Profile Eval with CPA/CFA

[bplotts]

Hello -

I'm curious as to how a CPA or CFA (or both) certifications are viewed by ad com at tops schools? I've searched the forum and internet and haven't found much.

Also, could you please evaluate my background for the following schools: Haas, Tuck, Stern, Fuqua, Ross? At my age, I'm thinking if I can't be competitive at these schools, it might not be worth it. I'm thinking these all might be a reach though!

Certifications - CPA and CFA level III
GPA - 2.89 from UC school (I'm hoping the CPA and CFA will make up for the very low GPA)
GMAT - 680 (expected)
Work Experience - 7 years in Business Valuation (I realize I am on the older side, but looking for a career change)
Non-profit - a little, but nothing major to report

Major reason for going back to b-school at my age (around 30 years) is to change careers from business valuation into either investment/asset management or corporate treasury.

Thanks,

[mbamission]

Hi Bplotts,

A CPA and CFA are certainly viewed as positive signs of quantitative skills by MBA programs, but they're just one input among many that you will be evaluated on. Most admitted students won't have those credentials, and many applicants with those credentials will apply and not find success.

Unfortunately I don't think the credentials are going to be enough on their own to overcome your GPA and GMAT for the schools you're looking at. You'll need to focus heavily on your career accomplishments over the past seven years, as well craft very specific reasons for going to school now.

I'd suggest selecting maybe 2 schools from that list, and then balancing them out with selections more in the top-25 range.

Best of luck,

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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[bplotts]

Hello -

I have an updated GMAT of 710. Will GMAT/CPA/CFA Level III now make me competitive enough for the schools I previously listed? I guess my major question is will ad com "overlook" my low GPA now that I have demonstrated my quantitative skills through high GMAT and professional certifications? I am most concerned about the low GPA. I will also craft good essays and explain my career progression.

Thanks,

[jhamb.sullabh]

Hi,

I am not an expert in this field but can relate your profile to mine (with the caveat our work ex differs a lot in terms of industry/domain and tenure).As far as my conversation with consultants go and what I infer from what you have written I strongly believe you have a really good chance of making your attempt count in all these schools.

All the best.

[bplotts]

Thanks, appreciate the response.