The Columbia MBA essays ask you to explore your career goals, your leadership style, and your commitment to the CBS community. As a CBS alum, a former Adcom and now admissions coach, I love seeing how candidates use these essays to showcase not just what they’ve done, but who they are and how they’ll show up at Columbia. Essay 2 has changed slightly this year, signaling an evolving focus on collaborative leadership and inclusion. Let’s walk through each question and how to approach it.
Tips for Columbia MBA Essay 1
The CBS Essay 1 prompt remains the same as last year:
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)
My advice for this Columbia essay prompt is to focus squarely on the future – and to communicate your ambitions with clarity and conviction. A common misstep is to spend too much time recounting past experiences, but Columbia is specifically asking what you want to do next. Use this space to articulate both your short-term (3–5 year) career goals and your long-term aspirations. At least half of your word count (250 words or more) should be dedicated to mapping out this trajectory.
It often works well to begin with a brief hook to illustrate what motivates your career direction, whether it’s a personal story, a formative experience, or a defining insight. You can then offer a succinct summary of your career to date, just enough to frame your goals and show how they’ve been shaped by your experiences.
Be as specific as possible about your short-term goals, including the role, function, and industry you’re targeting post-MBA. Your long-term dream job can be broader or more visionary, but it should still reflect a sense of purpose and direction. Columbia values candidates who are not only well-prepared but also ambitious – individuals with the drive to create impact on a global scale.
Finally, while Essay 3 gives you a chance to dive into why Columbia specifically, this essay should still reflect a thoughtful understanding of how a CBS MBA fits into your plan. Show that you’re aiming high – and that Columbia is the launchpad that will help you get there.
Key takeaways for Columbia MBA Essay 1 (Career Goals):
Focus on the future: Center your response on your short- and long-term career goals, dedicating at least half the essay to outlining your post-MBA trajectory.
Open with a hook: Begin with a brief personal story or insight that explains what drives your career ambitions.
Be specific: Clearly state your short-term goals (role, function, industry) and ensure your long-term vision reflects ambition and purpose.
Link to Columbia: While this essay isn’t about “why CBS,” show how Columbia is integral to achieving your goals and aligns with your aspirations.
Tips for Columbia MBA Essay 2
CBS has updated the prompt for Essay 2 – here is the new question for the 2025-26 application cycle:
Please share a specific example of how you made a team more collaborative, more inclusive or fostered a greater sense of community within an organization. (250 words)
This updated prompt places a clear emphasis on your impact on group dynamics. Unlike last year’s question, which framed the question more explicitly around diversity, equity and inclusion, this essay focuses more broadly on outcomes related to collaboration, inclusion, or community building.
Here’s what the CBS admissions committee is looking for:
- A concrete example: Choose one moment, not a general pattern.
- Your specific actions: How did you shape the group dynamic?
- The outcome: What changed as a result?
- Your learning: What did this teach you about your leadership style?
This prompt is both behavioral and reflective. Whether your story relates to diversity, remote work collaboration, morale-building, or cross-functional alignment, choose an example that shows emotional intelligence, humility, and a people-first approach to leadership.
You must show, rather than tell. A helpful framework for addressing this question is the STAR framework: explain the situation (briefly set the scene), describe your task, the action you took, and the final result. Avoid generalities or buzzwords; focus on specific actions and effects. Ideally, your story should also hint at how you’ll bring certain qualities to the CBS classroom, clubs, or learning teams.
Self-reflection is essential. While this year’s prompt is less explicitly tied to the language of DEI, your example can – and often should – involve navigating difference, building bridges, or challenging group norms to create a more cohesive and supportive environment. Consider how your actions fostered trust, empowered others, or made space for quieter voices. Use the story to highlight your emotional intelligence, adaptability, and commitment to strengthening the fabric of a team – all qualities that will add value to the CBS community.
Key Takeaways for Columbia MBA Essay 2: Collaborative Leadership
Choose a focused story: Select one specific moment where you enhanced collaboration, inclusion, or community – avoid general patterns or abstract claims.
Show your leadership: Clearly outline your actions and their impact, using the STAR framework to structure your story (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Demonstrate emotional intelligence: Highlight how you built trust, empowered others, or fostered belonging – qualities that CBS values in its future leaders.
Reflect on your growth: End with insights into what you learned about your leadership path.
Tips for Columbia MBA Essay 3
We believe Columbia Business School is a special place with a collaborative learning environment in which students feel a sense of belonging, agency, and partnership–academically, culturally, and professionally.
How would you co-create your optimal MBA experience at CBS? Please be specific. (250 words)
This is your “Why Columbia” essay – but with a twist. With its focus on “co-creating” and “agency,” the prompt signals that CBS is seeking students who will actively shape their MBA journey, not simply absorb what’s offered.
CBS wants to know how you will take ownership of your learning and contribute meaningfully to the class and community. The mention of agency refers to your ability to direct your own academic, cultural, and professional experience – and help shape that of others. Columbia values applicants who will engage deeply with its offerings and perhaps even help expand them.
This is your chance to demonstrate that you’ve done your homework, assessed your fit with CBS, and are excited to be part of the community. Show that you understand and appreciate the school’s culture of collaboration and partnership. You might reference experiences like clusters, learning teams, or career mentorship programs such as the Executives-in-Residence.
Use this space to illustrate your readiness to lead inclusively. That requires reflection, self-awareness and honesty. Dig into how your experiences and strengths align with Columbia’s values, and be specific about how and where you’ll contribute.
And while not explicitly in the prompt, you should still explain why pursuing your MBA in New York City matters to you, as the city is such an integral part of the Columbia experience.
Key Takeaways for Columbia MBA Essay 3: Co-Creating the CBS Experience
Show active engagement: CBS wants students who will shape their MBA journey. Demonstrate how you’ll take initiative academically, socially, and professionally.
Do your research: Reference specific CBS resources to show your fit and understanding of the school’s collaborative culture.
Connect to your strengths: Align your past experiences and values with CBS’s emphasis on partnership, inclusion, and agency; be honest and self-aware.
Highlight NYC’s role: Even if not directly asked, acknowledge how being in New York enhances your MBA goals and experience.
Tips for Columbia’s 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. ( 500 words max)
The optional essay at Columbia Business School is best reserved for addressing specific gaps, anomalies, or red flags in your candidacy, such as a low GPA, an unexplained employment gap, or a disciplinary action. It is not the place to squeeze in an extra leadership story or repeat elements on your resume. Think of it as a space for context, not content. If you do choose to use it, be clear and concise – bullet points are welcomed for straightforward explanations. The key is to take ownership without making excuses. For example, if you had a difficult semester due to personal or family circumstances, briefly state the situation and emphasize how you rebounded. Focus on how you’ve grown or what you’ve done since to demonstrate academic or professional readiness. If you don’t have anything relevant to explain, it’s perfectly fine to leave this section blank. Submitting a weak or unnecessary optional essay can detract from the strength of your overall application.
Tips for Columbia’s Short Answer Question
What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 characters max with spaces)
The admissions team wants you to be direct, succinct, and demonstrate direction (ambition is good, but be realistic). Your response to this question is your headline: what you want to do immediately after CBS. This is an opportunity to provide a clear, overarching headline that lays the groundwork for the essays covering your career goals and reasons for pursuing the Columbia MBA.
Note that the question asks about your goal; it’s subtly asking what you envision doing, rather than the position you hope to secure in a specific company. A strong answer will indicate what you hope to achieve in a sector, such as ‘consultant focusing on clean technology’ or ‘structure investment deals in real estate.’
There is no right answer here, but whatever you choose should be coherent and credible based on your past experience, bolstered by the Columbia MBA. The admissions committee is looking to see that you know what you want to do, have a general understanding of that role, and that you understand the paths that would be available to you coming out of Columbia.
Tips for Columbia’s Short Answer Question for January Entry Candidates
Why do you prefer the January entry term? (50 characters max)
This short answer is just 50 characters, so keep it sharp and to the point. Columbia wants to know why the accelerated January entry, which skips the summer internship, is a better fit for you. Strong answers will reflect a clear understanding of the format: perhaps you’re planning to return to a family business, switch functions within the same industry, or already have relevant work experience and don’t need an internship. Whatever the reason, be specific and intentional. Avoid vague phrases like “faster timeline” unless you can tie it to a concrete post-MBA plan.
Tips for Columbia’s Short Answer Question for August Entry Candidates
How do you plan to spend the summer after the first year of the MBA? If in an internship, please include target industry(ies) and/or function(s). If you plan to work on your own venture, please indicate a focus of business. (50 characters max)
With just 50 characters, you need to be both precise and strategic. Columbia is looking for clarity about your career direction – use this space to name the industry and/or function you’re targeting for your summer internship (e.g., “Consulting – Healthcare focus” or “VC internship, fintech focus”). If you’re planning to work on your own venture, specify the business area. Avoid generic or overly broad responses; this question helps the admissions team assess whether you’ve thought through your post-MBA goals and understand how to leverage the summer internship to support them.
Tips for Columbia’s Deferred Enrollment Essay Questions
Essay 1:
Applying to a deferred enrollment program suggests that your aspirations in the next 2–5 years will include an MBA. Why do you feel you need an MBA to achieve your long-term career goals and why would you like to pursue your MBA at Columbia Business School? (300 words max)
This is your opportunity to demonstrate clarity of purpose and strategic vision. Even though you’re just beginning your career, CBS wants to see that you’ve thoughtfully considered your long-term goals and understand how an MBA will help you achieve them. Start by articulating the kind of impact you hope to make, and outline the skills, experiences, or exposure you’ll need to get there. Then, explain how Columbia’s MBA – its curriculum, NYC location, access to industries, or specific programs – fits your goals and learning style. Make sure your interest in CBS is authentic and grounded in research. The most compelling essays show both ambition and a well-reasoned plan for growth.
Essay 2:
Contributing to the community is an important part of the CBS experience. Discuss one experience or situation in your undergraduate or graduate career where you feel you contributed to your community and what you learned from the experience. (250 words max)
This question is all about impact and engagement. Columbia is looking for students who actively contribute to the world around them and bring a collaborative mindset to the MBA experience. Choose an example where you made a meaningful difference – whether through a student organization, mentoring others, launching an initiative, or supporting your peers. Focus on your actions, the outcome, and your personal learning. Strong responses highlight emotional intelligence, leadership potential, and a commitment to community – key traits that Columbia values highly in future MBAs.
Tips for Columbia’s Reapplicant Essay
How have you enhanced your candidacy since your previous application? Please detail your progress since you last applied and reiterate how you plan to achieve your immediate and long term post-MBA professional goals. (500 words max)
This essay is your chance to demonstrate growth, reflection, and renewed clarity. Columbia wants to see that you’ve used the time since your last application productively, whether by taking on greater responsibility at work, gaining new leadership experience, improving your test scores, or sharpening your post-MBA goals. Be specific and concrete about what you’ve done and why it matters. It’s also important to reflect on what you’ve learned in the process – self-awareness and adaptability are key traits of successful MBA candidates. In the second part of the essay, clearly restate your short- and long-term goals and emphasize how CBS is still the right fit to help you achieve them. A strong reapplicant essay acknowledges past weaknesses, shows meaningful progress, and presents a compelling and focused vision for the future.
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FAQs
What are the required Columbia MBA application essays for 2025–2026?
There are three main Columbia MBA application essays. Below are the full prompts:
Essay 1: Career Goals
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?
Essay 2: Team & Inclusion
Please share a specific example of how you made a team more collaborative, more inclusive or fostered a greater sense of community within an organization.
Essay 3: Co-Creating the CBS Experience
We believe Columbia Business School is a special place with a collaborative learning environment in which students feel a sense of belonging, agency, and partnership–academically, culturally, and professionally.
How would you co-create your optimal MBA experience at CBS? Please be specific.
These MBA application essay questions give the Admissions Committee a multi-dimensional view of your goals, values, and fit for CBS.
What is the Columbia MBA optional essay prompt?
The optional essay is intended to offer additional context.
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.
What are the Columbia MBA short answer questions for all applicants?
All applicants must respond to the following:
- What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 characters max)
This brief question is crucial for clarifying your post-MBA career goals and should align with your longer essays.
What is the Columbia MBA short answer for January entry candidates?
Why do you prefer the January entry term? (50 characters max)
What is the Columbia MBA short answer for August entry candidates?
How do you plan to spend the summer after the first year of the MBA? If in an internship, please include target industry(ies) and/or function(s). If you plan to work on your own venture, please indicate a focus of business.
What are the Columbia MBA deferred enrollment essay prompts?
Applicants to the deferred enrollment program must answer both of the following:
Deferred Essay 1: Long-Term Goals & CBS Fit
Applying to a deferred enrollment program suggests that your aspirations in the next 2–5 years will include an MBA. Why do you feel you need an MBA to achieve your long-term career goals and why would you like to pursue your MBA at Columbia Business School?
Deferred Essay 2: Contribution & Community
Contributing to the community is an important part of the CBS experience. Discuss one experience or situation in your undergraduate or graduate career where you feel you contributed to your community and what you learned from the experience.
What is the reapplicant essay question for the Columbia MBA application?
Reapplicant Essay:
How have you enhanced your candidacy since your previous application? Please detail your progress since you last applied and reiterate how you plan to achieve your immediate and long term post-MBA career goals.
Where can I get help with my Columbia MBA application essays?
Fortuna Admissions is a team of former MBA admissions insiders, including ex-CBS staff, who offer expert CBS MBA essay coaching. Book a free consultation for personalized feedback on your Columbia MBA strategy and increase your chances of admission.
Why does Columbia MBA offer both August and January entry options?
Columbia is one of the only top MBA programs with two entry points. This flexibility supports different applicant goals and timelines. Both options follow the same curriculum and lead to the same degree.
What’s the difference between the August and January intakes?
- August Entry: Includes a summer internship and follows a traditional two-year timeline; ideal for career switchers.
- January Entry: Accelerated program that skips the internship; better suited for professionals with clear goals who don’t need a summer break.
Do the two intakes have different class profiles?
No. Both intakes merge in second-year electives and have similar class compositions, though January often attracts more entrepreneurs and sponsored professionals.
Is one intake more competitive than the other?
Admissions criteria are equally selective, though August has more seats. January may feel more competitive due to its smaller cohort size.
Do both MBA intakes offer the same curriculum and electives?
Yes. Both tracks follow the same core curriculum and offer full access to CBS electives and extracurriculars.
How should I approach Columbia’s MBA essay questions?
Start with clear, authentic storytelling. Show how your MBA career goals align with CBS’s strengths and be specific in describing your experiences and aspirations. Avoid generic answers. The article above provides more expert essay analysis and CBS essay tips.
Why are Columbia MBA application essays important?
The Columbia MBA essay questions help the admissions team assess your goals, leadership, values, and fit. Strong essays can differentiate you in a competitive pool.
What makes a great CBS MBA essay?
A great CBS MBA essay is specific, introspective, and well-aligned with Columbia’s values. Demonstrate self-awareness, leadership, and your unique contribution to the CBS community.
Fortuna Admissions Senior Expert Coach Cassandra Pittman is a Columbia MBA alumna and a former member of admissions teams at London Business School and INSEAD. For more free advice and a personal, candid assessment of your chances, you can sign up now for a free consultation.