Columbia - got Dinged

[nano124]

Hi all,

I was an applicant to Columbia GSB's fall 2010 program but just got dinged. Hope others have better luck. My profile:

Male
Public university (finance major 3.7 GPA)
Worked during college
GMAT: 690 (Q48/V35)
4 Yrs energy experience
Decent extra circular activities: community service, etc

Im wondering if anyone else got dinged as well. Thanks.

Nano124

[money9111]

Sorry to hear that did you find out today? Where else did you apply?

[jon82]

I applied Jan 6th and have not yet heard back.

[money9111]

When will you hear? jon82

[jon82]

I have no idea - I'm hoping for an interview invite in the next couple weeks.

[money9111]

and then after the interview how long after that will you find out?

sorry for the basic questions... i'm trying to understand this process the best way I can since i'll be going through it next year

[jon82]

Money,

CBS has rolling admissions, so they can call you to interview at any time before the posting date for the round (which I think is April 14th?). However, since I applied early in the rolling admissions cycle, my understanding is that they should notify me one way or another in the next few weeks. If I get dinged, that's the end of it. If I interview, it will most likely be in my home city with an alumnus (I decide). Interviews generally take place quickly after notification (I interviewed with a UCLA Alum 3 days after I was notified of my interview. That was earlier this week, fyi). After the interview, candidates should expect to hear back within a few weeks, I would guess.

So, that's the long and short. But, if I may give some advice: Don't focus too much on the dream before your test... focus on the GMAT. If you can't study at least 2 hours/day then I would recommend reprioritizing. Before the GMAT, I really had no idea which schools I was qualified for. I didn't research anything beyond the GMAT, except where it kept me focused and excited to continue. After I took the GMAT, then I began to research schools, to decide how many I could apply to by the deadline, to think about my strengths, and to compose essays. Only after I turned in all my essays did I focus on the interview, which is where I am now.

Hope this helps and doesn't sound preachy.

J

[xyzabc123]

nano124,

you (and everyone else, including me) need to face it: have plan B.

I myself applied on Jan, 4th. A lot in my life right now is bet on getting into Columbia. A rejection from Columbia will jump start an avalanche of rejections in my social and business life. So, I feel the same pressure you might be under. But keep in mind that an MBA is a means to an end, not the end. In my case, getting to this "end" requires not only an MBA but also a new language, new cultural experience and so on. If I am rejected, I will concentrate on these non-MBA requirements. After all, meeting these requirements will make my case of applying next year more compelling.

So, keep your thought process straight and your nose up!


PS: when did you apply?

Hi all,

I was an applicant to Columbia GSB's fall 2010 program but just got dinged. Hope others have better luck. My profile:

Male
Public university (finance major 3.7 GPA)
Worked during college
GMAT: 690 (Q48/V35)
4 Yrs energy experience
Decent extra circular activities: community service, etc

Im wondering if anyone else got dinged as well. Thanks.

Nano124