Guys, Posting here summary and transcript of recent CBS live chat.
How do you normalize the interviews since there are so many alumni and all varying styles?CBS_Kelsey: We communicate with our interview ambassadors and give them guidance and training on what we're looking for in the interview process. Although we understand that each alum is different, most alums have done multiple interviews.
How do you make sure that no alum is biased towards certain specific background/profile/education etc?CBS_Matthew: We ask our alums to consider all of our candidates equally during the interview process. Keep in mind the interview is one aspect of the application and one piece of the holistic interview process. We will consider the interview along with the rest of the application when we make the final decision.
Is it appropriate to ask an interviewer when they think they'll be able to submit feedback since it is a rolling process?CBS_Kelsey: Ambassadors are instructed to submit within 48 hours. After that, we begin "nudging" them. I advise not to put yourself in an uncomfortable situation to ask when they believe they will submit feedback. Let us "nudge" them for you!
I've heard great things about the NYC Immersion Seminars from the few students I have spoken to. As a prospective student with an interest in healthcare, I was wondering if there are plans in place for a healthcare-specific Immersion Seminar in the near future. Thanks!CBS_Kelsey: Excellent question. We met with the healthcare department last month. They're working on some exciting ventures, though currently there is not a healthcare immersion seminar in the works as far as I know. That said, the NYC immersion program itself is new - there could be something in the works for upcoming years.
If fortunate enough to receive an interview, what is the typical wait time to hear a decision after feedback is submitted?CBS_Kelsey: After feedback is submitted, applicants will hear within 2 weeks. It could be the next day, it could be the full 14 days. It depends on the volume of applications at that current moment.
Are applications reviewed in an exact order of date of completion or is it based on more of a rough period of completion date?CBS_Matthew: We review the applications in the order we receive them. If you happen to know someone applied earlier/or later than you keep in mind that there isn't an exact speed for the process. Our goal is to move candidates to the next step of the process (either denied or invitation to interview) within six weeks of submission.
Wasn’t interview to invitation target 3 weeks earlier, unlike 6 weeks stated by Matt? Is there any such change or I am mistaken!!CBS_Kelsey: The invitation target changes week-to-week, depending on the application volume. Earlier in the summer, target can sit anywhere from 2-3 weeks. Around November and December, it shifts closer to the 6 weeks.
Are re-applicants penalized? I would like to apply in the spring and, if not accepted, apply Early Decision in the fall. Could this negatively affect the fall application? Thank you very much.CBS_Kelsey: Re-applicants are absolutely NOT penalized. I love re-applicants! Those who decide to reapply are showing that a little adversity doesn't stop them, a skill that will serve re-applicants well, not just in b-school but throughout life!
What is the scholarship process like?CBS_Kelsey: the scholarship process is 2-pronged. Merit-based fellowships are awarded by the Admissions Office. There is no separate application process, your entire application is the merit-based fellowship application. In order to be considered for merit-based fellowships, you must apply by January 6. The other half of this is Financial Aid. You can begin working with the Financial Aid office as soon as you're admitted. You can find more information here:
https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/programs/ ... ancial-aidThank you Kelsey. When will these begin going out?CBS_Kelsey: We begin awarding the majority of merit-based fellowships in February, but that process can continue up until August. If the fellowship is awarded later in the summer, we'll notify you.
Would you recommend that I retake the GMAT if I think I can do better, or would you prefer a lower score with fewer re-takes? (For example, an 800 after retaking 6 times might give red flags?)CBS_Matthew: The number of times you take the GMAT does not impact your application. If anything it shows us that you are dedicated to the process. If you feel you can do better on the GMAT then we encourage you to consider retaking it if you have the time and resources to do so.
I was wondering if you will release all ED decisions before starting to send out RD decisions. I am an ED applicant who interviewed over 3 weeks ago but my interviewer hasn't submitted feedback yet. Is there a recourse for alternate arrangements (another interview or Skype interview with AdCom) if my interviewer doesn't submit feedback soon?CBS_Kelsey: We finish up reviewing the early decision applications before we start reviewing regular decision. This doesn't necessarily mean that we will have rendered a decision on all early decision applications (as interviews can take longer than expected, for example). We monitor whether the feedback has been submitted. Please know that a late report does NOT reflect negatively on an applicant. We follow up with the interviewer by email or phone - we begin following up on behalf of the applicant.
Do the upcoming holidays slow down the admission process? Do you think September RD applicants could have final decisions by the end of the year?CBS_Matthew: We will be closed for parts of the holidays, but we will not have a complete shutdown during the holidays for more than two days so we will still be making decisions. We have started inviting RD candidates to interview so it is possible that decisions will be made before the end of the year.
Could you please shed some lights on how an application is reviewed? Is it initially reviewed by a committee vs an admission officer, etc?CBS_Matthew: Applications will be reviewed by at least two admissions officers and then by committee before a final decision is made.
Could you please let us know what sort of Career Coaching students (both domestic and international) can expect from the Career Service at CBS?CBS_Matthew: All students are able to take advantage of industry specific career coaches as well as alums. There are also second year career fellows who are industry specific and available to all students. The clubs are also a great resource for our students to get career and alumni advice.
What are you looking for in terms of the financial planning portion of the application? Are self-payers preferred?CBS_Kelsey: We ask that you consider the full cost of the 2 year program. We ask this so that you begin thinking about the financial logistics of taking on a program. We do not consider this in our decision process, per se. Every applicant has a different financial situation. We aim to have a diverse class, even when it comes to personal finances.
For an ED applicant who has unforeseen life changes arise after submitting an ED app, what are the consequence (lawsuit, offer rescind) of applying to another school?CBS_Kelsey: When you submit an ED application, we have applicants sign the honor code. This states that if you are accepted, you withdraw all other applications to schools. That said, life happens sometimes. Declining will not result in a lawsuit. We cannot force a student to matriculate if they simply cannot afford it, though we try to make it financial feasible for all. I want to add that we encourage students to consider all factors before they apply. If they aren't able to consider all these facets, we encourage students to apply regular decision.
Matt, what is one thing about Columbia that prospective students will NOT get to know from online resources like the college website or chat rooms?CBS_Matthew: I think every candidate who is considering Columbia Business School should visit campus if they can. This way they can see for themselves how collaborate, fun, and diverse our student body is.
What weight and consideration does a business certificate from Columbia's school of continuing studies have for potential candidates?CBS_Kelsey: A business certificate from any school, not just Columbia, shows a dedication to education and familiarity with the CU campus - which is great! All prospectives don't have the ability to take a continuing education course (due to time, money, other obligations), that said.
Another healthcare-related question -- with the Healthcare & Pharmaceutical MGMT Program now under the direction of Ms. Lorraine Marchand, can you please speak to the changes she has in mind for the program going forward? Thanks!CBS_Kelsey: This is a rather large question! I would suggest reaching to a current student in the healthcare program:
https://apply.gsb.columbia.edu/portal/contact-students I will say that AdCom met with her last month to discuss the changes. To start more integration with NYC and BioMed companies, to put it in a few words.
Apart from the essay, how else can candidates seeking to change careers communicate in the application their desire for an MBA? Volunteer work, attending professional seminars, etc?CBS_Matthew: The application process is holistic so there isn't a check list what you need to do to express your interest. I encourage you to present you and your experiences genuinely and we will get to know you through your application.
Are all interviews conducted by alumni only, or do you also do adcom interviews?CBS_Kelsey: 99% of interviews are conducted by alums. Only in rare cases with an interview be conducted by adcom (there are 0 available alums in your area and you are not travelling to another city, adcom is traveling to your city and is available to interview prospective students). Alums know what it was like to be a student, so their feedback is valuable!
Chat TranscriptAttachment:
08 Dec 2015, 09:37
