Full-Time MBA Admissions

Start Your Future at Columbia Business School

At Columbia Business School, our MBA program, taught by world-renowned faculty, prepares you to excel in today’s fast-paced business world. Located in the heart of New York City, CBS offers unmatched networking opportunities and hands-on engagement with industry leaders. Join our vibrant community and build lifelong relationships that will propel your career forward.

Our Admissions team aims to make the application process as seamless as possible so that you can focus on bringing your best self to the table as you compile your materials and gear up for what’s next.

Two Flexible Entry Points for Your Full-Time MBA

Choose between our August-Entry with a 20-month program including a summer internship, or our January-Entry with a 16-month accelerated program. Each option is designed to fit your professional goals and schedule while maintaining the same competitive admissions standards. Learn more about each option and important deadlines.

Who Should Apply?

CBS MBA students hail from a wide variety of cultural, personal, and professional backgrounds. Our students are intellectually driven with a record of achievement, strong leadership, and the ability to work in teams.

Key Traits of a Columbia MBA Student

  • Strong Work Ethic: You're committed to excellence in everything you do.
  • Relationship Builder: You understand the value of creating and maintaining professional and personal connections.
  • Impact Maker: You aspire to make significant contributions to your industry and society.

Explore our class profile, including demographics, professional experience, and average GPA and GMAT scores.

 

Application Process

Step-by-step instructions for applying for the full-time MBA at Columbia Business School. 

Step 1: Choose Your Entry Point

Evaluate the two entry options for the MBA at Columbia Business School and determine which makes the most sense for your personal and professional goals. Read more about entry options and deadlines and determine a timeline based on the deadlines for your entry point.

We strongly encourage all potential applicants to download the MBA program brochure, attend an event , and join our mailing list to get updates.

Step 2: Review Admissions Requirements

Ensure that you understand and are able to meet the application requirements, which include:

  • Official transcripts
  • GPA
  • GMAT, Executive Assessment, or GRE Score
  • Resume
  • One short answer question and three essays
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Application fee ($250)

Learn more details about each of the application requirements and explore our class profile to understand the makeup of our current class of MBA students. Re-applicants should visit the Re-applicant Checklist for relevant information.

Step 3: Apply for the MBA Program

Once you’ve gathered all of the required application materials, you will submit the application online via the Columbia Business School application portal. All materials, including your letter of recommendation and application fee, must be submitted before the deadline.

Step 4: Prepare for Your Interview 

Interviews are by invitation only. For the January-entry, we aim to release interview invitations or render a deny decision as soon as possible and no later than each round’s respective deadline. For August-entry applicants, updates related to interview decision release will be posted to the Options and Deadlines page and to the Application Requirements page throughout the cycle. Interviews are conducted virtually by a current Columbia Business School second-year MBA student, alumnus, or admissions team member.

Step 5: Secure Your Spot

If you are admitted, you will secure your spot with a nonrefundable tuition deposit. More information about next steps will be communicated upon admission.



Take a Virtual Tour of Our Manhattanville Campus

Launch Experience

Learn More About Columbia MBA Admissions

Get more details about our program and admissions requirements when you download the MBA program brochure, attend an event, explore our MBA Admissions FAQ, or contact admissions. 

Ready to get started? Start your application.