How does admissions view learning to code

[gwes08]

Hi,

I am considering an alternative transcript since my gpa was not all that I would like it to be (3.1) with at B.S in Finance and a B.A in Economics at a large state school. I scored a 700 on the GMAT, but am targeting Stanford, Harvard and other top programs so was thinking that I need to beef up my quant profile to be competitive. I am considering taking calculus 1 and 2 via the Berkeley extension program online, but since I work in technology and plan on doing so after B-School I was wondering if learning objective c and building an iphone app (which is long term more in line with my goals and much more interesting to me than calculus) would be seen as favorably as taking those other courses.

Thanks

[mbamissionjenK]

Hi there,

It's a good idea to build that alternate transcript to boost the GPA/academic profile, and the 700 is a nice plus as well. In terms of courses to take, I would either take something that will give you a nice basis for business school coursework (have a look at the first-year curriculum at schools you are looking at.... statistics, data analysis, financial analysis, etc), or something that will help you in your future career but preferably still has some quantitative elements in it. If you can explain WHY you chose the specific courses that bodes well, so if the technology coursework fits well with your goals that can make sense, but generally schools would be looking for you to demonstrate some quant skills. Hope that provides some things to think about. Good luck!