[johnchua9963]

Dear another71,

I don’t know how to explain my situation right now, but I think this is the best explanation that I could give so forgive me if I am not being clear here.

First, I graduated from university with a BS in accounting 2 years ago and had been struggling to find work. My GPA isn’t that great either since it is only 3.1 combining all four years of schooling and possibly the school reputation as well. ( I went to CWU in Washington State)

Secondly, I am considering taking the CPA exam but just hesitant because of my GPA that I listed above which will haunt me if I take the exam.

I am just really confuse at this point on what to do, any advice that you guys want to chime in?

Thanks

[Anonymous]

Taking and passing the CPA could only make you more marketable. It can be argued that there is not a high correlation to your GPA and success on the exam if thats what you are concerned about. If you have a good review program, such as Becker, they will teach you all you need to know. I guess the first thing I would do if I were you is see if you are eligible to sit for the exam by checking your states educational requirements.

[johnchua9963]

“It can be argued that there is not a high correlation to your GPA and success on the exam if thats what you are concerned about.”

Exactly one of my points. The reason why I brought it up was because my accounting teachers believe in the correlation of doing well in classes and passing the exam.

Currently, I work for H&R Block doing seasonal tax work and this is the only accounting experience I have since I failed to pursue an internship while at school. Thinking if I don't have enough credits to sit for the exam, I would just get my Masters and find an internship. Masters of tax or auditing, which is better?

[SeattleAccountant]

Hey, while I agree with some correlation, it is not absolute or majority of correlation.

Some of my undergrad classmates that were borderline B to C students, had passed CPA successfully and without naming the names, had surprised some of us that went on to grad school and just now reviewing and taking the exam.

Thus, the morale of the story is this: if you don't try, how would you know any different?!

Additionally, imo, get the best review that fits your learning style and knowledge that you have or lack of it so far and give it a try. Good luck!

And, please do NOT view absence of internship as a failure! I had purposely declined such offer for the academic reasons and that had paid off in terms of grad school (admission, school ease overall, etc.).

Becker Class of Jan - Aug 2013: FARB DONE!!!!
CPA license pending 🙂

[Anonymous]

These exams are NOTHING like college. I had a 4.0 in my accounting classes but I have struggled to pass these exams for 2 1/2 years. If you have the time to devote to studying and can stay focused and utilize a good review program you can do just fine regardless of what your grades were in college. I think I struggle mainly because of the fact that I work full time, have a child, a husband and a house that I have to take care of, in addition to other commitments and by the time I get to sit down and study I'm dead tired. Because I am so tired it is hard for me to focus on learning what I need to in order to get through all of this.

Good luck to you

[Anonymous]

GPA definitely does not indicate how you will do on the CPA exam. The CPA exam is a completely different beast. Education is generally a lot of information over a longer period of time. The CPA exam is a ton of material over a few weeks/couple months. Don't listen to what your teacher said about a GPA/CPA correlation.

And no internship is not the end of the world. 2 guys on my audit team never did internships and they're great auditors.

As for MST vs MSA, you have to decide which direction you want to go with your career. If you're interested in doing taxes, I'd say go for MST. If you're looking for more of a general knowledge base, go MSA. I did MSA and we had a wide range of classes.

[Anonymous]

What are you talking about ?!correlation

before about 5 years my cousin (Arab student)

he take Bs Accounting in Middle East with a 2.7 GPA

and he take all 4 exams at one time (2 days) passed all with 90's except that he failed Reg

and then he took Reg again and pass with over 90

note that with a full-time work but a 1 month off before exams

so really what are you talking about ??!

I think that its doable but it depends on how much you need it

so start now without excuses

[Herbieherb]

It makes no difference in my opinion …I passed and had low GPA in college too….all you need is motivation and a good review course.

NEW YORK- DONE

[Mia]

I second (3rd? 4th? 5th?) the people saying you can do it. I got my education from the Philippines where I never had tax/law classes that are applicable to the US, heck I'm not even an accounting major so I had very limited classes on accounting.

If you're worried it won't be a breeze finding a job because of that GPA, all the more reason for you to get your CPA and show employers how determined you are.

BEC 82 Nov 2012 | REG 80 Feb 2013 | FAR 76!!! Apr 2013 | AUD 69 May 2013 | AUD 83!!! Aug 2013

Done!! Thanks Jeff & A71 friends!

Ad maiorem Dei gloriam - For the greater glory of God!

[Keely]

GPA has little to no bearing on how well you'll do on the exam. And once you pass the exam, GPA becomes of little importance to an employer, unless you're going for Big 4 or something. And your GPA is not bad! I had a 3.3 and had no problem getting several offers for employment. Not one of them said anything good/bad about my GPA. They asked me more personality questions. It's all about fit.

BEC: (4/2012) 88
AUD: (5/2012) 91
REG: (8/2012) 82
FAR: (1/2013) 78 🙂

VA CPA #42010

[Author]

Replies