Welcome to the official Columbia Graduate School of Business Ask Admissions Thread! The Columbia MBA Admissions Team would like to welcome everyone to this thread and offer an opportunity to ask questions about our leading MBA program. If there is anything we can help with, please let us know. Fall 2013 Columbia GSB Application Discussion Columbia GSB MBA Guide Columbia GSB Real Time 2016 Application Statistics on GMAT Club https://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/10/1008_columbia_school_tour/image/exterior.jpg Rankings US News 2012 #8 Executive MBA #5 Finance #4 International #5 Management #10 Marketing #9 Nonprofit #8 Production/Operations #8 BusinessWeek #9 Historical GMAT Club Applicant Threads Fall 2012 - Calling All CBS Applicants Fall 2011 - Calling All CBS Applicants Fall 2010 - Calling All CBS Applicants Fall 2009 - Calling All CBS Applicants Fall 2008 - Calling All CBS Applicants Fall 2007 - Calling All CBS Applicants Popular Links Programs Offered at CBS CBS Employment Reports Notable Alumni

Last visit was: 02 May 2026, 15:49

It is currently 02 May 2026, 15:49

Toolkit

Business School and MBA

MBA Archive

GMAT Club Daily Prep

Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.

Go to My Error Log Learn more

Request Expert Reply

Confirm Cancel

Back to Forum

Create Topic

Ask Columbia GSB Admissions

1 ... 4 5 6 7 8 ... 23

ColumbiaMBA

Official Business School Representative

Joined: 05 Oct 2011

Last visit: 10 May 2017

Posts: 204

Own Kudos:

Posts: 204

Kudos: 23

13 Feb 2012, 15:29

Kudos

Bookmarks

pcwcecac

Hi Matt,

Thank you for your time on this thread. I am looking to apply next cycle. My background is research-centric. Moreover, I've worked exclusively for the public sector (Fed and then the Treasury). Even though the subject matter of my work experience might be of interest to those in the private sector, I do not have direct exposure to businesses and thus am not familiar with decision making at the firm level (with the exception of reading about it in economic literature).

I wish to transition from a research career to one that is more action oriented. I believe going through an MBA program is a very good path. I am thinking about ways to promote my previous experience such that it would be relevant to business schools. How should I go about this? What are some natural questions that you would ask a candidate with my background?

Thanks again for your time.

Peter

Hi Peter,

Thank you for your question. How applicants speak to their experience and how it will shape what they do going forward will be a vital part of the application, but how you go about doing this is completely up to you. I suggest to all applicants to be as thorough as possible when completing the application so that there are no "self inflicted" mistakes. If there is something you feel needs to be address, but do not see a natural place for it in the application, you have the optional essay to address available to address anything additional. You do not want the admissions committee to have to guess why certain questions are not addressed. We do not have any "typical" questions we want applicants to answer outside of what we ask in the application, so do your best and be sure to address potential concerns where you see fit.

Good luck,

eric86

Joined: 16 Feb 2012

Last visit: 10 May 2012

Posts: 1

Kudos: 0

16 Feb 2012, 05:34

Kudos

Bookmarks

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

ColumbiaMBA

Official Business School Representative

Joined: 05 Oct 2011

Last visit: 10 May 2017

Posts: 204

Own Kudos:

Posts: 204

Kudos: 23

16 Feb 2012, 16:10

Kudos

Bookmarks

eric86

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,

DGGG

Joined: 09 Jan 2012

Last visit: 21 Mar 2012

Posts: 8

Given Kudos: 2

Schools: Insead '13 (A) Booth '14 (I) CBS '14 (S)

GMAT 1: 730 Q49 V41 Verified score

Schools: Insead '13 (A) Booth '14 (I) CBS '14 (S)

GMAT 1: 730 Q49 V41 Verified score

Posts: 8

Kudos: 0

17 Feb 2012, 10:20

Kudos

Bookmarks

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

Aximili85

Joined: 15 May 2011

Last visit: 16 Oct 2016

Posts: 241

Own Kudos:

277

Given Kudos: 134

Location: Costa Rica

Concentration: Healthcare, International Business

Schools: Duke '15 (D) Haas '15 (D) Kellogg '15 (WA) Insead '13 (M) Wharton '15 (D) Ross '15 (A) Booth '15 (D) LBS '14 (WA)

GMAT 1: 710 Q42 V45 Verified score

GMAT 2: 740 Q48 V42 Verified score

GPA: 3.3

WE:Research (Consulting)

Schools: Duke '15 (D) Haas '15 (D) Kellogg '15 (WA) Insead '13 (M) Wharton '15 (D) Ross '15 (A) Booth '15 (D) LBS '14 (WA)

GMAT 2: 740 Q48 V42 Verified score

Posts: 241

Kudos: 277

19 Feb 2012, 12:36

Kudos

Bookmarks

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.

ColumbiaMBA

Official Business School Representative

Joined: 05 Oct 2011

Last visit: 10 May 2017

Posts: 204

Own Kudos:

Posts: 204

Kudos: 23

22 Feb 2012, 07:53

Kudos

Bookmarks

DGGG

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 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!

ColumbiaMBA

Official Business School Representative

Joined: 05 Oct 2011

Last visit: 10 May 2017

Posts: 204

Own Kudos:

[1]

Posts: 204

Kudos: 23

[1]

22 Feb 2012, 08:00

Kudos

Bookmarks

Aximili85

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,

CBSCBSCBS

Joined: 09 Mar 2012

Last visit: 09 Mar 2012

Posts: 1

Kudos: 0

09 Mar 2012, 16:31

Kudos

Bookmarks

Hi Matt,

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

Thanks.

ColumbiaMBA

Official Business School Representative

Joined: 05 Oct 2011

Last visit: 10 May 2017

Posts: 204

Own Kudos:

Posts: 204

Kudos: 23

12 Mar 2012, 15:42

Kudos

Bookmarks

CBSCBSCBS

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!

rajatar

Joined: 12 Oct 2011

Last visit: 14 Nov 2012

Posts: 56

Own Kudos:

Location: India

Concentration: Finance, Strategy

GMAT 1: 700 Q50 V35 Verified score

Posts: 56

Kudos: 5

14 Mar 2012, 05:36

Kudos

Bookmarks

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

FullFathomFive

Joined: 27 May 2011

Last visit: 23 Sep 2015

Posts: 11

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 20

Affiliations: SAG-AFTRA, AEA

Location: United States

Concentration: Technology, Strategy

Schools: Stanford '16 Sloan '16 HBS '16 Tuck '16

GMAT Date: 04-20-2013

WE:Performing Arts (Media/Entertainment)

Schools: Stanford '16 Sloan '16 HBS '16 Tuck '16

Posts: 11

Kudos: 52

17 Mar 2012, 09:01

Kudos

Bookmarks

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

ColumbiaMBA

Official Business School Representative

Joined: 05 Oct 2011

Last visit: 10 May 2017

Posts: 204

Own Kudos:

Posts: 204

Kudos: 23

22 Mar 2012, 07:17

Kudos

Bookmarks

fllfthm5

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,

kookie

Joined: 07 Feb 2011

Last visit: 07 Jan 2014

Posts: 91

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 4

Schools: CBS '16 (M) Stern '16 (S)

Posts: 91

Kudos: 19

30 Mar 2012, 11:11

Kudos

Bookmarks

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.

someone79

Joined: 15 Dec 2011

Last visit: 26 Apr 2016

Posts: 160

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 13

Schools: LBS '14 (A)

GMAT 1: 730 Q50 V39 Verified score

GPA: 3.9

Schools: LBS '14 (A)

GMAT 1: 730 Q50 V39 Verified score

Posts: 160

Kudos: 62

30 Mar 2012, 11:46

Kudos

Bookmarks

Hi Admissions Team,

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

Thanks.

ColumbiaMBA

Official Business School Representative

Joined: 05 Oct 2011

Last visit: 10 May 2017

Posts: 204

Own Kudos:

Posts: 204

Kudos: 23

06 Apr 2012, 10:19

Kudos

Bookmarks

kookie

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 [email protected].

Regards,

ColumbiaMBA

Official Business School Representative

Joined: 05 Oct 2011

Last visit: 10 May 2017

Posts: 204

Own Kudos:

Posts: 204

Kudos: 23

06 Apr 2012, 10:35

Kudos

Bookmarks

someone79

Hi Admissions Team,

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

Thanks.

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!

Aximili85

Joined: 15 May 2011

Last visit: 16 Oct 2016

Posts: 241

Own Kudos:

277

Given Kudos: 134

Location: Costa Rica

Concentration: Healthcare, International Business

Schools: Duke '15 (D) Haas '15 (D) Kellogg '15 (WA) Insead '13 (M) Wharton '15 (D) Ross '15 (A) Booth '15 (D) LBS '14 (WA)

GMAT 1: 710 Q42 V45 Verified score

GMAT 2: 740 Q48 V42 Verified score

GPA: 3.3

WE:Research (Consulting)

Schools: Duke '15 (D) Haas '15 (D) Kellogg '15 (WA) Insead '13 (M) Wharton '15 (D) Ross '15 (A) Booth '15 (D) LBS '14 (WA)

GMAT 2: 740 Q48 V42 Verified score

Posts: 241

Kudos: 277

06 Apr 2012, 11:50

Kudos

Bookmarks

ColumbiaMBA

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.

cuervotaylor

Joined: 13 Apr 2012

Last visit: 14 May 2012

Posts: 10

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 53

Posts: 10

Kudos: 1

13 Apr 2012, 14:59

Kudos

Bookmarks

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.

coreaspirant

Joined: 28 Dec 2011

Last visit: 15 Jan 2013

Posts: 4

Own Kudos:

[1]

Posts: 4

Kudos: 1

[1]

14 Apr 2012, 06:52

Kudos

Bookmarks

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

ColumbiaMBA

Official Business School Representative

Joined: 05 Oct 2011

Last visit: 10 May 2017

Posts: 204

Own Kudos:

Posts: 204

Kudos: 23

15 Apr 2012, 19:06

Kudos

Bookmarks

Aximili85

ColumbiaMBA

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,