<p>does the USC accounting school also have that "un-desired" 2.85-GPA curve like the Marshall Business School? Also I heard if I major in accounting, somehow I have to take classes in the Marshall Business School. So does that mean those classes taken in the Marshall School will also be affected by the 2.85-GPA curve?</p>
<p>It's 3.15, but the students in Accounting generally have a higher IQ than those in the Business School, so the competition is rough to get that much needed A. </p>
<p>Before you enroll, I advise you to take 311 with Vaistos. The reason being is that the curve in his class is much easier to deal with because of the many frat people that populate the Business School. If you take 311t, you'll have to deal with an 88 curve that counts as a B-. A 92? B. A 96? Maybe an A-. You'll also have to take 302t and I advise you to stay the hell away from Andrews. Try to get Geck if you can. </p>
<p>I'll also advise you to stay the hell away from Porter if you're looking for an AIS class. Try to get Kiddoo if you actually want to learn something. I think Porter's class is easier to get an A in, mainly because everyone else will be as equally confused as you are. I had a B- going into one of his finals and came out with an A, even though I didn't know what the hell I was doing on the final. </p>
<p>Oh yeah, make sure you join AS or BAY, because it's practically a requirement to get a summer internship at the Big Four.</p>
<p>the accouting program is indeed very difficut, but i wouldnt say that accounting students automatically have a higher IQ than regular business students (nor does every semester a given class is taught have alot of "frad kids" in it every semester, making the curve easier, depending on something like that may only lead to dissapointment), it all depends on who wants to persue that route.</p>
<p>thanks xxuxsxcxx, your information is very helpful. </p>
<p>I have another very general question about accounting. what exactly is accounting? What courses u have to take? and doesn't an accountant just watch and keep record of the finance situation of a company? if so, how hard can that be? I've always thought accounting is the easiest concentration in Business major, but really I have very little knowledge of the business world since I am from a low-income family. So please tell me more about accounting.</p>
<p>I have another very general question about accounting. what exactly is accounting? What courses u have to take? and doesn't an accountant just watch and keep record of the finance situation of a company? if so, how hard can that be? I've always thought accounting is the easiest concentration in Business major, but really I have very little knowledge of the business world since I am from a low-income family. So please tell me more about accounting.</p>
<p>The program basically trains you to become an Accountant. Not in a very intellectual way in my opinion, but in a plug and chug kind of way. Rather than thinking deeply about issues, they teach you to think on your feet. So, let's say something like a Sarbanes-Oxley issue or an area of tax law is biting you in the ass, you'll know what to do. Depends on what you're talking about as an accountant. </p>
<p>You can basically get four jobs as an Accountant: Consultant, Public Accountant, CFO, or Book-Keeper. Accounting itself is broken down into two fields: Tax and Auditing. I, for one, do not believe in the bs that is AIS and discount it as a field that will be outsourced in the next five years. My reason being is that the subject matter itself is so simple that english speaking people in under-developed countries, namely China and India, will eventually be trained on this subject based on the advice of American company executives. I'm basing my observations on trends I've seen myself as well as contacts in several companies. </p>
<p>That said, the last job is for people who don't get good grades. A consultant gig usually occurs for people in the area of tax and possibly auditing (some here have been hired by Accenture and BeringPoint). Auditing and maybe tax for CFO. Public Accountant, either areas. Depending on which field you're interested in, you'll either get into Auditing or Tax, but not both. If you want to eventually become a CFO, I strongly advise you to go into Auditing. However, if you want to branch out someday and have your own business, Tax would be more lucrative. Auditing wouldn't be so lucrative, because the area itself is so narrow. Many domestic and mid-major companies are delisting themselves from stock exchanges because of the high cost associated with complying with Sarbanes-Oxley. It's also important to mention that Public Accounting firms also have other practice areas, mainly areas that employ higher level individuals (Ph.D's). Generally speaking, it's their pseudo-consulting arm, or the areas the government didn't ban them from partaking in after the accounting scandals erupted. But these areas can be lucrative if you ever want to start your own business someday. So far, I've worked for companies owned by individuals who spun off their own Tax and Dispute-Resolutions Consultancies, respectively. </p>
<p>Now what the hell do you do as an Accountant? I just gave a little overview of the careers that are involved. Basically, in the beginning you're a grunt. You're someone else's ***** for the next 6 years of your life and it is important in those six years that you make as many contacts as you can, whether in tax, auditing, or their pseudo-consultancies. At USC, you don't have to worry about being in a branch office or a head office, because the big four always recruits for their national office (Usually employment at a branch office means a glass ceiling from the studies I've seen). </p>
<p>Seeing that you come from a low-income family, I'd say get the highest grades possible so you can have as many options as you can once you graduate. If money is a concern, look into I-banking, because the potential salary there is greater than it is in Accounting. About a 40-50k difference. Or you can do what I'm doing. Milk the firm for four years and head to law school/grad school.</p>
<p>very informative, xxuxsxcxx, thanks so much.</p>