Alternative Transcript Question

[mike22629]

I posted my profile earlier but will give a brief recap:

GPA (top 10 undergrad business school/ finance major): 2.24
GMAT: 710 (94%Q, 78%V)
Work Experience: 6 months experience with very reputable company
Alternative Transcript: 4 accounting classes (4.0 GPA)
I also just registered for Applied Statistics with Regression

Extra Curriculars: Big Brothers of America Program

If I went a little overboard and made an alternative transcript with 30 or 40 credits, would that go way further than a transcript with only 15 credits?

Also, are adcomms more leniant as far as quality of work experience when considering the economy? I work for a good company, but it is currently on a hiring freeze and it will be very difficult to get a job with increased responsibility in these times.

With this alternative transcript and 2 years of work experience, what are my chances at Carnegie Mellon, NYU, UNC, and Duke?

And yes, I know that other parts of the application such as interviews, recommendations, and essays are very important so I plan on hiring a professional to assist me in this process when the time comes.

Thanks!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear mike22629,

With regards to alternative transcripts, it is not the number of classes you take, but which classes and how you do in them that matters. I can understand your concern with the little amount of experience you currently have, but if you plan to apply in a couple of years, I think your efforts would be better spent on your career and some extracurriculars than taking a bunch of classes. You can certainly take 3-4 courses, but your GMAT shows you have the aptitude for business school. An alternative transcript is simply a way for you to show you can succeed in the classroom.

Admissions committees do understand that tough economic times limit opportunities, but that does not mean you cannot excel in the workplace. You don't have to receive a new title to show progression; it is whether or not your responsibilities and contributions increase over time. So seek out opportunities to add breadth and/or depth to your skill set while also having concrete accomplishments to note on your resume.

Finally, you are building the foundation for a competitive application. You need to use the next 2 years to gain some successful professional accomplishments, leadership experiences and teamwork experiences you can write about in your applications.

Good luck,
Lisa

[mike22629]

Thanks Lisa!

I just thought that taking more classes would show that I am definitely dedicated to my career. However, it makes sense that the best way to prove that to the adcomms is to do well with my job.

[mike22629]

Lisa,

I would appreciate your response to one more question if you have the time.

I have been thinking about getting my CPA and was wondering how my choice MBA programs would look upon that. I do not plan on pursuing a career in accounting, but believe that the work experience and knowledge required to obtain a CPA would be very good for my career.

Your opinion would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Lisa Anderson]

If you are not going to be an accountant, there is no reason to get a CPA. Pursuing a certification that you never plan to use will reflect poorly on you. Focus on your career and have some accomplishments you can write about in your applications--that will serve you well.

Regards,
Lisa