Taking Classes for '08 application year

Question

So,

I applied in 07, but things are not looking very positive right now.

Here is a mini profile:

GMAT: 670 and 730
GPA: Undergrad 3.0, Comp Sci from top 15 US schools
WE: 3.5 years as a consultant from Big 4
Pool Group: Indian Male

I targeted WH, CL and ST. Interviewed and dinged from WH, havent heard anything from the other two.

I feel that the my weak GPA is the biggest weakness and hence am thinking of taking a few classes, Accounting, Stats, Eco and Finance.

The following are some questions for yout folks:

- How many classes should I take between now and R1 next year, 3, 4, more?
- Does it matter where I take my classes, for example a community college, some online university (Univ of Phoenix, DeVry Univ) or with an extension program of an established university (UCLA Extension)
- Any other classes you would recommend?

Thanks.

johnnyx9 · Answer

I don't think it's worth taking classes unless you take them from a well-reputed university. For instance if you were able to take two classes at a top 75 undergrad, and get A's, I think that would be sufficient. I'm just basing this on what I've read on other MBA websites. I seem to remember one of these sites said the school you take your supplemental classes at should be "at least as competitive as your undergrad school."

rhyme · Answer

I believe UCLA offers distance learning classes. I'd just take them there. I wouldn't do it at Devry. 

I also dont think you need to take 4 courses unless you want to.

johnnyx9 · Answer

Yeah, I think just taking a couple classes will suffice. I'm not totally sold on the idea that an alternative transcript helps that much either.

If I were in admissions, I would view it as a good thing for a younger candidate, but for an older candidate (maybe w/ more than 4 years WE) I would think "Why are they bothering jumping through hoops, their WE and GMAT should show me if they have the ambition and the intellectual potential to handle the program."

OasisNYK · Answer

No - they want you to take additional coursework - especially if your quant track record isnt too hot. I dont think it matters how old you are, getting A's to enhance your academic track record will always help a little. It might not seal the deal but it will win you some points. 

Also, the schools I have been in touch with have not cared where the classes were taken as long as they were completed at an accredited university or college. I heard this from a top 15 school - maybe for the ultra elites yuo need to match the competitiveness of your undergrad.

Ozmba · Answer

NYU and Columbia offers Continous education

Thinking of getting an alternate transcript from one among them

Any one in the same boat ?

Taking Classes for '08 application year

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