2019-2020 Columbia VP&S

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Anyone have specific interview advice? This might be my only opportunity for an A and I really don't want to blow it. From the Interview Feedback page it seemed that the questions were very specific to each individuals application, is that still the case this year?

Did anyone have ethical or behavioral questions? I haven't really been exposed to these yet
Super conversational. Nothing to stress about just read your application
 
Anyone have specific interview advice? This might be my only opportunity for an A and I really don't want to blow it. From the Interview Feedback page it seemed that the questions were very specific to each individuals application, is that still the case this year?

Did anyone have ethical or behavioral questions? I haven't really been exposed to these yet

this was my favorite interview day because it was so relaxed! they didn’t even ask me why medicine or why columbia. Really just interested in learning more about my activities
 
Turn it into your mission to become a doctor so damn good that Columbia will REGRET not having taken a chance on you. I love the school (if you guys are reading this thread, please accept me), but my worth comes from myself and myself alone. If I don't get in at Columbia, that's what part of my mission will be.
Thanks so much I will.
 
Trying to collect some data here. Did anyone submit thank you letters and did NOT receive an email saying that the committee would "keep you very strongly in mind"?
 
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Haven’t heard any word from Columbia. I’ve interviewed at other similar caliber schools, but I’m still holding out hope for this one because it’s been my dream to go here. Anyone know if updates have historically helped in getting the II this late in the cycle?
 
Recently interviewed here and I LOVED it. Seems like an amazing, amazing place. For those stressing about the interview, dont! Go in confident about your app and you'll be fine - they seem genuinely interested in getting to know each applicant's interests and goals.

Does anyone know about merit aid at VP&S?

I believe the aid is need based only, but extremely generous (Grants/scholarships only to cover your calculated need. No loans)
 
I believe the aid is need based only, but extremely generous (Grants/scholarships only to cover your calculated need. No loans)
Is it possible to get a full COA from this? Or is max full tuition?
 
Is it possible to get a full COA from this? Or is max full tuition?

They use cost of attendance - expected family contribution = scholarship amount, so if they calculate your family EFC as 0 then yeah it sounds like you would get full COA

 
If they did, you wouldn't qualify Mr. 24 II 😉
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Did those that uploaded thank you notes upload a separate pdf for each interviewer?
 
Not sure I sent them an updated LOR recently and they accepted it so not sure if they were being nice or perhaps they plan on sending out more IIs.
Sent an update recently and also got a response. The message was definitely typed and not generic but I think that's a courtesy. I think they will be extending invites in January but for canceled spots, as with last year.
 
Not sure I sent them an updated LOR recently and they accepted it so not sure if they were being nice or perhaps they plan on sending out more IIs.
I did the same thing too last month - and got that confirmation email and that was it...
 
+1 same

dare someone to call and ask 😈
Just out of general curiosity, why are people afraid to call? It’s not like they’re gonna trace your number to the app and flag you for wanting to know info. Especially if you block your number or something.
 
Just out of general curiosity, why are people afraid to call? It’s not like they’re gonna trace your number to the app and flag you for wanting to know info. Especially if you block your number or something.
I’m afraid I’ll have a Freudian slip under pressure.

“Hi. I hope you are well. I just wanted to ask if I WILL SWALLOW YOUR SOUL IF YOU DONT GIVE ME AN INVITE NOW!!! Thank you for your time”

But really I have a bad case of phone-phobia
 
Reading here that applications after early September aren’t really looked at. Columbia doesn’t say this on their application and they accept secondary fees up until late October. Shouldn’t they have made the deadline September then?
 
Reading here that applications after early September aren’t really looked at. Columbia doesn’t say this on their application and they accept secondary fees up until late October. Shouldn’t they have made the deadline September then?
Idk but if they did then they’d probably lose a lot of money. And you know...money. I’m not saying this is Columbia, but I’m fairly convinced that this process is a business and honesty isn’t the top of the list of priorities. But YOUR honesty to THEM will be viewed under a microscope.
 
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Congrats! Yeah this doesn't really apply to mid-September (i.e. before Sept 20) but more so closer to and in October towards the deadline. I would have thought they might let applicants know if they will read the applications, like Kaiser did.

UCLA does that too, their website says there's a chance not all applications will be reviewed. Doesn't stop them from getting nearly 14K applicants, so would a bit more transparency really hurt? 🙁 To those reading this thread next year considering applying in late September and beyond - don't lol. There are schools that are receptive to late applicants but unfortunately, Columbia isn't one of them.
 
I like that they sent a legit e-card. Very wholesome. Didn’t give me a heart attack like the other schools because I know I won’t get a post-II decision until March.

It was very sweet. Still gave me half a heart attack though, as I also saw just before that I had a (not-related) missed call from a 212 number and convinced myself that we were all so good they decided to accept us early. Happy New Year to all of you! This is the year you will all start training to become doctors 🙂
 
UCLA does that too, their website says there's a chance not all applications will be reviewed. Doesn't stop them from getting nearly 14K applicants, so would a bit more transparency really hurt? 🙁 To those reading this thread next year considering applying in late September and beyond - don't lol. There are schools that are receptive to late applicants but unfortunately, Columbia isn't one of them.

I think not all hope is lost for late apps in the future! I didn’t apply until October and Columbia was actually one of the first schools to offer me an invite (about two weeks after I applied!) chances may be slimmer but not a 0% chance 🙂
 
Nice! you're md/phd though right? There may be a different committee and timeline for md/phd but its good to know for that applicant pool.
It would be nice if they had a disclaimer about late apps listed like UCLA does or if they sent an update letter like Kaiser, since it seems this is the usual outcome year to year.

I am! I know at Columbia you at least jointly apply for both but it would be nice if there were some more transparency (and not just at Columbia but everywhere about late apps and well about everything haha)
 
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