I've gone ahead and withdrawn my application for Directing/Screenwriting with some regret. I would've loved to attend this awesome program but for personal reasons I decided that I want to move to the West Coast, and only a miraculous full ride scholarship might convince me otherwise. Well, Columbia doesn't do that so I thought it'd be irresponsible of me to keep my app in the running just to "see what happens" and potentially take that initial joy from someone else even in a best case scenario. Also, it may prevent me from dealing with a rejection lol... Good luck to all of you.
Sidenote: All of Columbia's classes are going to be conducted online for the remainder of the semester, undergrad and grad. MFA productions have been suspended for now. Office personnel will be reduced to essential staff only, with the rest working from home. The effect this will have on their decision and financial aid timelines no one can say for sure but just thought you all should know.