Seeking advice: I am currently studying for the CPA exams and working full time. I am also balancing the GMAT but it has been information overload because I plan I passing my remaining CPA exams by June.

If I apply next MBA cycle in September 2025, would it be worth having the CPA license to show technical ability etc, or should I prioritize getting a higher GMAT score?

CPA will also get me another promotion at work, but I know I will need to work on my GMAT score to be competitive.

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I’m a CPA and got admitted to M7 with $$$$. Don’t feel it was a huge differentiator but I also had the GPA/GRE to prove I could handle the work. Agree with focusing on one at a time.

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I’m a CPA. Focus on one at a time. How YOE you have? If less than 3 i would wait

A1. 5 YOE overall I was a fin analyst before and didn’t require CPA, came over to D later and need CPA to be a Manager here, so started later with the exams. If it helps I’m 2/4 of the way done.

I just think having a CPA and Manager promo (would be my second promotion within same company) would help my profile overall. Thoughts?

Here’s a constellation of things you might consider. Not giving you a steer on what to do. I’m a R2 admit now at M7, but not a CPA guy.

1. Earning a promotion is a good signal on your apps and also for post grad recruiting. Depending on which industry you go after (eg strategy consultant), this could be more valuable than CPA in my opinion.

2. You can apply R2 to schools and still get in to multiple, even though it’s true the most spots are open R1 and the most money is available then. But for R2, you would not need to start writing essays until November / December.

3. From your “typical” working background, you’ll do best for yourself with a higher GMAT score than the program’s average. And you cannot apply until you have a GMAT score.

4. A CPA is not a required credential in most fields and few MBAs will have one. However in some fields it can differentiating. I would strongly hypothesize that AdCom readers will value the earning of a CPA credential (in past tense) the same way they would an additional info statement of “I am on track to earn my CPA credential on X date”.

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