Calling Columbia applicants for 2008

Hmm.. might not be convincing..but a good reason.

I went over the "recommended limit" ... but within the 10% deviation. I figured it would be ok because it's a "recommended word limit" and not an absolute word limit.... and after all, Columbia gives you 600000 characters to play with in every written part of the application.

anyway, for the record, I got my recommenders to submit the recommendation online. I chased them hard for it though. Called a recommender for 2 days before he finally picked up my calls and admitted that he hadn't completed the recommendations. And called him for another 3 days (3x a day) before he picked up and said

"YES! I've submitted them today! Hahaha. "

At least he wasn't in a bad mood over my trying to get him.... but he's usually a very last minute kind of guy..

does columbia review your application even if the recommendation letters are not submitted?
Or do the applications get reviewed only when every document is turned in.

No, they only review it when the completed application has been submitted...recs and all.

Guys, a dumb question for all who are done with this.
Does this resume have to be a single page as well ..? They say that the fellowship commitee will review the resume, I'm assuming this committee reviews the whole application as well, just like the adcom. If so, a 1 page resume is good.
If not, do you still go with a single page resume ?

its always a good idea to keep a one page resume.. especially if its some committee who will read it.
short and sweet.. there is no substitute.

Attended the info session in SF. Nothing terribly new. The only thing that I gained from the session was that I got to meet grad_mba for a very short while. Hey dude, thanks for saying "Hi".

One guy (Who was trying too hard to impress) asked, "What is Columbia doing about being a backup for other ivy league schools for a lot of students?"

What was the answer/reaction???

rejecting those applicants (including that guy)

Well, the answer was just what you would expect:

* Every school is a backup for a few applicants
* If Columbia is your backup, it'll show in your essays and interview
* If you want a school as backup, pick a school that has a higher selectivity rate than Columbia
* Apply to schools that "fit" you well. Don't just go on ranks and ivy league reputation

What all to include in the optional essay?

1) TOEFL waiver
2) Breaks in education or employment
3) Choice of Recommendors
4) Grading format of the undergraduate institution
5) ????

What else do you guys think should be included in the optional essay?

I'd advise focusing on one or two things that may be seen as deficiencies. The TOEFEL waiver can be stated in one sentence and then you can go on to address issues that may raise eyebrows. As for choice of recos I'd include it only if you didn't get one from work or if you are using a past job instead of your current one. I think this has been stated before but I think that schools like Columbia are familiar with the grading system at Indian unis.

Thx bud.

Attened the LA session, very interesting - Columbia tries not to state that its a finance based school. In all of its slides, including those with professional clubs, no mention of investment banking...

talked a lot on entrepreneurship, real estate and media..

as usual lots of numb nuts who posed some stupid questions including one dude who tried to flirt with the admissions officer.. that was a sight worth seeing.

should the columbia resume be professional ..? Or does it have to include community/personal accomplishment stuff the resume as well ..?

Anyone filled the app fully...Whats the stuff about "Job Duties" and "Reason for leaving"....how long have you people filled it?

What what does "Beginning with the undergraduate institution from which you graduated, please complete the following information for all your academic experiences, including study abroad, summer school, and post-baccalaureate classes. " mean??? Indians out there, are you filling in Standard 12th or not???

saurabh..B School does not ask you for 12th standard stuff.. so dont fill all those up...undergrad means you start writing about accomplishments from your undergrad life..(after you entered college)

gmat_march - The resume has to be professional and should not include community developments/personal development stuff..that comes under the activities tab which you fill out...

for stuff like travel and job search.. columbia is asking you to explain those durations that were significant, like taking 5 months out of a year to travel after school and before a job.. or during a job.. or in between jobs
The travel is not your general 1 month or 2 week vacation travel.