Columbia MBA Essays

Columbia MBA Essays                                      2013 - 2014

Applicants must complete one short-answer question and three essays.

Instructions: In addition to learning about your professional aspirations, the Admissions Committee hopes to gain an understanding of your interests, values and motivations through these essays. How you answer these essays is at your discretion, there are no right or wrong answers and we encourage you to answer each question thoughtfully.  Essay 1, 2 and 3 are required.

Dual Degree Applicants (Full-Time MBA Only)

Please address the following questions within your response to Essay 1: How will the Dual Degree enhance your post-MBA and long-term professional goals?

Reapplicants: If you have applied to Columbia Business School within the past year, you are required to answer the "What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal?" question and submit the reapplication essay. No other essays are required for reapplicants.

Essay Questions

1.  Given your individual background, why are you pursuing a Columbia MBA at this time? (500 words)

2. Columbia Business School is located in the heart of the world’s business capital – Manhattan. How do you anticipate that New York City will impact your experience at Columbia? (250 words)

Please view the videos below: 

 (A)  New York, a city with limitless possibilities

(B)  New York City, fast paced and adaptable

Essay Questions (Cont.)

3.  What will the people in your Cluster be pleasantly surprised to learn about you? (250 words)

Optional Essay:  Is there any further information that you wish to provide the Admissions Committee? Please use this space to provide an explanation of any areas of concern in your academic record or your personal history. (Maximum 500 words)

Reapplication Essay:  How have you enhanced your candidacy since your previous application? Please detail your progress since you last applied and reiterate how you plan to achieve your immediate and long term post-MBA professional goals.  (Maximum 500 words).

You are running for either cluster chair or a club leadership position of your choosing. Compose your campaign speech. (250 words maximum)

Career Goals :  What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal?  Required by all applicants. (100 Characters)