Expert Opinion Please

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Expert Opinion Please

by mattys1414 » Sat Aug 27, 2011 1:53 pm
I have been reading and following this website over the past few months and wanted to post my profile to get some opinions. I am in the process of studying for the GMAT and plan on taking it sometime in November. I have a 3.0 undergrad GPA in accounting from a no name state school in New York. It wasn't because of ability that I didn't get a higher GPA. I was raised by a single mother and wasn't even aware of business school until I was already close to graduating. I was raised to go to college and get a good job which is why I choose accounting. During college I worked 20-30 hours per week and was also the captain of the baseball team. I didn't have one semester in school in which I could completely focus on school work. I paid my way through college and have no regrets. I interviewed with a big 4 accounting firm out of college and didn't get the job because of my undergrad GPA. I called up the partner who interviewed me and asked him for advice. He told me to pass the CPA exam, get some experience, and then contact him. I took a job at a small, local CPA firm and started preparing for the CPA exam. I started to write him an e-mail every 6 months giving him an update as to my CPA exams and my work experience. To shorten the story, I finally got a job with the big 4 and have been working there for 10 months. By the time I plan on applying I would have 2.5 years of work experience at a small, local firm and 2.5 years of experience at a big 4 accounting firm. Basically, I just wanted to know, assuming I can get over a 700 on the GMAT, how much will my undergrad GPA hurt my chances at a top business schools? I appreaciate anyone's thoughts on this.

Thanks in advance,

Matt
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by Jon@Admissionado » Sun Aug 28, 2011 12:40 am
Well, the GPA you have is the GPA you have. So it can't really "hurt your chances" anymore. Getting a higher grade on the GMAT will help you, as will a job in one of the big four which is a testament to your ability. Plus, telling them the story, explaining all your reasons and thoughts about your GPA would not be such a bad idea either.
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by MBAPrepAdvantage » Thu Sep 01, 2011 6:26 am
Building off of what Jon posted, I would suggest you take a matter-of-fact tone in your optional essays. In other words, do not feel like you need to apologize for going to a less competitive school or that you received a lower GPA, but rather explain how you had other demands on your time, namely paying for school and competing athletically. So the tone of the optional essay is very important.

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