free MBA Admissions Consultation Form.

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
Elite Legendary Member
Posts: 3135
Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2011 8:55 am
Location: Everywhere
Thanked: 589 times
Followed by:332 members

by Jon@Admissionado » Wed Oct 05, 2011 10:11 pm
I agree.
"Laziness" just doesn't cut it as a good excuse.
It's like in school, they wanna hear a good reason.
Let's see what else you can cook up from the various and sundry facts in your life.
"Hands down the best MBA admissions consulting firm of all-time, and boy, what an incredible founder!" -- Raj Patil, Founder of Admissionado

Something for everyone:
https://admissionado.lpages.co/admissio ... nter-2018/
https://admissionado.lpages.co/50-essay ... ked-vol-4/
https://admissionado.lpages.co/case-studies-lp/
https://admissionado.com/mba/reviews/
https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Admis ... 700945.htm

Reach out, and let's gab. Our only requirement is that you don't prefer warm milk over cold milk. Everyone else, 100% welcome.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 866-409-4753
Hit us up on WhatsApp.
Ping our satellite: 0884#&@-2#101101
Contact us via web form you lazy git: https://admissionado.com/contact/
Mostly, email Claudia.