Profile Opinion

[bradley281]

Hello,

So here is my profile and my desires:

Graduated from large state university with 2.9 GPA overall, 3.0 in major (finance) and 3.0 last two years

I was a scholarshiped golfer which took away much of my time hence the 2.9. However, I would hope being a scholarshiped athlete would add something to my application.

I did take 4 MBA accounting courses to gain CPA credit hours, my GPA there was 3.8, however, it was through Univ. of Phx

I will have passed the CPA at the time of my application to B-school and fully intend to make 700+ on the GMAT.

I have over 5 solid years of work experience:

1.5 as a Sr. Acct in the gaming(casino) industry
3.5 as the Finance/Acctg. Manager for a large engineering firm where i was promoted from a Sr. role to managing 4 staff
I am currently a Sr. Financial Analyst for a large public homebuilder where I am fully responsible for company forecasting and planning. I am an expert excel modeler and have an intense knowledge of Finance and Acctg.

I feel like I would have a lot to bring to the table at a top B-school, I am just wondering if I will have the background to get into an Anderson or Haas Evening program or what I would need to do to get there.

I am not able to make the sacrifice for a full time MBA, however, I plan on relocating to the top school I get into.

Any help would be much appreciated.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear bradley281,

You are correct that your athletic scholarship will be an advantage and the demands of your sport will help to offset the 2.9 GPA. Likewise, passing the CPA and scoring 700+ on the GMAT will also help balance the GPA giving you a competitive academic profile. Your work experience is solid with demonstrated progression which is particularly important for evening programs.

I do think you have a solid foundation for an evening program given the information I know. To give yourself the best chance for admission, you need to score well on the GMAT and put together a strong application (good essays, letters of recommendation, interview).

Best of luck,
Lisa

[bradley281]

Thanks for the quick reply Lisa,

Do you think the additional U of P courses provide any value in boosting my GPA? Other than giving me additional CPA credits?

Also, with a solid GMAT do you think Haas, Anderson, and Emory would be reasonable applications?

Thanks again.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear bradley281,

The courses from U of P will not affect your GPA, but you should submit a transcript with your applications as these courses will serve to demonstrate your academic aptitude. In the event you do have a strong GMAT score, I think you do have a competitive profile for Haas, Anderson and Emory. However, it will depend on the strength of your total application.

Best of luck,
Lisa

[bradley281]

If I applied before passing the CPA exam, do you think that would have a huge impact on the quality of my application? Thank you.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear bradley281,

Generally speaking, the CPA does not necessarily impact your application. If you have passed the CPA, it does show a high level of knowledge and achievement. Likewise, it can help to give evidence of your aptitude in the event your GPA and GMAT are not on the high end. However, I do not think the CPA has a significant impact either way.

Regards,
Lisa