Columbia campusProspective Columbia Business School (CBS) MBA applicants, take note! The application process has undergone some key changes for the upcoming intake. This blog post will equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate these changes and craft a compelling application.

  1. Application Deadlines: Farewell Rolling Admissions, Hello Rounds

The J-Term program (January 2025 entry) continues with it unique rolling admissions process, but also introduces application rounds:

Round 1: June 18, 2024

Round 2: August 15, 2024

  1. Essay Revamp: New Focus on Collaboration and Leadership

Columbia Business School has also revamped its essay questions, placing a stronger emphasis on collaboration and inclusive leadership. Let’s delve into the specifics:

Essay 1: This core essay remains unchanged, focusing on your career goals and aspirations.

Essay 2: This essay now centers on the Phillips Pathway for Inclusive Leadership (PPIL) program. Describe a situation where you demonstrated one of the five PPIL skills and its impact.

Essay 3: This essay shifts its focus from “Why CBS?” to “How will you co-create your optimal MBA experience at CBS?” Highlight specific programs and resources that align with your goals.

Columbia MBA application Quick Essay Analysis:

Essay 1: Showcase a well-defined career path with a clear vision for your future. Research and demonstrate how CBS can help you achieve your goals connecting the dots to your paste ducation and experiences.

Essay 2: Choose a compelling situation that showcases your leadership and ability to navigate diverse perspectives. CBS want to make sure you can cope in a multicultural diverse setting.

Essay 3: Be specific and proactive. Demonstrate how you’ll contribute to the collaborative learning environment at CBS. What do you bring to class as a student, and possibly later as an alumnus.

  1. A Farewell to Favorite Books and Admiration:

The 2022-2023 essay prompt requesting a favorite book/movie/song and the one about a leader you admire are no longer part of the application. This streamlines the process and refocuses it on your career aspirations and fit with CBS.

Remember:

These changes highlight CBS’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Tailor your essays to showcase your leadership potential, collaborative spirit, and clear vision for your post-MBA future. By understanding these application trends, you can craft a compelling application that stands out from the crowd.

Bonus Tip: Leverage the expertise of ARINGO’s experienced MBA admission consultants to refine your application strategy and maximize your chances of success.