Thanks for the consultation, Great help!

Columbia business school has changed the
questions for essay #2 and essay #3 this year, retaining its longstanding goals essay for the 2019-20 application
season. The new questions about' fit
'with CBS and leadership have been introduced this year. The short-answer question and the optional essay remain unchanged.

The admission deadlines and timeline are as under:

 ApplicationDeadlines:

MBA

Entry: August 2020

Early: October 4, 2019

Merit Fellowship Deadline: January 3, 2020

Final: April 10, 2020

MBA

Entry: January 2020

Deadline: October 4, 2019

.All deadlines are at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Columbia
Business School is one of the first business schools to release its application
essays every year. CBS makes its essays available early because it is one of
the few programs to offer an early decision round. From CBSadmission website, “Columbia Business
School uses a rolling admissions process, which means applications are reviewed-
and decisions rendered- as they are received.”

Essays:

Here is MER’s analysis of CBS’s essays:

Short
Answer Question:

What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 characters maximum)

This is a straightforward question about the
candidates’ career goal immediately after graduating from Columbia Business
School. In a mere 50 characters, including space (approximately 8 words) you
have to mention the job you wish to have after completing MBA. Please make sure
that your post-MBA goal aligns with your long-term goal that you will discuss
in essay # 1. Since
the character limit is so stringent, you may not stress yourself writing
complete sentences. I would encourage you to look at the sample answers on the CBSwebsite. Please reveal your true goals, and not what CBS wants to hear.

Let’s
take a closer look at the essays now:

Essay 1: Through your resume and recommendations, we have a clear sense of
your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next 3-5
years and what, in your imagination, would be your long-term dream job? (500
words)

CBS is going with this prompt again this
year and begins this essay prompt by clearly stating not to repeat the
information already given in resume and recommendations. In other words, the Admission
Committee is shoving you away from wasting their time in repeating your résumé!
Though the question asks only about short
term and long-term goals, a bit of context about professional history is
required to explain what has led you to your career goals. Now, if you must mention some of your
achievements, it should be done only to carry your career path forward.

Don’t
forget to build your essay from the immediate post-MBA goal already stated in the
short answer question. Make sure to keep the short-term and long-term goals
aligned. Talk about your career goals over the next 3-5 years, sharing how you
intend to progress from your short-term goals to the long-term dream job. Notice
the phrases in the essay question “dream job” and “in your imagination”; CBS is
urging you to be creative, imaginative and think big, and craft this essay
prompt using illustrative examples. CBS is interested to know your dreams- your long-term goals. You may not
need to conform to prescribed norms; after all, you could be the one who may
pave way for others.

You may tend to get a bit too carried away with “dream job”. But you should resist the temptation and be as realistic and grounded as possible while detailing out your goals. Try to highlight how things may change for the community or people around you when you will succeed in getting your dream job. Your plans could be ambitious, but they should be viable and realistic. You may have an out of this world goal or a dream job in mind, but CBS is also looking for the viability of your “dream”. So, you should also stress your ability to fulfil your dream.

Although CBS does not ask how MBA from CBS will
help you reach your goals, we believe that you can wrap up the essay with a
comment on (only one sentence) how CBS will open the doors to your dream career
path. You don’t want to go into details since you will talk about CBS in detail
in the second question.  

Essay
2: Why do you feel Columbia Business School is a good fit for you? (250 words)

Previously, CBS’s
second essay talked about the school’s New York City location and the benefits
that it conferred, but the admissions committee has now amplified the scope of
the prompt to encompass everything the program offers. The best way to write an effective response is to do thorough research about Columbia’s intellectually driven alumni
from varied backgrounds, curriculum, experienced faculty, clubs, extracurricular
activities, strategic location, and recruiting strengths. Discuss your plan of action,
how you intend to use the CBS MBA program to reach your short term and long-term goals already
mentioned in short answer question and essay 1.

It is a good idea to highlight strengths listed on the CBS website, “Only Columbia
Business School gives you the opportunity to shape your career in the very
centre of business. There’s something about being positioned in New York City,
where access to leaders across industry is truly
advantageous”. CBS takes great pride in its strategic location i.e. New York,
I suggest you put across your plan to make the best use of CBS being at “the
very centre of business “. Having access to the leaders across the world is
emphasized by CBS as it is one of the key benefits of the program. You may indicate
how you can make use of CBS’s close ties to the business, non-profit,
and government communities to succeed in the fast-moving competitive
environment. Make
a list of the opportunities you hope to get at CBS and in the New York City and
then link each of these to your goals. Reviewing CBS website, conversing
with the alumni, attending CBS events for prospective students and campus
visits could all work to your advantage by setting your case apart.

Writing an impactful essay, highlighting how the
strategic location and resources at the CBS can be a great choice for
accomplishing your short-term and long-term goals in mere 250 words is not an
easy task. To meet the
stringent word limits, you need to be extremely precise in presenting your case
and make every word count.

Essay
3: Who is a leader you admire, and why? (250
words)

This question is brand new for 2019-2020, replacing last year’s
question about a team failure. Despite being very short, this question asks you
to cover a lot of information. This essay prompt is a window to your
thought process. Here is your opportunity to show the admission committee your
idea of leadership style. Value-based essays like this one are extremely
important to make your case to the admission committee.

Choose a leader you admire. Here,
“why” becomes more important than “who”. You can watch this video
by CBS which discusses business leadership worldwide. Of course, it is a lot
easier to pick popular leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Bill Gates but if you
want your essay to stand out, you may not choose the world figures. Also, avoid
using parents as your favorite leaders. Instead, choose a leader who is
innovative and entrepreneurial. This way, you will be able to draw parallels
with your life. You can choose your teacher, mentor, or boss, or anyone in the
community you admire. For instance, if you want to lead in the field of
environment management, talk about a person who either has innovative
mechanisms to his credit or has made an immense contribution in this field. Dwell
on his specific traits and leadership style and how you have imbibed these
values yourself. While explaining why you admire that leader, you are in fact sharing
your own leadership styles and values.

These 250 words essay should not only focus on that
leader; it should reflect on your own leadership style as well. I would say the
first two paragraphs will be about the qualities of a leader (1 quality each
paragraph with reasons why you like this quality).  Provide examples of his/her personal and
professional achievements owing to the leadership style. The third paragraph
should be about how you feel that the leader’s qualities and leadership style
resonate with you. Make sure to focus on why the qualities of the
leader you have chosen are inspiring for you and try to build some connection
to your profile or background.

Optional Essay:

Is
there any further information that you wish to provide the Admissions
Committee? If so, use this space to provide an explanation of any areas of
concern in your academic record or your personal history. This does not need to
be a formal essay. You may submit bullet points. (Maximum 500 Words)

An optional essay is an
opportunity for you to give relevant information to the Ad Com that you could
not provide in other parts of your application, essays, and resume. For
example, if you have a lower than average GMAT score, any grades below a C on
your transcript, academic probation or a significant employment gap, you can
explain in this essay. To provide a context for a weakness in your profile,
make sure your reason is genuine to convince the Ad Com that your low grades or
employment gap occurred due to unforeseen circumstances beyond your control.
Your response should be positive, straightforward, and fact-focused and should
not sound like you are making excuses for a weakness in your profile. Also, if
you cannot get your recommendation letter from your current supervisor, please
explain that in the optional statement.

If you do not have any weakness in your profile but think that you
didn’t get a chance to throw a spotlight on a significant professional
accomplishment, extra-curricular accomplishments or community involvement, you
may sure use this essay  to share that key aspect of your candidacy.

Since 2011, MER (myEssayReview)  has helped many
applicants get accepted into top 20 MBA programs including Columbia Business
School. (Poonam is  one of the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club.)

For 
further assistance in developing your application essays, you may review the general Essay Tips.

For essay analysis  of other
schools by MER, click here.

You may e-mail Poonam at myessayreview.com">poonam@myessayreview.com  with questions about your CBS application.

 This article first appeared in myEssayReview blog.

Web /Blog/ Free resources/LinkedIn/ Facebook/

Photo by Sean Pollock on Unsplash

This article first appeared on Sia Admissions Blog

An MBA’s general core curriculum offers an excellent opportunity for future business leaders of virtually any sector to gain insight into the fundamentals of business. Over time, business schools have also developed strengths in specific industries, allowing for a deeper understanding of various fields. With the commercial real estate market now exceeding $16 trillion in the United States alone, the sector offers many opportunities to have a meaningful impact. It comes as no surprise, then, that candidates are interested in MBAs that provide insight, exposure, and training to prepare them for a career in the real estate sector.

If your objective is to launch or enhance a career in real estate post-MBA, you should evaluate these programs. To help with your school selection process, we have outlined five (5) top MBA programs with strong resources and ties to the industry. Backed by impressive job placement records of their respective students, earning an MBA from any of these institutions may yield a high ROI in your post-MBA career in real estate.

The Wharton School



For candidates interested in real estate development, real estate finance and economics, urban fiscal policy, real estate law, and housing markets, Wharton offers an MBA with a focus (major) in Real Estate. Through the required courses and electives, students gain insights related to the many tangents of real estate. Furthermore, The Samuel Zell & Robert Lurie Real Estate Center offers deep international and national industry insights. Their sponsorship of research, conferences, seminars and special programs for Real Estate MBA students provide a web of knowledge and connects for students to be “in the know.” The Center also hosts annual panel discussions whose topics run the gamut from geopolitics affecting real estate and real estate technology, to real estate investment trends and capital markets. In addition to an active alumni engagement, students also gain first-hand experience and insights through annual treks. 

UNC Kenan Flagler Business School



Of the top 20 U.S. MBA programs, University of North Carolina (UNC) Kenan Flagler tops with 11% of its 2018 graduating class accepting positions in Real Estate. Kenan-Flagler’s Leonard W. Wood Center for Real Estate Studies offers students exposure to and preparation for a successful career in the sector. Comprehensive coursework and hands-on training, conferences, treks, and certifications, are all components of the Real Estate Center’s effort to prepare future leaders for successful careers. The alumni network is also very active, serving as mentors to students and helping them develop into leaders the sector needs.  

Columbia Business School



With its central New York location, Columbia Business School offers MBA candidates opportunities to enroll in electives that pave the path for a successful post-MBA career in Real Estate. With a spirit of entrepreneurship, students with a career-focus in Real Estate have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Real Estate Finance and Investment Management. Through the Paul Milstein Center for Real Estate, Columbia’s MBA candidates gain theoretical and practical insight incorporating both national and international themes. In the classroom, students work on over 60 proprietary cases to increase critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills. The center also hosts a speaker series where industry experts – which often includes Columbia alumni – are invited to discuss the trends in the real estate market.

UCLA Anderson School of Management



The UCLA Anderson MBA program offers students opportunities to choose a Real Estate career path through a variety of electives, applied management research project,  and other resources. MBA candidates benefit from resources sponsored by the Ziman Center for Real Estate and participate in the annual symposiums, competitions, speaker series, and conferences to hone their understanding of the sector and build essential skills for a successful career. About 4% of UCLA Anderson’s 2018 MBA graduates accepted jobs in Real Estate spanning the gamut from development, strategic planning and analysis, and diversified commercial and development companies, including REITs and private real estate regional firms. 

The University of Texas at Austin - McCombs School of Business



The University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business offers excellent resources for students interested in careers in Real Estate. The Real Estate Center at McCombs helps MBA Real Estate concentration students prepare for careers in real estate finance, investment, and development. In this program, students have opportunities to participate in career training and development, competitions, industry conferences, etc. To gain hands-on experience, students also have the chance to manage both REITs and Private Equity funds, one of the country’s only business school to offer this privilege.

The leaders in the MBA admissions space—mbaMission and Manhattan Prep—are coming together to make sure you will be ready for the 2020–2021 business school admissions season. Join us for a free, six-part webinar series called “Your Dream MBA.” Senior Consultants from mbaMission will address and explain different significant admissions issues, while experts from Manhattan Prep will help you tackle some of the toughest challenges GMAT and GRE test takers face, offering valuable insight and advice.

Business school is a big goal. We will help you see it through!

No matter where you are in your journey, these free online events will offer you expert insights and guidance as you work toward your goals. From nailing the GMAT Quant section to speaking with admissions officers, you will get a well-rounded view of the MBA admissions process.

These live webinars will run on a weekly basis from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. (EDT). Please sign up for each session separately via the links below—space is limited.

• Thursday, April 23, 2020: How to Pick the Right B-School and GMAT vs. GRENot all MBAs are created equal, and getting into the right program can make all the difference. During this event, Jessica Shklar, managing director at mbaMission, will help you narrow in on the right b-schools for you given your unique profile and goals. Whitney Garner, an expert GMAT and GRE instructor at Manhattan Prep, will explain key differences between the GMAT and the GRE, plus show you how to tackle real problems on those tests, so you make an informed decision on which exam to take.
• Thursday, April 30, 2020: How to Maximize Results from Your MBA Profile and GMAT ScoreEvery year, thousands of strong applicants apply to business school. To get noticed, you will need an impressive GMAT or GRE score and an unforgettable application. In this free event, Manhattan Prep instructor Whitney Garner discusses the GMAT’s scoring system and how you can approach the test with the right mindset to get your best return on investment. Then, mbaMission Senior Consultant Rachel Beck will tell you what admissions officers look for and advise you on how to make your application stand out.
• Wednesday, May 6, 2020: Writing Standout MBA Application EssaysTo grab the attention of a top business school, you will need to write an essay that is well crafted and memorable. Learn to do just that in this free event led by mbaMission’s president and founder, Jeremy Shinewald, who will help you start to uncover your personal story, craft a strong opening statement, develop your goals, and connect those goals to your target school.
• Thursday, May 14, 2020: Advanced GMAT: 700+ Level Quant and Sentence Correction StrategyThe GMAT has four subscores, but your Quant score will likely be the most important. Get ready to tackle the most difficult Quant problems with this free event led by Manhattan Prep instructor Jamie Nelson. Jamie will also walk you through an equally tough section: Sentence Correction. Learn how to nail the most challenging problems, no matter how long or confusing each passage may seem.
• Thursday, May 14, 2020: GRE for B-School – Tackling the Toughest TopicsTaking the GRE for b-school? Have a top MBA program in mind? We have got you covered with this free event. You will learn how to approach the toughest topics—from Quant to Verbal. This is a great event for students at any stage in their prep. Even if you have already started your studies, we will help set you to reach your highest potential.
• Thursday, May 21, 2020: Top MBA Admissions Directors Answer Your Questions!Getting into a top MBA program can be a challenging goal, but we are here to help you do it. In this event, we are bringing you direct access to some of the world’s best business schools so that you can ask them all of your questions, learn what makes each one unique, and get advice on how to put your best foot forward in your application. mbaMission Founder/President Jeremy Shinewald will host this free Q&A session with a panel of admissions officers from leading business schools including the MIT Sloan School of Management, Columbia Business School, the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, and the Yale School of Management.

Feeling unsure during these uncertain times? We understand. And we hope that these sessions will be a source of connection, motivation, and maybe a welcome distraction for you. Even if you ultimately cannot attend a live event, we will send registrants a recording so you can learn from this series even six, ten, or twelve months down the line.

Get started putting your best foot forward by registering for these free webinars today. We look forward to helping you on your business school journey! 

On Thursday, May 21, mbaMission joined forces with Manhattan Prep to host an online Q&A session with admissions directors from five leading business schools: Columbia Business School (CBS), the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, the Yale School of Management, the MIT Sloan School of Management, and the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management. During the discussion, each of the directors announced that application deadlines and essay questions will remain virtually unchanged for the coming (2020–2021) admissions season. Yale, Darden, MIT, and Kellogg leadership explained that they are content with the essay prompts from the past year and anticipate no major changes, encouraging applicants to get started. However, the assistant dean of admissions at CBS stated that she expected her school’s essays to be similar but noted that she may change the school’s third essay, encouraging applicants to get started on the first two. 

We recommend that you watch the full recording of the webinar below or on our YouTube channel to get the inside scoop on everything the admissions directors shared.

Although essays and deadlines dominated the early part of the session, the admissions officers inevitably discussed hot topics including deferrals, fall 2020 matriculation, and the expectations for online GMAT GRE testing. Here are a few highlights and revelations:

• In response to the question, “What will the fall term look like?,” there was a consensus among the admissions directors that both in-person and hybrid options will be offered in an effort to provide flexibility to those who will not be able to attend classes in person.
• Accepted candidates who may wish to defer their matriculation to the following year (2021–2022) were reminded that each institution will make deferral decisions on a case-by-case basis and were encouraged to contact the Admissions Office for more information on the various options in place for them.
• A popular question from the event’s participants addressed the waiving of GMAT/GRE testing requirements during the current Round 3 Extended cycle and whether next year’s applicants can expect this waiver to remain in place. In short, the directors explained that though each institution will offer flexible options for test takers (such as taking the exam from home), there are no definite plans to continue waiving the testing requirements, as test centers are expected to reopen with time.

Each and every one of our panelists sounded an optimistic tone, encouraging strong candidates to continue to apply. Our thanks go out to these experienced officers who led a very exciting and insightful discussion! 

If you have any questions about your MBA candidacy in Round 3 or the upcoming application season, be sure to sign up for a free 30-minute consultation to get personalized advice from one of mbaMission’s admissions experts!

Like many of us, Columbia Business School just wants to be loved. For a successful candidate that means making it clear to CBS that it is your first (and possibly only) choice for business school, and that you possess the leadership qualities to succeed.

If this is you – and you want the best chance of being accepted – then applying Early Decision (ED) is the way to go. But remember that this decision is binding and that, upon acceptance, you will need to commit and withdraw any other applications. If CBS is not your first choice, then apply rolling admissions. But use good judgment, applying the day after the ED deadline signals that your application was ready to go, but that CBS is not your first choice. Keep in mind that the admissions committee evaluates applications in the order they are received. ED applicants typically hear back in ~4-6 weeks. So, if you submit your CBS ED application just after July 4th, you could be celebrating your seat in the class of 2022 on Labor Day!

Let’s delve into each essay:

Goal: What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 characters)

This VERY SHORT statement (remember 50 characters, not words!).  Make it as specific as possible, provide an example of a position you may want, an industry you want to join, or a company that is ideal for you.  Whatever you say here should tie into Essay 1.

Essay #1: Through your resume and recommendations, we have a clear sense of your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next 3 – 5 years and what, in your imagination, would be your long-term dream job? (500 words)

Start out with what the longer-term goal is – just a very brief description.

Then offer some simple context/backstory: as the prompt states, you shouldn’t rehash your professional path, but it is good to offer just a few key points so that the goals make sense without repeating what is on other pieces of your application.  Next, describe your 3-5-year career goals – and how, after completing the CBS MBA, this role will prepare you for the long-term dream job. Consider offering a specific job title and even an example of a company or organization you aspire to work for.  This will help the admissions committee really connect with your goal.

Finally, delve more deeply into the long-term goal – think big, think creatively, think outside the box.  Here, it’s not as essential to give a job title, but rather what sort of impact you hope to make.  Give examples of how and why this might be important – to a community, to a company or organization or somewhere else. Finish with how the CBS MBA specifically will be essential for meeting these goals.  You can mention certain classes, professors or organizations that are unique to CBS that would be beneficial to you. Be sure not to overlap with the next essay though, as you want to mention new information in each essay.

Essay #2: Why do you feel Columbia Business School is a good fit for you? (250 words)

Your answer to this essay should get across that the CBS MBA is THE business program for you. The reasons you give for why you want to attend Columbia should be tied to unique aspects of the school itself, like the fact that the school’s position in New York City provides unparalleled business resources, and to specific interests that you have, like a specific desire to get involved in the Lang Center for Entrepreneurship. It’s not enough to just generally list characteristics of the school, you should also tie these aspects into what you want to gain or provide during your time in the program. Prior to writing, you should do significant research into what CBS has to offer, from classes, extracurriculars, professors and networking opportunities.

Essay #3: Tell us about your favorite book, movie, or song and why it resonates with you? (250 words)

This question is significantly different from the prior year’s prompt but still focuses on Columbia’s desire to get to know a more personal side of the applicant. Through asking about a favorite piece of work, Columbia is giving the applicant the chance to showcase their personality in an open-ended response. It is important to note that this question is more about why the applicant selected a piece than it is about providing a synopsis of the piece. Think of something that is interesting to you that you can pull the reader into and explain why it resonates with you. Avoid obvious responses, like top sellers or business-related topics, and select something that will allow you to explore within the essay your values, interests, and unique experiences. It is less important whether you pick a book, movie or song, and more about what you connect to within the piece.

Columbia business school, at the very center of business, has retained the short answer question, Essay #1 (career goals), and Essay and #2 (fit) for the application cycle 2020-21. CBS has changed Essay #3. Instead of your 'favorite leader,' CBS now desires to know about your favorite book, movie, or song.  Like previous years, CBS allows applicants to submit an optional essay to explain any areas of concern in their application.

Application Deadlines

•     Early
Decision/January Deadline:              October
2, 2020

•     Merit Based
Fellowship Deadline:                 January
6, 2021

•     Final Regular
Decision Deadline:                 April
9, 2021

•     Deferred
Enrollment Deadline:                    April 15, 2021

Essays

Here is MER's analysis of CBS's
essays:

Short Answer Question:

 What is your immediate post-MBA professional
goal? (50 characters maximum)

This
is a straightforward question about the candidates' career goal immediately
after graduating from Columbia Business School. In a mere 50 characters,
including space (approximately eight words), you have to mention the job you
wish to have after completing MBA. Please make sure that your post-MBA goal
aligns with your long-term goal that you will discuss in essay #1. Since the
character limit is so stringent, you may not stress yourself writing complete
sentences.

Please
reveal your true goals, and not what CBS wants to hear I would encourage you to
look at CBS' examples of possible responses:

Examples of possible responses:

"Work in business development for a media company."

"Join a strategy consulting firm."

"Launch a data-management start-up."

Let's
take a closer look at other essays now:

Essay
#1: Through your resume and recommendations, we have a clear sense of your
professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next 3-5 years,
and what, in your imagination, would be your long-term dream job? (500 words)

CBS
is going with this prompt again this year and begins this essay prompt by
clearly stating not to repeat the information already given in resume and
recommendations. In other words, the Admission Committee is shoving you away
from wasting their time in repeating your résumé! Though the question asks only
about short term and long-term goals, a bit of context about professional
history is required to explain what has led you to your career goals. Now, if
you must mention some of your achievements, it should be done only to carry
your career path forward.

You
may build your essay from the immediate post-MBA goal already stated in the
short answer question. Talk about your career goals over the next 3-5 years,
sharing how you intend to progress from your short-term goals to the long-term
dream job. Also, make sure to keep the short and long-term goals aligned. Notice
the phrases in the essay question "dream job" and "in your
imagination"; CBS is urging you to be creative, imaginative, and think
big, and is interested to know your dream job - your long-term goals. You may
not need to conform to prescribed norms; you could be the one who may pave the
way for others.

You
may tend to get a bit too carried away with "dream job." But you
should resist the temptation and be as realistic and grounded as possible while
detailing out your goals. Try to highlight how things may change for the
community or people around you when you succeed in getting your dream job. Your
plans could be ambitious, but they should be viable and realistic. So, you
should also stress your ability to fulfill your dream.

Although
CBS does not ask how MBA from CBS will help you reach your goals, we believe
that you can wrap up the essay with a comment on (only one sentence) how CBS
will open the doors to your dream career path. You don't want to go into
details since you will talk about CBS in detail in the second question.

Essay #2: Why do you feel Columbia
Business School is a good fit for you? (250 words)

Essay
# 2 picks up from where Essay # 1 left off. After detailing out your career
aspirations, you will now explain how CBS is aligned with your goals. The best
way to write an effective response is to do a thorough research of  Columbia's intellectually driven alumni from
varied backgrounds, curriculum, experienced faculty, clubs, extracurricular
activities, strategic location, and recruiting strengths. And then, discuss how
you intend to use the resources and offerings of the CBS MBA program to reach
your short term and long-term goals already mentioned in the short answer
question and essay 1.

It
is a good idea to highlight strengths listed on the CBS website, "Only
Columbia Business School gives you the opportunity to shape your career in the
very center of business. There's something about being positioned in New York
City, where access to leaders across the industry is truly advantageous. Here
you will learn to take on challenges and respond dynamically. You'll gain
skills to succeed in fast-moving, competitive environments anywhere. Hone your
strengths. Find your best career path. Realize success."

CBS
takes great pride in its strategic location, i.e., New York. So  you should put across your plan to make the
best use of CBS being at "the very center of business." Having access
to the leaders across the world is emphasized by CBS as it is one of the key
benefits of the program. You may indicate how you can make use of CBS's close
ties to the business, non-profit, and government communities to succeed in the
fast-moving competitive environment. Make a list of the opportunities you hope
to get at CBS and in New York City, and then link each of these to your goals.
Reviewing CBS's website, conversing with the alumni, attending CBS events for
prospective students, and visiting campus could all work to your advantage by
setting your case apart.

Writing
an impactful essay, highlighting how the strategic location and resources at
CBS can be an excellent choice for accomplishing your short-term and long-term
goals in only 250 words is not an easy task. To meet the stringent word limits,
you need to be extremely precise in presenting your case and make every word count.

Essay #3: Tell us about your
favorite book, movie or song and why it resonates with you. (250 words)

This
question is brand new for 2020-21, replacing last year's question about a
leader you admire. This essay prompt is an opportunity to offer the admission
committee a peek into your personal side- your values, beliefs, interests, and
experiences. The main focus of this 250 -words essay should not be on the book,
movie, or song but on your reasons for loving that. It does not matter whether
you choose a movie, a song, or book or which movie, song, or book you choose. The
key here is why that piece resonates with you. Here, the "why"
becomes more important than the 'what'.

You
may begin by providing some background information about the theme of the book,
movie, or song you have chosen (approximately 60-70 words)  and then go on to explain why that piece is so
meaningful to you that it became your favorite.
By describing why the piece resonates with you, you are sharing your emotions,
feelings, values, fears, and dreams, which in turn reveal the personality
traits that make you who you are. And please do not quote from other people's
critiques or views. Be original and authentic. Do not write anything that you
think the admission committee will 'like' to hear; instead, be candid in
sharing your thoughts and views.

Optional Essay:

Is
there any further information that you wish to provide the Admissions
Committee? If so, use this space to provide an explanation of any areas of
concern in your academic record or your personal history. This does not need to
be a formal essay. You may submit bullet points. (Maximum 500 Words)

An optionalessay is an opportunity for you to share relevant information with
the Ad Com that you could not provide in other parts of your application,
essays, and resume. The optional Essay is meant to address any weakness in your
profile. For example, if you have a lower than average GMAT score, any grades
below a C on your transcript, academic probation, or a significant employment/education
gap, you can explain that in this essay. Also, if you cannot get your
recommendation letter from your current supervisor, you should explain that in
the optional essay. Your response should be positive, straightforward, and
fact-focused and should not sound like you are making excuses for a weakness in
your profile. To provide a context for a weakness in your profile, make sure
your reason is genuine to convince the Ad Com that your low grades or
employment gap occurred due to unforeseen circumstances beyond your control. First,
explain the facts, then show how you have addressed the issue, and finally, conclude
by explaining why this will not impact your ability to handle the academic rigor
of the program.

 This
question is entirely optional. If you don't have any area of concern, you may
not write this essay.

Free Resources:

10 Key Essay Tips with Examples

Essay Analysis of OtherTop Programs-2020-21

MER Students Share theirsuccess Stories

Case Studies

Since
2011, MER (myEssayReview) has helped many applicants get accepted into the top
20 MBA programs, including CBS. (Poonam is one of the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club.)

Do
you have questions about your application? E-mail Poonam at myessayreview.com">poonam@myessayreview.com
or sign up here
for a free consultation.

This article first appeared in myEssayReview  blog.

Personal MBA Coach interviewed Nicole Shay, Associate Director, Admissions, at Columbia Business School to get an insider’s look at what is new at Columbia, what makes Columbia unique and how candidates can best stand out! Plus, find out how COVID-19 is changing the Columbia MBA application process and more. Do not miss this rare and valuable advice!

Nicole Shay: Associate Director, Admissions, Columbia Business School

Scott Edinburgh: Founder, Personal MBA Coach

Personal MBA Coach: How did you first get involved in admissions?

Nicole: I started my higher education career working in program administration for a university in Philadelphia. I found myself working closely with the admissions team there, and was recruited for a role helping to oversee admissions for ten biomedical science graduate programs. About five years ago, after deciding to move to New York City, an opportunity at Columbia became available which allowed me to remain in admissions, but pivot to business candidates. I gladly accepted!

Personal MBA Coach: What excites you most about your work?

Nicole: I really enjoy the opportunity to connect with candidates from across the globe and share how a Columbia Business School MBA can help them reach their professional, and oftentimes personal, potential. Situated within Columbia University, and in Manhattan, a Columbia Business School student is offered a multitude of resources regardless of what industry or function she chooses to pursue. Helping a candidate find a path to best fit her MBA education needs is extremely fulfilling. For candidates looking to make a larger career transition, we have the traditional 20 month August entry. For candidates working in Family Business, entrepreneurship, those who are sponsored, or looking to make a smaller career transition post MBA, our 16 month January entry program might be the right fit. For candidates who are a little further along in their careers, we also have a suite of Executive MBA programs, including EMBA-Global, a partnership with University of Hong Kong and London Business School.

Personal MBA Coach: Focusing on CBS, what are you most excited about coming up on campus?

Nicole: In February the Business School received the fantastic news that our program would be formally STEM designated. This designation recognizes the ongoing efforts to emphasize technology, data science, and analytics within the curriculum. The STEM-designated degree also increases the length an international student may work in the U.S. under an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) work permit.

Additionally, in late 2018 the Columbia Business School admissions team launched the first application cycle of our new Deferred Enrollment Program. This program allows seniors in an undergraduate program, or full-time graduate students who entered a master’s program directly after earning a bachelor’s degree, to apply for admission now, but start the MBA after gaining two to five years of work experience. It has been a fantastic experience to visit college campuses and discuss how an MBA can benefit professionals across all industries, with varying academic backgrounds. This program allows undergraduates to have more control of their professional and educational options a few years into their career and allows our team to demonstrate the value of an MBA for those who otherwise may not have considered it.

Personal MBA Coach: To address the elephant in the room, what is changing in the admissions cycle this year due to Covid-19?

Nicole: There have, of course, been a multitude of changes related to the current pandemic. What holds steady is our shared dedication to supporting our students, our community at Columbia Business School and the communities around us. We have seen students, faculty, and staff going above and beyond to put courses online this past spring, to host social hours and speaker events to stay connected, even when we couldn’t be together, and to find creative ways to give back to first responders and communities who have been hardest hit by the pandemic. It has been inspiring.

The admissions team has been working to bring in a diverse and vibrant class, and we hope to meet them on campus soon. Many will be on campus in our new hyflex model this fall, where students will rotate when they will be on campus, in masks, socially distant, with many of our faculty teaching in person keeping safety in mind. The rest of the class will join virtually and have a conversation in real time with enhanced technology in the classroom. It is a different experience than in the past, but the experience of learning leadership in this time of crisis is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

From the admissions perspective, this next year will be similar to past years. We are still looking for a diverse group of candidates, with a variety of strengths, who have done their research and are excited about the opportunities they will find at Columbia. We are looking to bring in teammates who will keep our community strong and will engage with each other to broaden their mindset. The world is always changing, and a CBS MBA will help our students lead in any environment, whether it is in a crisis, or a time of calm and prosperity.

Personal MBA Coach: What is a common misconception about Columbia Business School?

Nicole: I have encountered many candidates who believe that because they don’t have a bachelor’s degree in business or economics, or aren’t working in finance or consulting, there isn’t a place for them in an MBA program, or specifically at Columbia Business School. What makes Columbia Business School such an inspiring learning environment is the diversity of the student body. We have many students with social science, journalism, and arts degrees, and whose work experience in social impact, luxury goods, and theater, brings richness and depth to the classroom conversation. Further, we have a vibrant campus culture and tight-knit community with nearly 100 different student organizations across a wide range of professional and personal areas of interest. So that student with the music interest could help lead a trip to the New York Philharmonic with other members of the Arts Society organization, for example.

Personal MBA Coach: How do you best see students taking advantage of being in NYC while studying for their MBA?

Nicole: Some of Columbia Business School’s most popular electives are our Immersion Seminars which allow students to engage with industry practitioners through downtown site visits to multiple organizations each term. Many students also choose to participate in part-time, in-semester internships because of the school’s proximity to the offices of organizations across all industries. These part-time in-semester internships may be counted for course credit, if students are able to secure a faculty sponsor. Additionally, Columbia Business School has over 16,000 alumni in New York City and 47,000 alumni worldwide. Students can leverage this network for coffee chats, mentorship, and to carve their own paths for in-semester internship opportunities.

Personal MBA Coach: I was recently on campus for a Forte Foundation event and saw the dynamic community in action, even from just a corner of the campus. What is something you think students underutilize / are not aware of?

Nicole: When I have the opportunity to present with current students, the resource they often mention wishing they had better utilized is our Executives in Residence program. The Executives in Residence Program is comprised of twenty-five retired, or semi-retired, senior executives and senior partners who span almost every industry. Those that do take advantage of this opportunity talk about how impressed they were by the amount of thoughtful insight that was given during their interactions, and many of these executives go on to be active members of the student’s network.

Personal MBA Coach: I know we both travel together to many MBA events. I see a lot, but from your perspective, what is one piece of advice you would give to applicants before they arrive to best utilize these fairs?

Nicole: Event attendees who spend time asking questions that demonstrate a genuine interest in Columbia Business School and wanting to understand how we can meet their needs will get the most out of a conversation with a member of the admissions team. It will be a more beneficial interaction for the candidate if she comes to the event with a basic understanding of our program, rather than needing to use the time to ask for information readily available on our website (such as our average number of years work experience). This is 100% relevant for virtual interactions too. A candidate with smart, thoughtful questions is going to standout regardless of the format.

Personal MBA Coach: What other changes are you looking forward to at Columbia?

Nicole: Columbia Business School has always done a fantastic job of making sure coursework and student opportunities are contemporary, so I am always excited to hear about the new coursework being introduced each semester. Courses like “Introduction to Programming Using Python”, “Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Digital Tokens Demystified”, and “Virtual Reality & Artificial Intelligence” are a few of our recent additions, and have quickly become favorites among our students. A focus on technology has certainly been underscored with the introduction of our Dean, Costis Maglaras. Dean Maglaras has a demonstrated commitment to data-focused scholarship, and I am sure there will be more to come. And, of course we are excited for the opening of our brand new campus in Manhattanville in 2022.

Personal MBA Coach: What advice do you have for applicants interested in the new deferred admissions option?

Nicole: My advice for anyone interested in the Deferred Enrollment Program is to start preparing early for the GMAT or GRE. This component tends to be the most time consuming aspect of the application. Apart from the standardized test, I would encourage candidates to get to know Columbia Business School through one of our many virtual events. From anywhere in the world candidates can chat with a current student, attend an MBA class, or log in to an information webinar. It is easier now than ever to connect with our team.

Personal MBA Coach: How do you think the admissions process will evolve over time?

Nicole: We continue to strive to find new ways to connect with diverse student populations. Our team does a fantastic job planning events in the fall for diverse groups, but these are still self-selecting. We are continuing to explore ways to show those who might consider themselves “non-traditional”* how a business education can benefit them professionally. I think the Deferred Enrollment Program has been a great launch pad for this, as we are seeing peers bringing their friends to group meetings, encouraging them to learn more, and these are often stellar candidates who may have not otherwise seen how the MBA can benefit their professional plans.

*We’ve had Grammy nominated opera singers, journalists, Broadway actors, social scientists, and almost every other professional background join the class, and we think a “non-traditional” perspective is one of the features that makes Columbia so great!

Personal MBA Coach: What do you wish applicants would do differently when applying?

Nicole: Be yourself when applying! There are no molds to fit or quotas to fill at Columbia Business School. We are looking for talented candidates from every walk of life, with diverse experiences to bring to the table, and who will succeed academically and professionally, while also contributing positively to the Columbia Business School community.

Personal MBA Coach: Do you have any advice for applicants excited about CBS that isn’t easily found on your website?

Nicole: I would encourage anyone interested in applying to Columbia Business School, or even just curious about the benefits of an MBA, to get to know us. Our admissions team does a great job planning a robust slate of events to suit candidates at any point in the admissions process. While the information shared at these events can be found on the website, the insight an applicant will gain from hearing from our team members, current students, alumni, and faculty that participate cannot. An applicant can sign up to receive invitations to relevant events by using our Stay in Touch form.

Are you looking for help with your MBA Applications? Personal MBA Coach is willing to be your guide. Founded by a Wharton and MIT graduate, we regularly help applicants navigate their applications each year. We also conduct mock interviews with former M7 interviewers on our team.

Personal MBA Coach has been guiding candidates through all aspects of the MBA application process for 13 years with a 96% success rate. Call us today at +1 617-645-2424 or email scott@personalmbacoach.com for a free consultation on your profile along with how we can help make your MBA dreams a reality!

Applicants can sometimes be nervous when applying to MBA programs when a large majority of their work experience is from their family's business. They may feel that their title or promotions may look undeserving. They may also feel that it looks like they relied heavily on family connections instead of applying to a typical job.

However, this is not the case. When admission officers receive an application whereby the applicant's experience was in a family business, they understand the responsibilities and the characteristics that come with that.

To learn more about why having experience in a family business can be beneficial, and which programs may be best, click here

Or, get in contact with us today for a free consultation.

My observation as a former insider at CBS is that Columbia is looking to build a diverse class of high-achieving world citizens who’ve got a bit of grit.

World citizen

What do I mean by a world citizen? For a small fraction, it means applicants who are internationally famous due to their own achievements or by association. Let’s say, the guy who won an Olympic medal, or the gal who gets a call from the former president of “X” country and says, “Hi, Dad.”

A world citizen also means someone who will add their own confident, distinct vibe to a cosmopolitan student body. Columbia wants to admit people with strong intellects and big ideas. They want confidence, but not arrogance. They like people who thrive in large group settings and don’t need a lot of handholding. They’re looking for admits with resilience and who exude a joie-de-vivre – kind of like the city itself.

The greatness of grit

And what do I mean by grit? That means someone who has achieved extraordinary things in the context of his or her job. It’s someone who has mapped out a plan for his or her future, and has done the hard work of really getting to know Columbia’s program and can prove it’s a good fit.

It can also mean someone who doesn’t have good test scores or a glossy international background. But that person (usually a New York local) builds a relationship with an adcom member (though is not annoying!), retakes tests and makes efforts to improve at work or have an impact in the community. He or she might have to reapply, but showing that grit can eventually mean an admit.

The New York connection

Finally, Columbia is looking for that New York connection. Why this city? Do you know what it has to offer? Can you thrive in its hyper-competitive business scene? Have you ever lived or worked here? A campus visit can be a huge plus–confirming for the adcom that you’re serious about attending.

New York can break your heart, or fulfill your wildest dreams. It will absolutely affect your experience at Columbia. They want to know you’ve got the right stuff to make the most of it.

For one-on-one assistance with your Columbia Business School application, work with an expert advisor! Check out our MBA Admissions Services to get started.



Michelle Stockman is a professional journalist, former Columbia Business School admissions insider, and experienced MBA admissions consultant. Want Michelle to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!



Related Resources:

• Get Accepted to Columbia Business School, a free webinar
• Columbia Business School MBA Application Essay Tips & Deadlines
• How to Project Professionalism, Positivity, and Confidence in Your Statement of Purpose

This article originally appeared on blog.accepted.com.

Applying to a top b-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where to apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.

Contact us, and get matched up with the consultant who will help you get accepted!