2014 USC Leventhal MAcc/ MBT

Hi! I just received my acceptance notification and have already paid my $500 deposit! I usually don't post to forums, but I have spent many sleepless hours reading through countless posts and forums on the admission process for USC's MBT/MAcc program. And so, I hope to share my experience to "give back" to the forum community.

My Stats:
GMAT: 530, 600, 590 (Q about 46, V about 60-75, IR anywhere between 12%-82%, AWA 5)
GPA: 3.72
Work experience: about 5 1/2 years in public accounting (I have my CPA license for about a couple years)

I submitted my application on 1/09. I received an email to schedule an interview on 1/24. Interviewed on 2/07. Online decision posted 2/13.

Because of the workflow and demanding hours, I had to quit my job at the end of December to focus on my GMAT and on my application (essays). Before my interview, I re-visited my essays and my resume and couldn't believe how many grammar mistakes there were and how it just didn't "flow" right. A point off right there...

I had my interview with Cathy. She's really nice and really easy to connect with - very personable. But... I was still a nervous wreck. Even after preparing answers to typical questions, I didn't say what I wanted to say!!! >:( I didn't get to take the opportunity to show how I could be valuable asset or have leadership qualities... Plus, there was an awkward moment here and there from my responses. I only asked two questions, but somehow it sounded very top layer/superficial to me.

She asked:
1. Tell me about yourself. (I asked specifically what she would like to know since there's so much to speak about...) Specifically, why and how did you get or want to get into the profession?
2. Why a masters in tax? How will it help you?
3. What are your long term goals?

My interview lasted about 15 minutes. Very short. I noticed I didn't get a warm campus tour afterwards as many other interviewees did, and so, I started panicking and worrying over my interview.

I tossed and turned in bed... had nightmares about rejection...was depressed for a few days. Oh yeah, to add to the fire: I also received an email asking about whether I've taken pre-req courses... which I have, BUT it was done at a city college level. On their website, they said "We do not recommend community college or online program accounting courses as fulfillment of our upper-division prerequisites. These must be taken at an accredited 4-year college or university, or a university extension program in a live classroom setting." And yes, I had a sleepless night fearing rejection due to my courses at my local community college. With 50 slots for MBT/ 100 slots for MAcc, but over 1000 applicants, my chances looked slim. My GMAT was below their average of 650... in fact it's right on the line of 600. It's actually averaged to be below 600! My essay was rushed and could've been better! My interview was pretty bad as it was really short. My answers were not detailed enough and when asked to "tell me about yourself" I should've mentioned something about my work experience and my volunteer experience. I didn't really talk about those!

But I got in, and wanted to share this with future USC MAcc/MBT hopefuls! Even though you think your chances are slim, just go for it and apply! You might never know, you just might get accepted to the college of your dreams!