barcelonafan wrote:
a778999 wrote:
I received a (quite hefty) merit fellowship as well. This was very surprising to me because CBS is focusing its endowment on developing the new campus and because the admissions officers openly stated that financial aid would be offered in the spring.
Would you be willing to share your profile?
Early Decision: submitted September 14, complete October 7
Asian-American male, 26 (25 at time of application)
Mathematics and Aerospace Engineering
GPA: 3.95/4.00
GMAT: 770, 51Q, 44V, 8IR, 4.5AWA (taken in June 2015)
Work experience: Five years as a commissioned officer in the US Navy, to include one year of nuclear training and three years on a submarine
Operationally served as Officer of the Deck (in charge of overall driving the submarine) and Engineering Officer of the Watch (in charge of operating the engine room including the reactor) during at sea periods and Ship's Duty Officer (managing all work on the submarine) during in-port periods
Administratively served as Division Officer for one or more divisions of up to 25 sailors
Several command collateral duties, one of which earned me a hand-written letter of commendation from an admiral
Recommendations: Two former/current department heads on the submarine I am attached to, both of whom were at one time or are currently my immediate supervisor
The most stressful part of the application--one letter was submitted literally minutes before the deadline
Essays: Honestly, due to the work schedule, I was not able to devote as much time as I would have liked on the essays. I wrote all three of them over one weekend and proofread them myself immediately after I drafted them. I made the decision to leave the military approximately a year ago and decided that CBS was my dream school. I mentioned several programs and features unique to the school that attracted me to it and clearly stated my reasons for getting out and what I wanted to do afterwards. Although my writing wasn't going to win me a Pulitzer, I answered the essay questions (important) and I believe my passion reflected in the tone of my application.
Interview: Received invitation on November 4, did interview on November 12th, submitted feedback on November 15th, and received decision on November 20th.
Like the essays, I had no time to really formulate and memorize answers to possible questions. However, according to my interviewer, it went well. I gave specific examples/anecdotes to illustrate my examples of leadership to answer his questions and I demonstrated a lot of knowledge about the school.
I was extremely nervous about the application because I was competing with very qualified peers who spent many hours and dollars on admissions consultants. Also, due to going to a state school, I didn't have that pedigree many of you do. But everything worked out in the end.