solaris1
ryguy904
navy01
The review for RD is 12 weeks so if you submit the day after ED, then you'll have initial notification in 12 weeks, no 12 weeks from January. It's rolling and they continue reviewing applications, there is not break from Oct - Jan.
I believe it is also rolling for the ED round. Except in ED, you will get your decision within 10 weeks.
So theoretically there is a slight advantage to submitting your application August 13th as opposed to say, September 1st? Do most people here agree that such an advantage during the ED rounds would be negligible at best? Also, as I understand a "decision" within 10 weeks means one of "accepted," "interview," "waitlisted" or "dinged" - is that correct? So it's entirely possible for your admit/ding result to take a much longer time - that seems to defeat the entire purpose of ED. We make a commitment to enroll if accepted under ED, but Columbia doesn't make a commitment to admit/deny within 10 weeks. What's up with that?
I will be "visiting" the school next week and trying to arrange a lunch with a recent alum, so I'm still open to changing my mind (I've heard very mixed things so far), but I am at this point strongly considering (and as we speak, working on) an ED application to Columbia.
You are correct. You will receive some sort of response within 10 weeks after you submit (technically, after your app goes complete). I wouldn't say it will NOT take "much longer" time, though. I'd expect that you would receive your decision in ~2-3 after your interview. And by the way, you won't get an admit without an interview, so don't expect to get a straight up asmit right away.

In any event, much sooner and quicker timeline than most other schools.
Also, I think the J-Term folks are in class, so it could be worthwhile to try and get in touch with some of those folks. Also, check out the school's ambassadors. I'd be willing to guess that an overwhelming majority are in NYC for their internships. You can at least try and get one on the phone, if not try and take one out for a drink after work. Don't count on seeing any bankers, though...
Let us know how the trip is. I fell deeply in love with CBS when I visited in April. Too bad she had to break my heart. I'm working on the reapp right now, though.