May 17, 2017

Columbia Business School MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines

Columbia slightly changed its first short answer question and materially changed all its essay questions. CBS also re-instituted word limits as opposed to the somewhat flexible ranges it gave last year. Overall, the word limits are less than the maximums were last year. Apparently the CBS staff didn’t find that they learned more from the longer essays that applicants submitted last year. Regardless you are going to have fewer words available to you. The word limits are tight.

My tips are in blue below.

Essays:

Goal: What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 characters)

This is one character less than last year, when they gave you 51 characters. Not a big deal. Note, it is a character (not word) limit. Your response must be less than a tweet. Actually it must be just about one third of a tweet. What do you want to do professionally and in which industry immediately after earning your MBA? Here are CBS’ examples of possible responses:

“Work in business development for a media company.”

“Join a strategy consulting firm.”

“Launch a data-management start-up.”

Warning: This question is not asking about intended area of study while in business school or a non-professional goal or even a long-term goal. And the subject in your response is assumed to be you. No need to waste characters by including “I.”

Essay 1:

Through your resume and recommendations, we have a clear sense of your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next 3 – 5 years and what, in your imagination, would be your long-term dream job? (500 words)

CBS this year wants you to focus on your career goals not immediately after graduation, as in the short-answer question, but in the longer-term. They want to see how you believe your career will develop after that immediate post-MBA job. This year, unlike last year, this question does not ask you how CBS will help you achieve your goals. (See Essay 2)

To answer this question realize that the readers already know what’s in your resume. Don’t repeat “your career path to date” here. That’s a waste of essay real estate and means you’re not telling them anything new or answering their question.

Do tell them what you want to do 3-5 years into the future, which should build on your first post-MBA job. Make sure to answer the long-term question and feel free to dream and aspire, but at the same reveal an ambitious, but feasible professional goal.

Essay 2:

The full-time MBA experience includes academics, recruiting and networking. What are your personal priorities and how do you anticipate allocating your time at Columbia Business School? (250 words max)

Last year’s question was more specific and talked about some of the special programs and strengths at CBS. This one assume you will do your research and know about those programs. If you don’t do your research, you will not be able to answer this question well.

You don’t have a lot of space — only 250 words. Think about the aspects of CBS that will really prepare you to go down the path outlined in Essay 1. What are going to be your priorities when you are not in class? What classes and academic programs will you be the ones you gravitate towards? What co-curricular opportunities to do you intend to take advantage of?

CBS’ motto is “At the Very Center of Business.” The video above reveals what CBS thinks is special about being at the center of business. While I don’t think you must incorporate this idea into your essay, the video might get you thinking about some of the special opportunities that a Columbia MBA provides.

Essay 3:

This is a completely new question and replaced last year’s question about CBS Matters. Both last year’s and this year’s Essay #3 are attempts to get to know you as a person, a human being. Write an essay that reflects YOU, your interests, and passions.

Please select and answer one of the following essay questions: (250 words max)

a: Please tell us what you feel most passionate about in life.

b: If you were given a free day and could spend it anywhere, in any way you choose, what would you do?

Choose the option that will be easiest for you to write with most enthusiasm and authenticity.

If you choose option a, reveal how your actions and behavior reflect that passion. When do you spend time and energy engaged in it? Tell a short story about you and this passion. Perhaps include why it’s so important to you.

If you choose option b, again tell a story that would reflect how you would spend this free day? Where would you go? What would you do? Why?

Optional Essay:

Is there any further information that you wish to provide the Admissions Committee? If so, use this space to provide an explanation of any areas of concern in your academic record or your personal history. This does not need to be a formal essay. You may submit bullet points. (Maximum 500 words)

Again, this year’s optional is slightly different and more restrictive than in previous years.

Clearly you can use this optional essay question to address a weakness in your profile or qualifications, but in my mind, this question is also open-ended enough to allow you to discuss a challenge overcome in your personal background.

Don’t use this essay as a grand finale or wrap up. And definitely don’t use it to rehash your reasons for wanting to attend Columbia; those reasons should be perfectly clear from the required essays.

If you would like professional guidance with your Columbia Business School MBA application, please consider Accepted’s MBA essay editing and MBA admissions consulting or our MBA Application Packages, which include advising, editing, interview coaching, and a resume edit for the CBS MBA application.

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***

Columbia Business School 2018 Application Deadlines:

By Linda Abraham, president and founder of Accepted and co-author of the definitive book on MBA admissions, MBA Admission for Smarties: The No-Nonsense Guide to Acceptance at Top Business Schools .

Related Resources:

• Podcast Interview with the Columbia Business School Admissions Team
• Columbia Business School Zone
• The Applicants that Stand Out at Columbia Business School

jj

Hi Linda,

Here is my info. I am applying for Columbia MBA jterm(right before the deadline so the timing might make it tougher competition for the last spots). What do you think are my chances?

1) Your GMAT or GRE. Percentiles preferred.

GRE: 327(total about 89-90%), 168 QUANT (94%), 159 Verbal(83%), 4(60% writing)

2) College info:

top film school college Bachelor of Fine Arts – 3.92 GPA, top film school Master of Fine Arts, 3.7 GPA

3) Brief description of your full-time work experience.
MFA took me 3+ years so my full time experience is not as much and the job in my industry are also more flexible and freelance based, but my experience was intense and hard to get. I need an MBA now for my startup to enrich business knowledge since I don’t plan to work for corporations any more.
– 0.5 year working very closely for a famous Hollywood director under Asia’s biggest company’s biggest project
– 0.5 year+ deputy manager position and the director of commercials at a firm affliated with the national TV in a top Asia making projects to screen on TV with a billion of audience, negotiating with local government
– 8 year of startup for my own film production company- produced and created more than 20 projects (but non-profit/no profit )
– 15 internships in college while maintaining dean list and high gpa, top media and film companies including working for top celebrities

4) Significant college and post-college extra-curricular activities or community service, especially leadership experience.
– mountaineering in top mountains and adventure in the Arctic region
– LGBT advocate
– Made projects for high-profile individuals and organizations
– interesting North Korean work
– volunteer in under-developed countries, temples
– singing competition winner

5) Important certifications like CFA, CPA, FSA, or CA.
NA- was in film industry

6) Your post-MBA goal.
change direction of my startup and continue my entrepreneurship in media and fashion focusing on a niche market in Asia and USA with my MFA creative skills. (nyc and CBS will be the best fit)
Agus

Hi Linda,

I am Agus (m 30 yo), Indonesian.
I have 5 years experiences in such jobs related to investment (3.5 yrs in a consulting/PE company and 1.5 years in a multinational real estate company as a Business Analyst)
I have a few exposures a such M&A and business valuation from my job.
I have a side job as a lecturer in a class for fund manager exam preparation program and assistant lecture for CFA level 1 exam preparation program in Indonesia
I am CFA candidate level 3 and unfortunately my GPA is only 3.3.
I have not take any GMAT, and it is expected next month. Let’s say my Gmat score is only 670-690, what do you think, could I apply for CBS or it will stretch me?
thank you so much
- Linda Abraham
  
  I am Agus (m 30 yo), Indonesian.
  I have 5 years experiences in such jobs related to investment (3.5 yrs in a consulting/PE company and 1.5 years in a multinational real estate company as a Business Analyst)
  I have a few exposures a such M&A and business valuation from my job.
  I have a side job as a lecturer in a class for fund manager exam preparation program and assistant lecture for CFA level 1 exam preparation program in Indonesia
  I am CFA candidate level 3 and unfortunately my GPA is only 3.3.
  I have not taken any GMAT, and it is expected next month. Let’s say my Gmat score is only 670-690, what do you think, could I apply for CBS or it will stretch me?
  thank you so much</blockquote
  
  Your work experience is strong. Is your GPA from a U.S. school or are you translating an Indonesian grading system to a 3.3?
PM

Hello Linda,

I appreciate any feedback.

1) 2 years full-time experience Private Equity (only intern to be promoted to Full-Time Analyst, then promoted to Senior Analyst after 1 year)
2) GMAT: 700 (88th percentile)
3) University of California Irvine: 3.80/4.0, Business Administration and Economics double major, class of 2011.
4) Dean’s Ambassador’s Council (30-student council worked with Dean of Social Sciences, founded Social Sciences Academic Mentorship Program), Study Abroad Mentor and Exchange Student Volunteer, UC Education Abroad Program Scholarship Reader (evaluated student applications for merit based scholarships), UC Irvine Alumni Association Volunteer
5)
6) Technology Investment Banking
- Linda Abraham
  
  Hello Linda,
  
  I appreciate any feedback.
  
  1) 2 years full-time experience Private Equity (only intern to be promoted to Full-Time Analyst, then promoted to Senior Analyst after 1 year)
  2) GMAT: 700 (88th percentile)
  3) University of California Irvine: 3.80/4.0, Business Administration and Economics double major, class of 2011.
  4) Dean’s Ambassador’s Council (30-student council worked with Dean of Social Sciences, founded Social Sciences Academic Mentorship Program), Study Abroad Mentor and Exchange Student Volunteer, UC Education Abroad Program Scholarship Reader (evaluated student applications for merit based scholarships), UC Irvine Alumni Association Volunteer
  5)
  6) Technology Investment Banking
  
  Hi PM,
  
  Is your total full-time work experience two years?
  - PM
    
    Hi Linda,
    
    Thank you for the response. 2 full years as of today. Will be 33 months before anticipated start date of next year. I know I am probably on the younger side.
    
    But appreciate the feedback!
    - Linda Abraham
      
      PM You’re work experience (even at 33 months) will be on the low side but it is impressive. Your GPA and undergrad activism are also impressive. Your GMAT is on the low side. CBS is a stretch, but worth a try. Another option would be to retake the GMAT and apply with a higher score either later this cycle or early next cycle. Both the additional experience and a higher GMAT would help you. On the other hand, you can apply as is and if not accepted, retake the GMAT and re-apply next hear. Also consider Haas, Tuck, MIT Sloan, Duke, UCLA Anderson, and NYU Stern.
      - PM
        
        Thank you very much for your insight Linda. This is extremely helpful!
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BX1959

Hi Linda,

Thank you so much for making yourself available to discuss admissions chances at Columbia. I am planning to apply to a number of business schools in 2019, after I get some solid post-MSW work experience, but I’m tempted to apply to Columbia (and only Columbia) ED in 2018.

An overview of my background/experience:
26 y/o white American male
3.63 GPA (magna cum laude) from a top-5 LAC; graduated in 2013
Currently in a Master of Social Work program–will graduate in May 2018
780 on the GMAT (Q50, V48, AW 6.0, IR 8) (took it in November of last year)
Past work experience: 1.5 years (40 hrs/week and received a stipend to cover living expenses) as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. I researched and gave presentations on unaccompanied child migration from Central America. (Before that, I had been in a religious order for a year, and although I
wouldn’t really count it as work experience, I figure I should put it on my resume so schools aren’t wondering what I did the year after I graduated from college)

Intern/volunteer experience: The MSW program entails about 1,000 hours of field experience. I worked at a mental health center for the first half of those hours, and for the second half, I plan to do a combination of mental health and social services work. I’m also interning at a men’s transitional home this summer, and am working on a project to see how we can improve the program. I also spent 3 months living and working with immigrants from Central America at a shelter in Houston back in 2013.

I am looking forward to graduating with an MSW, getting my license, and engaging in clinical social work on the ‘micro’ (direct practice) level. However, I am ultimately hoping to pursue an MBA and specialize in nonprofit management, as I feel that I can serve more people by being an effective administrator than I can doing one-to-one meetings with clients. Following graduation, I would like to join the administrative team of a regional branch of a social services nonprofit organization. I envision myself serving as a department director or vice president of social services.

Assuming that I can find a good clinical social work position after graduating, I will have about 32 months/2.75 years of full-time work experience at matriculation in 2019. But I would only have about 20 months at the time I apply to Columbia (since I’m hoping to submit the application as early as June or July). I think I’ll have some good references from my internships and AmeriCorps experiences to rely on. At the same time, I know it would be hard to present my post-MSW experience in my application if I’ve only been there for a couple months.

With all that in mind, what would my chances be at getting in if I apply ED in 2018? And if I get rejected, would that impair my chances of getting in to Columbia next year?

Thank you so much!
2017d

Hi Linda!

Thanks for taking the time to do this!

1) 2 years of tech strategy consulting – last year focused solely on the provider space of healthcare
2) GMAT – 690, but retaking soon
3) Cornell University, Chemical Engineering and a minor in Business in Engineering, 2015, 3.4
4) For my employer, I lead our tech recruiting efforts on campus, lead our analyst / consultant community for my region, and lead project management and content development for our national technology health plan community. I also help with the application process for high school students to Cornell (e.g., career fairs, interviews). I am company sponsored as well.
5) N/A
6) I will be returning to consulting, but focusing on value-based care (VBC) within the healthcare space. I have done a bit of work with my clients in this space, but since the market is not ready to implement VBC on a wider scale, I can use b-school to play in this space

I am focusing on CBS, Sloan, Wharton, and Yale SOM (2 year MBA/MPH).
- Linda Abraham
  
  What are you anticipating on the GMAT? Rough breakdown?
  - 2017d
    
    I’m expecting V40, Q48, which would bring me to a 720.
    - Linda Abraham
      
      Assuming this is your score, you have a competitive profile for your target schools and are applying appropriately given your goals. You may also want to consider Duke and Haas.
      - 2017d
        
        Thank you!
J

Hi Linda, your feedback would be really appreciated:
1) +6 years of experience: 3 in Consulting and 3.5 in Private Equity. Since March working for a company I just launched (apparel company)
2) GMAT: 710 (Q49, V36) – 91th percentile
3) I am a Spanish male (30 yo) and majored in Business from a Top 5 University in Spain. GPA 8/10 – Spent a year of college in the US as exchange student
4) Volunteer work for an orphanage in Kenya in a summer during work holidays; Delegate of the business area at my residence during college; Captain of the soccer in team in high-school for +4 yrs
5) CFA
6) Entrepreneurship
Looking at HBS, Columbia and Stanford for 2018
Many thanks in advance,
Juan
- Linda Abraham
  
  Hi J,
  
  You have a chance at all 3 programs provided you can show leadership, which I don’t see a lot of above. CBS is your most likely admit, but you have a chance at all of them, again, provided you can show leadership and impact..
  
  FYI, I wouldn’t mention anything from high school at this point.
Raj Prasad

Hi Linda,

Thanks for taking time to help us here. Can you please evaluate my profile in regards to the school selection below?

1. Total 4.5 yrs full-time experience till date [3 yrs Corporate Finance (primarily investment analysis) in India, 1.5 yrs Transaction Advisory Services in US; internships with IB and PE firms in US
2. GMAT 750/98%; V 41/94%, Q 50/87%
3. Masters in Quantitative Economics from Colorado School of Mines (GPA 3.75/4, graduated in Dec 2015), Bachelors in Mining Engineering from Indian School of Mines (GPA 7.1/10 with class highest at 8.1, graduated in June 2011)
4. CFA Charterholder
5. Currently Board Member (and Chair of 2 committees) of CFA Society Colorado (top 25 CFA societies with a membership base of 1200+ charterholders); Initiated financial literacy events for undergraduate students in CO, organized events in 3 top universities in CO; Volunteered as a teacher for 5 years at an NGO in India (teaching underprivileged children in slums of Eastern India); Executive Board Member and Treasurer of Graduate Student Government at Colorado School of Mines; Alumni Secretary of Entrepreneurship Cell at Indian School of Mines.
6. Post-MBA Goal: Investment Banking in BB firms
7. Targeting Fall 2018 entry
8. Schools: Wharton, Booth, Columbia, Fuqua, Cornell, Darden, and Stern.

Thanks a lot for your help.

Regards,
Raj
- Linda Abraham
  
  You are applying appropriately and have a competitive profile for all your target schools. Good job!
  
  If you would like guidance during the MBA application process, please let me know.
  - Raj Prasad
    
    Thanks, Linda. Appreciate the evaluation. I would get back to you if I need any help.
Juan

1) Private Equity Associate at Linzor Argentina.
2) 710 (Q51 , V34) – should improve?
3) Universidad Catolica (Chile). Grade 4.0
4) Board advisor of largest educational NGO, founder of a coding bootcamp with +300 alumni network
5) Not
6) Return to my PE office.
- Linda Abraham
  
  Hi Juan,
  
  CBS is a good choice for you and you are applying appropriately. Also consider HBS, MIT Sloan, Yale, Wharton, Haas, and Booth.
  
  I would focus more on other elements of the application than the GMAT at this point, unless you are confident you can raise it with minimal effort.
  
  If you would like help with your MBA application, please let us know.
  
  Best,
  Linda
ramandeep babrah

Hi Linda,

Thank you for this opportunity. Can you please provide your evaluation on my profile below?

1. Indian Male, 26, 5 years of experience (4 in management consulting – ZS Associates, currently working as an Associate Consultant | 1 year of experience in energy sector before ZS)
2. GMAT 750 (50 QA, 41 VA)
3. Did my under-graduation from IIT Delhi, GPA: 8.1/10 (Top 20% of class), Honors thesis published in proceedings of a conference by Indian Ceramic Society.
4. Extra Curricular in College: Led a team of 15 as Project Manager in Society of Automotive Engineers and Led a team of 8 as Events Director in Entrepreneurship Development Cell. Post College: Avid trekker and hiker – Led a team of 5 to Everest Base camp (18,500 ft.) and a team of 13 to Stok Kangri Summit (20,000 ft.)
5. None
6. Strategy consulting focusing on Healthcare
Looking at Wharton, Columbia, Sloan, LBS, Yale and Stern
- Linda Abraham
  
  Hi Ramandeep,
  
  Thanks for you rpost. You have a competitive profile for your target schools and have chosen them well. Also consider Haas, Kellogg, and if you want to give it a shot, HBS.
  
  If you would like help with your MBA application, please let us know.
  
  Best,
  Linda
Hiroki

Hi Linsa,

I came across your website and would really appreciate your feedback on my candidacy.

I am thinking of applying early admission for CBS, Wharton-Lauder, HBS, Standord GBS, Chicago Booth this year.

1) I’m a male Japanese (27 years old), currently living in Singapore. I started my career as analyst at the central bank of Japan in Tokyo where I worked for half a year, and moved to Singapore to work as corporate/economic researcher at a large public sector Japanese bank, covering emerging Asia (2 yrs+). Then I moved onto a small EM Asia growth PE fund (AUM $300-500mm) in Singapore as investment associate, where I got promoted internally to investment manager after 1 year+. I quit BoJ after a short stint and moved to Singapore because I had realized that my true passion lies in helping emerging Asia grow.2) GMAT: 720 (quants: 51), TOEFL 113/1203) I graduated from the top college in Japan in 2013 (3.2/4.0 GPA; majored in law).4) I’m a self-studied polyglot who speaks 7 languages (Jp/En/Ch/Sp/Kr/It/Turk). I published a book about it in Japan and sold 4,000 copies.Also, as a volunteer, I’ve been teaching financial literacy courses at a shelter in Singapore where underprivileged former domestic helpers (from the Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, etc.) who had troubles with their former employers temporarily live.5) I’m a CFA charterholder.6) My short-tern career goal is to work for a growth PE firm in the States to learn the best practice of growth private equity which worked in developed markets. My long-term career goal is to go back to Asia to launch a growth PE fund to support the region’s growth.

Thank you very much in advance.
- Linda Abraham
  
  Hi Hiroki,
  
  Thanks for your inquiry. You have a competitive profile for your target programs and are applying appropriately given both your goals and your qualifications. (Although your GPA may be a little low, but I suspect the “translation” could be a little off.)
  
  If you would like experienced guidance in presenting those qualifications, please check out our services at http://www.accepted.com/mba/services .
  
  Best,
  Linda
2018

Hi Linda,

I am thinking on applying for early admission this year and would also like your point of view on applying for a January start (does it increase your chances of getting in?). Please find my stats below.

1) 3.8 years of work experience (2.8 full-time and 1 part time) as a Credit Analyst in a Tier 1 US Investment Bank (Mexico Branch)
2) 690 GMAT (86 percentile) with 44 in Quant and 40 in Verbal
3) I am Mexican and majored in Business at one of Mexico’s best regarded universities (Universidad Iberoamericana) with a 3.6 GPA
4) President of the Business Student Council at my university / initiated a mentorship program in my bank’s Mexico office and I am part of leadership resource groups / endurance sports (triiathlons, marathons, alpinism, etc) / funded an inital stage of a project to support local Mexican artists
5)
6) Transition into an investment firm in the US (ie. PE, HF, VC)

Thanks!
- Linda Abraham
  
  2018,
  
  From what I hear the January start date does not have a higher acceptance rate than the regular program. If you need an internship, the January program may not be the best choice for you.
  
  Overall you have a competitive profile for CBS. I’m a little concerned that if you will have 2.8 years of full-time experience at matriculation it’s on the low side. if it’s now, you’re OK on that score.
  
  Best,
  Linda