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LM175

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  1. Thanks so much for the advice. It really blows me away that people are willing to take the time to help a stranger, and I couldn’t be more appreciative. I apologize for not providing a complete profile; I don’t mean to waste anyone’s time. I’ll try to provide a more comprehensive background: I transferred AP Calculus into college, so I didn’t take any math classes. I did take: STAT 190 Basic Statistics, STAT 378 Linear Regression/Time Series Analysis, STAT 374 Statistical Quality Control, & ECON 200, 201, 300, 303 Principles and Intermediate Micro and Macro, along with my accounting and finance coursework. For research I’d like to do empirical research on multijurisdictional tax planning using the Scholes and Wolfson framework. I’m not sure if that’s plausible anymore though. (The only way I know of to find schools’ research specialization(s) is to look for articles published by their professors). I’m not necessarily opposed doing research in a different area, especially if it’s a necessity, but would it seem odd if my I applied intending to research OB (in which I am genuinely interested, although I have limited exposure) after getting my masters in tax and working in that field? Rsylors, what does CB stand for? I’m unfamiliar with the abbreviation and couldn’t find an answer online. Thanks for the compilation of tips for the GMAT! Can someone provide a rough estimate of what kind of quant score I’d need for entry into the least selective programs? I might have been a bit bullish earlier thinking I could significantly raise my score. I’ve always had issues finishing important tests, regardless of my preparation, due to anxiety (Not trying to make excuses, nor negate the importance of preparation). I’m definitely willing to put in the time and effort to try to improve, but I think I’ll likely feel even more pressured next time. Thanks again; you are all so helpful!
  2. Thanks for the feedback so far! I don’t mean to come off as defensive, but I think I have received some misinformation before asking here, so I have lots of questions. I don’t have much of a geographic preference, honestly. I didn’t mean to indicate that. To clarify, I realize that the research I’ve done professionally has very little in common with academic research. I was just trying to give a description of my duties and don’t know a better word for looking up and analyzing relevant case law. I didn’t mean to focus on my work experience or passing the CPA, although I gave detailed explanations. As far as CPA passage, I certainly didn’t think it would be a deciding factor, but is it next to irrelevant? What night classes should I be taking? I live in a larger city, but most courses offered in the evening are geared toward a part-time MBA. I have a high level of interest in both research and teaching. I know I definitely shouldn’t mention that in a statement of purpose, but it’s the truth. My letters of rec are from accounting faculty at the university I attended. I’m not sure how I should evaluate them… I know my GPA is bad, but I can’t change that at this point. I know my GMAT is bad (I tried to allude to that in my initial post). I was not aware the split was as important a factor as it obviously is (I did know it mattered), so thanks for pointing that out. I can always retake the GMAT (I realize my lower score will be considered). I had major pacing problems during the real deal on quant, and had to blindly guess on the last 13 questions. I don’t mean to drop the tired excuse of I’m a bad test taker, but as I mentioned, I scored much better on quant in simulated exams (40-49) while my verbal scores came in very near my actual score (40-44). I only mention this because I think I can do better; the score I got is all I earned, and simulations don’t count. Am I out of luck on getting into any program with a 36 quant on my record (i.e. if I can earn a better score on the 2nd attempt will I still be considered anywhere)? Are there any other recommendations, besides doing better on the GMAT? Thanks for the link! I’m surprised I didn’t come across that earlier. It looks like it’s not entirely comprehensive though (even when following your instructions on program and format) Again, I hope I don’t come off as defensive; sometimes its hard to tell in writing, and I sincerely appreciate the responders’ honesty. I also hope readers don’t think I’ve put zero effort in before posting here. Apparently, I asked some people who don’t know what they’re talking about. Thanks and PLEASE provide more feedback.
  3. Academic Profile (I apologize for any ambiguity, but I wish to inquire anonymously :shy:): BA in Business Administration w/ concentration in International Business BS in Accounting Minor in Spanish Masters of Accountancy w/ concentration in Tax GPA:3.4 I attended the same university for undergraduate and graduate degrees, and it routinely finishes in the top 10 of scoring nationwide on the CPA exam. Additionally, I was very involved with a number of organizations on campus; I assume, however, that this fact is nearly irrelevant at this point. GMAT: 650 (79th percentile) (42 Verbal, 36 Quantitative). I scored WELL above this on all simulated exams (GMAT provided and 3rd party), but honestly I don’t do well under lots of pressure. I’m wary of retaking the exam, as it’s always possible I’ll do worse. After graduating I studied full-time for the Uniform CPA Exam, and passed all parts on my first attempts (avg. score of 82, again, not great under pressure). I do not have my license quite yet, as my state board requires new CPA’s to work a full year for licensing. I know that ideally programs would like applicants to have experience in Big 4 accounting, but I for a multitude of reasons I chose to work in industry, and honestly feel I have learned more than many of my peers who went Big 4. I began working in the tax department of a fast-growing Fortune 500 company after completion of my exam in November 2011. Our department is comprised of 7 employees responsible for all income and sales taxes, and I report directly to the head of the department. I deal with assignments on both the income and sales tax sides and have taken the lead on several important research projects, cost-benefit analysis/tax planning projects, as well as general compliance and reporting. I am very involved in my community, as a volunteer with BBBS and my parish’s youth ministry. I am also very active in general, playing for a men's rugby team, and running 2 marathons per year. (Again, this may be completely irrelevant, but may come in hand during an interview). I am interested in applying to: Arizona State, University of Memphis, Ole Miss, Florida International, Southern Illinois, LSU, & Arkansas I realize I’m not a shoe-in for any of these schools (and four of them are probably “reach schools”), but am I completely unrealistic with where I’m looking? If so, where would you suggest? Thanks!
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