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 Admissions Post-Interview Next Steps
MBA Livewire
February 13, 2026 10:12am ET
Interview Invite
to
Dartmouth / Tuck
Round:
Round 2
Received via
email
on
February 11, 2026
Standardized Test:
GMAT
GPA:
3.35
GMAT:
710
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career:
Consulting,
Bain,
EY Parthenon
Target Career:
Operations Management
Application Location:
United States, Chicago
February 13, 2026 10:07am ET
Accepted
to
NYU Stern
Round:
Round 3
Received via
phone
on
February 11, 2026
Standardized Test:
Granted Waiver
Program Type:
One Year Program
February 13, 2026 1:12am ET
Interview Invite
to
Northwestern / Kellogg
Round:
Round 2
Received via
email
February 12, 2026
Standardized Test:
GMAT
GPA:
86
GMAT:
605
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career:
Manufacturing,
Consumer Goods
Application Location:
LATAM
February 12, 2026 10:26pm ET
Interview Invite
to
London Business School
Round:
Round 2
Received via
email
Standardized Test:
GMAT
GPA:
3.54
GMAT:
655
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career:
Consulting
Application Location:
India
February 12, 2026 10:25pm ET
Interview Invite
to
Duke / Fuqua
Round:
Round 2
Received via
email
Standardized Test:
GMAT
GPA:
3.54
GMAT:
655
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career:
Consulting
Application Location:
India