Profile Evaluation

[HeathP]

Hi,

Here is my info:

UG: Freshman year (2.6 GPA) at Ohio State - Mother passed away, was affected heavily by this and had to move back home to be near friends
Sophomore-Senior year (3.8 GPA) at University of Toledo
Major GPA (3.5)
Overall (3.5)

Programs:
Ohio State:
Was in the Politics, Society, and Law scholars program
Kappa Signma Fraternity

Toledo:
Honors program (chose auditing as my honors)
Writing thesis on IFRS&EU accounting fraud relating to the US convergence

Lots of volunteer work:
Red Cross
Habitat for Humanity
Local church volunteering
Helped build/maintain an accounting system for a small non-profit

Work Experience:
1 year of accounting internship experience at a non-profit (hospital)

LORs:
My boss - CPA, will give recommendation of my ethic and work experience
My theis adviser - Will give recommendation of my academic ability
Honors chair - Will give recommendation of my academic ability

GMAT: Goal is 700, but haven't taken it yet

I'd like to go to OSU for my MAcc. I am then planning on doing a PhD. With my given profile, what GMAT should be a safe for OSU? (Their average is 649)

What GMAT would I need to get for a t15 PhD school?

Thanks

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear HeathP,

Admissions is a bit different for MAcc and PhD programs than for MBA programs. If you can find statistics (like average GMAT scores) for those specific programs, then that is what you want to use as your benchmark for your profile. With your strong academic performance at the University of Toledo and good recommendations from both your thesis adviser and internship boss, you have many positives that MAcc and PhD programs look for in applicants. An above average GMAT for your target programs will put you in the best competitive position. However, as long as you are close to the average, then you still have a chance as other application components can mitigate one that might be a potential weakness for you. There are no guarantees with admissions, so do the best you can and aim for a GMAT above 650 with 700+ being ideal. Finally, be sure to have a solid rationale for pursuing the degree you are (PhD or MAcc) and a solid essay conveying that rationale.

Good luck,
Lisa