Writing Exceptional Columbia Business School Essays for the 2023-24 Application Cycle

At M7 Admissions, we know that you want your business school application to be a masterpiece that showcases the breadth and depth of who you are. In this blog post, we’re pulling back the curtain on Columbia Business School (CBS) essay prompts for 2023-24, helping you to organize your thoughts and experiences into a compelling narrative. We’re going beyond the prompts – we’re uncovering the subtle nuances and key insights that can make your essays more engaging and impactful.

Essay 1: Crafting Your Career Tapestry

Prompt: What are your career goals over the next three to five years and what is your long-term dream job? (500 words)

The first essay is your canvas for painting a vivid tapestry of your career aspirations. CBS is not just interested in knowing what you want to achieve; they want to embark on a journey with you through your career goals.

Start by laying the groundwork: What has your journey been like so far? Instead of regurgitating your resume, bring out the pivotal moments that shaped your aspirations. Next, sculpt your short-term goals, ensuring they are the stepping stones to your long-term dreams. Be grounded, but don’t be afraid to dream big! CBS wants visionaries. Describe your long-term dream job as if you’re painting a masterpiece – what impact will you make on the industry, society, or the world?

Connect the dots between CBS’s unique offerings and your goals. Make CBS your ally in your quest.

Essay 2: Championing Inclusive Leadership

Prompt: Describe a time or situation when you had the need to utilize one or more of the five PPIL (Phillips Pathway for Inclusive Leadership) inclusive leadership skills, and tell us the actions you took and the outcome. (250 words)

In this essay, think of yourself as a protagonist in an epic tale. You're not just writing an essay; you’re sharing a transformative chapter of your life.

Select an experience where your character was put to the test. The five PPIL skills are your treasure map: Mitigating Bias and Prejudice, Managing Intercultural Dialogue, Addressing Systemic Inequity, Understanding Identity and Perspective Taking, and Creating an Inclusive Environment.

In a mere 250 words, your storytelling prowess must shine. The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method is your compass. What were the stakes? What did you do? Weave in your emotions, uncertainties, and realizations. CBS wants to see your human side – your struggles and triumphs.

Essay 3: Composing a Symphony with CBS

Prompt: Why do you feel Columbia Business School is a good fit for you academically, culturally, and professionally? Please be specific. (250 words)

Think of CBS as an orchestra, and you’re the potential new member with a unique instrument. This essay is your audition.

To ace it, you must know the orchestra inside out. Talk about CBS's offerings not just as standalone features, but as enablers in your journey. Mention clusters, learning teams, and the Executives-in-Residence program – but add color. How will these experiences enrich your learning, shape your perspective, and help you grow?

How will your unique instrument, your experiences, and insights add a new dimension to the CBS symphony?

Optional Essay: Behind The Scenes

Prompt: If you wish to provide further information or additional context around your application to the Admissions Committee, please upload a brief explanation. (Maximum 500 Words)

This is your backstage pass. Anything that didn’t fit into the main performance but is critical to understanding your story goes here. Address gaps or concerns but remember – this isn’t the stage for a sob story. Be factual, and if possible, end on a positive note.

Conclusion

Remember, your essays are not just answers to questions; they are the rich tapestry, the epic tale, the symphony that is uniquely you. Be genuine, be bold, and let your story resonate with the admissions committee.

Embark on this journey with confidence. May your quill be sharp and your narrative captivating. Good luck!