School guides · 2026-27
Columbia Business School
The essay prompts, word limits and deadlines for 2026-27, and what Columbia Business School says it looks for. Always check the official site before you submit.
Essays
Immediate post-MBA goal
50 charactersWhat is your immediate post-MBA professional goal?
First summer plan
50 charactersHow 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.
Career goals and dream job
500 wordsThrough 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?
Team and community
250 wordsPlease share a specific example of how you made a team more collaborative, more inclusive or fostered a greater sense of community within an organization.
Co-create your CBS experience
250 wordsHow would you co-create your optimal MBA experience at CBS? Please be specific.
Optional essay
500 words · optionalIf 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.
Reapplicant essay
500 words · optionalHow 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.
Deadlines
| R1 | September 9, 2026 |
|---|---|
| R2 | January 5, 2027 |
| R3 | March 29, 2027 |
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Sources
- CBS options and deadlines
- CBS application requirements
- mbaMission: CBS essays 2026-27 (prompt wording)
- Accepted: CBS essays and deadlines 2026-27
- Aringo: recommender questions 2026-27
Last checked November 7, 2026. Storylode is not affiliated with Columbia Business School.