Columbia Business School

Essay Questions for 2020-2021 / Class of 2023

All deadlines are at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time

Entry: January 2021        

Deadline: October 2, 2020

Entry: August 2021          

Early: October 2, 2020

Merit Fellowship Deadline: January 6, 2021

Final: April 9, 2021

Note: Columbia Business School uses a rolling admissions process, which means applications are reviewed—and decisions rendered—as they are received. It is always advantageous for you to submit your application as early as possible.

The Essays

Columbia Business School Essay Topics

2020-2021 Columbia MBA Essay Prompts:

Short Answer Question: What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 characters max)

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)

Essay 2: Why do you feel Columbia Business School is a good fit for you? (250 words)

Essay 3: Tell us about your favorite book, movie or song and why it resonates with you.  (250 words) -NEW!

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. (500 words max)

Visit the Columbia admissions website for more application information.