Is having a BFA a hurdle?

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Is having a BFA a hurdle?

by utibay » Wed Feb 11, 2009 8:37 pm
Hi,

I am thinking of applying to Business School this fall. While I'm not completely ready to submit for a full on formal evaluation, I do have a more general inquiry that's regards the Academic realm.

I have a BFA from NYU in Film and Television with a GPA between 3.5 and 3.6 (I forgot the exact number but if I remember correctly, it's a high 3.5). Additionally, I attended college with about 16 AP credits from AP Biology and BC Calc (a lot, I know, but this is art school we're talking about here), meaning that I took minimal math/science classes in my four years of college.

My question:
All non-academic factors (essays, work experience, extra-curriculars, etc.) aside, how much of a hurdle is having a BFA as opposed to a BA/BS with regards to applying Business School? And in terms of pure numbers, should my GMAT score be significantly high (700+) to compensate (the first and last time I took it I got a 650)?

To further compensate, I am thinking of taking summer school classes at a local community college in Statistics and Pre-Calc. I don't think I would have any sort of problem doing well in either of those classes as I love academic challenges; however, doing so will be time consuming, and I'd probably have to enroll for summer school full time. Is doing so recommended and if so, to what degree?

Thank you in advance for your time!
"Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn." -Benjamin Franklin
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by Cindy Tokumitsu » Fri Feb 13, 2009 4:43 pm
Hello,

I do not believe the BFA would be a negative factor -- as long as you present appropriate and well-defined career goals, demonstrate quantitative competence, and have work experience that is impressive and relates to your goals. In fact, if all the other aspects of your application are strong, the BFA could be a positive differentiating factor. Moreover, NYU is renowned in the areas you mention.

You do need to show competence in math. A strong quant score on the GMAT and/or the courses you mention will do so. In fact I recommend taking the courses – not only will they show your quant skill (assuming good grades!) but they will underscore your commitment to the MBA process and goals.

How high the GMAT should be depends on what programs you are applying to. You should score 700 or above to be a viable candidate for top 20 programs – a high quant score would be great.

Good luck!

Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, Accepted.com
www.Accepted.com