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
May 21, 2026 10:23pm ET
Accepted
to
Cornell / Johnson
Round:
Round 3
Received via
email
May 21, 2026
Standardized Test:
Granted Waiver
GPA:
3.41
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Juno Member:
Not yet
May 21, 2026 12:21pm ET
Waitlisted
at
Chicago Booth
Round:
Round 3
Received via
email
May 21, 2026
Standardized Test:
GMAT
GPA:
3.74
GMAT:
615
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career:
Healthcare
Application Location:
Bay Area, California
Juno Member:
Not yet
May 21, 2026 11:13am ET
Rejected from Waitlist
at
Chicago Booth
Round:
Round 2
Received via
portal
May 21, 2026
Standardized Test:
GMAT
GMAT:
685
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Application Location:
India
Juno Member:
Not yet
May 21, 2026 10:53am ET
Accepted
to
Chicago Booth
Round:
Round 3
Received via
portal
May 21, 2026
Standardized Test:
Granted Waiver
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career:
Healthcare
Application Location:
Chicago
Juno Member:
Not yet
May 20, 2026 6:09pm ET
Accepted
to
Michigan / Ross
Round:
Round 4
Received via
email
May 20, 2026
Standardized Test:
Executive Assessment (EA)
EA:
156
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Target Career:
Operations Management
Application Location:
West Coast
Juno Member:
Not yet