Re: Do MAcc schools look at undergraduate gpa or overall GPA wit
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21 Aug 2013, 17:52
The adcom will probably say the same thing. You cannot do anything else about your undergrad GPA, right now you can just make your GMAT and essay strong. The good thing about that is you can explain your GPA and explain why you will be able to succeed in the MAcc program. Explaining the fact that you passed FAR will definitely help out in terms of demonstrating your potential to succeed at USC. USC's MAcc is an amazing program, especially if you're planning to work in SoCal. You're starting with a recruiter breakfast right in the first week and the week after you will have socials with literally every single firms. This is MAcc/MBT exclusive, so you will not have the Accounting undergrads mingling with you, just the MAcc and the MBT people. A few weeks after, you will start pre-interview dinner, OCI, and in-house interviews. You would, then, be extended an offer in early November and you will have to make a decision within that month.
Given all these details, you want to see that you can multitask and do it well. The first two months are brutal because you will be juggling between full time recruiting and full time studying. Right now, the only advice I can give you is just focus on GMAT and think about what you want out of the program. Even if you don't get 700+, there is no need to stress, though it is preferred. With strong essay and GMAT in the 650, I'm sure you'll stand a fair chance. They want a well-rounded person and your low GPA in a hard major is very understandable and they would not hold it against you.
Apply to everywhere. During the interview, they will ask what other schools you have received offers from and they will most likely give you scholarships if you tell them you have been accepted to other programs from the same tier (UT, UNC, etc.).
If you are able to get in, USC's program is the perfect fit for you. Recruiting starts early and you wouldn't even have your graduate grades, so you will be using that 2.7(2.95) on your transcript. The good news is, the firms don't really care much that the GPA is low as long as you have story and other qualities. That being said, get started early on your application because time flies and also get in touch with your recommenders ASAP.
TL;DR: Don't worry and focus on other things