I went through CBS’s January 2010 application. I figured a trial run could help me prepare for what is needed in the Early Decision application that opens in August. Glad I did. One thing that I noticed is that the application now provides for the option of uploading one’s undergraduate transcript in a pdf file instead of filling out CBS’s template. It’s easier and more accurate. I’m going to ask my school if they have my transcript in that format. If not, I’ll probably scan my own. Another thing I noticed is that in the activities section, it actually limits your input to 400 characters. Before that, even though the limit did say 400, you were still able to input more than that. This clarifies the limit now.
So I found out that two employees at my firm are Columbia alumns. One graduated from the journalism school and the other one from the business school. This is terrific news because now I can pick the CBS alum’s brain and gain more insight about the school from him. He also reviewed the rough drafts of my essays and said he liked what he read so far. He suggests that I emphasize anything unique about me to differentiate myself. So I rewrote essay 3 and he said he liked it ten times more. He also said he would be happy to provide a recommendation if it helps. But since I don’t really work that close with him, I’ll have to pass. I’ll still keep him in mind and go to him for advice if anything.
Read the following article about avoiding red flags during the admission process.
http://blog.clearadmit.com/2009/04/admissions-tip-avoiding-red-flags-2/
It touched on something which has been on my mind lately. “Hassler Syndrome” is basically when an applicant excessively contacts admissions or any of the school’s ambassadors. This may sound a little anal, but I do worry about talking to people from CBS too much to the point where they find me annoying. Nobody likes a buzzing bee, for lack of a better analogy. The dilemma is that Columbia, from what I’ve heard, is one of those schools that need “love” from its applicants. And like with most relationships (sorry for the bad analogy fellas, just bare with me here), care and effort are needed in order for it to blossom. On the other hand, you don’t want to smother your counterpart and scare him/her away. So to tie it back to admission, the trick is to find a good balance between making myself likeable to admissions and not making them feel like I’m too needy or a stalker.
Read the full article: From CBS Jan 2010 application to "Hassler Syndrome"