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wait wait where were questions posted ;P i think i missed that lol
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shorttheworld
wait wait where were questions posted ;P i think i missed that lol

3 accounts of the interview on Pgs 7, 12, and 13. I was referring to the one on pg 13.


OK, here I go: I know people have asked this question before but I disregarded it up to this point, how many follow up emails to the interviewer is too many?
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^^what do you mean follow up e-mails?
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^^what do you mean follow up e-mails?

Nevermind, interview is set!!!!! Phew! that is a load off my back. Now just have to wait.... :-D

Had my first full blown admissions dream yesterday! I gave an admissions person a copy of my essays and they said it was some of the best essays they've ever read :P . Thats a good sign, right? Or should I be concerned about my mental well-being? :P
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mbaer... love the enthusiasm and it's the same we all share! However, your essays can't be the best they've ever seen since clearly .. mine were! :P Goodluck with the interview bud.. just remember the plan b, ethic dilemma, and the rest will be gravy. Have fun and let us know!
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did everyone here get asked about a plan B? because im a reapp i didnt write that essay and also spoke with a few kids who interviewed last year and none of them got asked that question.
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did everyone here get asked about a plan B? because im a reapp i didnt write that essay and also spoke with a few kids who interviewed last year and none of them got asked that question.

PE, it wasn't an essay question. I think it's just knowing alternative paths to your ultimate goal. So if you don't get into Columbia, what's the plan? If you get into Columbia but can't find a job in your target company or function, what's the plan? That's what they mean by a Plan B.
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did everyone here get asked about a plan B? because im a reapp i didnt write that essay and also spoke with a few kids who interviewed last year and none of them got asked that question.

I was asked. I'm a reapp. STILL haven't heard back. What is going on??? Maybe i'm borderline.

I also put the plan b in my essay 1 last season...
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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.
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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.

Columbia wants scrappy people. I don't think they're too interested in hearing what other schools you'll go to. What they want is someone who will get a job even if the economy goes (further in) to hell. They want someone who will get a job no matter what. So showing that you're not just going to roll over and die if you don't get Dream Job X and that you're flexible and scrappy enough to find some way of getting by no matter what is important.

So I would say something like, "if I don't get into business school I'm going to pound the pavement day and night til I get someone to give me the job I wanted out of b-school, but obviously I think I will be at a huge disadvantage to those with MBAs, so that's why I'm headed to CBS first." Or if they ask you about what will happen if you don't get your Dream Job while a student, say that you're willing to keep fighting into the summer or take something unpaid, or possibly say you have a couple backups or that your old firm may take you back. Anything to show that you're not going to be moving back in with your parents if things don't go well. It almost doesn't matter much what your specific plans are, just that you can communicate a) you've thought about it and actually have some sort of plan, and b) it gives you a chance to show how hungry you are and how willing you are to work hard to get a job.
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Hello, ladies. I just got a call - J-Term accept.

Submitted 8/22
Interview Invite 8/25
Interviewed 9/7
Interview Complete 9/14
Accept 9/16

I wasn't at all happy with my interview, I thought I came across as too stiff and formal, even rehearsed at the beginning. Also, my interviewer didn't respond to my "Thank you" follow up.

Good luck to everyone who's still waiting.
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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!
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The plan b isn't explicit... they aren't going to say.. what's your plan b (i hope now). However, it will be disguised in the form of... so what happens if you don't go to CBS this year? What happens if economy hits the crapper in 2014... what do you do if you can't get your job? I was candid. I said CBS is my first choice but that I also had a soft spot in my heart for Tuck and that I wasn't sure if I'd pursue Tuck if I didn't get into CBS but that I couldn't rule it out. If I didn't attend school that I would continue my career progression at my firm and ensure that I get my 3rd promotion by 1Q12. Then in response to the "what if economy is crap" I simply said this... I have built great relationships where I work and plan to nurture them when I leave but that I believe all people who perform at a top-level and have the drive will be successful regardless of the economy. Not everyone will not get a job and not everyone gets laid off... I've kept myself at the top and plan to continue so while I have a plan b (returning to prior employer).. my hard work should not make it relevant.

To each their own.. just make sure you cover your ground
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My Plan B is my 3 other round 1 schools, and if it looks like I have no admits by November my contingency plan is to try 2 more round 2 schools, and if that doesn't work either then I would probably stay where I am now at least through mid next year before probably going into risk. Not a happy ending if I don't get into any schools though.

Honestly, even at my current job its hard to see someone break in without prior experience and without coming through recruiting. They would have to know one of the EDs/MDs VERY well.
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Anyone else go complete in August and still waiting to hear back?
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In for regular decision
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Hi everyone, thanks for the info, quite great to share experiences and feelings here

I am applying for 2012 J-term, From Asia:

Submitted: Sep04
Interview Invite: Set10
Interview: Sep14
Complete:Sep14

Now waiting for the final decision, a little bit nervours
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