Columbia Business School

Test-optional is taking over the MBA world, but what do the top MBA admissions committees want to see?

Columbia Business School, located in the heart of New York City, stands as a beacon of excellence in the world of business education. Renowned for its rigorous curriculum, the school offers a transformative experience that melds innovative learning with practical applications. Students are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in a diverse, dynamic community, gaining insights from world-class faculty and industry leaders. The program emphasizes not only foundational business principles but also the importance of adapting to the ever-evolving global business landscape. With its strong alumni network, cutting-edge research, and proximity to the world’s business hub, Columbia Business School prepares its students to become influential leaders in their respective fields, equipped with the skills and knowledge to make a significant impact in the business world.

Columbia Business School has a competitive admissions process with an acceptance rate of 19.7%, as indicated by the 1,109 acceptances out of 5,895 applications received. Once admitted, a significant majority of students choose to attend, reflected in the high yield rate of 56.7%.

All applicants must submit a self-reported valid GMAT, GMAT Focus, Executive Assessment, or GRE score when submitting an application.

Students at Columbia Business School come from a diverse academic background, with the majority holding undergraduate degrees in Business (35%) and Economics (20%). Engineering (17%) also represents a significant portion of their pre-MBA education, with an average undergraduate GPA of 3.5 among the students.

Prior to joining Columbia Business School, the majority of students have work experience predominantly in Financial Services (29%) and Consulting (21%). Other significant pre-MBA industries include Marketing and Media (12%), Technology (11%), with the average work experience among them being 5 years.

After completing their studies at Columbia Business School, a significant proportion of graduates pursue careers in financial services (36.9%) and consulting (33.6%). These figures underscore the school's proficiency in these sectors. In terms of geographical distribution, a vast majority of alumni, 86%, opt to work in the United States, underlining the school's substantial impact on the U.S. business landscape. This data highlights the strong alignment of Columbia Business School's program with key industries and its significant influence in shaping career paths in the United States.