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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October 13, 2026 9:45am ET
Interview Invite
to
UVA / Darden
Round:
Round 1
Received via
email
October 13, 2026
Standardized Test:
GRE
GPA:
3.39
GRE:
327
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career:
Consulting
Application Location:
USA
Juno Member:
Not yet
October 13, 2026 4:58am ET
Interview Invite
to
Cornell / Johnson
Round:
Round 1
Received via
email
October 13, 2026
Standardized Test:
Granted Waiver
GPA:
3.42
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career:
Energy
Application Location:
Japan
Juno Member:
Not yet
October 13, 2026 4:54am ET
Interview Invite
to
Cornell / Johnson
Round:
Round 1
Received via
email
October 13, 2026
Standardized Test:
GRE
GRE:
327
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career:
Consulting
Application Location:
Virginia
Juno Member:
Not yet
October 13, 2026 4:52am ET
Interview Invite
to
Cornell / Johnson
Round:
Round 1
Received via
email
October 13, 2026
Standardized Test:
GMAT
GMAT:
695
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career:
Finance,
FinTech
Application Location:
Thailand
Juno Member:
Not yet
October 13, 2026 2:33am ET
Interview Invite
to
Nanyang
Round:
Round 1
Received via
email
October 12, 2026
Standardized Test:
GMAT
GPA:
8.5
GMAT:
655
Program Type:
One Year Program
Post MBA Career:
Finance,
Investment Banking,
Private Equity
Application Location:
Mumbai
Juno Member:
Not yet