Calling All CBS 2011 Applicants!!

Thanks hazay.

it sucked CBS wasnt at the kaplan fair over the weekend... i couldve asked them about the admission process.

i think probably they are dealing with the incoming class now, such as filling up some space in last minute. Too early to consider us. but honestly, every time my phone buzzes, I get nervous thinking my status has changed.

I think you can write a mail to apply@gsb.columbia.edu
It's better than we discuss here. At least, they replied me twice out of three mails.

For the sake of argument, plenty of other schools (excluding UVA) have applications that ask for at least 3 or 4 essays. Take Wharton for example - it gives you an option to "construct a class". Take Booth for example - it asks you for a risk that you took. Take Ross for example - it asks for a time of frustration. Take Tuck for example - it asks for challenges that you overcome. And on top of these essays, there are the obvious ones that include why now, why this school, what your goals are, and some other interesting topics. My point is not to argue that CBS bases its admission solely on numbers, but to me it feels as if CBS cares more about numbers at a first glance. Granted, it's quite hard to determine someone's ability to write, discuss, leadership, and other great qualities in just 2 essays. I'm definitely not 'hating' on CBS because if I were accepted, I'd definitely go. My argument is simply a compare and contrast on the essays to CBS' peer schools.

Seriously, all those essays are pretty much a game. If you can write two essays the way they want, you can do 5 too. They are all the same. We are not trying to win the Pulitzer. All those so-called "creative" and "innovative" essay topics are just a gimmick to make you feel how special a school is. The bottom line is pack your stories into those essays regardless of what the topic is.

Hi bakfed, sorry about the ding.

Do you feel that if you had perfect execution in your application, you would have been competitive for an admit? I ask only because your profile is a lot better than mine, so seeing your quick ding is making me reevaluate my odds for Columbia acceptance.

I am very happy that CBS doesnt ask 2 additional essays like the Failure and Leadership essays.
They went for a simple "tell me who you are", and so far I have finished the essays for CBS,Tuck and Kellogg ; Essay 2 of CBS is where I could truly express myself and make a difference.

I think most people overplay the importance of essays in the MBA process. And I think that CBS is just honest comparing to schools that required 2000 words of essays.

Post MBA employers are looking at your MBA Brandname, Pre-MBA experience, Undegrad GPA/Major/Reputation. Schools provide them with what they need/want, GMAT is there to assess everyone abilities and essays are simply there to check that you are interesting/or that you can make yourself interesting during the recruitment interview/ have realistic career goals/ have done your research about their school

Hey Guys,

I am thrilled to be the one opening the admits season. Admitted to the J-Term by phone call today.

Before you all jump in with stats requests:

Male/33/740/3.5/9 years High Tech, 4 military/decent EC/reapplicant

Summited late May, Interviewed a few days ago.

Best of luck to you all still waiting

they called you?? instead an update on your file?

I am sure you re going to buy a spare battery for your phone this evening, just in case

Congratulations!

Congratulations, Patsfan. I am also applying to the J-Term as a reapplicant. However, my original application submission was to the September entry. Did you do the same? Or did you apply to the J-Term last year?

I ended up waitlisted and ultimately rejected. I feel as though I have a decent shot of acceptance for the J-Term since I do want to pursue entrepreneurship. Is that your plan? Or are you going back into the same field?

Sorry for the list of questions, I just want to see how you explained your rationale for wanting the J-Term and see whether it is more compelling than mine. Thanks.

Had a few questions - thanks for posting!

- Can you go over the interview schedule? (ie, where was it, who was it with, how long was the interview, how did it end?)
- Any oddball questions or something you didn't expect to hear?
- At the end, did you have any questions for the interviewer?
- What was the "sustainability" thing about?

I guess everyone has his/her own opinions on the essay.

I think theyre going lean. Maybe the true test is to see if you can be concise and still get your point across without having to use 4000 words to do it. -shrug-

It's hard to say. I think if I had executed a perfect application, I would've been a bit more competitive. I can't say that I'm a shoo-in, but I believe I'll have a chance. If I were you, I wouldn't worry too much about it (plus, your GMAT is 760!!). Just give it your best shot and pray for the best =)