Columbia MBA – Essays Tips and Deadlines for 2024-25 

Navigating the MBA application process for Columbia Business School (CBS) can be a daunting task, particularly when it comes to writing essays that truly capture your unique story and aspirations. CBS values leadership, innovation, and a global perspective, seeking candidates who can demonstrate these qualities through authentic and compelling narratives. In this blog, we provide essential tips and strategies to help you craft standout essays for your CBS MBA application.

From showcasing your personal and professional journey to highlighting your fit with CBS’s unique culture, these insights will guide you in creating essays that resonate with the admissions committee. Dive in to discover how to effectively convey your experiences, goals, and the impact you aim to make, ensuring your application stands out in the competitive field.

Short Answer Question: What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal?

Be Concise and Specific:

• Clearly state your post-MBA career goal in a concise manner.

Short Answer Question 2: For those that do not live in the NY tri-state area, please briefly share your plans for attending class from that distance.

Plan Your Logistics:

• Briefly describe your plans for attending classes if you live outside the NY tri-state area.
• Ensure your plans are feasible and show your commitment to the program.

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 three to five years and what is your long-term dream job?

1. Showcase Clear Goals:

• Clearly articulate your short-term and long-term career goals.
• Explain why these goals are important to you and how they align with your passions and values.

2. Leverage Your Experience:

• Highlight specific experiences and achievements that have prepared you for your post-MBA goals.
• Provide concrete examples that demonstrate relevant skills and knowledge.

3. Align with CBS:

• Discuss specific aspects of the CBS MBA program that will help you achieve your goals.
• Mention unique opportunities at CBS, such as clubs, courses, or initiatives, and how they align with your career aspirations.

Essay 2: Please describe a professional situation where you faced a particular challenge. What was the outcome and what did you learn from the experience about your own strengths and personal development needs?

1. Choose a Relevant Situation:

• Choose an experience that demonstrates your leadership skills and ability to overcome challenges.
• Highlight any specific actions you took to address the challenge.

2. Details of the Situation:

• Describe the challenge you faced.
• Highlight any specific actions you took to address the challenge.

3. Outcome and Impact:

• Explain the outcome of the situation.
• Discuss the impact on your organization and your role.

4. Lessons Learned:

• Reflect on what you learned from the experience.
• Discuss how this experience has influenced your personal and professional development.

Optional Essay: Is there something else you feel would be helpful for the Admissions Committee to know?

1. Address Any Gaps or Weaknesses:

• Use this space to explain any gaps in employment, low grades, or other inconsistencies in your application.
• Focus on how you have grown or learned from these experiences.

2. Highlight Unique Achievements:

• Discuss any significant accomplishments or experiences not covered in other parts of your application.
• Highlight extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or personal projects.

3. Share Personal Insights:

• Provide any additional information that you believe will strengthen your application.
• Ensure that the information adds value to your candidacy and aligns with CBS’s values and culture.

General Tips for CBS Essays:

1. Be Authentic:

• Write in your own voice and be genuine in sharing your story.
• Avoid using overly technical jargon or industry-specific language that may be off-putting to a broad audience.

2. Show Impact:

• Emphasize the impact of your experiences and achievements.
• Use specific examples to illustrate your points and demonstrate your potential for success at CBS.

3. Tailor Your Essays:

• Customize each essay to highlight why CBS is the perfect fit for your aspirations.
• Mention specific programs, professors, or aspects of the CBS culture that resonate with you.

• Avoid Overly Technical Jargon: While CBS appreciates analytical and technical skills, filling your essays with too much industry-specific jargon can be off-putting. Ensure your essays are accessible to a broad audience, including those without your specific technical background.

• Don’t Underestimate the Personal Touch: CBS values unique personal stories. Avoid focusing solely on professional achievements. Share personal anecdotes that illustrate your character, resilience, and passion. Personal stories can often be more memorable and impactful.

• Steer Clear of a One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Using the same essays for multiple schools can lead to a lack of specificity. Tailor each essay to highlight why CBS is the perfect fit for your aspirations. Mention specific programs, professors, or aspects of the CBS culture that resonate with you.

• Avoid Lack of Evidence for Leadership and Collaboration: CBS places a high value on leadership and teamwork. Don’t just claim you have these qualities; provide concrete examples. Avoid vague statements and show real instances where you led a team, collaborated on a project, or contributed to a community.

• Don’t Ignore the Global Focus: CBS has a strong global focus. Avoid essays that don’t touch on your global experiences or perspectives. If you lack international experience, discuss how you plan to gain global insights at CBS or why this global perspective is important to you.