PEanalyst
so is the best thing to say that you will apply to other schools or is the thing to say that you will take another year because columbia is your #1, or do you say you will look for a job?
each answer has its advantages and disadvantages.
When asked 'what is my backup plan if I don't get into bschool this year?'
I said that if I don't get into BSchool, I'm going to take things up a notch at my startup--something I've been putting at bay because I'm passionate about pursuing an MBA right now.
I basically told the interviewer that I'm at a critical juncture in my life and that I need to pursue an MBA right now, otherwise it'd be maybe another 5 years from now until I'd have the chance again. Either way I'm going to lay the foundation to leap towards my LT goals, but an MBA from CBS is the route I'm truly passionate about taking.
I took a slight "it's now or never, but regardless of what happens, I'm going to get where I want to go" approach, and it might be a bit of an unconventional response, but it must have worked as I got admitted!