Columbia 2013 (CBS) - Calling All Applicants

Just got the call...I'm in!

RD
applied 10/6
invited 12/3
interviewed 12/11
admitted 12/14

Got my admit decision: success. Good luck all!

It's going to depend a lot on who you interview with but most people have had fairly informal interviews. The only mandatory question is to describe a time you faced adversity. Most of the questions in my interview focused around why I wanted to switch careers. What attracted me to my new career path, etc. Just know your story and what you want to do. If you can articulate that well then I think you will be fine. I wasn't even asked to walk through my resume, it was much more like a conversation.

Not that have been reported on GMAT club yet. But they have only admitted a handful of regular decision applicants so far. I would think at least January before we start seeing movement on the waitlist. They want to make sure they see how the RD pool is turning out before moving on ED waitlisters.

I would work on your GMAT before you worry about GPA. You already have an MS so I think that is enough in terms of an alternate transcript. Did you address your low GPA in the optional essay? Without seeing your actual application it is hard to know where exactly to improve but it does seem like CBS likes re-applicants so definitely give it another shot. Maybe apply ED in the fall next time.

Invited to interview!!!

Submitted 12/6

Notified via a new update almost a month after initial acceptance. And thanks for the links!

Someone asked about this question at an info session I attended and the admissions person said they included this part more so that applicants would actually understand the total cost before they applied. Don’t completely blow it off, but as kingfalcon said it’s not evaluative or binding so there's no need to really worry about it in terms of your admission.

Just got admitted. Interviewed on Friday. Good luck everyone.

I submitted on 11/26. Interview invite on 12/19. Interview on 1/3. Feedback submitted 1/4. Got the call around noon today.

Know your story, what you want to do with your life and why CBS will help that goal. Mainly though, just relax and be yourself. Most of the interview sessions with alums are not as formal so don't over stress yourself.

Both.

Admitted yesterday!

Submitted: 11/29
Invited to Interview: 12/21
Interviewed: 1/8
Feedback Submitted: 1/9
Admitted: 1/22

Also had a recent grad interview, and I liked that because I felt like I could relate easily. He just went through the admissions process a few years ago, etc. Also, I can confirm that your status is updated after you receive the call from admissions.

Congrats on the admit. Now you have to decide if you can make it to NYC over the weekend of the Feb 15-16 for Columbia Connect. Don't forget to join the LinkedIn and Facebook groups. They're listed on the first page of this thread.

Congratulations!!

It really is a crabshoot... My interviewer was a relatively recent grad working in the retail industry. The person was the first one on my list, and the interviewer responded to my e-mail quick so I fortunately did not have to look for other interviewers. (some people had trouble getting a hold of one in this stage) The interview was laid back and conversational, like most other interviews reported here. There were no curveball questions, just straight up Run Me Through Resume, Why MBA, Why CBS questions. I wasn't even asked the ethical dilemma question. Out of 45-50 minutes of time, I think first ten minutes was small talk regarding her industry, her region/market, etc. The last fifteen minutes were devoted to my questions.

I'd say the best way to pick your interviewer is to search on LinkedIn / internet and go for the one that you can identify the most with.

They don't receive anything for just popping up in a zip code search result. you have to reach them out. Good luck!!!

Hi all,

Throwing this out in case anyone is (or knows of others) in similar situation.

I'm a RD applicant and just received an offer from Columbia yesterday. The first deposit of $2K is due in approx. a month's time, but I'm waiting for H/S (applied just 3 schools I definitely want to attend). Obviously if I get dinged by H next week it makes it easier to proceed but I will not hear definitively from S till official notification in Apr. I would definitely want to make up my mind after laying out the options.

Does anyone know what may be an better alternative to spending $2K to "reserve" a spot?

Just to quickly sum up my experience for the benefit of everyone:

1/ Timing - submitted first week of Dec'12, interview invite came over Christmas, interviewed 2nd week of Jan, report submitted same week and heard back just yesterday. Kudos to a very efficient process that took less than 2 months from submission.

2/ Interview - cannot agree more with the importance on choice of interviewer. Though we were supposed to contact interviewers in the specific order, I picked the last name on the list as I thought she had a very different background from me, and would appreciate the diversity. I hear those who root for interviewers with similar backgrounds, but my gut sense is that the competitive streak in MBAs would probably not work in your favour. E.g. if you interview someone with a very similar profile as yours (in terms of where you grew up, educational opportunities, current industry, future aspirations), you would probably be picking nits on why this candidate is not better than you, and questioning his/her story.

I was very fortunate as I had great chemistry with my interviewer; she's a local entrepreneur now working in my home country (whereas I'm an expat worker here in her country). Not much older than I am, but well, she's a CEO and I'm nothing. We had a great conversation - I ended up advising her on elementary schools for her kids in my home country!

All the best.