[Anonymous]

Okay, so I’m currently taking 9 credits of grad classes in the accounting program at my school. Thing is I’m not officially in the MPA program. I was conditionally accepted and can only take 9 credits. In order for me to take more than 9 credits and continue with the program I need to get a decent score on the GMAT. I took it a few months ago and did horrible-330. I had a 2.0 GPA in high school so I wasn’t that shocked I didn’t do that well on it since I really struggled with math in high school. I graduated college with a good GPA and got all A’s and B’s in my accounting classes. Took BEC this summer and got a 67 which in my opinion isn’t that horrible since I kind of gave up on studying near the end. I guess my question is if anyone thinks it’s even worth trying the GMAT again? I have to get a 480 to officially get into the MPA program and continue classes in the spring. That’s a huge point difference which I really don’t think is possible to get. Also, I have interviews for jobs/internships coming up through my school soon. Is it really that bad if I just explain that I have decided to postpone the MPA program and concentrate on passing the CPA instead? Sorry for such a long post :s

[financeguy]

I think you should do research on the cost/benefit factor of both the cpa and masters degree and make the decision based on that. I have my own personal opinion, but I believe you should do the research yourself and decide which will benefit you the most and cost you the least in both terms of money and time. In summary of my opinion, CPA alone is far your best bang for the buck.

AUD - 81, BEC - 74, 80, FAR - 82, REG - 81
Done!

[michelle119]

Also, do you need to get 150 credits with your masters for a CPA license? If so, is their a time frame I know in Massachusetts you need to get it within 3 years of passing your last cpa exam. If you need the credits for that reason, then maybe try using one of the GMAT review books or investing some money into a test prep to get you up to the 480 that you need so after you get through the CPA exams you aren't stressing about taking the GMATs. Would your program accept GRE results and if so do you think your results could change with that exam? I'm not too familiar with the differences between the GRE and GMAT, so I'm not sure if that would resolve your problem either. If you are waiting until February to take your next part, I think you could study and sit for the GMATs before that and get above the 480.

FAR 7/2 - 88
BEC 7/30 - 87
AUD 8/27 - 80
REG 11/12 - 96

[75 CPA]

A CPA defines who you are. You will put the initials, CPA, behind your name. A masters degree does not define who you are. A masters degree is just part of your education.

[RittCPA]

@bluecrush 73 – By the Kaplan materials for the GMAT. I went from a 520 to a 730 in two months using Kaplan. This got me into an IVY League B-School, which got me my current job. I am getting the CPA for self validation.

@75 CPA – I agree with 95% if your post because you give out a lot of good advice. However, if you have the RIGHT masters degree it is worth far more than the CPA because you will have a diverse set of skills and a great network. I believe that your NETWORK = Net Worth. You could have a CPA and get thrown in a cubicle with a calculator for life if you don't build the right network and leadership traits. As I recall 75 CPA you are a successful business (and Professor) person already pre CPA…..

[NJCPA2B]

RittCPA, you're 99% correct about the RIGHT MBA school, but unfortunately, the Kaplan's (like Keyser and others) of the world are more like franchises and don't give much value to a resume! And unless you are getting an MBA from a top MBA School in your state, a CPA is far superior.

BEC=77, FAR=78, REG=73,74,80, AUD=70,69, 84 DONE!

[RittCPA]

@NJCPA2B – I agree. It has to be a top MBA program to trump a CPA. Otherwise an MBA is a waste of Money…it must have “swagger” and a brand behind it!

[gans55]

RittCPA, the MPA isn't a waste of money. I enjoy learning about tax and accounting so anything i learn is helpful to me. In 2011, you will need 150 credits to become a CPA. So correct me if im wrong, it seems like everyone will now get their MPA before they take the CPA exam.

[RittCPA]

@gans55 – We were talking about and MBA not an MPA. I don't know anything about MPA programs. However, I am an MBA (Columbia in New York).

[Anonymous]

A CPA is a cheaper way to be a CPA. And that counts a lot. On the other hand, a MBA (or a Master's Degree) gives value to your education, a better position etc. Combined, both will give you eventually a much better paid job, achievement and a better title, and everything that comes with it. I used to be chosen from 10 candidates for a good job, paid cool ($40-50/hr) because I had on my resume 2-4 clases at a MBA Program. But definitely I would get my CPA first. For a Master's degree think about the loan that you have to pay back. So, pls be careful. 🙂

[gans55]

RittCPA. sorry for the confusion, i guess MPA and MBA look similar

[Sam2k]

I took the GMAT once without studying and then once after using Kaplan's bootcamp product for a couple days and raised my score 70 points to a 710. This convinced me that doing really well on the GMAT is just a matter of knowing how to answer the questions, which are convoluted but not academically hard. So, I would recommend that you look into a good review program that will teach you the basic concepts you need, how the exam is scored, and what strategies will help you answer the questions correctly.

*I know Kaplan offers various products, but I believe the bootcamp I did was 30 days of online access to their materials for somewhere around $120.

FAR - 98; AUD - 94; REG - 95; BEC - Waiting;
Becker Scholarship for Success (I got it free :))

[MPoni123]

75 CPA – I have to disagree with you! I don't believe that a CPA defines who you are…in my opinion it is more of what you do. A CPA and an MBA are BOTH put after your name. You could look at the CPA as also being part of your education considering how academic in nature the exam really is.

In my opinion, in today's world where everybody seems to be going back for an MBA, the degree is so much more common now and it is so broad and generalized that I don't think it provides as much value as a CPA. (like my firm doesn't care that I have an MBA – it wouldn't allow me to move up, etc.) Having my license though, would allow me to move up.

I think it depends on what state you are from as well. I am in MA and you NEED 150 credits in order to become certified. You need 120 credits to just sit for the exam. No point in going back to school to get 30 extra credits and not getting a degree out of it. A masters that is more specialized, however, like an MST, I think is more valuable and coincides with a CPA. I think an MBA suits people better who don't have an undergrad business background.

AUD - 84; REG - 90; BEC - 79; FAR - 75; ALL DONE!!

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Helps a lot 🙂

[Author]

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