Calling all Columbia Applicants for 2009!

Hi,

I am Ankit and am a college senior from India. I would like to inquire about my chances at Columbia. I do not have any prior full time work experience. However, I have two internships with start up firms based out of India. They aren't big names but personal growth here has been very good. I am also the founder of my own web and graphic design firm and have hired people after interviewing them for contract based jobs.

Academically, I have 93% in grade 10, 86% in grade 12 (Maths Phys Chem option) and a current percentage of about 66% in Computer Science and Engineering from Panjab University which is highly regarded and well known as you would already be aware of. (It helps when the country's prime minister and one of the best economists is an alumni)

I have also been recognized as India's Youngest Microsoft Certified Professional (when I was 13). I have topped both my schools (changed after grade ten) in English. I have been sub editor of the school magazine, been house captain (in charge of 300 students), served on the executive board of my school's alumni association and taken active interest in social work by volunteering to organize blood donation camps, educating beggars and working with Help Age India.

In college, I have been an active member of the largest student organization on campus and managed funds for a year for the same. I was also the chief strategist for the organization and was instrumental in helping the organization win elections after 4 years of consecutive defeats. I was also selected by a globally renowned consulting firm during recently concluded placements and was in the 2% students selected out of 350. I have also been a member of the international students’ organization, AIESEC.

I have a 690 on my GMAT (6.0 on AWA); 113 on my TOEFL. I would like your opinion on my chances for admission to Columbia Business School, if I apply now. Their admissions process (deadlines etc.) is a little different from others. I can still apply by 4th of March I think so.... Plus, being a full time student from a developing country, my application fee would be waived off.

Please Help and Advise!!!

Regards,
Ankit

This year its tough to tell how well you'd fare at Columbia, applying a full two months after most folk. If I were in your shoes, and didnt have an overwhelming reason why I wanted to go to B-school this upcoming year, I'd apply next year, re-take the GMAT and try to get the verbal component up, and continue doing what you are doing. You sound like an impressive person, but it is rather late in the game, especially this year....

Ankit,

You have an impressive profile. However, you have time on your side. Given given that R3 is a stretch for anyone, you're probably better off applying next year. Also, by next year, we'll have better clarity on the the currently murky loan situation for international students. I assume you don't have a green card, therefore this issue is relevant for you.

Thanks for the tips guys. Will pay heed.

So a month (ok, technically 12 days but it felt like a month) later my interview feedback just got submitted (oddly I got 3 duplicate emails saying so). I think if I have to wait 12 more days for a decision I'll probably explode.....

Hang in there man! Congrats on finally getting that feedback submitted.

You never know, you might get your decision later this week. Good luck!

All of my e-mails from Columbia have come in batches of 3, for some odd reason...

JJ are you going to the Open House in February?

I have a business trip scheduled for those days, that I am seeing if I can get out of. The agenda looks great, so I am really hoping to attend!

I just got the status change email.
I have been waitlisted

Still much better than a ding and since it's early in the app process they might just be wanting to sift through a few more apps before letting you in. I think if you are good enough to get WLd at Columbia you'll be able to get into at least one of the schools you're shooting for, all of which are creme-de-la-creme.

Thank you bostonsparky
I hope so too.

Have anyone been in this situation before with columbia? They don't accept any new materials..

app went complete today. woo.

Congrats isa! I am pulling really hard for you.

My app went under review a few days back. Didn't get any mail notification...just checked online and there it was...

Now waiting for an interview call...Columbia Please call me...you were/are my first and last love....

Has Columbia shown some love to any R2 applicants?

Define 'R2'. Do you mean the Regular Decision round as opposed to Early Decision?