Hi all,
I have been a long time reader of the forum and have decided I could use a bit of unbiased perspective regarding my possible MBA plans. I will attempt to provide as much color into the scenario without getting excessively personal with anything, but the underlying question is whether it is possible to get into a top 15 MBA program (or M7) given I come from a big four audit background (not consulting). And if so, would you think there is any chance of scholarship/fellowships?
My Background:
Demographic:
* Caucasian male from a blue collar, middle class family. Not under-represented.
Education:
* Finished undergrad with a B.S. in Accounting and a 3.84 GPA (3.92 in program), at a small mid-tier non-target college (ranked somewhere around top 200). Also had a minor in CS if that impacts consideration at all. Held multiple leadership positions including president of my schools Beta Gamma Sigma chapter.
* Finished my M.S. in Accounting from the same school mentioned above with a 4.0 GPA (no GMAT required due to academic status) with top of class honors.
* Passed the CPA exam and have since received my CPA license.
Job (this is what I perceive as my weakness):
* 2.5 years at a Big Four performing mainly audit work aside from the occasional advisory rotation.
* Have been early promoted and have leadership responsibilities but have NO consulting or transaction based work experience.
GMAT:
* Have not yet sat for the official GMAT, but have been scoring in the 700-740 range on the practice exams. However, I have a short work break coming up and I am going to hardcore study and aim for around a 750. So just for argument sake, you can use that number.
Conclusion:
I have always been one to challenge myself, however, I also want to be realistic. After reading some discouraging posts on various websites, I am wondering if my background (specifically coming from a "less targeted" industry), will take me out of the running for a top MBA program. If not, as mentioned earlier, do you think I could be in the running for scholarships/fellowships, which I could desperately use?
Thanks in advance and apologies for the wall of writing, I just wanted to give as much context as possible.
One of the biggest mistakes I made some years ago was believing some stupid posters on WSO who said Big4 people / Traders / whatnot could not get into an MBA business schools">M7 school, especially if you are a over-represented demographic like an White or Asian male.
Do not make that mistake. The best thing you can do for yourself is stop making this stupid posts on WSO and actually apply. Instead of being lazy and asking on WSO (which has a very warped view of how the world works) why don't you get a premium LinkedIn account and see how many people with your background are at MBA business schools">M7 schools.
The best thing you can do for yourself (trust me on this - I just went through the process) is to not ask a anonymous message board for validation. You have a unique story to tell - go ahead and apply. I know you will get into a good school.
I wouldn't say traders from large IBs are in the same bucket as CPAs...trading jobs are incredibly difficult to get.
Pros: GPA CPA Big 4 - and you got a promotion The fact that you have a cpa and worked at a big 4 means that you are proficient with accounting and should do well with technicals when interviewing for jobs. Bschools like to pick winners to boost their stats, and this makes you a winner in my eyes.
Cons: You are undervaluing yourself and think you're inferior to those in more traditional roles that end up in good Bschools. In other words, you've set a limit for yourself in your mind.
You've worked really hard and done well. Just focus on getting a good GMAT and you stand a good chance at breaking into a great B-school.
Thanks for the input and for the bid of confidence. Do not get me wrong I worked hard to get where I currently am, and am proud of my accomplishments in my respective field. However, given the selective nature of these schools I have heard that it could be tough not coming from the general feeder type industry (consulting, banking etc.). I also could really use scholarship/fellowship money - so that would likely be a factor as well.
You definitely have a good shot in the top 15 and probably in the M7, especially if you can submit by the extended deadlines this round.
Obviously there is more to an app than what you can post here. Your academics are strong. you may have a story coming from a blue color background. If you can show leadership and impact, and have clear professional direction, I think you have a good chance.
For more on applying sooner than later, please see:
Those are great insights, thank you! I will most likely be aiming for round one of this coming year as long as my GMAT pans out as I hope. Hopefully round one still yields some advantage given the factors you mentioned. Even though I am quite frugal, given the students loans I have already incurred, scholarships are definitely a factor for me as well, do you think that could also be a realistic hope? Any insights on how/if the COVID situation may have altered the “business as usual” of scholarships/grants for top MBAs?
You're most welcome!
My crystal ball regarding the impact of COVID combined with the looming recession is a little cloudier regarding round 1. Typically when there is a recession, application volume goes up and competition becomes more intense. To the extent that happens by Round 1, your chances decline. If it doesn't happen round 1 and app volume remains what is has been for the last couple of years, my assessment holds. And if you get a 750, your chances of acceptance and a scholarship are enhanced. You could end up in a situation where you are offered money by a second choice school and in with no scholarship at a top choice school. Then you'll have a decision to make, but I'm not making any predictions on that one.
Best, Linda
Plenty of people w/ that profile attend MBA business schools">M7 schools.
If you manage to lock-in that GMAT apply everywhere you're considering.
Oh wow, great to know. I feel like I don't hear much about this background for MBA business schools">M7 (maybe it kind of just flies under the radar getting clumped in with financial services). But thank you, that is definitely reassuring!
There are definately some former accountants at MBA business schools">M7 (minus HSW) schools. Without any data and just based on observations, it seems like most come from URMs. Not to deter you, just my perception.
I think if you have a solid gmat and reason for need and mba / career goal you will get in somewhere.
Appreciate the candid feedback. Yeah I think I have a solid progression/career goal that would justify an MBA. My main B4 clients are in the PE/HF space, I want to transition from a more back office, retrospective role, to a front office, forward looking role in the space. I would use my MBA to make that transition possible.
Also, would love to consider a tech MBA role (product management role etc.) as this has always been an area of personal interest as well.
I hate these "limiting" posts. Who says Big4 Accountants can't get into HSW? You don't know until you apply.
FWIW, I am not an Accountant and would love to have former Accountants in my B School section.
Dude, there are no big 4 accountant, straight white male, from mediocre state schools at HSW.
I'm 99% confident making that statement with no data. There are accountants, just not from over represented groups.
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