I met my interviewer at a local coffee shop. He was an alum who graduated in the 80s. Prior to meeting he requested I send him my resume and an objectives statement on my short and long term goals. I was asked the following questions:
a. Tell me about a time you experienced adversity and how you dealt with it?
b. Why Columbia over other schools?
c. What’s your backup plan if you’re not accepted this year?
d. Why consulting? What do you hope to learn? What do you mean specifically by that?
e. Have you visited? How many teachers have you spoken to? How many professors?
f. What classes would you take to further your goals?
g. What will you bring to Columbia outside the classroom?
h. Do you have any questions for me?
The interview went very well (2 hours total). I would warn to be vigilant of what you say after the questions have stopped if you are in a casual setting like this. I was surprised at my interviewers candor in letting me know he would be recommending me at the end of the conversation. I was impressed that he still interviews candidates given the length of time since his MBA. I think this speaks to alum’s dedication to the school!
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MBA Livewire
March 5, 2026 6:00pm ET
Interview Invite
to
NYU Stern
Round:
Round 3
Received via
email
March 5, 2026
Standardized Test:
Executive Assessment (EA)
GPA:
3.8
EA:
162
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career:
Healthcare
Application Location:
California
Note:
Applied around 1/15, need to supplement documentation, and was cleared by early February.
Juno Member:
Not yet
March 5, 2026 10:19am ET
Accepted from Waitlist
to
UVA / Darden
Round:
Round 1
Received via
phone
March 5, 2026
Standardized Test:
GRE
GPA:
4.0
GRE:
322
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career:
Finance,
Investment Banking
Target Career:
Finance
Application Location:
Mexico, Mexico City
Juno Member:
Not yet
March 5, 2026 5:46am ET
Interview Invite
to
Penn / Wharton
Round:
Round 2
Received via
email
on
February 19, 2026
Standardized Test:
GRE
GRE:
310
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Application Location:
United States
Juno Member:
Not yet
March 4, 2026 9:06pm ET
Interview Invite
to
Columbia Business School
Round:
Round 2
Received via
email
March 4, 2026
Standardized Test:
GMAT
GPA:
3.86
GMAT:
705
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career:
Real Estate,
Undecided
Target Career:
Other
Application Location:
United States, Chicago
Note:
International, 3y jd/mba applicant.
Juno Member:
Not yet
March 4, 2026 8:51pm ET
Interview Invite
to
Stanford GSB
Round:
Round 2
Received via
email
March 4, 2026
Standardized Test:
GMAT
GMAT:
655
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Application Location:
Orange County
Note:
Re-applicant (Waitlisted last year) - was starting to lose hope!
Juno Member:
Not yet