how to spin dropped classes?

Question

i dropped 4 accounting classes (withdraw pass) when i was in undergrad because i hated accounting and i was simply awful at it. since then i received a masters in accounting (yuck) and a cpa (double yuck). do i even need to mention these dropped classes in my application? if i don't mention it, will that be a glaring eyesore? should i mention it in the additional essay and say that i hated accounting but knew i needed it to succeed in business so i pushed through? any other ideas on how to spin the dropped classes?

rhyme · Answer

Wait, you dropped four classes in undergrad but then went on get a masters in a subject you hate? Thats just a little bit funny!

As for the argument that you hated it but pursued it anyway, I'd avoid that - frankly, its baffling, and raises the question as to whether or not you actually like the idea of getting an MBA or if this is just something you want to push through too. At least, thats the kind of thing I'd wonder, and more generally, I'd be pretty confused by someone who basically says "I hated accounting, so I dedicated my career to it, pursued a CPA and a masters". Its just very hard to understand and really hard to believe.

I'd sooner spin it that, as an undergraduate you didn't yet appreciate the value of accounting and struggled with the courses, requiring you to drop some, and only later, in graduate school, did you learn to value the domain and master the material. Thats not a great story either, but its a little bit better. Given the choice between a positive spin (I've mastered it) to a negative story and a "double-negative" spin (I hate it but I persevered) to a negative story, I'd always chose the positive.

The challenge of course is thats its hard to explain FOUR drops. One, sure. Two, ok, but four - thats a bit more challenging. I'll noodle on it and see if I can think of a spin.

kidderek · Answer

How about not addressing it at all? Looks like there was a problem (4 wd's) and then it was addressed (Master's + CPA).

refurb · Answer

I'm thinking that the right call in a lot of cases.

I see people posting on here "How do I explain the B+ I got back in my first year?". Come on!

Don't forget that this happened many years ago. Focus on what you've done so far (Master's and CPA).

I can see attempting to explain a 2.8 GPA or something of that magnitude. But if you dropped these classes early in your undergrad and you're solid after that, leave it be.

RF

Yahsek · Answer

Yeah, I'm definitely curious to know how/why you ended up obtaining a master's in accounting and then your cpa despite your hatred for the subject. What kidderek says makes sense too. Do you really need to address your 4 dropped undergraduate accounting courses when you've completed a master's accounting degree AND obtained your CPA? Maybe if asked you can just play the "young and confused" angle? :-)

rhyme · Answer

Kidderk's got it a good argument there.

Its unlikely they wont notice four drops in the same area you specialized in, but the masters does substantially mitigate.

how to spin dropped classes?

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