<p>New here and I was hoping to get some advice. I gradated in 2011 and I'm interested in applying to several Masters in Accountancy programs for Fall 2014. However I was not an undergraduate business major (though I've taken several courses in the area) and am now looking into programs geared towards students with backgrounds in the liberal arts/sciences, etc.. </p>
<p>Although I graduated with a 3.5 from a good school, I'm trepidatious to even apply for several reasons. I had some hardships during my first two years of university and withdrew from many classes. I'm incredibly embarrassed about this fact and don't even want to show my transcript to anyone.</p>
<p>I also need to start studying for the GRE or GMAT ASAP but I'm STILL not sure what exam to take. The GRE comes more naturally to me and I have a greater chance of receiving extended time on the exam due to a learning disability. This is quite important to me especially because it's even more difficult to obtain extended time on the GMAT. However only 10 schools out of the 30-odd programs I'm looking into actually accept the GRE. </p>
<p>I have a number of other questions but will try to shorten this a bit. I've worked as an accounting admin assistant since graduation and, after working under a CPA and closely with staff accountants, would love to enter professional accounting. Still part of me is tempted to take the GRE so I could hedge my bets and apply for M.Ed programs (heard they're a bit easier to get into) even though that's not what I'd like to do. </p>
<p>I would appreciate some guidance if possible! Should I even apply considering my undergrad record or would a letter explaining said hardships at least help out? Is it better to go for the GRE or GMAT? Or perhaps an alternative route such as an MBA with a concentration in Accounting or even a 2nd degree would be a better route for me (even though I'm not a fan of the latter).</p>
<p>Sorry for the length. Not sure if this should be cross-posted somewhere? Thanks and I appreciate any feedback.</p>
<p>If most of the programs you want to apply to require the GMAT, you’ve answered your own question. You need to take the GMAT. Practice, and try your hardest to get the extra time, but try to practice and work on it so you can get a decent score with or without it.</p>
<p>Don’t apply to M.Ed programs just because you think they’re “easier”. If you don’t want to do what the M.Ed prepares you to do, it doesn’t matter that they are “easier” - they are a waste of time because you will be unhappy in your coursework and unhappy afterwards doing something that you don’t want to do. The time and effort and money expended in preparing for graduate school admissions (which includes the work experience part) is an investment in your future. It is FAR better to be patient, work hard, and apply carefully so you can get into the degree and career you really want than it is to try to rush through the process and spend hundreds of thousands of dollars only to realize 5-6 years later that you hate what you do and you still really want to do the other thing. Then you’re either stuck, or you have to spend more time and energy preparing to go back to school for what you wanted all along.</p>
<p>Accounting is one of those fields where a second bachelor’s may make sense. But if you can get into an M.Acc program that may make even more sense, so I would shoot for those. I don’t know how accountants view M.Acc programs vs. MBA programs with concentrations in accounting, so you’ll have to look up licensure and competition for jobs elsewhere for that question.</p>
<p>I agree that the GMAT is the way to go - the alternative is to severely restrict your options.</p>
<p>As far as the degree types, which ones qualify you to apply for a CPA license? The other types may qualify you for an accounting-related job but will not really make you an accountant. MBA degrees generally require little or no specific coursework, but anything else is likely to have specific expectations. You don’t need a second bachelors to get in, but you do need to fill all the coursework expectations. </p>
<p>As to your hardships during your undergrad, most schools won’t care that much, and there is nothing you can do about it anyway.</p>
<p>I can’t think that an MBA, no matter the concentration, would be of any value to employers for someone with no managerial background or at least positions with more business experience, but I suppose you can ask that in the MBA forum. But since you are working in an accounting area, don’t you have people you can talk to about background of people they hire and what would be beneficial to you specifically?</p>
<p>Since your overall gpa is good I think you should lighten up about your transcripts. I’m sure a short explanation will suffice.</p>
<p>It is easy to decide which test to take. Take the one(s) required for the programs you are applying to!</p>
An MBA does open non-management doors into fields like finance and consulting, mostly limited to those from “top” programs. But it is far better to have some substantial experience before applying, and the three years that the OP has will be a little short.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone for the replies. Much appreciated!</p>
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<p>Logically I know I should take the GMAT. I’m just frightened I won’t even have a chance of succeeding at all. A problem that takes a ‘normal’ person 2 minutes to work out may take me anywhere from 5-6 minutes to complete. Though I much rather have a larger selection of schools…</p>
<p>You’re right about the M.Ed. too. I simply wanted a “back-up” program. </p>
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<p>At the end of all the replies I’ll explain my GPA/hardships a bit more [at the bottom]…</p>
<p>I’ve been looking into AACSB accredited MAcc & MA of Professional Accounting degrees. These programs prepare students with a non-accounting undergrad background to take the CPA (or other certs) upon completion. The few MBA programs I’ve looked into also fulfill the requirements for the CPA…</p>
<p>As far as the 2nd degree, I rather not complete one UNLESS it’s my only option. I’ve already taken all the pre-reqs needed to enter the MAcc programs I’m looking into. </p>
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<p>Completing an MBA is not my preference but I was worried about my lack of relevant experience for that degree regardless. Though I’m really only looking to get my foot in the door; I’d prefer to work in a non-managerial position originally anyway. I’m prepared to work as a junior accountant, etc. I just want to get my foot in the door! </p>
<p>I’ve talked to the Director of Finance at work as well as several managers. The Finance Director said to look at MAcc programs and some MBAs. Nobody was too familiar with Accountancy programs geared specifically towards those without a bachelor’s in accounting (except for UNC Chapel Hill’s - my ideal “reach” program ). </p>
<p> As far as GPA and my hardships : I’m not too concerned about my GPA itself. It’s the withdrawals that are a HUGE concern and are holding me back from even trying for a Masters. Here’s the deal: I was very stubborn and didn’t want to to drop out of school or even a semester when I was quite sick. Now… I have 2 years of Ws. Yes, that’s about 18 Ws in all. </p>
<p>I feel like I’m dead in the water and there’s no point in even going through the admissions process. Not sure if it matters but I was approved for medical w/ds for 3 of the 4 semesters I ended up dropping (which constitutes most of my Ws). Would a typical “hardship” letter even begin to explain all of that? Or am I seriously dead in the water?? </p>
<p>Anyway thanks again for the feedback everyone. I’ll check out the MBA and other threads mentioned. --D</p>