Dawnbreaker

When did you have the Skype interview and visit? I have my Skype interview scheduled for 23rd, and I am freaking out a bit since they have started giving out admits even before talking to students. I applied to the CDS program through, but I would assume its the same set of faculty who evaluate applications.

I have been asked to interview via skype for their control program (CDS) since I am an international student. Any pointers as to what it was like - was it just an informal discussion about research, or did they test you on related topics? My interview is on 23rd, so I really hope they don't send out offers before then Also, any idea how many control students interviewed, and how many they are likely to pick?

By invited to visit, do you mean you have been admitted? If so, do you have an idea about how many have been admitted? I didn't see any posts on UCSB (ME) in the results survey.

Has anyone heard from ucsb or ucsd? Also, did anyone here apply to mit cdo?

Has anyone here heard from UCSB (ME) or UCSD (MAE)? Also, are any of you guys applying for the CDO program at MIT?

Its too FE centric. There is some scope for optimization and risk management - yes, but I somehow get the feeling that I gauged the department incorrectly. It would be great if someone here with interests in systems engineering could share their thoughts on Columbia. Also, I am slightly scared of NYC life, I have never really lived in a big city. PS: Columbia was initially my 1st choice (tied with Caltech actually), but now I am more inclined towards CMU and UIUC over Columbia.

I would love to hear all your thoughts about Columbia IEOR MS/PhD program. I got an acceptance today, and have an extremely nontraditional background (chemical+systems engineering) but have extensive research experience in systems engineering. I applied there primarily because of my interested in systems optimization and management, and I loved their center for management of systemic risk. Apart from this, I have a reasonable background in optimization, but totally oblivious to other areas of OR (logistics, FE, SCM). I am also reasonably certain I want to get into a teaching position, and little to no interest in wall street. How would you rate Columbia for someone with my interests and background. I was really excited when I applied, and thought it will be a great place. Now, after reading more about the program and some reviews about it, I am having some serious second thoughts. Any and all inputs from you guys will be greatly appreciated

@Those applying to Columbia: The engineering website says that students need to complete an MS before moving on to the PhD program. So have you applied for the MS leading to PhD program or the PhD program directly itself? And what exactly is the deadline for MS leading to PhD program - is it Dec 15 (normal PhD deadline) or Feb 15 (MS deadline)? Any inputs is greatly appreciated. Columbia is one of my top choices so, I am freaking out, I hope I haven't applied to the wrong program http://gradengineering.columbia.edu/about-applying-1 "The M.S. degree is required for admission into the Ph.D. and Eng.Sc.D. degree programs. A student who holds an appropriate bachelor's degree in engineering may apply for admission for study for either the M.S. only or M.S. leading to Ph.D."

Yes! albeit, only partially. I was a bit surprised that there wasn't a thread for IEOR. I hope more will join us here.

Folks, need your perspective. I got this email from my top choice POI today. "Thank you for submitting your PhD application to xxx University. After reviewing your documents, I have recommended you for admission with full financial aid. You will receive the official offer very soon. Congratulations! Best regards, Prof Name " The email was from a professor whom I had mentioned in my SOP and not the admissions committee. I did not email anyone in the department before submitting my app, so getting a mail from a POI was kind of surprising. I am really anxious at the moment, since its my top choice school. The prof is simply saying he has recommended me but has also put in a congratulation. I don't know what to make out of this. Thanks for the help.