Columbia Business School has confirmed the 2022-2023 Executive MBA application essays. This year, CBS asks EMBA applicants to respond to three essay prompts. The business school also has a fourth optional essay.
If you are looking to join Columbia Business School’s EMBA Program, take a look at the latest class profile to assess whether the school might be a good fit for you. Accepted students had an average of 10 years of work experience. The latest reported class consists of 36% women and 23% international citizens.
Below, please find the upcoming application deadlines, as well as Personal MBA Coach’s analysis of the Columbia EMBA application essays.
The 2023 Columbia Business School EMBA Application Deadlines Are as Follows:
EMBA-NY Saturday: May 2023 Entry
Early: January 11, 2023
Final: February 15, 2023
EMBA-NY Fri/Sat: August 2023 Entry
Early: March 22, 2023
Final: May 24, 2023
2022-2023 Columbia EMBA Application Essays:
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 three to five years and what is your long-term dream job? (500 words max)
The full-time CBS MBA application asks candidates to ask respond to this same prompt. While goals for EMBA applicants will naturally be different, your approach to this essay should remain the same. Check out Personal MBA Coach’s essay 1 advice.
Essay 2: Columbia Business School’s Executive MBA will challenge you by offering a rigorous academic experience, global exposure through the international seminar, and the opportunity to immediately apply what you learn to your career. How will you approach balancing the demands of the program with your professional and personal life while you are in school? (250 words max)
With this question, the admissions committee is looking to see that you have considered the demands of the CBS EMBA program and that you are capable of meeting them. Responses should be very straightforward, sharing how friends, family and other important people in your life will support you throughout the duration of your studies.
Go into detail discussing the support you will receive at work and/or at home. As you write, take a factual approach, and keep in mind that nothing is too personal for this essay.
Essay 3: Tell us about your favorite book, movie or song and why it resonates with you. (250 words max)
Like essay 1, the third Columbia EMBA application essay is the same as essay 3 in the full-time MBA application. Get Personal MBA Coach’s guidance here.
Optional Essay: An optional fourth essay will allow you to discuss any issues that do not fall within the purview of the required essays. This does not need to be a formal essay. You may submit bullet points. (500 words max)
Columbia Business School’s optional EMBA essay should be answered only by applicants with extenuating circumstances. Learn more about how to tackle the optional essay.