[Anonymous]

So going through college, i did not start off as an accounting major. I studied biology. I faced a traumatic experience through college, and suffered anxiety. I went through classes finding it very difficult to concentrate as a result. my gpa is a 2.7. my accounting gpa is a 2.4.

My dad was one of my professors too. i had him for principles1, intermediate 1 and 2, and governmental. his classes are always extremely hard. class averages range from 65-74% for those who dont drop; even in intermediate and upper level classes. lets put it this way. my dad was the professor for my mom’s intermediate class when she took it 30 yrs ago, and she had to repeat it. she also got hired by Deloitte out of college and did very well in other classes. My dad has been extremely critical and his negativity has hurt me more then i can describe over a forum.

I had a good finance internship at Stifel Nicholaus. i have connections through people i know at a few accounting firms, but i feel like im drowning because of my gpa and my dad…

SO HERE’S THE SITUATION: i met somebody at the gym who works at crowe horwath. they were really impressed by me because i got into bodybuilding, and am very knowledgeable about weight training. he passed my contact info to a recruiter and put in a really good word for me. the recruiter asked for my resume and i sent it 3 weeks ago. I was contacted again this week by somebody else at crowe asking about my accounting and cumulative gpa.

im really bummed because i know im smart. all my standardized test scores prove it. but my gpa doesnt. i feel like im SCREWED and wont get a good job out of college.

CAN ANYBODY OFFER ADVISE AS TO HOW I SHOULD EMAIL THIS RECRUITER BACK TO MAKE THE BEST OF MY SITUATION???

[Skynet]

There's no way around it. You're going to have to tell the recruiter the truth no matter what.

[Anonymous]

Explain your situation, and maybe you can put some input or references in as “good standing” who can vouch for you since you've been out of school.

[ScarletKnightCPA]

CPA and/or Masters degree (with a good gpa) will offset the poor gpa.

Your dad was the professor for your mom? Is that how they met?

Far: 76 (Wiley Test Bank)
Aud: 77 (Wiley Test Bank)
Reg: 61, 76 (Wiley book, Wiley Test Bank)
Bec: 86 (Wiley Test Bank)

MBA in progress

[Anonymous]

My accounting GPA was a 3.1 in my undergrad was a 3.9 ( bus mgmt) and my associates (general studies) was a 3.8. So I really struggled when I transitioned over to a new school to take the accounting credits. The firms that did give me a chance always inquired as to why my accounting GPA was so low. during that time we were short staffed at work so I was picking up extra hours, I also was adjusting to a new school with a rigorous accounting curriculum. Of course, these are all excuses. But if you can back up the reasoning behind the low GPA they will look past it. They just want to make sure that you at least showed up for class and attempted effort. Others may not agree with me however, a low GPA doesn't automatically exclude you from getting a good accounting job. It definitely is about who you know and I think you have a good shot.

[ruggercpa2b]

Skynet is right there is no way around it. You can tell them that you started out as a biology major and that caused your GPA to be so low, however, the problem with that is your accounting GPA is still low. I started out as a Biology major and did terribly and then swicthed to finance. My overall GPA was 2.7 however, my GPA after switching is higher. I also worked full time while going to school full time and I always make sure I tell them that when they ask why such a low GPA.

Is there a reason you took your dad's classes even knowing he has a reputation for having a hard class? I know if college everyone knew the tough professors and we avoided their classes. The only time I ever took a professor known for being tough was when I had to take that class that semester in order to graduate. I think you should stop shifting the blame. He only taught 3 classes that you took, what about the other accounting classes? At some point you have to take ownership of your grades.

Even with my 2.7 I managed to get into a Big 4 because I networked hard. On paper I would never make the cut.

Good Luck!

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[JohnWayneIsGod]

It is what it is. Just gotta tell the truth. Look at the bright-side: Most of these ‘good' entry level accounting jobs involve taking verbal abuse, which I don't think is for someone like you. Best of luck to you as I hope you find what you are looking for, but rejection may just mean that it wasn't meant to be. Make sure you find a place that allows you to learn without the pressures of having to come in with the knowledge of a seasoned expert. I worked at a place like that as I was finishing up my degree, and it wasn't for the faint of heart.

FAR - 80

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

-John Wayne

[Anonymous]

yes my dad was my moms professor. i didnt have any other option then to take my dad for both intermediates and governmental. and he really does have a reputation for making classes impossibly hard. there was a manager at that firm that spoke during a career meet and greet for accounting majors. she took my dad 10 years ago and even said how much harder his classes were then other classes during her speech.

of course im not looking for a way around telling the truth. but i want them to see that i have potential and drive to do well. i plan on sitting for the CPA exam when i graduate in a year. i feel like its my only chance. i never scored under the 90th percentile for a standardized exam until i sat for the PCAT and still got an 80 without studying (got wait-listed). I will work hard for this.

i still have a lot of accounting classes to go in my program. i dont want this bridge burned however.

how can i explain to them without making excuses about it? i have 4 accounting classes in the fall and 2 in the spring. i want to let them know that before they make a final decision that they should consider my grades this fall and my involvement in many student organizations throughout college.

[JohnWayneIsGod]

Be truthful about the GPA, but bring up your other accomplishments. Honestly, a 2.4 is low and I don't think that stating that you had a hard teacher is going to help your cause. Mention your accomplishments with your activities, and your standardized test scores as well as your plans to take the CPA exam. Be prepared to answer any questions about how your other accomplishments add to your value.

FAR - 80

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

-John Wayne

[Anonymous]

got it. of course i wouldn't use a hard teacher as an excuse. i believe that with the big semester i have coming up that they should wait before making a final judgement. i was in plenty of registered student organizations which they know about from seeing my resume. so i will simply ask them to still consider me with the semester to come as of yet.

[Missy]

Are your grades improving? (I don't mean what you hope to accomplish in the fall, because that's not tangible and is irrelevant.)

Can you at least say the most recent completed semester was your best yet so after a rocky start you're finding your way?

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Missy]

Also I know you won't want to hear this but if you're struggling with accounting classes, taking four at once may be shooting yourself in the foot.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[fuzyfro89]

The way I see it:

1) Try your luck with Crowe. They may disqualify you based on low GPA, or may give you a chance. Big 4 would probably not let you in since they have minimum GPAs at many schools (this rule is actually intended to prevent partners/directors from giving jobs to undeserving kids of their friends or potentially inviting conflicts on interest).

2) Pass on Crowe. Say “thanks but no thanks, I've got plans this summer.” If you think #1 is a high risk, then this is probably the right way to go. Be warned that if you apply for an internship, interviews will likely be in the fall, so they may not even have a chance to consider your next semester's grades. Even if they recruiter next spring, your hopefully improved grades may still not be enough.

Overall, there's no way around it, but #1 is the closest I can think of to “getting around it”. Your GPA sucks. Admit it. Accept it. Own it. Work around it, but obviously don't misrepresent it to anyone.

The best way to handle giving bad news (as a candidate) to a potential employer is to either meet them in person (preferable) or at least call them to get them on the phone (less preferable, but better than just emailing them and having them maybe brush you off). I'd ask to set up a meeting to learn more about the firm and the interview/consideration process for the upcoming recruiting season. At that point, you can give the bad news about your GPA, but hopefully also provide a hint about what you've learned from failing and (clearly and succinctly) how you plan to improve.

[Anonymous]

im not worried about the challenge of 4 accounting classes. this summer i got a C in governmental, B in advanced business writing and A in psych.

my change in attitude about fixing my grades was this summer when i worked for the financial advisers at my internship. i have way too much potential so i dont want doors closing up on me too soon.

one of the courses i will take in the fall is going to be a repeat that i should not have done poorly in in the first place. another course will be with my advisor that is extremely easy going/ easy grading.

[MaLoTu]

I do not think there is a very good chance (if any) that they will wait on your fall semester grades.

You got some really good and realistic solutions from the others. I think that fuzyfro laid out your options; proceed or decline. I would strongly encourage you to try to schedule a brief phone call before hand and try to get them to like you before you drop your GPA on them.

[Anonymous]

this is what they sent me. i believe my connection is strong (probably not enough for my current gpa). but i think i need to PROCEED… rather then email my answers to these questions i think i want to call them tomorrow with the answers and hopefully provide some explanation and hope for this situation. is this the best way to proceed? correct me if i'm wrong. please. its easy to tell that they aren't going to expect a call, but they never said i had to respond through email.

Your resume was recently forwarded to me here at Crowe in consideration for a position. Before moving forward in the process if you could please take the time to respond to my below questions:

1. When will you be graduating and available to start full-time employment?

2. What are your major and cumulative GPA’s?

3. What office locations are you interested in (please rank top 3). All of our offices can be found on the website.

4. Are you authorized to work in the US? If yes, by what means (US Citizen, F1, H1B)?

5. If you pass the screen questions above, what times would work for you to have a 30 minute conversation with someone at Crowe?

Thanks,

[Author]

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