Supplemental Course? Which One?

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xaniaphl: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 13; Joined: Fri Jul 06, 2012 7:40 amFollowed by: 10 members; Thanked: 1 times

by xaniaphl » Fri Sep 07, 2012 6:30 am

I'm considering taking a supplemental course to strengthen my profile but would like to hear your view.

My background is 5 years in architecture, 640 GMAT first attempt (will take again), 3.54 GPA from accredited state school. I'm very comfortable with numbers and took AP Statistics in high school ten years ago (should I mention this on app?).

Someone from UC Berkeley admissions said she'd be worried someone from architecture wouldn't know the business vocabulary and suggested taking a course. I'm also looking at Kellogg's MMM program which moves quickly through finance and suggests taking Statistics before the start of classes.

I'm wondering if I took a Statistics class, would that strengthen my profile for both applications. Or would an economics course carry more weight?

What are the best options out there? Community College?, Online?
I've seen terrible reviews for UC Berkeley Online Extension courses, not so much on the content but on the administration end, slow in issuing grades, poor communication, etc. Are there others you would recommend?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask mbaMission | Fri Sep 07, 2012 6:30 am

milimbamission: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 143; Joined: Tue Jul 03, 2012 12:49 pmFollowed by: 20 members; Thanked: 20 times

by milimbamission » Fri Sep 07, 2012 9:36 am

Hi there,

Great question. Did you take any quantitative courses in architecture school? That could help you. I think taking classes like finance and accounting would go further to strengthen your profile than statistics (Seems like architects would actually be pretty good with straight math, geometry, etc.?). I think you want to verse yourself in the business side of things. I recommend taking courses from an accredited university (in person, not online), if possible. As to which program, I'm not sure -- you'll have to research that on your own - sorry not to be more helpful on that front!

Also, keep in mind a lot of programs (including UC Berkeley's MBA) have a 'boot camp' program for those of us considered "poets" (coming in without the technical/quant skills). These are usually two week intro courses to stats, finance, accounting. So, in terms of being able to grasp the material, you'll probably be fine, but in terms of strengthening your application, it probably makes sense to take a class or two.

Good luck!
Mili

Mili Mittal

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