Mr. Big 4 CPA

This could really go either way. While the basic stats are in line, you are a white dude at a Big 4 firm in assurance having gone to a mid-tier school for both your undergraduate and master’s degree in accounting. I do think it is a plus that you are working with PE and alternative investment clients. It’s also a big plus, of course, that you earned a CPA, achieved the top rank in your M.S. Accounting class, an ran a half marathon after having reconstructive surgery on my leg. That last one is super impressive and makes me like you very much. It is also what will help you get out of the pile.

Hi Mr. Big 4 CPA! This is Kate Richardson, Senior Admissions Consultant. I am a former Big 4 employee and have advised many Big 4 applicants over the years, so I can understand your desire to switch from a field that is backwards looking to one that is more proactive and forwards looking. Your work background will be fairly well known to admissions committees, so make sure to highlight where your experiences differ from what’s typical, like if you’ve been given responsibilities ahead of schedule, or worked with interesting/high-profile clients (sounds like you have), or been selected for work committees (which it also sounds like you have). I also think the personal story you bring to your applications will be really important — like talking about challenges you’ve faced. The half marathon is a great example of that. I’m a bit worried that you don’t have any non-firm extracurriculars, but hopefully those personal accomplishments and other factors can mitigate that gap. Your academic background is great with top-notch GPAs and CPA too. I think you’ve got a shot at Wharton, and feel a bit better about your chances at Booth. Harvard will be tougher because it’s Harvard, and because they may view your lower years of work experience as lacking leadership, but I would certainly give it a shot. You could also consider programs like Yale, Tuck, Darden. Good luck!

Dear Mr. Big 4 CPA, it’s Lisa Cummings of Stratus Admissions. Congrats on finishing the half marathon, that’s no small feat for anyone! I spent several years working in private equity and alternative investments as an analyst, then as an investor so I am very familiar with that space. Your stats will certainly put you on the radar of your target schools although your years of work experience will be on the low side. Your work extracurriculars are all impressive, when you say “firm sponsored” does that mean they tapped you for those positions? What was your role in the digital process automation project and what impact did that have on your company or group? You are on the leadership council, what does that mean for you day to day? With more detail, these are ways you can potentially show an outsized impact, perhaps greater than your tenure might otherwise suggest. Your extracurriculars all seem to be work or school related – and I suspect done during work hours? Is there anything else you might want to get involved in- adcomms do like to see outside extracurriculars as well. Additionally, your big life wins are indeed big, I’d like more specifics about your work and your wins there. Adcomms need evidence that you have had success in the workplace so you will need to clearly articulate that for your schools. There’s not room to go into a lot of detail here but you will have a chance in your applications. Your post MBA goal sounds very realistic given your experience, think about how an MBA will allow you make that shift. You appear to be a very competitive candidate but your target schools are also very competitive – have you considered expanding your list at all? What about Darden, Ross or Fuqua? They all could be good choices given your end goal. The application process is a marathon and not a sprint so I applaud you for starting early. Best of luck and stay safe in these crazy times.