mangubaj wrote:
Applying from Canada for 2020, Big 4 audit background with CPA. Trying to figure out what kind of chance I have for my targets and potential for scholarship $$
Background and nationality:
- 26M, Canadian (Filipino ethnicity)
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)
- (Projected): potentially taking CFA Level 1 (very common in finance industry in Canada it seems like)
Undergrad Information:
- Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), double major in Accounting and Finance
- 3.3/4.0 (converted from 3.7/4.5)
- I should note there's a downward trend in last two years (2.8/4.0 last year, 3.0/4.0 last two years). ECs were all in last two years and wanted to focus being a more well-rounded student, not sure how bad this looks to adcoms. I know Rotman requires a 3.0 in last year so I'm worried about this
GMAT:
710 (Q48 V39 IR3 AWA?)
- IR score is low but my previous two attempts I scored an 8 and 5 so I think having that on my score report offsets the low 3
- Just wrote this past weekend so haven't gotten my AWA yet, I scored 5 and 6 on my first two attempts
Work experience and leadership:
- 2.5 years Big 4 Audit (3.5 years if you include university co-op terms - can these be included in WE?). Promotion to Senior, high ratings and excellent reviews, lead senior on largest client in the office ($700M revenues, $1B market cap), performed audit work over two acquisitions and multiple equity/debenture offerings
- 1 year Financial Reporting Manager in a publicly traded company in the newspaper/media industry, implemented new accounting standards for investments and lease accounting, not a lot of other career accomplishments in this role
- (Projected): potentially looking for a new job that is more related to finance (ie. FP&A, TAS, Valuations, investment analyst) to have something tangible that shows my commitment to the career pivot
Community and others:
Current:
- Board Director at a charity that provides food access/security/policy
- Treasurer at an animal welfare charity that helps find lost dogs
- Finance Committee member at a non-profit youth employment services organization
Undergrad:
- Vice President for co-op students association
- Corporate Events Coordinator for accounting students association
- Business case competition team member (we won school of the year)
Post MBA goals
- Investment banking (post-MBA associate at big 5 Canadian banks or boutique firm) or corporate finance
Anything else?
Targets: Rotman, Ivey, Schulich, Queen's
Far Reach: Cornell Johnson, Duke Fuqua
Questions:
- With my profile what are my chances for scholarship $$?
- Is my low GPA an issue when applying?
- Do co-op terms count towards WE?
- Should I take CFA level 1?
Hi
mangubajYou have a pretty promising profile overall. Here is our assessment:
- Your academic background is pretty decent. The CPA lends weight, and the downward trend in GPA is not a huge worry. Overall, the GPA, while not very high, is ok. The 710 GMAT is quite good, and the IR is not a worry, given your CPA background. The AWA is no worry at all.
- Work experience quantity and quality are both good. The university co-ops can't be used for experience, as most schools look at full-time, post-qualification experience only. If you are thinking of a career switch to lend more weight, FP&A won't do it. Look at sell-side investments, or investment research, or valuation kind of roles.
- Community and ECA is fairly good. No questions there at all.
On your questions:
- With your profile, some chances of $$ at Rotman, Ivey, Queen's. At Fuqua, Cornell - low. In fact, chances of admission at Fuqua, Cornell not very high.
- Your GPA should not be an issue.
- Co-op terms don't count towards the overall work-ex calculation, but doesn't mean they are irrelevant. That experience is still part of your profile. Some schools will allow you to mention internships in their apps, so can be used there.
- CFA Level 1 won't make a difference. That time is better used retaking the GMAT if possible, or focusing on your apps.
Hope this helps. Feel free to come back with more queries as needed or to get in touch directly for a quick chat.