I'm going to apply for J-Term because of timing issues. Does anybody know if J-Term tends to be more (or less) competitive than the normal fall entry?

What are people doing for the 4th 'optional' essay? It says it can 'discuss any issues that do not fall within the purview of the required essays.'

I'm not really sure what to write here, or even if I need to do it. I think it makes sense to give them as much information as they need but my feeling is that if I don't have anything to say I shouldn't say anything at all.

I generally suggest that applicants do anything that's optional. What you write about will be up to you. Typically, applicants use these kinds of essays for anything that's possibly negative which needs explaining. Could be a low GPA, low GMAT score, or even a break in your work experience history. Tell them why this happened and why you're passed it.

There are other topics you can cover as well, but that would depend on who you are and what your goals are.

Does anybody who's applying for Columbia have an undergrad GPA that's lower than the typical average?? The current class profile has the average at 3.5 and the middle 80% at 3.1-3.8. My undergrad GPA is unfortunately lower than that, due to bad decisions made during my studies. Wondering how I should deal with this.

How much lower?

Generally:
- The longer it's been since your undergrad, the less important your GPA will be (within reason)
- A strong GMAT score can to some degree "make up" for a poor GPA
- You can demonstrate your aptitude for studies by taking classes or certificate programs now and getting good grades

You can use the optional essay, as badux suggested above, to explain why you did poorly. Perhaps there's a good reason for it.

2.8

I chalk it up to distractions during the program, and not really having any direction.

I've been working for five years. Do you think that's long enough? I'll have good letters of recommendation, I'm sure of that. And I've gotten two pretty good promotions during that time. Not sure about the GMAT yet, I'll be taking it in July.

I'd suggest to do your best on the GMAT.

The letters of rec will help, and it's good that you're a bit out from your undergrad - but that said, five years is the median work experience at Columbia.

But without a clear demonstration of strong quant skills (either through your employment or a strong GMAT score,) I think that your GPA will still be a flag. Not a huge one but something the committee will look at closely.