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 characters

What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal?

First summer plan

50 characters

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.

Career goals and dream job

500 words

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?

Team and community

250 words

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.

Co-create your CBS experience

250 words

How would you co-create your optimal MBA experience at CBS? Please be specific.

Optional essay

500 words · optional

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.

Reapplicant essay

500 words · optional

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.

Deadlines

R1September 9, 2026
R2January 5, 2027
R3March 29, 2027

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Sources

Last checked November 7, 2026. Storylode is not affiliated with Columbia Business School.