The Application Process

Starting a thread for the class of 2011 Applicants. Talk about anything you like including why this schools, the application process, essay question tips, etc.

Submitted application 3rd week of December pretty close to the deadline, which is bad due to the rolling admissions process. Heard that 80% of applications are submitted on deadline date so that's a bit comforting, but did not confirm this rumor. Chose Columbia for the international business program, entrepreneurial focus and prime location near Europe.

Putting my chances of getting into Columbia at or below 5%. Goooodddd luck with that!

I also applied a few weeks ago (before Christmas). It will be interesting to see how this next stage of the application process unfolds.

Where else did you apply? Why do you think you only have a 5% chance of getting in?

J_Kid78 wrote:I also applied a few weeks ago (before Christmas). It will be interesting to see how this next stage of the application process unfolds.

Where else did you apply? Why do you think you only have a 5% chance of getting in?

UCLA, LBS (dinged already), Haas, and Columbia were my schools. I think 5% because Columbia is a very highly ranked school and I do not believe my credentials are exceptionally strong.

I applied to Harvard, Wharton, Columbia and NYU. No dings yet (knock on wood), but I share your thoughts on Columbia being a top school and level of credentials. Good luck to you!!

Which do you like more? UCLA or Haas? What was your motivation for applying to all of your schools?

https://www.beatthegmat.com/ucla-class-o ... 28183.html

Check that post out for my thoughts on your questions. Haas is my first choice actually, but it looks like I won't be getting in.

How long will it take for a school to ding you? Do they ever give you a response before the notification date?

I just finished my R2 apps for 5 schools: HBS, Columbia, Wharton, NYU, and Georgetown.

Thanks!

OH, and this forum was excellent in helping me get my 730 on the GMAT. Thanks to all those who shared their experiences. I'm concerned that my low quant score will hurt me (77%), but I always did well in college math and economics classes. Any hints on that?

In my experience so far (UCLA, Haas, LBS), they don't contact you unless it's good news as in an interview or an admit. They often will contact telling you general stuff, but those are "mail to all applicant" emails like "we're working hard to process applications blah blah." With both LBS and Haas, I heard nothing until the notification date.

mayonnai5e wrote:In my experience so far (UCLA, Haas, LBS), they don't contact you unless it's good news as in an interview or an admit. They often will contact telling you general stuff, but those are "mail to all applicant" emails like "we're working hard to process applications blah blah." With both LBS and Haas, I heard nothing until the notification date.

good luck - also applied to CBS but on the last day. application still is being processed so will take a while till I get an interview notification. Sorry to hear about lbs though - im sure you'll make it into a great school.

Out of interest, why do you think your stats are not exceptional?

HarvardDreamin wrote:

mayonnai5e wrote:In my experience so far (UCLA, Haas, LBS), they don't contact you unless it's good news as in an interview or an admit. They often will contact telling you general stuff, but those are "mail to all applicant" emails like "we're working hard to process applications blah blah." With both LBS and Haas, I heard nothing until the notification date.

*...im sure you'll make it into a great school.

Out of interest, why do you think your stats are not exceptional?

He already did

My stats are not exceptional meaning I fall within the average on most numerical stats (GPA, GMAT, years of experience) and my work experience does not have a lot of direct, hands on management/leadership. I work in software at a very large global defense contractor, which is a traditionally slow-career growth industry. I remember my first boss, he managed a team of 4, but had been working for 15 years in the industry!

My weakest link was showing management and leadership background and experience - I'm fairly certain on that point.

has anyone applying for R2 at Columbia received an invitation to interview?

Columbia is rolling admissions - there is no R2.

Ok, if you're going to be picky, let me rephrase: Has anyone who applied to Columbia around this past Christmas/New Years received an interview invitation?

Applied to CBS Jan 17th. I probably won't hear from them until late Feb.