Credit Course vs. Non-Credit Course for Waitlisted Applicant

[pkfanatic]

Admissions Consultant,

I have been waitlisted at two top 10 MBA schools and am in the process of determining steps to strengthen my application. I am strongly considering taking additional coursework as I feel my gpa is low (below average). Also, I have very little business related coursework during my undergrad years. I did receive a good quantitative score and have a taken various high level calculus courses throughout my undergrad (engineering degree), so I plan on taking a finance or accounting course. Would it matter if I was to take a non-credit course at a local college (more accomodating hours/inexpensive) or should I take a credit course to receive a grade and submit a transcript to my waitlisted programs? Thanks for your help in advance.

[Linda Abraham]

Admissions Consultant,

I have been waitlisted at two top 10 MBA schools and am in the process of determining steps to strengthen my application. I am strongly considering taking additional coursework as I feel my gpa is low (below average). Also, I have very little business related coursework during my undergrad years. I did receive a good quantitative score and have a taken various high level calculus courses throughout my undergrad (engineering degree), so I plan on taking a finance or accounting course. Would it matter if I was to take a non-credit course at a local college (more accomodating hours/inexpensive) or should I take a credit course to receive a grade and submit a transcript to my waitlisted programs? Thanks for your help in advance.

To have maximum positive impact in compensating for a below-average GPA, take a graded, for-credit class and earn an A. the non-graded class just won't have as much impact. Take the non-graded class if you think the time demands will prevent you from getting an A.

Best,
Linda Abraham