<p>Hi all! Another user suggested I cross-post this here. Hope that's alright.</p>
<p>I'm a bit confused on how on how to proceed with further schooling. 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. Thanks and I appreciate any feedback.</p>
<p>I don’t see any red flags in your undergrad record – you graduated with a very respectable 3.5. Why do you think grad schools would have a problem with that, withdrawals notwithstanding?</p>
<p>Have you considered a CPA certificate instead of a masters in accountancy? I’m familiar with a couple of those programs and they don’t require the GRE or GMAT. Might be cheaper, too.</p>
<ul>
<li><p>You would be much more likely to get the people who actually know something about training in accounting to read your thread if you titled it appropriately; for example, “Questions re Masters in Accounting.”</p></li>
<li><p>There are zillions of schools in the US that award such degrees, and many of them have very low admissions standards. Maybe what you need to do is identify what level of school will get you where you want to go, then figure out what those schools are looking for. Again, being more specific in your title would attract the attention of the correct audience. I suggest that you ask the mods to change it for you.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Can you contact anyone at your old school in the accounting department and ask them these questions?</p>
<p>Also you could contact the disabilities office at your old school and ask how they handle your type of situation in grad school.</p>
<p>Your college also probably has resources for alumni…if there is a FB group or on Linked In or something where you can reach out to other alumni for advice.</p>
<p>Would appreciate receiving opinions on value of Masters in Acct.degree. Sophomore daughter majoring in acctg can get her undergrad degree in 3 years (lots of AP’s) and her masters in acctg in her 4th year thereby accumulating 150 credits to sit for her CPA. Or she can do her undergrad in 4 still graduating with 150 credits and sit for her CPA. If she goes the undergrad in 4 years route, she can still stay in her sorority and have a more relaxed, fun undergrad experience. Either way she will be a CPA at the end of 4 years.</p>
<p>I can’t talk about GRE vs. GMAT. Regarding a Masters in Accounting vs. an MBA with a focus in Accounting: while there are jobs out there for non-CPAs, you will have FAR more opportunities if are eligible to sit for it when looking for a job. I suggest you look at your state’s course requirements and follow suit with that. You don’t need a masters degree, but you will need a bachelors in accounting, at least.</p>
<p>I believe there are masters programs out there catered for students who don’t have a business undergrad degree, but you’re probably going to have to take most of the core business curriculum anyway (those you haven’t already).</p>
<p>@patsmom,</p>
<p>The CPA is a license, not a certificate. In addition, he would need accounting coursework before he would be eligible to sit.</p>
<p>@uscmom123,</p>
<p>A masters isn’t necessary. Unless your daughter wanted to attend another school for the masters program that provided her with better recruiting opportunities, I’d just get a bachelors + extra hours. But if she is able to pass the CPA at the same time she graduates from college, then kudos to her. But she won’t be a CPA at that point; she would lack the work experience necessary to be licensed still.</p>