2012-2013 Columbia University Application Thread

[med17]

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i think early feb is when they stop interviewing

 

[Narie]

September 2012, Me: *Pouring soul out onto pages, reason upon reason why I deserve a spot at Columbia*
Columbia: *Awkward silence....*

haha! I fear that will be me, soon enough.

 

[naixin]

Got an II from the 3 year phd to md program.
Can anyone talk about the interview exprience for the program?

That makes 3 of us. Anyone else applying to this program?

 

[Woodchuck]

Got an II from the 3 year phd to md program.
Can anyone talk about the interview exprience for the program?

Also got this II in the afternoon. A huge surprise to me since my application was completed almost 5 months ago. Can any current students talk about this interview? Is it the same as the regular MD program? Based the schedule there are two 2-hour interviews in the morning and afternoon. How many people are usually accepted into this program every year?

Thanks and have great holidays!

 

[FijiGNR89]

Well if there are two interviews, it's not the same as the regular MD interview. We only had one. Congrats on the II, guys, super competitive program! 🙂

 

[twentythousand]

"Thank you very much for your letter of [interview date]. [Interviewer name] enjoyed her interview with you, and I enjoyed meeting you during my group meeting. I very much appreciate the enthusiasm for P&S that you have expressed. It is a very special place.

Although it is too soon to know definitely how things will go this year, I can assure you that the Admissions Committee will keep you very strongly in mind. It would be helpful to us if you provide us with an update prior to mid-February. "

You?

lol, they really do send similar letters to everybody...i wonder what the slight variations might mean.

 

[MedicalAuthor]

I got two letters, about a week apart, with basically the same first and last paragraphs and the one line in the middle changed (first one talked about my wife and my travels, the second expressing interest in reading my writings). I figure they forgot they sent me one.

Also, neither asked for an update. I kind of wish it had because I responded (before reading this thread) with a short 'thanks, I'm excited, here's a link to one of my short stories' and someone responded and said my response would be added to my file for the review committee. I might just send an update mid-Feb anyway?

 

[naixin]

I think it's not two 2-hour interviews (that will be really long). It is the time frame that interviews can take place for different interviewees. In the email, it says there is only one interview.

I have a question, in my email it says "Please send an updated CV in the 2 page NIH formatfollowing information"
What does "following information mean"? Is it a mistake for "with the following information: XX)?

Also got this II in the afternoon. A huge surprise to me since my application was completed almost 5 months ago. Can any current students talk about this interview? Is it the same as the regular MD program? Based the schedule there are two 2-hour interviews in the morning and afternoon. How many people are usually accepted into this program every year?

Thanks and have great holidays!

 

[Classof2013PreM]

"Thank you very much for your letter of [interview date]. [Interviewer name] enjoyed her interview with you, and I enjoyed meeting you during my group meeting. I very much appreciate the enthusiasm for P&S that you have expressed. It is a very special place.

Although it is too soon to know definitely how things will go this year, I can assure you that the Admissions Committee will keep you very strongly in mind. It would be helpful to us if you provide us with an update prior to mid-February. "

You?

It seems like this email was in response to a letter sent to Columbia first. Does this mean that the emails that the Dean sends are in response to thank you letters/updates that applicants send first or are they unprompted messages that come out of the blue? Thanks for any information people have about this.

 

[twentythousand]

It seems like this email was in response to a letter sent to Columbia first. Does this mean that the emails that the Dean sends are in response to thank you letters/updates that applicants send first or are they unprompted messages that come out of the blue? Thanks for any information people have about this.

yes in response to thank you notes it seems

 

[duncan23]

I received a letter after sending Dr. Nicholas a thank you note in addition to the one I sent my interviewer. I don't think it means anything other than a kind, more or less prewritten response to a letter you sent.

 

[mmmcdowe]

It seems like this email was in response to a letter sent to Columbia first. Does this mean that the emails that the Dean sends are in response to thank you letters/updates that applicants send first or are they unprompted messages that come out of the blue? Thanks for any information people have about this.

It has been policy for many years to send responses to students who send in stuff, but several posters have said that MS1 friends told them that the new policy is to send everyone a "thinking of you letter". I haven't gotten around to asking about this yet, so I can't verify, but yes the variability of Columbia letters has been the bane of SDN for a decade. All I can say is that, while individual letters may have some meaning, no letter means you are 100% or 100% out. Every variation has resulted in acceptances and rejections. The only truly positive sign that I am aware of is that Dr. Nicholas will sometimes personalize waitlist letters if you are near the top, but again not a 100% in and people without it get in too.

 

[futureczar]

I got one of these 'thinking of you' letters, while a friend of mine recieved a more personalized response from his interviewer but no 'thinking of you' letter. It has been stated multiple times (and mmmcdowe can confirm?) that the committee doesnt meet to discuss applicants until mid february. Seems like these letters are either sent based on a certain MCAT/gpa cutoff, or as a response to thank you notes/updates, and dont mean much.

 

[Woodchuck]

I think it's not two 2-hour interviews (that will be really long). It is the time frame that interviews can take place for different interviewees. In the email, it says there is only one interview.

I have a question, in my email it says "Please send an updated CV in the 2 page NIH formatfollowing information"
What does "following information mean"? Is it a mistake for "with the following information: XX)?

I think you are right, it was a mistake.

 

[mmmcdowe]

I got one of these 'thinking of you' letters, while a friend of mine recieved a more personalized response from his interviewer but no 'thinking of you' letter. It has been stated multiple times (and mmmcdowe can confirm?) that the committee doesnt meet to discuss applicants until mid february. Seems like these letters are either sent based on a certain MCAT/gpa cutoff, or as a response to thank you notes/updates, and dont mean much.

Correct, not til the end of the cycle.

 

[Woodchuck]

Hi mmmcdowe, I saw some people talking about the interview schedule. Is it possible to ask the admissions office for a morning interview instead of an afternoon one? It is quite hard to find a cheap flight later than 7pm to my city. Thanks.

 

[Woodchuck]

Hi mmmcdowe, I saw some people talking about the interview schedule. Is it possible to ask the admissions office for a morning interview instead of an afternoon one? It is quite hard to find a cheap flight later than 7pm to my city. Thanks.

 

[MedicalAuthor]

Hi mmmcdowe, I saw some people talking about the interview schedule. Is it possible to ask the admissions office for a morning interview instead of an afternoon one? It is quite hard to find a cheap flight later than 7pm to my city. Thanks.

I requested a morning one because I had a flight, no problem

 

[mmmcdowe]

Hi mmmcdowe, I saw some people talking about the interview schedule. Is it possible to ask the admissions office for a morning interview instead of an afternoon one? It is quite hard to find a cheap flight later than 7pm to my city. Thanks.

Absolutely.

 

[RicoSalamandra]

i requested a morning one because i had a flight, no problem

+1

 

[amaranth]

I was advised by my interviewer to send in a letter of update around the end of december (I interviewed about 1 month ago), but I am only now able to interview for jobs.I have a few updates about general travel and some new volunteering activities but nothing huge since this is my first time back home in a few years and I'm just trying to catch up with loved ones. Do you guys have any advice about waiting for job offers before I send in an update or sticking with the advice given to me by my interviewer? Or maybe to do both?

FYI I'm also applying for Bassett and I know they're going to be making their first round decisions very soon.

 

[mmmcdowe]

I was advised by my interviewer to send in a letter of update around the end of december (I interviewed about 1 month ago), but I am only now able to interview for jobs.I have a few updates about general travel and some new volunteering activities but nothing huge since this is my first time back home in a few years and I'm just trying to catch up with loved ones. Do you guys have any advice about waiting for job offers before I send in an update or sticking with the advice given to me by my interviewer? Or maybe to do both?

FYI I'm also applying for Bassett and I know they're going to be making their first round decisions very soon.

Do both, no harm in it.

 

[deleted127837]

I wonder if they're just now getting to the 3 year program interviews.

 

[Woodchuck]

Hi mmmcdowe, I wonder whether the 3-year PhD-MD/PhD program candidates get interviewed by the same committee as the regular MD candidates on the interview day? Thanks!

 

[Woodchuck]

Hi mmmcdowe, I wonder whether the 3-year PhD-MD/PhD program candidates get interviewed by the same committee as the regular MD candidates on the interview day? Thanks!

 

[mmmcdowe]

Hi mmmcdowe, I wonder whether the 3-year PhD-MD/PhD program candidates get interviewed by the same committee as the regular MD candidates on the interview day? Thanks!

I don't think so, but I bet one of the two interviews is the normal MD program and the second is specific to the PhD.

 

[mmmcdowe]

I never hear anything from the Bassett program when I contact them. Seems strange, since they seem to encourage keeping in touch, asking questions, etc., afterward. Maybe it's just a pet peeve of mine, but it leaves me pretty hesitant about Columbia as a whole.

Office is closed for the holiday season.

 

[Iatro]

Office is closed for the holiday season.

I received an email from columbia today saying they received my in the area email i sent dec 24....guess someone is there after all.

 

[deleted127837]

Good luck everyone! 🙂

 

[Narie]

Hi y'all!

Is anyone who interviewed on Oct. 9 (with me!) on here?/ Did you receive a Dr. Nicholas/ interviewer note? 🙂

 

[amaranth]

Is anyone else having trouble logging into the application portal today? I've tried it in two browsers and I keep getting the "page is not available". I was hoping to get in my letter of update today...

 

[NewYorker9]

Is anyone else having trouble logging into the application portal today? I've tried it in two browsers and I keep getting the "page is not available". I was hoping to get in my letter of update today...

I am having the same difficulty.

 

[FijiGNR89]

Yeah I have an update I'd like to send in as well and it isn't working for me either. Also, how many updates is too many? I sent a thank you letter pretty immediately after my interview and I have another to send now. Would it be too much to send one more near the end of January/early February reiterating that P&S is my top choice? Don't want to be incessant..

 

[OwlPower22]

Yeah I have an update I'd like to send in as well and it isn't working for me either. Also, how many updates is too many? I sent a thank you letter pretty immediately after my interview and I have another to send now. Would it be too much to send one more near the end of January/early February reiterating that P&S is my top choice? Don't want to be incessant..

Think of sending update letters as sending love letters to your crush. Now you don't want to scare the girl/boy off, dontcha?

 

[med17]

Hi y'all!

Is anyone who interviewed on Oct. 9 (with me!) on here?/ Did you receive a Dr. Nicholas/ interviewer note? 🙂

speaking of which.. what is the turn-around time for these notes from Dr. Nicholas?

 

[ChaoticTheory]

Hey mmmcdowe,
When would be the best time to send a letter of interest. I was complete in early November, but I am hesitant to send a letter now on the off chance that they havent reviewed my file yet. In that case, I believe writing a letter wouldn't be as effective if that makes any sense. Do you suggest I write and send one now? Mid January? Late january?

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Narie]

speaking of which.. what is the turn-around time for these notes from Dr. Nicholas?

No, clue...I don't even know if everyone receives them. 😕

 

[Narie]

I received a note from Dr. Nicholas just today. I don't think they are all exactly the same, and are slightly modified from person to person, which is really nice! My interviewer was mentioned, among other things. Although it did not directly ask for an update, he did pose a "how are you these days?" - type question, which I will definitely respond to. 🙂 😍

 

[obviouslyteal]

I received a note from Dr. Nicholas just today. I don't think they are all exactly the same, and are slightly modified from person to person, which is really nice! My interviewer was mentioned, among other things. Although it did not directly ask for an update, he did pose a "how are you these days?" - type question, which I will definitely respond to. 🙂 😍

Aww that's really nice! I know you've been waiting for the letter so I'm glad you got one!

Mine contained absolutely no personalization beyond my interviewer's name, and also asked for an update. I'm pretty sure that's not a good sign at all. Oh well, all I can do is write the best update I can and well, hope for the best! to everyone 🙂

 

[Narie]

Aww that's really nice! I know you've been waiting for the letter so I'm glad you got one!

Mine contained absolutely no personalization beyond my interviewer's name, and also asked for an update. I'm pretty sure that's not a good sign at all. Oh well, all I can do is write the best update I can and well, hope for the best! to everyone 🙂

Thank you!

I think it's important to remember that these notes are purely a response to our "thank you" notes and have so little bearing or indication of where we'll be in February, so don't judge too soon! In my humble opinion, we're all in the same (awesome) boat of interviewed Columbia applicants.

Wish everyone all the best, too!!!

 

[thecurtainwith]

if i dont have an interview yet is it pretty much a done deal? really sucks too because ive done a bunch of research at columbia too

 

[somethingdeep]

No, clue...I don't even know if everyone receives them. 😕

I don't think everyone does. I interviewed months ago, and I haven't gotten one. I wouldn't think too much of it.

 

[OwlPower22]

if i dont have an interview yet is it pretty much a done deal? really sucks too because ive done a bunch of research at columbia too

Hey heyyy fellow Columbian?

 

[mmmcdowe]

Hey mmmcdowe,
When would be the best time to send a letter of interest. I was complete in early November, but I am hesitant to send a letter now on the off chance that they havent reviewed my file yet. In that case, I believe writing a letter wouldn't be as effective if that makes any sense. Do you suggest I write and send one now? Mid January? Late january?

Thanks for the advice!

Now is fine.

 

[mmmcdowe]

if i dont have an interview yet is it pretty much a done deal? really sucks too because ive done a bunch of research at columbia too

No, applications are still open. Send updates.

 

[eegloreta]

To those who received a letter from Dr. Nicholas:
Did anyone notice that the title of the PDF file is called "Well Cornell"? (Try opening it in Google docs) Does this mean anything? In previous years, the document with the same title used to be a rejection letter.

 

[FijiGNR89]

Will Columbia accept a letter of recommendation post-interview? I'm sending in my update in the coming days and one of my supervisors would like to send in an additional rec. he's my boss at a job I've gotten since the interview. If so, how would he submit it?

 

[Nandrolone]

To those who received a letter from Dr. Nicholas:
Did anyone notice that the title of the PDF file is called "Well Cornell"? (Try opening it in Google docs) Does this mean anything? In previous years, the document with the same title used to be a rejection letter.

the title of the pdf file was my name...strange

 

[eegloreta]

the title of the pdf file was my name...strange

The attachement title was my name, but if you go to document properties in Acrobat Reader, it shows Well Cornell. Maybe Im being overly neurotic and actually doesnt mean anything

Sent from my SHV-E120K using SDN Mobile

 

[Narie]

The attachement title was my name, but if you go to document properties in Acrobat Reader, it shows Well Cornell. Maybe Im being overly neurotic and actually doesnt mean anything

Sent from my SHV-E120K using SDN Mobile

I saw that, too, and was confused as to why that would be the title of the letter. I assumed it was just a mistake, as they also wrote "Mrs." as my prefix, which is definitely not true, so maybe these were just not edited precisely. haha

I felt my letter was actually positive, despite the incorrect heading, and was modified from the template that others received with added positive sentences, and also did not directly ask me for an update before the end of Feb...so, I can't say whether or not that this template is a "rejection" template. I feel that it is more likely just everyone's template, and it was a mistake made a long time ago during the making of this document.