I never officially applied, but I got scheduled for an interview

Colleges & Universities Columbia University
1

<p>So Columbia was one of my reach schools during this whole application process, not a super duper impossible reach, but a reach nonetheless. One of my major draws would’ve been that my grandfather is a rather famous alum. Anyway, at the beginning of the process I filled out part 1 of the application and submitted that since it was all just basic information, and I sent them my teacher recommendations, transcript, scores, etc as well.</p>

<p>However, I only filled out a small portion of part 2, and was going to wait to see if I got into my ED school, William and Mary, before finishing that. Lo and behold, I got into WM and didn’t need to finish applying and just never bothered looking at the application again, assuming since I never submitted that second part, they would disregard my application.</p>

<p>However, today I received an e-mail from a local alum saying Columbia has asked him to schedule an interview with me, meaning they still have my application and thought I applied. Obviously I e-mailed the man back to tell him it would not be necessary, but I’m not really sure where to go from here. I just logged into my account, and it says Part 2: Not submitted and it’s way past the deadline anyway. </p>

<p>Should I just assume that they noticed the name if the alum and didn’t realize I never submitted part two and will soon? Or do I really need to call them and awkwardly explain that I didn’t actually apply to their school?</p>

<p>Thanks for you help.</p>

2

<p>I would infer only that invitations to alums to interview a candidate are sent after receipt of Part I of the candidate’s application. It’s reasonable for Columbia to assume that you will complete the application if you submit Part I.</p>

<p>An email informing them of your decision to attend W&M would not hurt.</p>

3

<p>Just to inform you that office that does interview for the undergrad are separate from the office of undergraduate admissions. The interview office gives interviews based on who submits PART 1 of their office first. And since you did, you got an interview regardless of the fact that you did not submit part two.</p>

4

<p>Ah, I see. I was not aware it was seperate offices. Thank you for the clarification. I’ll e-mail them today. Thank you!</p>

5

<p>lucky. i applied and didnt receive an interview</p>

6

<p>The receipt of an interview (or lack thereof) is NOT the same thing as a likely letter. It’s possible that receiving an interview and hitting it out of the part will give a slight advantage, but those who do not receive an interview are at no special disadvantage. Plenty of applicants who never receive interviews are admitted, and vice-versa!</p>