Profile Evaluation - Alternate Transcript

[egonzal9]

Hello,

I need a little bit of direction on applying to a MS in Accounting

-I graduated in Dec 2010 with a non-business degree with a low gpa 2.56 from the University of South Florida.
-I have been studying very hard for the GMAT. I plan on taking it in in May and I realistically predict a score of 650-700.
-I will like to start a MAcc program in 2012 (spring or fall), but before I apply, I believe that I will need to build an alternative transcript. I applied to the Univ of Cental Florida as a Second-Bacc student in Accounting but I am still waiting on their response and I am afraid that I will not get accepted. (for financial aid reasons I decided to pursue a Second bacc instead of a Post-bacc)

My question to you is, does it matter if I do my post bacc at a state University or if its from an online program such as Univ of Phoenix? I cannot do it at a Community College because I will not be able to receive any financial aid and I cannot pay out of pocket...

Also with taking the pre-req courses for a Macc program, and getting an A in all classes, what are my chances in getting into a top 50 program?

I would really appreciate the help. Thanks in advance.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear egonzal9,

Whether or not your accounting coursework is done in a traditional classroom-based university or online is not as much of an issue as ensuring you take the courses from an accredited university. Likewise, you will want to make sure all of the prerequisite courses you need are offered so that you meet the requirements for the MAcc program. While most graduate programs accept online coursework from accredited programs, it is possible you will still encounter some bias towards online programs, namely that they are not as rigorous. However, online courses at the undergraduate level are becoming more prevalent and thus the bias is dwindling. As long as you are taking the classes from an accredited program, you should be fine regardless of whether you are sitting in an actual classroom or in front of your computer.

Earning an A in all of your prerequisite courses you intend to take, along with a solid GMAT score, will strengthen your application and mitigate your current GPA from USF. With an otherwise strong application package (i.e., recommendations, essays, etc.), I would think you would have a shot at a top 50 MAcc.

Good luck,
Lisa