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)
Columbia has changed its focus in recent years to learn more about a candidate's professional aspirations. The lead-in suggests that they do not want you to waste words explaining your past - rather, they want you to focus on the future.
Our recommendation is to spend about half the words in the essay explaining your short term goals (roughly 250 words). Explain not just what your goals are, but why - and where it seems authentic, explain how Columbia gives you the resources to achieve the short term goals.
It's perfectly fine if your goals aren't a continuation of your path to date - but if you are wanting to completely pivot your career to a new industry or profession post-MBA, explain your desire to do so in a few words.
Spend the other half on long term goals - really give thought to your dream job - think big, think ambitious. Since Columbia is asking where you would ideally like to be in 15 - 20 years, there's no downside to being bold and brave with this part of the essay.
Essay 2: The full-time MBA experience includes academics, recruiting, and networking. What are your personal priorities and how do you anticipate allocating your time at Columbia Business School? (250 words)
This is also another pragmatic, realistic question. Where do you expect to spend most of your time? Our recommendation is to be very specific in how you would do this - "a third to x", or "half to x", etc. You can also say "In year 1, I expect to..." - and vary your response by time.
Also explain why - either make a direct linkage to your goals that you discussed in the prior question, or make clear linkages to your personal experiences that explain why this time allocation is right for you.
Again, there is no "right" answer - there is only a right answer for you - that explains how you would like to design your Columbia experience.
Essay 3:
Please select and answer one of the following essay questions: (250 words)
a. Please tell us what you feel most passionate about in life.
Start by truly thinking about what you care the most about. This could be a person or a group of people, a hobby or interest, an event that occurred or might occur in the future, or a situation that you’re in, or a passion or topic you care deeply about addressing
This essay needs to be pretty introspective – and it needs to be about you. If you are going to say “eradicating poverty or hunger” or “spreading literacy”, take care to not make this essay about the cause – it must be about why it matters to you.
The essay isn’t just about stating why something or someone matters to you – it’s about explaining the deep relationships or connections that make this so important in your life.
b. If you were given a free day and could spend it anywhere, in any way you choose, what would you do?
This essay presents a terrific opportunity to showcase a side of your personality that may not be obvious or apparent in your essays and resume. We strongly recommend using it, especially if you have a great story to tell about your past or an event in your life that you wouldn't otherwise have a chance to include in your admissions package.
It's a nice way to give Adcom something to remember you by - and we urge keeping this answer fun, joyous and positive.
Interested in getting your essay reviewed or in a consulting session with an alum? Email us at essaycritique@gmail.com or use the Buy Now link on our site.
Columbia has changed its focus in recent years to learn more about a candidate's professional aspirations. The lead-in suggests that they do not want you to waste words explaining your past - rather, they want you to focus on the future.
Our recommendation is to spend about half the words in the essay explaining your short term goals (roughly 250 words). Explain not just what your goals are, but why - and where it seems authentic, explain how Columbia gives you the resources to achieve the short term goals.
It's perfectly fine if your goals aren't a continuation of your path to date - but if you are wanting to completely pivot your career to a new industry or profession post-MBA, explain your desire to do so in a few words.
Spend the other half on long term goals - really give thought to your dream job - think big, think ambitious. Since Columbia is asking where you would ideally like to be in 15 - 20 years, there's no downside to being bold and brave with this part of the essay.
Essay 2: The full-time MBA experience includes academics, recruiting, and networking. What are your personal priorities and how do you anticipate allocating your time at Columbia Business School? (250 words)
This is also another pragmatic, realistic question. Where do you expect to spend most of your time? Our recommendation is to be very specific in how you would do this - "a third to x", or "half to x", etc. You can also say "In year 1, I expect to..." - and vary your response by time.
Also explain why - either make a direct linkage to your goals that you discussed in the prior question, or make clear linkages to your personal experiences that explain why this time allocation is right for you.
Again, there is no "right" answer - there is only a right answer for you - that explains how you would like to design your Columbia experience.
Essay 3:
Please select and answer one of the following essay questions: (250 words)
a. Please tell us what you feel most passionate about in life.
Start by truly thinking about what you care the most about. This could be a person or a group of people, a hobby or interest, an event that occurred or might occur in the future, or a situation that you’re in, or a passion or topic you care deeply about addressing
This essay needs to be pretty introspective – and it needs to be about you. If you are going to say “eradicating poverty or hunger” or “spreading literacy”, take care to not make this essay about the cause – it must be about why it matters to you.
The essay isn’t just about stating why something or someone matters to you – it’s about explaining the deep relationships or connections that make this so important in your life.
b. If you were given a free day and could spend it anywhere, in any way you choose, what would you do?
This essay presents a terrific opportunity to showcase a side of your personality that may not be obvious or apparent in your essays and resume. We strongly recommend using it, especially if you have a great story to tell about your past or an event in your life that you wouldn't otherwise have a chance to include in your admissions package.
It's a nice way to give Adcom something to remember you by - and we urge keeping this answer fun, joyous and positive.
Interested in getting your essay reviewed or in a consulting session with an alum? Email us at essaycritique@gmail.com or use the Buy Now link on our site.
