<p>1) for the personal essay, it says 250-500 words or 1-2 pages…but 2 pages is like 700 words. do I respect the word limit or page limit?</p>
<p>2) i submitted part 1 of columbia app on october 2 and received on word of interview as of yet. does that mean I shouldn’t be expecting one at all? or do they send them out AFTER submitting part 2?</p>
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<li><p>I’m going to follow the word limit, just in case.</p></li>
<li><p>I submitted part 1 in October too, and haven’t received anything about an interview. (“The earlier you submit Application for Admission I of your application, the better your chances are for an alumni interview.”) Either you live too far away from any alumnus or the school’s just taking their time. </p></li>
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<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>source: [Classes</a>, Lunch Visits, Overnight Visits and Interviews | Columbia University Office of Undergraduate Admissions](<a href=“http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/admissions/visiting/classes.php]Classes”>http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/admissions/visiting/classes.php)</p>
<p>aw darn that probably means im not getting one 
ah well. thanks, gl to you too!</p>
<p>I submitted Part I at the end of August and had a phone interview with an alumnus at the end of September. Your chances of an alumni interview are probably pretty slim at this point if they haven’t contacted you yet.</p>
<p>My son is a freshman at Columbia and I browse this forum occasionally and can help with some of these questions - perhaps.</p>
<ol>
<li>My sons essay was around 650 words and fitted on one page (Font - Times new Roman 12; single spaced). If additional words are necessary to enhance the essay in order to convey the message, then my recommendation is to focus on the essay content and restrict to 2 pages & around 700 words. The best scenario would be to fit it on 1 single page because its easier to read.</li>
<li>My son did not get an interview call and was worried just like you. He was accepted RD.</li>
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<p>^thank you! very helpful</p>
<p>My daughter got an email from a Columbia alum last night for an interview and already met the interviewer today! She thought it went well . . . still, what percentage of the applicants get an interview and if it goes well, how much would it improve one’s chances of admission? Just curious.</p>