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!
Featured Schools
CLASS SIZE:
128
Women:
38%
Mean GMAT:
723
Mean GPA:
3.5
CLASS SIZE:
57
Women:
35%
MEAN GMAT:
618
MEAN GPA:
3.38
Class Size:
45
Women:
31%
Mean GMAT:
673
Mean GPA:
3.49
CLASS SIZE:
367
Women:
44%
Median GMAT:
740
Median GPA:
3.69
CLASS SIZE:
144
Women:
n/a
MEAN GMAT:
707
MEAN GPA:
3.33
Class Size :
70
% Women:
38%
% International or Dual Citizens:
48%
Class Size:
160
Women:
24%
Mean GMAT:
660
Median GPA:
3.4
Recent Articles
Real Humans of MBA Students
Real Humans of the WashU Olin MBA Class of 2028
MBA Podcast
MBA Wire Taps 533: Wharton’s Team-Based Discussion
Weekly Columns
The Week Ahead: CBS Interview Invites, INSEAD & Oxford Deadlines, November 2-6, 2026
News
Top In-Person MBA Events to Check Out in November 2026
News
|
Events
Clear Admit & Top Business Schools Present – Live Reddit AMA – November 2026
General
Help Shape the MBA Admissions Experience: Take Clear Admit’s Latest Survey!
MBA Livewire
November 3, 2026 5:16pm ET
Interview Invite
to
UCLA Anderson
Round:
Round 1
Received via
portal
November 3, 2026
Standardized Test:
Executive Assessment (EA)
GPA:
3.72
EA:
154
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career:
Consulting,
Real Estate
Note:
Consortium Round 1
Juno Member:
Not yet
November 3, 2026 1:50am ET
Rejected
at
Columbia Business School
Round:
Round 1
Received via
portal
November 3, 2026
Standardized Test:
GMAT
GPA:
9.11/10
GMAT:
715
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career:
Technology
Application Location:
India
Juno Member:
Not yet
November 3, 2026 1:29am ET
Waitlisted
at
Columbia Business School
Round:
Round 1
Received via
email
November 3, 2026
Standardized Test:
GRE
GRE:
327
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career:
Consulting
Application Location:
India
Juno Member:
Not yet
November 3, 2026 12:52am ET
Interview Invite
to
Vanderbilt / Owen
Round:
Round 2
Received via
email
on
November 01, 2026
Standardized Test:
Granted Waiver
GPA:
3.81
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Application Location:
Bangalore, India
Note:
Submitted application over the weekend, invite received soon after
Juno Member:
Not yet
November 2, 2026 9:09pm ET
Waitlisted
at
Columbia Business School
Round:
Round 1
Received via
email
November 2, 2026
Standardized Test:
GRE
GPA:
2.7
GRE:
335
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career:
Manufacturing
Juno Member:
Not yet