Ask Columbia GSB Admissions

Hi Matt,

I have a question concerning the Early Decision round.

I am just curious: what are the repercussions for not accepting an offer of admission at Columbia GSB during the Early Decision round? I am aware you are losing out on a $6,000 deposit, but what else could happen if you simply decide you do not want to go to Columbia GSB anymore? (whether it is because you decide to go to another school, or simply because you have ultimately decided against an MBA).

Is the statement of intent legally binding? Do Columbia admissions notify other MBA programs of your actions?

Thank you!

Best,

Eric

Hi Eric,

Early Decision is for applicants who know that Columbia is their first choice. All ED applicants must sign the statement of commitment that reads:

"As an Early Decision candidate to Columbia Business School, I am committed to attending Columbia Business School, and will withdraw all applications and decline all offers from other schools upon admission to Columbia Business School."

We expect that all admitted students who apply Early Decision attend, but we do not take action against those who do not. If applicants are unsure of this level of commitment I always suggest that they consider applying instead for regular decision.

Good luck,
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Hi Matt,

Is it too late to submit an application now?
Are the chances of acceptance for applications submitted at this time lower?

Thanks,
Dina

Hi admissions team

Though I know that Adcom will look at the overall application, I was wondering whether a GMAT testing history of 640 (Q40/V36), 640(Q42/V38), 710(Q42/V45), with more or less consistent 60% scores in Quant would be an almost automatic reason for disqualification at Columbia. I'm a healthcare analyst with a large consulting firm, so I have demonstrated quant skills at work, but otherwise my undergrad quant scores are low too.

Again, I realize that the overall application is considered, but does that score history sound like a big deal-breaker?

Regards
A.

Hi Dina,

We are still accepting and reviewing applications for the August entry. We are admitting applicants on a rolling basis so there are fewer spots available than there were earlier in the cycle, however applicants can still be admitted if they apply up until the deadline.

Good luck!
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Hi A.

As you know the application process is holistic and the GMAT is just one aspect of the process. There is never a single reason for admission or denial, so unfortunately there isn't a simple answer to your question. If you have taken your GMAT several times and you feel it will not change, then I suggest focusing on the other parts of your application.

Good luck,
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Hi Matt,

Can an applicant who has been denied admission for Fall 2012 apply for J-Term for the term starting January 2013?

Thanks.

Hi CBSCBSCBS,

Yes applicants who applied for the August 2012 can reapply for January 2013. Please visit https://www4.gsb.columbia.edu/mba/admiss ... plications for information on the reapplication process.

Good luck!
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Hi Matt!

Just wanted to check when would the application for Jan 13 intake start? Is it going to be 1st May, or later part of the month. Also, are the essay and recommendation questions expected to change from the current application?

Thanks

Greetings CBS!

I am planning on applying to CBS this fall for a 2013 matriculation, but before I do I was hoping to garner some info regarding non-traditional applicants. My narrative is a strange and circuitous one. At 40, and as an actor here in NYC and LA, I feel a little trepidatious applying for business school since I come from such a different background compared with most applicants.

A brief synopsis then: I graduated from The Juilliard School ten years ago and have been a professional actor ever since - meaning I have not had any other jobs. I have done everything from Shakespeare in the Park to Broadway to television and film and even commercials and voice overs, and am looking to enter into the business side of the Media/Entertainment industry post b-school. What advice in general would you have for someone like me when applying? For instance, what should I do with regards to my resume and letters of recommendation on my application, etc?

Any information you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

All the best,
Charles

Hi Charles,

Thank you for your question. We are not looking for a specific type of work experience for the MBA program. We have had actors and artists in the past apply and be admitted. You will need to submit a resume, but we do not have specific requirements for this. As far as recommendations we want professional recommendations so choose two recommenders who know you well and can speak to your skills and potential as a professional. This is really no different than any other applicant; however if there is anything in your work experience you feel needs to be explained further you can give us more information in the optional essay.

Best of luck,
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Hello, there are a few of us who applied before the merit deadline (Jan 4) but have not heard anything back, including interview invites or rejections. I understand CBS follows a rolling admissions process, but could you provide any clarity on when we can expect to hear a response considering it has been roughly 3 months since submission? Many thanks for your time.

Hi Admissions Team,

How many 30+ candidates do you admit? Would a candidate be at a disadvantage due to age?

Thanks.

Hi kookie,

Thank you for your question. We try to get applicants decisions between 8-12 weeks from when their application went under review; however this can be extended. If you have specific questions about your application please contact us at apply@gsb.columbia.edu.

Regards,
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Hi someone79

Thank you for your e-mail. We admit several applicants each year who are 30 and over. Age does not put applicants at a disadvantage.

Best of luck!
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Hi Matt, my apologies I realized before writing it that it was too generic!
- Let me rephrase, is there any average/median GMAT quant score breakdown for current students there? A range perhaps? Website only lists total avg. GMAT score and median range.

- Alternately, have students who have a low quant score that have been admitted into CBS in the past displayed quantitative abilities in other aspects of their resume to compensate? For example, would taking and excelling in a good online Business stats course demonstrate quant aptitude to an extent (e.g. Cornell)? Again, I realize there's no straight forward answer to this one, but is it a good "öptional essay" topic?

Sorry to press this, but I'm trying my best to gauge whether I'm CBS applicant-worthy material as its currently on my top 3 list for 2013. Thanks for your time.

Hi Admissions Team,

I'm colombian and English isn't my native language. I took the TOEFL and got 98/120 which I don't know if its enough to get into Columbia Business School. Should I retake the TOEFL?

Is there any minimum TOEFL score recommended to apply into Columbia.

Many thanks.

I applied for Fall 2012 but got a reject. If I am applying again to CSB for Fall 2013, I will be adding a reapplicant essay, but other essays will remain more or less same. I will be able to show developments in my professional/personal life in my CV/Resume and Extra-curricular activities.

1) Does most of the reapplicants have the same essays they had the previous year?

2) Or do you expect to have fresh essays?

3) Also does an AWA score of 4 automatically makes a reject, or are there people with AWA of 4 being accepted by CSB?

4) Since I am an International Applicant required to submit Toefl/PTE score, I would like to know what is the mean range of PTE score

5)And what score in writing in PTE will negate the effect of AWA score of 4

Regards

Hi Aximili85,

Thank you for following up. We do not have a break out for the quant section of the GMAT. We look at all aspects of the application so if applicants take additional courses we will certainly take those into consideration. We will also look at work experience when we consider an applicant's abilities. If you feel that you want to explain your quant scores and how you have shown quant ability in other aspects of your profile you may do so in the optional essay.

Good Luck,
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