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
September 18, 2026 10:51pm ET
Applied
to
Northwestern / Kellogg
Round:
Round 1
Received via
portal
Standardized Test:
GRE
GPA:
3.61
GRE:
328
Program Type:
One Year Program
Post MBA Career:
Consulting,
Undecided
Application Location:
USA
Note:
1 Year MBA
Juno Member:
Not yet
September 18, 2026 10:50pm ET
Applied
to
Northwestern / Kellogg
Round:
Round 1
Received via
portal
Standardized Test:
GRE
GPA:
3.61
GRE:
328
Program Type:
One Year Program
Post MBA Career:
Consulting,
Undecided
Application Location:
United States, Los Angeles
Note:
1 Year MBA
Juno Member:
Not yet
September 18, 2026 6:45pm ET
Interview Invite
to
Stanford GSB
Round:
Round 1
Received via
email
September 18, 2026
Standardized Test:
GRE
GPA:
3.71
GRE:
340
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career:
Technology
Application Location:
New York, NY
Juno Member:
Not yet
September 18, 2026 5:25pm ET
Applied
to
Stanford GSB
Round:
Round 1
Received via
email
Standardized Test:
GRE
GPA:
3.95
GRE:
321
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career:
Finance,
Private Equity
Application Location:
New York
Juno Member:
Not yet
September 18, 2026 12:46pm ET
Interview Invite
to
Northwestern / Kellogg
Round:
Round 1
Received via
email
on
September 10, 2026
Standardized Test:
GRE
GPA:
3.8
GRE:
330
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career:
Consulting
Application Location:
New York
Juno Member:
Not yet