While having the perfect MBA resume and getting a high score on the GMAT or GRE exam are important factors, they are not all that matters when it comes to your MBA application. Business schools also care about who you are as a person and what you have to offer outside of your academics.
Top universities like Columbia Business School give applicants the opportunity to present themselves in more detail through a series of short essay questions. This article will help you to better understand the ins and outs of writing the Columbia Business School essay.
If you follow our tips, your Columbia Business School essay will convince the admissions committee that you should be a member of the Columbia community.
Purpose of the Columbia Business School Essays
Essays are an important part of Columbia Business School’s admissions process. As US News writes, essays help the business school admissions committees “gauge the compatibility of a prospective student with the culture and values of the institution.”
Though there are a series of essays that you must write, you must recognize that they ultimately work together to serve a single purpose: to paint a complete picture of who you are and what you want to accomplish. At the end of the day, the admissions committee wants to admit candidates who are well-versed in each aspect of their lives.
To write solid essays that connect with Columbia Business School, it’s important to understand what the school stands for. To deepen your understanding, download this guide.
It offers detailed information about its programs, faculty, and what it's like to study there. It’s designed to help prospective students understand their options and make informed choices about pursuing an MBA at Columbia.
What Are the Columbia Business School Essays?
Though the questions are subject to change with every passing year, each Columbia Business School essay typically follows a similar format and theme. First-time applicants must submit responses to one short answer question and three essay questions. Let’s take a closer look at the themes and format for each of these questions:
Short Answer Question
Your response to the short answer question must be short, direct, and to the point, given the question’s short response allowance. Applicants must respond in 50 characters or less, which includes letters, punctuation, and spaces.
All in all, your response should be approximately eight words long. This question typically asks about your short-term career goals. Given the stringent restrictions, don’t worry about being grammatically perfect; there’s no need to write in full sentences or waste characters by saying things like “I want to…” or “I plan to.”
Statements like these communicate nothing of substance and are not expected based on the short answer response examples. What is most important is that you get your message across as efficiently as you can.
While the short answer question isn’t long enough to be considered a traditional essay, it should still be approached with the same level of care, thought, and focus as your other Columbia Business School essay responses.
Think long and hard about what you want to say before writing. Columbia Business School has designed this question to see if you understand your aspirations and ambitions well. The goals you allude to in this question should connect to what you discuss for the first essay question.
Columbia Business School Essay 1
The first of the three Columbia Business School essays typically requires applicants to focus on their long-term career goals. Feel free to use your response to the short answer question for the foundation of your answer. Consider discussing your goals over the next three to five years and exploring exactly how you intend to progress from your short-term to long-term career goals.
While we encourage you to be as ambitious as you can when discussing your aspirations, don’t get too lost in your dreams for the future. Make sure to base your aspirations on reality and be as grounded as you possibly can.
Show the admissions committee that your goals are not only ambitious but are also attainable. It is also worth considering how achieving your goals will impact those around you. Showing this level of consideration will indicate that you have put thought into the betterment of yourself and your career and your community as well.
While this question may not explicitly require you to link your answer back to Columbia Business School, it is always a good idea. How will attending Columbia Business School help you to make your goals come to life? This is perhaps best added briefly at the end of your response, in no more than a sentence or two.
Columbia Business School Essay 2
The second essay asks you to show how well you can recognize and handle situations that demand inclusive leadership skills. The program administrators want to see how you apply what you've learned to real-life scenarios.
By reflecting on a specific experience, you demonstrate your understanding of inclusive leadership principles and your ability to tackle diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges effectively.
This question also gives insight into your problem-solving skills and how you navigate social dynamics in different situations. Overall, it's about making sure you're ready to be an inclusive leader who can create diverse and fair environments in your community or workplace.
Columbia Business School Essay 3
The third and final required essay for your application asks you to explain why you think Columbia Business School is a good fit for you academically, culturally, and professionally.
You'll want to provide specific reasons why you believe CBS is the right choice for you in these areas while keeping your response clear and to the point.
They want to know why you see yourself thriving in CBS's academic environment, how you resonate with its culture, and why you believe it offers the professional opportunities you're seeking. Remember to keep it concise and focused while sharing your genuine thoughts and experiences.
Optional Essay
In addition to the three essays, Columbia Business School also provides applicants an opportunity to provide the admissions committee with any relevant information that could not be conveyed within the other parts of their application. Do not feel as though you have to write a response if you don’t have any areas of concern.
This essay is primarily for those applicants who need to explain situations such as any anomalies in their academic record (including transcripts and GMAT/GRE scores), inability to acquire recommendation letters, significant gaps in academic or professional experience, etc.
Though this is a chance for you to provide any necessary explanations, do not make excuses.
Your answer should be short, to the point, and focused solely on the facts surrounding your circumstances. After providing context, be sure to then explain the things you have done to address your concerns, also reiterating that despite your situation, you will be more than able to handle the academic intensity of their MBA program if admitted.
Analyzing Columbia Business School Essays Questions and Examples
Now that we have discussed what to expect when writing your Columbia Business School essay, let’s take a look at a few questions that you can be asked and ideal responses.
Sample Question and Answer for 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)
“Over the next three to five years, I'm focused on moving up the ladder in marketing, aiming to land a leadership role in a big global tech company. My plan is to get really good at digital marketing and data analytics while also getting better at leading teams and managing projects.
I want to be the person who leads teams made up of people from different departments to come up with and carry out exciting marketing plans. These plans should boost how well people know our brand, get customers more involved, and bring in more money.
In the short term, I'm looking to improve myself professionally. This might mean getting certificates in digital marketing or joining courses that help me become a better leader. I also want to find jobs that give me more responsibility and freedom, letting me have a bigger impact on the company's marketing goals.
Now, looking further ahead, my ultimate goal is to become the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of a top tech company known for its groundbreaking ideas and worldwide influence. As the CMO, I'd decide how we market our products, what messages we send out about our brand, and how we run marketing campaigns across different places and platforms.
As a leader, I believe in fostering a workplace where creativity, teamwork, and learning are valued. I want to inspire my team members to bring out their best and achieve great results. Working closely with other top executives, I'll ensure our marketing plans align with what the company wants to achieve overall, helping the business grow smart and sustainably.
I'm also interested in using technology and data to understand what customers want and how they behave. This knowledge will help us create marketing that feels personal and connects with the people we're trying to reach. By keeping an eye on what's happening in our industry and predicting changes in the market, I think I can help our company stay ahead and stay on top.
To sum it up, my plan for the next few years is to climb the ranks in digital marketing within a big tech company. Eventually, I see myself as the Chief Marketing Officer, leading strategic marketing efforts that take our company to new levels of success and innovation.
In my journey towards achieving these goals, I understand the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. I'm committed to staying updated with the latest trends and tools in digital marketing and leadership through attending workshops, reading industry publications, and networking with professionals in the field. Additionally, I recognize the value of feedback and collaboration, and I'm eager to learn from my peers and mentors to refine my skills and approach.
In conclusion, my career path is guided by a desire to grow, learn, and lead in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of digital marketing. With a focus on continuous improvement, collaboration, and inclusivity, I'm committed to achieving my goals and driving positive change in my organization and beyond.”
Analysis
The essay outlines clear career goals that align well with Columbia Business School. The applicant aims to advance in marketing within a global tech company, focusing on digital marketing and data analytics, matching Columbia's emphasis on innovation.
In the short term, they plan to gain certifications and leadership skills, showing a proactive approach to professional development. Their desire for more responsibility reflects readiness for leadership, resonating with Columbia’s focus on initiative.
Their long-term goal is to become a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) in a leading tech company. As CMO, they plan to manage marketing strategies, brand messaging, and global campaigns, aligning with Columbia’s aim to develop strategic leaders.
The applicant values creativity, teamwork, and continuous learning, fostering a positive work environment. Their interest in using technology and data for personalized marketing is forward-thinking and matches Columbia's innovative spirit.
Overall, the essay shows the applicant’s clear career path and commitment to growth, making them a strong fit for Columbia Business School.
Sample Question and Answer for Essay 2
Why do you feel Columbia Business School is a good fit for you? (250 words)
“Columbia’s community is everything that I aspire to be a part of – diverse, inspired, and accomplished. Through classroom discussions with peers from across the globe, I wish to learn about how the interaction between governmental agencies and the private sector shapes economies around the world. In turn, I look forward to sharing my perspectives on the topic through my years of public sector management consulting at [Firm].
I am eager to capitalize on the unparalleled networking opportunities CBS offers by being in the heart of NYC. I can’t wait to interact with global private equity managers and policymakers to understand what [Country] needs to do to stay competitive and relevant as capitalism evolves. CBS’ rigorous academic curriculum creates exactly the kind of intense educational experience I seek. Electives such as Negotiations will help me strategize win-win situations as I seek to develop and execute privatization and capital-allocation strategies for governmental agencies.
As I think about the skills, networks, and thought-leadership that I wish to develop in order to realize my short- and long-term career goals, I see no better next step than an MBA at CBS.”
Analysis
The applicant's essay for Columbia Business School shows their excitement about joining a diverse and accomplished community. They want to join global economic discussions and share their public sector consulting experience.
They value CBS's networking opportunities in NYC. They look forward to meeting private equity managers and policymakers. The essay highlights CBS's challenging academic programs. It mentions classes like Negotiations to help develop strategies for government agencies.
The applicant believes an MBA from CBS is essential for their career goals. They plan to use the school's resources and expertise to succeed.
Sample Question and Answer for Essay 3
Tell us about your favorite book, movie, or song and why it resonates with you. (250 words)
“I have always been an avid reader of autobiographies, especially of statesmen and women who played pivotal roles in transforming their countries. However, a book that has left a lasting impression on me is The Singapore Story, a memoir of Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore and a leader that I greatly admire.
The resolve, conviction, and tenacity that Yew embodied are truly inspirational. Painful recollections of him crying publicly after Malaysia chose to separate itself from Singapore are a powerful reminder of his struggles. Nonetheless, he never gave up. Singapore had no natural resources, and its people didn’t speak English.
He talks about how, through persuasive communication, he encouraged Singaporeans to believe in themselves, marketed the country’s human resources, and took Singapore from being a colonial backwater to a global economic powerhouse in just three decades. I wish to embody similar grit and communication abilities in the coming decades as I work towards uplifting [Country’s] citizens and transforming its economy.
It is clear from his book that Lee Kuan Yew was extremely straightforward and had incredibly disciplined clarity of thought and expression. His unvarnished views give fresh and unique perspectives, which are a valuable insight into how a small country like Singapore became so relevant in the global arena. One day, I hope to develop a similarly coherent vision, inspire my peers, and create a better planet for generations to come.”
Analysis
The essay shows how much the applicant admires Lee Kuan Yew and his book, The Singapore Story. They are inspired by his determination, communication skills, and how he turned Singapore into an economic success despite many challenges.
The applicant wants to develop similar qualities to help improve their own country. They value clear thinking and strong leadership, just like Yew, and aim to follow his example.
Sample Question and Answer for Optional Essay
If you wish to provide further information or additional context around your application to the Admissions Committee, please upload a brief explanation of any areas of concern in your academic record or personal history. This does not need to be a formal essay. You may submit bullet points. (Maximum 500 Words)
“In reflecting on my academic record and personal history, I recognize areas that may warrant further explanation to provide context for the Admissions Committee. During my sophomore year of college, a significant family crisis disrupted my academic focus, resulting in a temporary decline in my GPA. Despite this challenge, I sought support from my professors and utilized campus resources to overcome the obstacle. As a result, I was able to rebound and maintain a strong academic performance for the remainder of my undergraduate studies.
Additionally, in my junior year, I made the decision to take a semester off to pursue a personal passion project in social entrepreneurship. While this endeavor led to a gap in my academic record, I want to assure the committee that it was a deliberate choice aimed at furthering my long-term goals. During this time, I engaged in entrepreneurship workshops, volunteered with local community organizations, and conducted independent research on social impact initiatives. This experience not only enhanced my skills but also provided valuable insights that have shaped my career aspirations.
Furthermore, as a first-generation college student, I encountered unique challenges navigating the higher education system. With parents who immigrated to the United States and were unable to provide guidance or financial support for tuition, I relied on my own determination and resourcefulness to pursue my educational goals. Though my journey may not have followed a conventional path, it has instilled in me a strong work ethic, resilience, and determination to succeed despite adversity.
I hope to convey a more comprehensive understanding of my academic and personal journey. I am committed to leveraging these experiences to contribute meaningfully to the Columbia Business School community and to pursue my goals with passion and perseverance.”
Analysis
The applicant's essay talks about the challenges and decisions that affected their academic record. They explain that a family crisis during their sophomore year caused their GPA to drop temporarily, but they got help and improved their grades afterward.
They also mention taking a semester off in their junior year to work on a personal project in social entrepreneurship. Although this created a gap in their academic record, it was a choice they made to advance their long-term goals.
As a first-generation college student, the applicant shows their resilience and resourcefulness in navigating higher education without family guidance or financial support. They aim to show their determination, hard work, and commitment to contributing to the Columbia Business School community.
Top Tips for Crafting the Columbia Business School Essays
Crafting strong Columbia Business School essays begins with understanding your personal brand. By authentically showcasing your values, experiences, and aspirations, you can stand out from other applicants.
Use real-life examples and be clear and concise to effectively convey your story and make a lasting impression on the admissions committee. Let’s take a closer look at each of these tips.
1. Understand Your Own Personal Brand
A key component of pursuing a career in business that is both intentional and fulfilling is having a good understanding of your own personal brand. While this term can appear to be pretentious and overcomplicated at first glance, it is quite simple.
Understanding your personal brand means spending some time thinking about the things you value, the situations you have evolved from, and the places you are trying to go in the future. Though business schools will rarely ask you about this explicitly, they will definitely do so indirectly.
Questions about your own personal brand are sprinkled throughout the Columbia Business School essay section. It is important to show as much of yourself as you can in your responses. Don’t give answers that you think they would want to hear or edit too much of yourself to fit a guide that you found on the internet.
The admissions committee wants to learn about who you are. There are thousands of people who submit applications to Columbia Business School every year, the great majority of whom are highly educated, have stellar professional experience and have recommendation letters.
The only thing that will really set you apart from the next applicant is who you are as a person, your goals, and your aspirations. These essays are the best way for you to present the full picture of who you are professionally, academically, and personally. This is why it is important to be genuine and authentic in your responses.
A good way to make sure your Columbia Business School essay represents you is to ask a close friend, family member, or anyone else who knows you really well to take a look at your essay. Ask them if it sounds like you before submitting your application. If you need help incorporating your own personal brand into your Columbia Business School essay, check out How To Assess If Your Essay ‘Truly Reflects’ Who You Are.
2. Tell Your Story
The ability to tell the story of who you are in your Columbia Business School essay is often the difference between those who move forward in the application process and those who do not. An easy way to do this is to make sure that you include real-life examples to drive your answers to the questions. This is also an effective approach for your interview.
Using these examples will enrich your essay with vivid details, which will impact the reader more than just making broad claims or general summaries. Though telling stories in your responses is good, refrain from embellishing the truth or being unnecessarily dramatic. Focus instead on using these real-life details as proof of your resilience, initiative, leadership, and ability to work as a team.
3. Be Concise and Be Specific
Less is more when it comes to your Columbia Business School essays. The short word limit underscores the importance of being specific and to the point in your responses. Though there’s a lot you might want to communicate in these essays, remember that they are just one part of your application.
Don’t just regurgitate experiences or skills that can be found in your resume, letters of recommendation, or other parts of your application. Instead, focus on building on and highlighting a few key accomplishments, details, and aspirations.
Be intentional with the examples that you share and the language that you use. While you are trying to tell the story of who you are, you want to make sure that it is done in a way that is clear and easy to follow. Being concise and specific will also ensure that you stay focused and answer the questions being asked.
To learn more about getting into Columbia Business School, check out this video.
Common Mistakes
Common mistakes in Columbia Business School essays often occur when applicants fail to provide specific examples or details to support their points, leading to vague statements that lack impact. Sometimes, applicants might not fully answer the essay question or rely on too much business jargon, making their essay seem less genuine.
It's also common for applicants to go over the word limit or forget to check for mistakes like typos and grammar errors. Additionally, focusing only on achievements without sharing personal stories can make the essay less interesting.
Lastly, not researching the school enough or using generic essays that could apply to any school can show a lack of interest or fit. To avoid these mistakes, applicants should aim for clear, specific, and sincere essays that demonstrate their genuine interest in and suitability for Columbia Business School.
FAQs
Let's take a closer look at the frequently asked questions regarding the Columbia Business School essays.
1. When Should I Start Writing My Essay?
Columbia Business School operates on rolling admissions, and applications submitted for both early and regular decisions are reviewed in the order in which they are received. This means that the earlier you start your essay and the earlier you submit your application, the better.
Start researching and planning your essays when Columbia Business School makes the questions available. The earlier you start, the more time you will have to write and edit your paper without the unnecessary stress of trying to meet the deadline.
2. How Much Should I Be Writing for My Essays?
The word limit for each of the three essays is subject to change with each passing year. Though it has been getting shorter in recent years, you can expect the word limit for each essay to remain in the range of 250 to 500 words.
3. Can I Write Over the Word Limit?
It is important to keep the word count into consideration when writing your essays, and we don’t recommend that you exceed the limit. Doing so can communicate that you don’t know how to follow instructions or that you are unable to properly organize your thoughts and ideas.
If you are not sure about how much over the word limit is too much, a good rule of thumb is that 10%, either above or below the prescribed number of words, is typically acceptable. So, for example, if your word limit is 250 words, try not to write no more than 275 words and no less than 225 words.
4. What Characteristics Is the Admissions Committee Looking for in My Essay?
Columbia Business School is looking for applicants who are well-balanced in their academic, professional, and personal lives and demonstrate grit, ambition, and integrity.
Applicants should strive to show that they care about their community, are able to work in both team and leadership roles, and possess emotional and analytical intelligence.
5. What Can I Do to Make My Paper Better?
Before writing, do as much research as you can. You want to be able to show that you understand how you are going to take advantage of the resources and opportunities available at Columbia Business School. Find out what is important to the university and then show how what you have to offer matches those things.
Once you have done your research, take the time to plan out your essay. Doing so will help to keep you on track and take full advantage of the word limit. After writing your essay, make sure that it is free of grammatical errors and typos.
Though it may sound trivial, editing and proofreading your essay is another way that you can improve the strength of your writing. Reading your essay out loud is a great way to evaluate the quality of your writing.
The places that sound awkward are the areas that you should revise. Having someone you trust to look over your essay is also a good idea before you submit it. A second pair of eyes will provide you with a fresh perspective and can help you determine whether or not your points are coming across the way you want them to in your essay.
6. How Can I Make Sure My Essay Stands Out?
When writing your essay, don’t be afraid to be yourself. Showing passion, personality, or vulnerability is one of the ways that you can stand apart from other applicants. Be very selective with the real-life examples you are choosing to include in your essay.
Make sure that these examples allow you to demonstrate that you have some of the qualities that Columbia Business School is looking for in an applicant.
Conclusion
While it can be a challenging aspect of your MBA application, your Columbia Business School essay is a great way to tell the admissions committee who you are and what you have to offer. It allows you to demonstrate how you align with the institution's values and culture.
When writing your Columbia Business School essay, remember to do your research, plan out your response, and revise what you have written. If you use this as an opportunity to show your personality and vulnerability, you’ll be that much closer to submitting a strong application to Columbia Business School.
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