Thank you for your feed back! I really appreciate it. Not surprised Stephen would call you
Also, If you want any advice with your Columbia interview... I got the stuff! I did their summer intensive and they gave us mock interviews. Their not that bad and what their looking for is genuine artists (natural). So don't get worked up, just be yourself. But they ask you to talk about yourself, your work, history, what you want to do with your work (don't just stick to one thing ie painting). They really love to see when you tie interest into your work that feeds your studio practice like reading, or types of hobbies. They will ask you what your reading and to tell them about it than how it relates to your work as a whole. Just be very present and they will love you Their wonderful people that just want everyone to do well only they can pick so many. Their ask you why Columbia, you want show them that you want to challenge your work with horizontal approach.
Hope that helps and good luck with everything!