Thanks for participating in Columbia Adcom chat on Tuesday. It was a very nice session with many great questions and insightful answers to them from CBS admission members: Matthew, Kelsey, and Rachael. Here are select Q&As from the chat. If anyone wants the read complete chat transcript, the same is attached to this post.
Can you give a sense of the current actual timeline between ED application submission and invitation to interview?Columbia_Kelsey: When students submit a full and complete application, it can take 6 weeks for us render a decision as to whether you are invited to interview, or whether we are unable to offer you a seat in our class. As we approach the October deadline, the timeline can reach the full six weeks. Right now, we are just shy of that.
In the section that asks for us to estimate the source of our funding. Should I calculate this based on just tuition or the total cost of attendance? also is this for year 1 or for both years?Columbia_Matthew: You should base your estimate on the total cost of attendance. Keep in mind this is only an estimate. We want candidates to beginning thinking about the investment in the MBA.
How much weight is given to GPA during the application process?Columbia_Kelsey: The same weight is given to all application materials including the GPA. It is simply one area of the application. The average GPA for this year's incoming class as a 3.5. If you are worried about your GPA from undergrad, we recommend that you focus on other areas of your application, such as your GMAT/GRE, essays, post-MBA goal, etc.
What is the ratio of number of applicants to the number of accepted? And regarding work experience, please throw some light on the average requirementColumbia_Kelsey: There are no set ratios of students that we adhere to in terms of those invited to interview. The acceptance rate was 16% last year. Regarding work experience, the middle 80% is 3-7 years, with the average number of years being 5.
How do you compare international grading system with US? i.e Indian with USColumbia_Kelsey: We don't compare international grading systems, be it international or otherwise. When you are filing out the application, please indicate a GPA of "0". That will signal adcom to refer to your full transcript.
Do u have any age limit for people wanting to execute a career shift into consulting?Columbia_Matthew: Age is not a consideration during the process. We welcome candidates of any age.
For those of us coming from a humanities-focused background, does supplementing our GMAT score with an additional quantitative coursework prior to applying increase the quality of our application?Columbia_Matthew: You can certainly take additional courses, but this isn't required. I encourage you to only take additional courses if you find these types of courses interesting for you, not simply for the MBA application process. Definitely let us know if you take courses, but additional courses are not a requirement for the process.
Do we need to give any proof that my language of instruction in bachelor’s degree was English?Columbia_Rachael: Once students are admitted we require official transcripts to verify their education information, and will confirm the language of instruction at that time.
Is the optional essay only for the gaps in application? Can I write about achievements that are not mentioned elsewhere?Columbia_Kelsey: The optional essay is an opportunity for you to explain anything in your application that you feel was not properly addressed by essays, recs, or your resume. There is a spot on the application to explain gaps in your work history, I encourage you to use that space to explain gaps, as opposed to the optional essay.
For someone planning to apply for a Fall 2017 matriculation, when do you guys prefer we plan campus visits? Fall term or Spring term?Columbia_Rachael: Campus visits are a great way for prospective students to get to know the community and see if CBS is a good fit for them. We don't have a preference for when they choose to attend.
What makes one candidate stand out over another? Are there particular traits, scores, etc?Columbia_Kelsey: A genuine application can make a candidate stand out. I advise that students write their essays for themselves, not for the admissions officers that may read them. In regards to recommendations, I advise candidates to have coffee with their recommenders. Explain why now the time is for an MBA, why CBS is a good fit. These recommendations often come across as more thoughtful.
Why does CBS ask whether we know someone currently enrolled in the program?Columbia_Matthew: We want to know if you have met anyone at the school so we can understand how you have engaged with us. It isn't a requirement to meet students to be admitted.
Do you value professional recommendations over academic ones? Why or why not?Columbia_Kelsey: We value professional recommendations over academic ones. We are a professional school; therefore we are interested in how you have performed in the work force. Academic recs, in some cases, are unable to speak to professional experience.
Could you please shed some light on the scope of Internationals to obtain overseas employment in US post-CBS, especially considering the current H1B restrictions?Columbia_Matthew: Many of our international students decide they want to work in the US or outside of their home country. If students prioritize working outside their home country they are often able to make it happen.
I know you guys have rolling admissions and it's always better to apply early. But does that also extend to ED? Is it better to apply earlier during the ED cycle than late? Or are all ED applications have same odds of success?Columbia_Kelsey: Rolling admissions applies to all applications. You're correct! It is always advantageous to apply earlier. Our application generally opens up sometime in May, and we do receive applications at that time.
What are your suggestions for the recommendations for people who are coming from independent consulting or are self employed?Columbia_Matthew: We suggest that you either have a client or co-founder/partner as recommendations. I hope this helps!
How can a candidate highlight notable achievements (on a professional / personal level) that may come in after the application has been sent in, but before the decision has been made? I understand it may make things harder for Adcom, but is there a preferred way of managing this?Columbia_Kelsey: From the time that you submit your application, you have three weeks to submit additional materials. In the event that you achieve something that you wish to share with the admissions committee, feel free to send us an email at
apply@gsb.columbia.eduWhat should be my GMAT Score to avail scholarship?Columbia_Rachael: Fellowships are given on the basis of overall merit, and we do not have specific score requirements.
How are master classes different from internships? Columbia_Kelsey: Master classes are different from internships in that master classes are for-credit. They include in-class projects, assignments, as well as guest speakers. You take master classes during the regular semester, along with your other courses.
Thank you Columbia_Kelsey, I mean in terms of exposure one would get. For a career in consultingColumbia_Kelsey: The amount of exposure can vary. Some internships have more exposure than others. Master Classes include speakers that professors have both personal and professional connections with. With half of our faculty being adjunct professors who are working as well as teaching, these connections can be boundless.
Since Columbia is a very global business school - are there ways applicants can make up for a lack of foreign work experience in other ways to demonstrate a global perspective? (Domestic nonprofit work with different cultures, travel, etc.)Columbia_Matthew: The application process is holistic so there isn't a way to "make up" for any part of the application. We are looking at the entire application during the process. We do not have a specific type of work experience or perspective we are looking for so not everyone will have international experience in the class.
Do you accept candidate with prior MBA degree. I did MBA from India.Columbia_Matthew: We have admitted students with prior MBA degrees, but be sure to explain why you are pursuing another MBA in your application.
Is it required for international students to have a gmat score higher than CBS's average?Columbia_Kelsey: No. It is NOT required for international students to have a higher GMAT score. There are no differences in what we require of international students than we do of domestic students.
What was the average intake of students for previous batch?Columbia_Kelsey: The intake for students in the August-entry program is 550 students, with the entry for January-term being 200 students.
What are the conditions to apply the scholarship?Columbia_Kelsey: In order to be considered for a merit fellowship, we ask that you apply by January 6. No other additional application materials are required to be considered.
Historically by ED deadline, how large the % that the class was filled? e.g. 80% , 90% etc.?Columbia_Kelsey: We do not have any quotas regarding how many students we admit during ED. The percentage changes every year, depending on the quality of the students who apply in that round.
What are the requirements for Executive MBA programs? August Intake refers to Fall 2016 intake, right?Columbia_Kelsey: The application requirements for the Executive MBA program are similar to that of the MBA program. I suggest taking a look at our EMBA website. August intake refers to Fall 2016, yes. Thank you for clarifying that for everyone!
Chat TranscriptAttachment:
Nov 20
22 Sep 2015, 10:50
