ECs Important For MAccs?

College Majors Business Major
1

<p>I'm still confused about how important (if at all) ECs are for getting into MAcc programs. I feel that, because I work hard, I'll be able to get the numbers (GPA/GMAT) necessary to get accepted, but I haven't found too many activities I really like in college, so I'm wondering if this will hurt me. I have internships and whatnot during the summer, but no clubs and all that. Is this a really bad thing, or is it fine if I keep my GPA and all good?</p>

<p>Also, what do you need to shoot for numbers wise to get into the better MAccs (like UT-Austin, USC, Michigan, etc)?</p>

2

<p>I don’t know how they value things for MAcc admissions, but this is the class of 2008 at UT-Austin MPA:
Enrollment: 89
Average GPA: 3.72
Average GMAT: 671
Average years work experience: 1</p>

3

<p>Out of curiosity I looked up the stats at the other two you mentioned and this is how they compare:</p>

<p>USC MAcc:
Enrollment: 146
Average GPA: 3.45
Average GMAT: 650
Average age: 24</p>

<p>Michigan MAcc:
Enrollment: 70
Average GPA: 3.55
Average GMAT: 660
No statistic for age or work experience.</p>

4

<p>From Notre Dame’s FAQ:
The admissions committee reviews applications and, based on academic performance, work internship experience, honors, and performances on standardized tests, makes a determination as to the appropriate scholarship amount for each individual. </p>

<p>If that is the criteria for scholarships, I would imagine admissions is similar. I know this wasn’t one of the schools mentioned on your list, but it’s a top MSA program.</p>

5

<p>Mainly GPA/GMAT. Forget ECs.</p>

6

<p>Focus on the following, in the order of importance:</p>

<ol>
<li>Undergrad Accounting GPA</li>
<li>Cumulative GPA</li>
<li>GMAT</li>
<li>Letters of Recommendation (make sure at least 2 come from your accounting prof)</li>
<li>Personal Statement</li>
<li>Resume (Internships, PT jobs…)</li>
<li>ECs (Honor Societies, Clubs, anything outside of school and work…)</li>
</ol>

<p>I’m sure now you know how important ECs are compared to the rest.</p>

7

<p>I think GMAT might be tied with GPA, who knows. Does passing the CPA help or work against you?</p>

8

<p>Thanks. So I guess it seems like I should mainly focus on GMAT and GPA then? I’m not too worried about recs/internships because I am starting to build a good rep with my teachers already and I should find something, I was only worried about ECs since nothing tickled my fancy over here, and I don’t want to join things for the hell of it.</p>

9

<p>GMAT is definitely important, but not as much compared to accounting GPA. </p>

<p>make sure at least a couple of your accounting profs know you by name (for good reasons). this pays off huge dividends come time for letters of recommendation. in addition to writing a praising letter about you, they also have to fill out forms of questionnaire by the schools you apply to.</p>