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How to get into top MBA program

Ronniew97Ronniew97 0 replies1 threads New Member
in Business School - MBA
Currently, I'm an undergrad student who is graduating with 3.4 GPA in Financial Economics, My goal is to work in an accounting firm and get a CPA and I have enough credits to do so. Then after that, my goal is to get an MBA however my GPA isn't as high for the top programs.

I read that GPA doesn't matter as much as and programs take into consideration GMAT and experience. What would I need to do to be attractive to a top program? I wanted to add that I have very minimal work experience.
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Replies to: How to get into top MBA program

  • sciencenerdsciencenerd 1598 replies236 threads Senior Member
    Your GPA should be good for most programs.

    Business schools look at GPA+GMAT+Work experience. What have you achieved in your job? What value have you added? etc.

    A CPA and MBA is common. Just curious why not one over the other?

    I would also suggest reading the GMAT Club Forum website.
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  • PublisherPublisher 11541 replies153 threads Senior Member
    Too early to offer specific advice for your situation. As there are well over 500 fully accredited MBA programs in the US, selective admissions (below 50% accepted) is only a concern at about 50 or 60 fulltime 2 year MBA programs. Plus, you may opt for a one year specialty masters degree rather than an MBA.

    Business schools are primarily concerned with an applicant's post undergraduate work experience & an applicant's reasons for wanting an MBA degree. Then GMAT score & recommendations & GPA. If you earn a CPA designation & license, then GPA becomes even less important.

    Working for a Big 4 & earning a CPA license is not particularly attractive to the most elite MBA programs, although it certainly does not disqualify one.

    It is common for recent accounting grads to get a masters in accounting or in taxation right after college or very, very early in one's career.
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  • cbreezecbreeze 4745 replies92 threads Senior Member
    If you want to stay in accounting/controller type jobs CPA will suffice. If you work several years in a big accounting firm, an MBA will not increase your salary much. Most CPAs I know go on for an EMBA paid by their employers.
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