Choosing a MAcc Program

<p>I've been accepted to Texas-Austin, Virginia, Michigan State, William and Mary and George Washington for a MAcc. Obviously Texas is the top ranked program but I have to consider financial costs as well so I need some info about the other schools. </p>

<p>Does anyone have insight on any of these programs? Will I be recruited by the Big 4? Prepared for the CPA exam? Thanks</p>

<p>did you apply to Michigan? the ross MAcc is also very good. </p>

<p>as far as costs go, all the schools you got accepted to are about the same, maybe msu is a bit cheaper. </p>

<p>go to gw only if you want to work for government/non-profit. all the other ones are ok for big 4.</p>

<p>throw prestige out as they are all top-tier. If you’re in-state for any, it should be a no brainer because of cost. If they’re all tied, have a friend pick one out of a hat for you.</p>

<p>All are going to be recruited by the Big 4. Assuming that is what you want, then you will be prepared and ready for the CPA exam, if you do what is necessary on your end. If I were in your shoes, I would base my decision off this:</p>

<p>1) What area of the country do I want to work post-graduation? (It will be much, much easier to stay in a city near the school after you graduate. Firms will recruit for those offices first and it will be harder to move somewhere else)</p>

<p>2) Cost. This speaks for itself.</p>

<p>3) Lifestyle/College life/What you want to get out of the one-year of ‘extended’ college. Next, I would consider what college atmosphere felt the best to you. You will only be there for a year so this is super important, but I think it ill make you enjoy yourself much more. MACC programs are not the most difficult in the world–yes they require work, but every program knows that 99% of students are there solely to get 150 hours to sit for the CPA exam. </p>

<p>Personally, I have been to William and Mary and I hated the feel of the campus. Very competitive environment (to a fault, IMO) and it wasn’t for me. I really liked UVA when I looked at it for undergraduate, etc. So, if you have been able to visit these schools and really liked the ‘vibe’ you got from it, then I think it may make your decision for you (Once you get past #1 and #2 on my list).</p>