MAAC Scholarships - USC, UTA, etc. Wondering about $$$

Question

Hey guys,

I was preparing my application until some circumstances came up that I couldn't borrow money for grad. school. I used to work at an asset manager but team got laid off, and no post-grad offer. I've been job hunting for about 14 months, and maybe I can land a mid-30's job, then work as a bartender at night, and cater on the weekends. I'm trying to save money for USC Leventhal. I am also a Communication from a large NE state school, so it's hard to make anyone believe I have the technical skills to do the job despite my internships.

I wanted to know what is the criteria for merit scholarships? Is GMAT, leadership, GPA, service for USC and others? I have a 3.62 GPA, and have been testing around 680-720 on practice exams (official, Manhattan, PowerScore), but I only have student loans to my name from undergrad. Just trying to break through with a reputable degree and a new recruiting season.

Money is a big issue for me as I paid for undergrad, so I'm curious about the packages. Calculating how long I have to work for, doing a job I don't enjoy. If I had a choice, I'd go to USC immediately..

Thanks guys, I appreciate it!

shannondu10 · Answer

Well, my GPA was a 3.64 and my GMAT was a 680, and I got $15,000 from USC, so normally I'd say you could expect around that much... however, it is getting sort of late to apply, so I don't know how many more scholarships they're giving out.

Why are you interested in pursuing a MAcc, if you don't mind me asking?

wolfyserver · Answer

hey shannon,

During my banking interviews I always struggled because I didn't have a quantitative major. i learned that when times get tough, that's really when the value of your school pulls through--like brand, alums helping you, etc. it's a 2nd chance for me to do the work I want: corporate finance, management consulting, etc. so i'm going to tough it out for these 2 years and save up for it.

may i ask, does the scholarship depend on your age too? i'm almost 24. but if i could get that amount after writing the essay for USC, i can go!!

thanks!!

shannondu10 · Answer

No, my scholarship doesn't depend on age... in fact, I've never heard of a scholarship depending on age before.

Many (most?) students in MAcc programs are doing it for their CPA license requirements. One thing I've learned is that they really like students to have a concrete reason as to why they're interested in accounting. And I have to confess, most accounting programs I've looked at are  not  heavy in quantitative skills, it's a pretty common misconception. Since you're interested in finance, why not pursue a master's in finance? I think it would better fit your needs.

lycaon · Answer

I'm confused; do you want a Masters of Accounting or an MBA? It seems like your goals may be more inline with what an MBA program can offer you. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

wolfyserver · Answer

oh i definitely agree, i am going to sit down for the CPA. i have about 160 credits now (tried 2 degrees), and am studying accounting by myself at night. but the problem really is i guess the network. there are jobs i know i can do, but i just can't get my foot through the door.

i was wondering though, what's your reason for USC? it seems difficult for me to express passion for accounting. so i'm still trying to figure that out!

i was wondering though, what's your reason for USC? it seems difficult for me to express passion for accounting. so i'm still trying to figure that out!

wolfyserver · Answer

agreed. i thought about a mba too, but no experience and it's quite expensive. i feel like i need a MSA to round myself out because i'm all liberal arts. but i'm open to all opinions!

shannondu10 · Answer

You said you were interested in jobs in corporate finance or management consulting, and that your experience was in asset management? That all spells finance to me, not accounting, so I think I'm a little confused about what you're looking for.

I worked two internships at a large asset management firm; do you mind if I ask what kind of team you were on, and what sort of work you did? That might help me to understand your situation.

I have many reasons why I am interested in USC, including that they are a phenomenal accounting program (top PAR rankings, separate college for accounting, specialized course topics available), they have great job placement & recruiting resources, their alumni network is legendary, great school spirit, and they're in a large city.

MAAC Scholarships - USC, UTA, etc. Wondering about $$$

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