Dangerous Thinking

[ricevermicelli]

So, I'm thinking about applying to Harvard.

This is such a dumb idea.

I've made the decision to apply to B-school, which is fine as far as it goes. I've got one or two programs picked out as possibilities. I want to be a forensic accountant. So Harvard might be the worst possible choice (always assuming that Harvard is possible), as they don't do concentrations, and I don't know if I'd be remotely ready to take the CPA exam once I got out of there, and if I'm going to be a forensic accountant, the CPA exam is sort of a potentially key piece. I suppose there are other ways to embark on that career path, but the CPA-path is reassuringly well-tramelled. The expected undergrad GPA for Harvard is a touch higher than mine, but the average GMAT score is well within range. And as long as I'm applying, well, Harvard is right there. I could spit on Harvard from my office if I could get the office windows open.

Also, in order to get in, I would have to write 600 words about my three most substantial accomplishments. That's 200 words per accomplishment. That seems pretty easy, until I reflect that I don't really have anything out here that I'm willing to consider an accomplishment. I suppose I should ratchet that ego of mine up a few notches before sending in an application, because the explanation that I'm a shitty leader who did nothing with her twenties is unlikely to go over well.

This is, I repeat, such a dumb idea.

ETA: Looked at admissions criteria. I'm just being silly. I'll get over it.

Comments

[c1.livejournal.com]

While HBS doesn't have explicit concentrations, there's enough leway in scheduling, particularly in the second year, that you can make a quasi-concentration.
Bear in mind that they are looking for younger students these days.

[c1.livejournal.com]

Oh, and if you *want* it, it's not a silly idea at all. You have every chance of getting in.

[(Anonymous)]

I'd wonder whether HBS would give you what you want for problem solving, or just teach how to understand the report of a forensic accountant from a manager's perspective; they used to be strongly oriented toward training top-management wannabes (cf Townsend, in Up the Organization) but may have gotten more real.

/CHip

[valkyriefire.livejournal.com]

I was rejected my first time around applying for grad school. I interviewed the admissions people as to what was lacking in my application and took the next year or two getting what I needed. 2nd round was much easier. It showed me that if one really wants it and has the time to work for it, there's nothing that really stands in the way of grad school.

Forensic accounting sounds awesome, btw.

[drwex]

If it's a dumb idea, then why Harvard? Other than "it's there."