Alternate Transcript - Advice

Question

I was wondering what people who have a low GPA are doing other than trying to score high on the GMAT. I notice the alternate transcript is being used, but what courses are people taking? Also, are you taking these courses at the undergrad level or are you taking graduate (non-matriculated) courses and transferring the credits?

Just curious.

ishcabibble · Answer

I believe that most people who are creating an alternate transcript are taking undergraduate courses. As far as I know, most MBA programs don't accept transfer credits from other schools, and won't let you register for MBA level classes unless you are actually in their program.

I myself took a second-level undergrad business math course (just finished it last week!) to prove that I could handle the quant. You might want to contact the b-schools you are interested in and see if they have any suggestions as to the types of classes you should take.

Also, I think that there have been other discussions along this line in the B-School Application thread. Hope this helps you out!

Pennywise77 · Answer

I have actually completed an alternate transcript, so hopefully I can help.

I took Financial Accounting, which included an Excel Lab, Marketing, Selling for Business, College Algebra, Microeconomics, and Statistics. I have spoken to several adcomm members at some of the top 25 schools, and they recommended all of the classes, except Marketing and Selling. I am planning on going into marketing, and I am in sales now, so I took those on my own volition.

Quant based classes is basically what they are looking for. And make sure you get A's in all of them! It took me a year and a half to do all of that, but it will make a compelling essay since it shows initiative trying to juggle difficult classes while working at a full time and demanding career.

humbled4real · Answer

Thank you for the advice Pennywise77. I'm curious to know if you took these courses at a community college or 4-year school? I think it is a good idea to discuss with the adcomm members. Do you think it will be necessary to take course if I score high on the GMAT?

Pennywise77 · Answer

Hi Humbled4Real,

I took all of my courses at community colleges. I went to two different schools based on my scheduling needs, and the strength of professors teaching the classes. If you go to ratemyprofessor.com you can see peoples opinions on teachers.

I know that taking a class at a 4 years school is much more expensive. Given where I live, it was not worth the extra money to take my classes at the closest 4 year college, and most of the teachers I had taught in both places, so it would have been stupid to spend $650 a class when I could spend $120 for the same thing.

As for the GMAT, the higher you score the better. I am aiming for 700+ even after taking these classes. I want to mitigate the negatives in my application the best way possible. Since you can't change the past, you might as well do everything in your power to handle what you can now.

Nitty · Answer

My situation is a little different, as I am a non-traditional student (fashion design/graphic design major) therefore I didn't have any proof of my quant abilities.

I took the following classes in 2006: Community College of Manhattan (BMCC)

Algebra (I had to go back, I forgot most of the things I learned in highschool)
Interm. Algebra & Trig
Pre Calc
Intro to Statistics
English I (personal- just wanted to get back into writing, and formal grammer rules, etc)
Intro to Business (Didn't really know what business was all about, good to have basic knowledge of business right?)
Accounting I

Next week I am starting: Baruch (CUNY)
Calculus
Microeconomics

I would also like to take cost accounting before I start but we will see. I am applying this year for PT and FT programs.

Why so many classes you may ask? Well my BFA gpa is 3.2. I managed to switch from fashion designer to brand manager on my own within fashion due to my networking abilities and I love the management, and interaction part of my job. I want to focus on entrepreneurship and marketing when I enter an MBA program. I would like to start my own business where I offer services to small business. So I would like some formal training. But taking those classes helped build my confidence in applying and taking the gmat, I managed to get A's in all my classes, I expanded my network with classmates, and also it will make for a compelling story when I start my essays. The advice came from adm. at one of the schools of my choice.

humbled4real · Answer

Hey Nitty, thanks for the advice. It makes sense in your situation. For me although me cumulative GPA was low, i did get A's in the courses you listed, such as Accounting, Calculus and Economomics. So I'm not sure how benefitial it will be to retake and get A's again. I'm going to call a few of the adcom's today to get a feel of the best way to handle.

Your situation is different and I can understand your direction. Good Luck. I sent you a PM since I'm in NYC as well. I have a BS, my school/major was very specific to the printing industry. I am looking to change careers and focus on my passion for computer technology. I'd like to move into an project manager/business analyst role working with IT to develop and implement business systems. It is an ever changing field and I love to constantly be learning something new. We'll see.

Nitty · Answer

Have u taken project management courses, calculus, or any courses to understand the field your trying to go into. I think that's what your missing. How do u know you will be happy as a IT consultant? You said you went to school to focus on printing, but what about class to understand IT functions? I have a friend at nyc and carnegie mellon studying that but one came from advertising (priniting) management, other from google (IT). So I can understand there transition into that role. 
After you speak to the schools let us know what they recommend.

Milan4ever · Answer

I'm a foreigner outside US and I have a low undergrad GPA too. My question is can I go to a CC or 4 year university in US just to take some courses (calculus, statistics, etc) to build an alternate transcript for my MBA application. Do those schools issue me I-20 and can I get student visa for that kind of study?
I really appreciate if anyone can answer my concern. Thanks...

humbled4real · Answer

Milan4ever

I am not personally up on the requirements for international students, but you should research a few schools in your area of choice. You should then give those schools a call.

humbled4real · Answer

OK so here is what found so far. . .Baruch specifically requests courses at the graduate level (hmmm) This means one would have to find ayou can handle the w school that allows non-degree admission. I think they really just want to see that we can handle the work load.

Other schools may be different, but I will ask around. Most schools, you can address this with a high GMAT score and a explanation in your essays.

Other schools may be different, but I will ask around. Most schools, you can address this with a high GMAT score and a explanation in your essays.

Nitty · Answer

At Barcuh you can take grad level courses as a non-degree if you have proof of prereq. Since you are going into Tech field you need to be more competitive because there are so many people with engineering background, and also international students come here with top scores and extensive knowledge of the tech field. If they didnt help, I suggest calling Laurie or Gwen at Carnegie Mellon. They have a great tech program, and I love that school, too bad they are not as strong in marketing? They are very helpful and nice.

Nitty · Answer

And dont forget to reach out to students. Some of them dont mind at all. They want you to get in if you are serious. Also consultants are good. Just get an hr session. They been through these questions a million times. They can give you alot of info in that one hr.

humbled4real · Answer

Baruch specifically said you could NOT take the courses at the school.

Fordham has a Pre-MBA program, which will probably be the route I take. It is 3 courses - Mathematical Methods for Business, Statistics and Managerial Economics. This is a separate application from their MBA program and it does not guarantee entry into their regular program. If you don't apply you use the courses as an alternate. If you choose to go to Fordham, those course transfer. That works out perfect.

Milan4ever · Answer

Hi humbled4real, I just found that Ohio State Uni also has graduate non-degree program. The requirement is very open. You should give it a try

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