Application Requirements
Tell us what sets you apart. We are genuinely interested in learning more about you. Columbia Business School values interesting individuals who are earnest in their career aspirations. Our faculty is world-renowned. The curriculum is rigorous. We believe this is the best MBA for professionals. Here's what you need to do to apply.
Application Checklist
- Transcripts
- GPA
- Standardized Tests (GMAT, Executive Assessment, or GRE Scores)
- Resume
- Essays
- Recommendation
- Interview
- Application Fee
- Deposit
Transcripts
A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution is required for admission to Columbia Business School. Applicants should scan and submit PDF versions of transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution which they have attended.
If offered admission, you will be required to provide encrypted digital copies of your transcripts from each of the colleges or universities submitted on your application. Offers of admission are not binding until academic records have been verified.
GPA
Applicants should report their grade point average as it appears on their transcript.
Standardized Tests
All applicants must submit a self-reported valid GMAT*, Executive Assessment, or GRE score when submitting an application. Columbia Business School considers scores to be valid for five years after your test date. Please be sure to send your score report and submit your application at least one week before the scores expire. Please note that while additional test scores may be added to an application after submission, we cannot guarantee they will be reviewed with your application.
If admitted, you must submit an official GMAT, Executive Assessment, or GRE score. Columbia Business School’s GMAT and Executive Assessment code is QF8-N6-52, and its GRE code is 6442. The Admissions Committee will consider only your highest score when reviewing your application and will not combine sub scores from multiple exams into a single composite score.
*We accept both GMAT Exam (10th Edition) and GMAT Exam (Focus Edition) scores.
Resume
Applicants should upload their current professional resume or CV to the online application. Your professional resume or CV should ideally be one-page in length, but one-to-two pages is also acceptable.
Essays
Applicants must complete two short answer questions and two essays.
Short Answer Question 1:
What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 characters maximum)
Short Answer Question 2:
For those that do not live in the NY Tri-state area, please share your plans for attending class from that distance. (50 characters maximum)
Essay 1
Through your resume and recommendation, 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? (500 words)
Essay 2
How do you cultivate a sense of community and inclusivity within a team? Please provide at least one specific example from a team-based environment, either inside or outside of work. The objective of this prompt is to get a sense of who you are, rather than what you have achieved professionally. (500 words)
Optional Essay
Is there something else that would be helpful for the Admissions Committee to know? An optional essay will allow you to discuss any topics that do not fall within the purview of the required essays. These might include, and are not limited to:
- Adverse circumstances in your background
- An exciting side venture in which you are working
- Areas of concern in your academic record
- Or just a fun fact!
This does not need to be a formal essay. You may submit bullet points.
Recommendation
First-time applicants require one recommendation. Your recommendation should ideally be from your current supervisor. If you are unable to secure a recommendation from your direct supervisor, please submit a statement of explanation in the Recommendation section of your application. Beyond your direct supervisor, other recommender options include: a former direct supervisor or another professional associate, senior to you, who can share their insights on your candidacy.
We expect that you, the applicant, will not participate in the drafting of your recommendation. When entering contact information for recommenders, please use their institutional or professional email address. We ask that the recommender upload their recommendation on letterhead, whenever possible. References submitted from personal or anonymous email accounts (e.g. Gmail, Yahoo, 123.com, 163.com, qq.com etc.) will be subject to your admission being rescinded if significant discrepancies are found.
Applications are not considered complete until all required information is submitted. Please note, all application materials must be submitted by your chosen round deadline, including your recommendation.
Interview
Interviews are by invitation only and cannot be requested. The Admissions Office will contact you if you are selected for an interview.
Application Fee
The nonrefundable application fee for the Columbia Business School Professional MBA Program is US$250. Applicants are strongly encouraged to pay this fee via credit card (Visa or MasterCard only) within the online application system in order to expedite the processing of their application. Applicants unable to pay by credit card should contact the Admissions Office at [email protected] for directions regarding alternative methods of payment.
Fee waivers for Professional MBA applications are available to active duty US military personnel. Proof of current service is required. Applicants who qualify for a fee waiver should create or log into the application and navigate to the "Review" page. Upon accessing the Fee Waiver Request form, applicants will provide proof of service and explain their need for a fee waiver. Qualified applicants who have already submitted an application should email [email protected] to request a Fee Waiver Request form. Please allow up to one week for an update to your online status regarding a fee waiver request.
Deposits
Admitted students must submit two nonrefundable tuition deposits to secure their place in the class after admission, except Round 3, which has a single deposit deadline. Deposits total $3,000.00. Deposits will be applied directly toward your first semester’s tuition and fees. Please be aware that if you do not matriculate, your deposit will not be refunded.