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
July 3, 2026 9:48am ET
Accepted from Waitlist
to
Duke / Fuqua
Round:
Round 2
Received via
phone
on
June 04, 2026
Standardized Test:
GRE
GPA:
3.74
GRE:
310
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career:
Other Industries
Target Career:
Other
Application Location:
United States, New York
Juno Member:
Not yet
July 2, 2026 11:03pm ET
Interview Invite
to
Columbia Business School
Round:
Round 1
Received via
email
July 2, 2026
Standardized Test:
GMAT
GPA:
2.7
GMAT:
720
Program Type:
January Intake
Post MBA Career:
Finance,
Investment Banking
Application Location:
USA
Juno Member:
Not yet
July 1, 2026 9:05pm ET
Accepted
to
Penn / Wharton
Round:
Early Decision
Received via
portal
July 1, 2026
Standardized Test:
GMAT
GMAT:
735
Program Type:
Deferred Enrollment
Juno Member:
Not yet
June 29, 2026 7:40pm ET
Interview Invite
to
Columbia Business School
Round:
Round 1
Received via
email
June 29, 2026
Standardized Test:
Executive Assessment (EA)
EA:
162
Program Type:
January Intake
Juno Member:
Not yet
June 29, 2026 1:39pm ET
Rejected from Waitlist
at
Columbia Business School
Round:
Round 2
Received via
portal
June 29, 2026
Standardized Test:
GRE
GPA:
3.21
GRE:
339
Program Type:
Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career:
Finance,
Investment Banking
Application Location:
Vienna
Juno Member:
Not yet