Sample Essay of MBA in Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the Ivy League universities in the US. It has a highly reputable and competitive MBA program offered by its Columbia Business School (CBS). The program has built a reputation for itself due to its focus on leadership, innovation, and global business perspectives, which attracts aspiring business leaders. Since it is a private university, the program fee can be very expensive for some students. Therefore, Columbia offers various scholarships to both domestic and international students. These scholarships are mainly need-based, but certain scholarships could have merit components or other specific criteria, making sure that students with high potential from different backgrounds can gain access to a world-class education. 

To secure an MBA admission, students would need to answer some essay questions to make the selection committee understand their potential and their worth for the program. Applications submitted for a CBS MBA program is high, but only half of these applicants get accepted. Therefore, writing an effective CBS MBA essay becomes very important. The essay writing would require you to have a thorough understanding of the School’s values and what they are looking for in an applicant. The questions asked in the Columbia MBA essays are such that the applicant’s character, leadership qualities, and long-term goals can be revealed. To understand the best writing approach to take, you can take the help of below given Columbia MBA essay examples. 

The MBA essay topics are given to the candidates through some prompts. These prompts are within certain themes such as self-awareness of the candidate, their leadership role model, or why they think they fit the program. You can review some Columbia MBA essay examples to get an idea about the tone and structure of these essays. Your essay should not be just a mere list of achievements, but it should be a compelling story about who you are, what has motivated you, and what are your intentions behind pursuing an MBA in Columbia specifically. You can refer to the Columbia essay MBA samples to know how successful applicants have incorporated their personal stories. 

A guaranteed essay topic would be a “Why Columbia” question. To answer this question you need to be specific about your choice behind choosing Columbia University. The Why Columbia essay is one of the crucial answers to your application. You can refer to CBS’ curriculum, reputation, as well as opportunities that match your career goals. You can review some of the Why Columbia essay examples for guidance on how to approach this question. 

In CBS admission essays, you would be asked to discuss your future plans. In this, you can discuss your short-term and long-term goals. Draw upon how the School’s resources and facilities can help you. For example, talk about how the experienced faculty, the networking opportunities, or its location in New York City can help you achieve your academic and professional objectives. You can refer to sample MBA essays to see how you can structure your thoughts regarding career goals effectively.

Scrolling through an enormous list of universities to find the best for my calling, I came across a quote that said University should be a place of light, of liberty and learning. This inspired my quest to look for a platform, that not only just provides me with fundamental education on the subject but also equips me with foundational means of living. CBS values growth and acknowledges the dynamism of an MBA which is my area of study. My focus is to find an all-covering curriculum that includes technological intervention in the business world. The course here, fortunately, accommodates it. Being enchanted by the powers of technology and what could it do when entering different fields, has pulled me to sort out a management career that combines both business and technology. Apart from this, CBS hopes to bring positive changes in its students through challenging setups. I love this aspect as I am the kind of person who propels myself to take up and win challenges for good. Turning vegan to reduce my negative impact on the environment is one such feat of my life. This competence allows one to overpower strenuous situations, which I feel is important for the professional sector. CBS powerfully imbibes this in its students and I am looking forward to it. Being in such a welcoming university and environment, I aspire to meet like-minded people and those who have an ingenious perspective on life. I wish to interact with them, learn from them and form a lucrative network for my personal and professional life. Columbia is a perfect stage for my aspiration that will allow me to enjoy the liberty to be around people from various walks of life, enlighten me through their perspectives and well-devised coursework and finally acquire skills through comprehensive learning.

Learning and reading about a reader from the internet and books, and perceiving them as inspiration is one thing while seeing and living with a true leader is an incredible thing. Having seen my grandfather from a young age, I have found him to be a true leader who stood resilient in times of difficulty. He worked as the Senior Manager of the financial department of Margadarsi a financial firm that provided chit fund service. Being in a leading position he was always obliged to help others and seek solutions whenever stuck. He was associated with the company from its initial stages and had a fiscal responsibility that he fulfilled brilliantly with his buoyant attitude, skills and knowledge. He was a reliable and hardworking employee whom the company admired for his work. While everything was going well, the company at one point in life was accused of fraud under some political agenda. Being in this situation of a travesty the company feared its doom. My grandfather being among them worked to solve issues and stood anchored with truth bringing forth the facts. His mettle was applauded by the company and it was his determination that solidified the roots of the company. With this incident I realised the verity of the adage that goes that ‘leadership put very simply is the ability to inspire and guide others towards a common goal or objective’, and he did exactly what defined his true leadership. I admire him for his unrelenting mien which made him steadfast in times of need, he found it his responsibility to support the company at the time of need and did it solely as his loyalty towards it.  I look up to him for the selfless leadership agility that he exhibited and came forth as worthy of success.

Conclusion

For guidance in writing these essays, you can take the help of study abroad consultants like Contentholic who understand Columbia’s expectations. You can also take a look at Columbia sample essays provided in this blog to get some ideas or cross-check your own written draft to see whether you have captured the right essence which the university is looking for from successful applicants. Therefore, writing a successful Columbia MBA essay is all about demonstrating your unique qualities, your understanding of the program, and how the school aligns with your career goals. By reviewing Columbia essay examples and staying focused on your personal narrative, you can create a standout application.

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