[tonyn4444]

So i’ll try to keep this as brief as possible. I’m a fourth year student attending the University of CA, Davis, and I transferred to Davis after my first year of college at San Jose State University with a 3.6 GPA. I did OKAY my first year at Davis, which was my second year of college, and finished with a 3.21 GPA by the end of summer. However, during my third year of college I loaded up on too many things by working 2 jobs, while also trying to take care of my dog during school.

Now my cumulative GPA has fallen to a 2.96 and I’m very disappointed in myself. My question is, would it be unethical to state on my resume that my GPA is more around a 3.1-3.2, when taking into account my SJSU grades? Also, I know this is a very low GPA for business majors, so would pursuing my CPA right after I graduate be a wise move and improve my chances at getting a decent entry level job?

[Track55]

You should list your cumulative GPA and your accounting GPA. They will see your transcripts so you can't lie about it.

You should go for the CPA right out of college regardless of grades.

AUD - 74, 99 !!
REG - 74, 92
BEC - 83
FAR - 73, 86

Studying for Ethics exam

California candidate
Business and Industry

[tonyn4444]

But my GPA is below a 3.0. Wouldn't it be better to just omit it from my resume? But then what are my chances of even getting an interview if I do this?

[mikedurelli]

Listing your cumulative GPA would include your first year. If you are above a 3.0 you should be able to get something at a smaller public accounting firm. Unless you know some one who can help you out I'd stay away from any of the top 15 because most large firms (especially Big 4) are looking for at least a 3.5. Studying for the CPA right after is the best idea because you are still in “study mode” from college. If you can get hired some firms will pay for your study materials.

[JohnWayneIsGod]

It would be unethical to inflate your GPA–you'll need to list your cumulative GPA (2.96) and accounting GPA. You are pretty close to a cumulative 3.0, and presumably you have an even higher accounting GPA, so you might be in a better in a position than you think. However leaving it out will make people think that either you have a really low GPA or are sloppy and forgetful.

Just work hard, and smart, to get that GPA back up above 3.0.

FAR - 80

Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.

-John Wayne

[Anonymous]

If you're saying 2.96 is the GPA at Davis, then that is not your cumulative. Your cumulative is all courses combined. If 2.96 is Davis only, then I'm guessing 3.12 would be all schools combined, which is over 3.0 and somewhat better. But just doing the school you graduated from would be incorrect. For example, I transferred in a LOT of my credits, so my GPA at the school I graduated from is 4.0 but my actual was more like 3.1 or something like that (not even sure – didn't list on my resume and was only ever asked once, but didn't go B4 route either).

[Anonymous]

DO NOT combine your GPAs unless you make it absolutely clear that is what you are doing. If you don't make it clear, then yes that is “unethical” and will not match the cumulative GPA listed on your transcript at Davis. It is not standard, but I suppose you could list the GPA after both schools and say it is the combined GPA if you really wanted to.

UC Davis, Accounting, Anticipated Graduation date: June 2016

SJSU, Transfer Degree, June 2014

3.12 Combined GPA

At least that way you are being honest and will be able to explain why the GPA listed on your resume does not match your transcripts. If you do this, just make sure you weight each class grade correctly which should be weighted on either semester or quarter credits (so you may have to do a conversion from the prior institution if they were on a different system).

My advice: Focus more on school and get your grades up before you graduate. If that means quitting your jobs and getting more loans and/or having your parents take care of your dog your last year or two, then do it. I'm sympathetic but those will just sound like excuses to employers (who are often interviewing other candidates who do have multiple things going on too). Besides, your last two years of accounting are much more intensive/difficult than your first two years and the grades you get in those classes specifically often matter to employers.

[tonyn4444]

Thank you everyone for the helpful advice!

[NjCpaCandidate30]

tonyn4444,

I wound up with a 3.2 Cumulative and a 3.4 for acct and got an offer from a big 4 firm (which I accepted). Just make sure you graduate with 150 credits and try finish with over a 3.0. Also, be 100% truthful about every aspect of your resume and APPLY APPLY APPLY. I probably spent about an hour a day applying to positions my entire senior year.

FAR 8/8/15-86!
AUD 8/26/15-87!
BEC 10/3/15-90!
REG 10/17/15-85!
AND I AM DONE!

Big 4 Audit

Studying with Becker and Ninja MCQ

[Author]

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