How do I write good Columbia MBA essays?

Question

Divakshi Arora · Accepted Answer

To write strong Columbia MBA essays, focus on being clear, specific, and goal-driven. Columbia looks for direction and fit &mdash; not fluff.
1. Goals Essay (100 words limit)
Stick to the point. Mention your immediate post-MBA goal &mdash; include job title, industry, and location. Then, add a long-term vision that builds on it.
Example: &ldquo;Work as a product manager at a fintech startup in NYC. Long-term, launch a digital lending platform serving underbanked communities.&rdquo;
Avoid general goals like &ldquo;work in business&rdquo; or &ldquo;be a leader.&rdquo; Columbia wants direction.
2. Why Columbia Essay (250-word limit)
This essay should prove you&rsquo;ve done your homework. Mention specific courses (like the Value Investing Program), clubs (e.g., Columbia Fintech and Blockchain Club), or immersion programs tied to your career plan.
Also,  highlight NYC&rsquo;s relevance &mdash; Columbia expects applicants to connect with the city&rsquo;s business ecosystem.
3. Optional Essay
Use only if needed &mdash; low GPA, work gaps, etc. Be direct and concise. Explain, don&rsquo;t over justify.
A strong Columbia essay set shows what you want, why it matters, and why Columbia is the right place to get there.
Unlock the secrets to a standout application NOW! Check out this expert guide on Columbia MBA Essay Questions & Examples.

Anjali Rawat · Answer

Columbia values clarity, direction, and a strong school fit. Each essay has a clear purpose. Here&rsquo;s how to approach them:

Avoid clich&eacute;s, name actual Columbia resources, and always connect your story back to your goals. The more focused and relevant your answers, the stronger your overall application

Mansih K · Answer

Columbia looks for focused goals and a strong school fit, so start by clearly stating what you want to do post-MBA&mdash;like joining a top tech firm in product strategy or launching your own startup. Then connect that goal to CBS by naming specific things: Columbia&rsquo;s Startup Lab, the Technology and Analytics Club, or access to New York's startup scene. If your background shows leadership, problem-solving, or risk-taking, use one example to tie it all together. Keep the writing simple and direct&mdash;no buzzwords, just clear goals and why CBS is the right place to help you reach them.

kritika K · Answer

One good way to stand out in Columbia MBA essays is by showing how your story connects to what the school offers. For example, someone moving from finance to impact investing might highlight how CBS&rsquo;s Tamer Center for Social Enterprise aligns with that shift. Mention the kind of people you want to learn from, classes you want to take, or even how being in NYC gives you exposure to real-world projects during the semester. Avoid vague lines like &ldquo;I want to grow&rdquo;&mdash;instead, say how you&rsquo;ll grow at Columbia and why that matters to your career. Keep it personal and practical.