Interviewed on November 1st, invited to interview 20 days after submitting application.
Talked to my interviewer on the phone ahead of time, so I had a good sense of his attitude, personality etc. He gave the impression the interview would be casual (“look forward to getting to know you”), but that he would have to ask specific questions to fit the feedback form. Interview was at his office, we chatted for a while, about his experience at Columbia, current issues etc. Nothing was a test, I tried my hardest to relax and be myself, but be confident! He prodded me a lot about the cost of doing an mba now, whether it was necessary etc. Then he said we needed to get to the questions on the form, so I know these are the questions Columbia is looking to have answered:
- leadership style/example when took initiative
- ethical dilemma: describe situation, how you resolved it, what did you learn etc
- goals
- backup plan
- adversity faced
I would recommend you be highly informed about Columbia’s programs and what makes it unique. Also, be prepared to discuss you passions etc and know your story and position inside and out so that you can respond intelligently to follow up questions. The interview lasted about an hour, could have gone longer. Was accepted 21 days later!
