rohsh88 wrote:
Hi Everyone,
I'm planning on applying for MACc programs for Fall 2015, and was looking for suggesting for schools/how to strengthen my application. I graduated from top twenty Undergraduate school with econ/math major in 2011 and went to military for 2 years. I studied CPA for a year and passed all exams in Aug, 2014. I was an international student and can't apply for a job because of the visa status (because I graduated), which is the biggest reason I am applying for the master's program, to have an opportunity to change the status in the states to work.
GPA: 3.275
GRE: took old GRE in 2010 (verbal:630, math:800, converts to 720 GMAT)
Right now I'm looking at UNC, Vanderbilt, Boston College, UNC Charlotte, and USC as a longshot.
Am I being realistic? Any chances for getting accepted to one of those programs listed or others that I do not know of?
Would my old GRE harm my application?
Thanks!
Hi rohsh88 - I went back to school 10 years after earning my undergrad degree in Math from Vanderbilt. Did you say that you passed all 4 parts of the U.S. CPA exam? I think that will be really strong for your application to a MACC program. You will have to contact the schools you are considering directly to find out if they will accept your GRE scores. I had to take the GMAT before applying. (Honestly, I felt the GMAT was easier than when I took the GRE. Perhaps that is why accounting is a good fit for me!) I attended The Massey School of Business at Belmont University (Nashville TN - very near to Vanderbilt). They have a summer intensive program for non-accounting majors to get the courses necessary to begin MACC studies. Look at schools which offer such bridging programs for non-accounting majors. I chose to apply to Belmont over Vanderbilt because I needed more flexibility (evening classes, option to finish in 2 years), and I planned to work for a local or regional accounting firm. Find the program that fits your needs and contact them with your specific questions. Also, you could contact accounting firms to see if they would sponsor you to work in the US. Many of the big accounting firms have offices overseas and value international experience. Even though you passed all the sections of the exam, you will need to work under a licensed CPA for at least a year in order to get your CPA license, depending on the state where you will seek licensure. CPA licenses are administered by the states' boards of accountancy. Good luck! (PS. After graduating, I worked for a regional firm, and I passed all 4 parts of the exam on my first attempt. I was well-prepared with the Belmont MACC program.)