Profile Evaluation

[mattys1414]

I have been reading and following this website over the past few months and wanted to post my profile to get some opinions. I am in the process of studying for the GMAT and plan on taking it sometime in November. I have a 3.0 undergrad GPA in accounting from a no name state school in New York. It wasn't because of ability that I didn't get a higher GPA. I was raised by a single mother and wasn't even aware of business school until I was already close to graduating. I was raised to go to college and get a good job which is why I choose accounting. During college I worked 20-30 hours per week and was also the captain of the baseball team. I didn't have one semester in school in which I could completely focus on school work. I paid my way through college and have no regrets. I interviewed with a big 4 accounting firm out of college and didn't get the job because of my undergrad GPA. I called up the partner who interviewed me and asked him for advice. He told me to pass the CPA exam, get some experience, and then contact him. I took a job at a small, local CPA firm and started preparing for the CPA exam. I started to write him an e-mail every 6 months giving him an update as to my CPA exams and my work experience. To shorten the story, I finally got a job with the big 4 and have been working there for 10 months. By the time I plan on applying I would have 2.5 years of work experience at a small, local firm and 2.5 years of experience at a big 4 accounting firm. Basically, I just wanted to know, assuming I can get over a 700 on the GMAT, how much will my undergrad GPA hurt my chances at a top business schools? I appreaciate anyone's thoughts on this.

Thanks in advance,

Matt

[Jon@Admissionado]

Well, the GPA you have is the GPA you have. So it can;t really "hurt your chances" anymore. Getting a higher grade on the GMAT will help you, as will a job in one of the big four which is a testament to your ability. Plus, telling them the story would not be such a bad idea either.