Graduate Student applicants have rated the interview process at Columbia University with 2.7 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty) and assessed their interview experience as 96% positive. To compare, the company-average is 69.9% positive. This is according to Glassdoor user ratings.
Candidates applying for Graduate Student roles take an average of 24 days to get hired, when considering 28 user submitted interviews for this role. To compare, the hiring process at Columbia University overall takes an average of 32 days.
Common stages of the interview process at Columbia University as a Graduate Student according to 28 Glassdoor interviews include:
Phone interview: 27%
Skills test: 17%
One on one interview: 17%
Background check: 17%
Personality test: 10%
Presentation: 7%
Other: 7%
Here are the most commonly searched roles for interview reports -
I applied through college or university. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Columbia University (New York, NY) in Feb 2021
Interview
The process was very easy and straightforward. The interview did not last long and was a really good experience overall. It was recorded and you only had one chance to answer all the questions. They asked behavioral questions and I thought they were very fair.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
three behavioral questions asking
1. how my close friends would describe me
2. Organizations I am interested in or have been a part of
3. Why I wanted to pursue a degree at CU
easy, just introduce myself and why you want to apply Columbia, what you want to do in the future and how can this program help you to achieve your goal?
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
what you want to do in the future and how can this program help you to achieve your goal?
1. Application & Screening
Resume/ATS Review: Recruiters or automated systems check your application against the job description.
Initial Screening Call: Often 15–30 minutes with HR or a recruiter to confirm your background, motivation, and availability.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Why Columbia University? How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I applied in-person. I interviewed at Columbia University (New York, NY) in Jan 2025
Interview
Three questions randomly asked , and answer within 2 minutes. Most questions are more like getting know more about you. Not very hard.this automated meeting is only you and the camera.