2014-2015 Columbia University College of P&S Application Thread

[CannedPineapple]

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I'm so nervous... ;_;

 

[breakintheroof]

Wait what is the post interview acceptance rate? Anybody?

This document, originally posted in this thread by @g gnome, has the numbers from last year.

325 acceptances / 1,075 interviews = 30.2%

(As an aside, this document contains almost all of the information that appears in the US News Compass profile of Columbia. I think they decided to repackage it into a press release, which is kind of nice.)

 

[samsunimomo]

It seem that Columbia interviews a large number of people, and considering that most of the applicants on SDN reported their interviews were conversational and pleasant, I really wonder how the admissions committee winnows down the candidates.

 

[breakintheroof]

It seem that Columbia interviews a large number of people, and considering that most of the applicants on SDN reported their interviews were conversational and pleasant, I really wonder how the admissions committee winnows down the candidates.

There's an interesting discussion to be had about why some schools, including Columbia, Penn, and Harvard (notice anything in common?) choose to interview so many candidates. Columbia is the most intriguing in that they don't seem to care about the interview, especially because there is only one.

 

[CannedPineapple]

This document, originally posted in this thread by @g gnome, has the numbers from last year.

325 acceptances / 1,075 interviews = 30.2%

(As an aside, this document contains almost all of the information that appears in the US News Compass profile of Columbia. I think they decided to repackage it into a press release.)

If you take into account the likelihood that those 325 acceptances also included the eventual waitlisters who got in later in the cycle, the post-interview acceptance rate for initial acceptances is even lower...

 

[samsunimomo]

There's an interesting discussion to be had about why some schools, including Columbia, Penn, and Harvard (notice anything in common?) choose to interview so many candidates. Columbia is the most intriguing in that they don't seem to care about the interview, especially because there is only one.

I would assume that the schools do this to whet the applicants' appetites for residency applications, especially for those who are ultimately rejected this cycle.

 

[TBear13]

Tbh, with the post-acceptance rate at Columbia being 30%, I am fully expecting a bloodbath.

Hahahaha. Love this brutal honesty.

 

[breakintheroof]

I would assume that the schools do this to whet the applicants' appetites for residency applications.

I agree. In fact, at my interview at one of these schools, the opening talk concluded with something like, "And if you don't end up here, I hope you consider us for residency."

Little consolation for us as we face the prospect of being in the 69.8%.

 

[KungFuPanda123]

This document, originally posted in this thread by @g gnome, has the numbers from last year.

325 acceptances / 1,075 interviews = 30.2%

(As an aside, this document contains almost all of the information that appears in the US News Compass profile of Columbia. I think they decided to repackage it into a press release, which is kind of nice.)

I'm planning to apply next cycle (2015-2016) - is 30.2% considered a low post-interview acceptance rate? What is the average overall? The average for most top-15 schools? This information doesn't seem to be officially published by any 1st party sources but perhaps you guys have more 2nd party statistics you could share?

 

[samsunimomo]

Columbia is the most intriguing in that they don't seem to care about the interview, especially because there is only one.

If I could take a stab at what Columbia looks for--especially considering its small class size and relatively lower average GPA--I would assume that it would be some specific fit for the program. For instance, a few writers and artists for its Narrative Medicine program, potential Lasker/Nobel laureates and people with Nature/Science/Cell publications for its research department, future public health leaders, etc.

 

[breakintheroof]

I'm planning to apply next cycle (2015-2016) - is 30.2% considered a low post-interview acceptance rate? What is the average overall? The average for most top-15 schools? This information doesn't seem to be officially published by any 1st party sources but perhaps you guys have more 2nd party statistics you could share?

30.2% is very low. This information can be found for almost every school by purchasing the $30 US News Grad Compass subscription. In the few instances where numbers or estimates are otherwise available, members of the class currently applying are adding this information to this collaborative document (also in my signature).

 

[Juldarus]

Tbh, with the post-acceptance rate at Columbia being 30%, I am fully expecting a bloodbath.

According to my host, Columbia is known for waitlisting pretty much everyone. Most of the people he knew came off the waitlist.

That 30% rate probably includes all eventual acceptances. I honestly would not be surprised if only 15% of interviewees receive good news whenever acceptances are released.

 

[ConsultantMD]

According to my host, Columbia is known for waitlisting pretty much everyone. Most of the people he knew came off the waitlist.

That 30% rate probably includes all eventual acceptances. I honestly would not be surprised if only 15% off interviewees receive good news whenever acceptances are released.

It seemed like several students I met on my day were waitlisted as well. This is pretty nerve wracking. Also it's interesting that they told they mentioned themselves for residency @breakintheroof.

 

[breakintheroof]

It seemed like several students I met on my day were waitlisted as well. This is pretty nerve wracking. Also it's interesting that they told they mentioned themselves for residency @breakintheroof.

I should clarify that the residency comment was not at Columbia but at another school with a similarly high number of interviews.

There doesn't seem to be a way to know how many applicants come off the waitlist. I agree that it seems substantial but I wouldn't guess it's as high as 50% of the class. The traffic rules do say that they are supposed to accept at least as many applicants as they have spots in the class by March 15. But that is only 170 spots.

 

[FFH]

30.2% is very low. This information can be found for almost every school by purchasing the $30 US News Grad Compass subscription. In the few instances where numbers or estimates are otherwise available, members of the class currently applying are adding this information to this collaborative document (also in my signature).

Penn is less than a quarter. 23%?
Pitt is about 25%
Yale is 250ish/735
Stanford is 40%
So 30% places Columbia in the middle.

 

[breakintheroof]

Penn is less than a quarter. 23%?
Pitt about 25%
Yale is 250ish/735
Stanford is 40%
So 30% places Columbia at around the middle among her peer schools.

The only school I have seen in US News that is significantly lower than Columbia is Harvard, which has a higher yield. Penn is very close to Columbia and the rest are 5 percentage points or more higher, including Pitt.

 

[samsunimomo]

Penn is less than a quarter. 23%?
Pitt is about 25%
Yale is 250ish/735
Stanford is 40%
So 30% places Columbia at around the middle among her peer schools.

I'm not sure where you're getting your numbers, but according to US News, Pitt is 44%, Penn is 31% and Yale is 35% accepted post-interview. Off the top of my head, the only school with 25% acceptance post-interview is Harvard.

 

[FFH]

I'm not sure where you're getting your numbers, but according to US News, Pitt is 44%, Penn is 31% and Yale is 35% accepted post-interview. Off the top of my head, the only school with 25% acceptance post-interview is Harvard.

I see where the discrepancy. My numbers all come from admission office given out directly during interviews. But for Penn and Pitt, they are immediate acceptance rate, not including acceptances off the waitlist. Yale and Stanford numbers are overall acceptances.

 

[Señor Científico]

If I could take a stab at what Columbia looks for--especially considering its small class size and relatively lower average GPA--I would assume that it would be some specific fit for the program. For instance, a few writers and artists for its Narrative Medicine program, people with Nature/Science/Cell publications for its research department, etc.

I think you're correct about specific fit, although the class size IMO is pretty large. I don't think I'd agree they're looking for specific quotas of each of their programs either. My experience was that Columbia is a very unique school that has a specific personality different from the other Ivy Leagues. It's in Washington Heights vs. the upper east side, cambridge, new haven, etc. Students mostly live on campus (not that unique), but seem to hang out/live with each other at a higher rate than most schools I visited. I think the single interview is to gauge: is this a person that fits in?and do I want them here? The 1000+ people they interviewed all have amazing stats and personal accomplishments, the question becomes: Are they a fit?

 

[FFH]

An article published a few years back from a (I think NYT) legit website commented on the large number of interviews conducted by medical schools and how some schools like to interview "everyone". Columbia was cited for being the most out there in terms of number of interviewed students. At some point apparently they interview over 1500 students. The number was tapered down to the current level after the faculty and administration complain about the volume and the strain as the result of the it.

I can't find the article anymore. This is a dusty piece of info that I pulled out of my memory chest.

 

[dr.me]

I should clarify that the residency comment was not at Columbia but at another school with a similarly high number of interviews.

There doesn't seem to be a way to know how many applicants come off the waitlist. I agree that it seems substantial but I wouldn't guess it's as high as 50% of the class. The traffic rules do say that they are supposed to accept at least as many applicants as they have spots in the class by March 15. But that is only 170 spots.

I know for sure that they accept 1/3 of their final class from the waitlist - they said it at interview day. I thought this is what everyone was referring to with the "30%" quote. I met someone my interview weekend who got in the day before classes started. . .

 

[TBear13]

I know for sure that they accept 1/3 of their final class from the waitlist - they said it at interview day. I thought this is what everyone was referring to with the "30%" quote. I met someone my interview weekend who got in the day before classes started. . .

Oh jeez...

 

[quickquestion1125]

I asked because I guess I was looking at the trend of them accepting/rejecting MSTP a week before straight MD results come out. Someone already said they got rejected from the MSTP line, so I thought perhaps MD would be tomorrow since it would be a week away from their decisions.

 

[DejaVu42]

I'm confused, I just checked my portal and I can't find the thank-you note I uploaded or Dr. Nicholas' response anymore. They were both there before because I definitely read them

 

[christmastree1991]

I'm confused, I just checked my portal and I can't find the thank-you note I uploaded or Dr. Nicholas' response anymore. They were both there before because I definitely read them

Is there a way to see application updates that we've submitted in the past?

 

[breakintheroof]

I'm confused, I just checked my portal and I can't find the thank-you note I uploaded or Dr. Nicholas' response anymore. They were both there before because I definitely read them

Is there a way to see application updates that we've submitted in the past?

I uploaded an update in September that I could see for some time afterward. By mid-December, it was gone. Now many people are reporting that they can't see what they've uploaded.

Either these things disappear at some point, or the ability to see what you've added in the past has simply vanished. At any rate, it seems to be systemic.

 

[quickquestion1125]

sorry, I was wrong!

getting nervous, I'm ready for this to be over.

 

[christmastree1991]

Is this the week we hear??

 

[CTU Surgeon]

Is this the week we hear??

I bet my possible acceptance that it is!

 

[Jr MD]

I bet my possible acceptance that it is!

WOOOO!!!!

 

[dr.me]

WOOOO!!!!

your WOOOO made me think you heard back.

STOPPPPP just tell meeeeeeee

 

[Jr MD]

your WOOOO made me think you heard back.

STOPPPPP just tell meeeeeeee

Lmaaooo nah not yet 🙁((

 

[Juldarus]

Just to pique everyone's neuroticism (including my own)...last year it looks like decisions were released on a Tuesday (Feb. 25th).

 

[houston9]

Just to pique everyone's neuroticism (including my own)...last year it looks like decisions were released on a Tuesday (Feb. 25th).

Club going up on a Tuesday

 

[Señor Científico]

Just to pique everyone's neuroticism (including my own)...last year it looks like decisions were released on a Tuesday (Feb. 25th).

To add to that neuroticism it looks like only 2 people from 1 interviewer were called on that Tuesday. The rest of SDN (sample biased) didn't begin receiving calls until Thursday (Feb. 27th).

 

[pre-med91]

Are all acceptances given by phone?

 

[timeturner]

Are all acceptances given by phone?

I hope not bahhaha I'm too awkward

 

[daenschl]

Are all acceptances given by phone?

Most acceptances are given via phone call, most often by the person who interviewed you. Sometimes the Dean or another faculty member will call you even though you didn't interview with them. Not everyone who gets accepted gets a phone call, but most do. (This info is from the last few years)

 

[pre-med91]

Most acceptances are given via phone call, most often by the person who interviewed you. Sometimes the Dean or another faculty member will call you even though you didn't interview with them. Not everyone who gets accepted gets a phone call, but most do. (This info is from the last few years)

Thanks!

 

[OrbitalOverload]

I bet my possible acceptance that it is!

Ho-ho-ho-hold up.. Can someone please explain why we think we'll be hearing back this week? Didn't Columbia release decisions at the end of the month last year?

Please excuse my not having my ear to the ground ..

 

[10Acious]

Ho-ho-ho-hold up.. Can someone please explain why we think we'll be hearing back this week? Didn't Columbia release decisions at the end of the month last year?

Please excuse my not having the ear to the ground ..

The Admissions Office stated that decisions go out second week of Feb in the info packet.

 

[Hopeful531]

.

 

[OrbitalOverload]

The Admissions Office stated that decisions go out second week of Feb in the info packet.

Ah! thank you! Sweet avatar, btw!

If you go on the website (it may have also been in the interview packet) it says that the decisions will be released mid-feb...prob b/c they moved up the date applicants have to make a decision by (April 30th vs. May 15th)


EDIT: Someone beat me to it! You all are on it lol

Thank you as well!

 

[10Acious]

Ah! thank you! Sweet avatar, btw!



Thank you as well!

Hahah I like your avatar as well! (Spongebob laugh)

 

[scooch]

Wish they'd just give us a day that they'll be released. The uncertainty is rough.

 

[Señor Científico]

Hahah I like your avatar as well! (Spongebob laugh)

Jumping on this Spongebob avatar train cause it's my favorite show!

 

[OrbitalOverload]

Jumping on this Spongebob avatar train cause it's my favorite show!

Welcome aboard Dr. Patrick Star!

 

[Dabirdman167]

Ugh need to send in that update letter he asked for like tonight then

What did those who were requested to write an update write about? I interviewed in January and was told it would be helpful to provide an update before mid-February, but I don't really know what I'm supposed to say lol.

 

[Temerit]

What did those who were requested to write an update write about? I interviewed in January and was told it would be helpful to provide an update before mid-February, but I don't really know what I'm supposed to say lol.

I honestly think it's a canned response. My response letter from Dean Nicholas said the same thing about an update, but I already sent significant update letters in November and Mid-December and not much has happened in January so I don't even know what I would say in a third update letter...

I think it's more of just an encouragement that you make sure your file is up to date by the time they go about making final decisions.

 

[timeturner]

What did those who were requested to write an update write about? I interviewed in January and was told it would be helpful to provide an update before mid-February, but I don't really know what I'm supposed to say lol.

Oh my god I'm so glad someone else was asked to send in an update; I interviewed late January and did not even know what to write