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Removing barriers T he Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
program
line with competing schools, and we believe we will
was established nearly seven years ago. Since that
see increased interest from high-achieving students,”
time, admission to the program has required the
McCarty explained.
GRE or GMAT exams. The test score is weighed
An entrance exam is still required for the other
alongside the students’ grade point average (GPA)
two graduate programs in the College, however.
and other materials to determine their likelihood of
“It’s important for us to admit students who can be
success. Recently, the College decided to waive the
successful in our graduate programs.” McCarty said.
GRE/GMAT requirement for MAcc applicants with an
Admitting a student who may not be successful
undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher.
could result in wasted time and funds, whereas
Director of Graduate Studies Kristine McCarty noted
the entrance exams help determine an applicant’s
that although the exam is a good way to gauge a
likelihood to succeed in a program. This is especially
student’s aptitude for graduate school, “this change
true for broader programs like the Master of Business
allows applicants to spend more time focusing on
Administration (MBA) where coursework is not
preparation for the Certified Public Accountants
focused on one specific content area, like it is with
(CPA) exam, rather than an entrance exam. Adding
the MAcc. McCarty said.
another test into the mix causes some undue stress,”
“For the MAcc program, the greatest predictor of
said McCarty.
success for an applicant is their performance in their
“Students are excited and relieved to hear about this
prior accounting coursework. A 3.5 GPA certainly
change,” she said, adding that the change will reduce
demonstrates success in that area.”
the financial burden on students who would have to
The hurdle of taking the exam in the other programs
pay around $250 to take the GMAT.
demonstrates students’ commitment. “It’s a richer
Removing the entrance exam is becoming common
experience for all students when everyone is
for MAcc programs. “This change puts us more in
committed,” said McCarty.
REMEMBERING A GREAT STUDENT In the fall of 2018, the College of Business family was devastated to learn that Zeke Uribe, a recent accounting graduate with a bright future, had tragically passed away. Uribe was an inspiration to those who knew him, and it is our wish to honor his memory by establishing a scholarship endowment in his name for first generation students majoring in accounting. Please help us reach our goal of $25,000, visit isu.edu/give/COB to make your gift to the “Zeke Uribe Scholarship Fund”.
