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The School uses a web-based application system that facilitates the processing and review of your application by allowing you to submit it entirely online, including transcripts, sponsor letters, and recommendations.

Columbia Business School uses a rolling admissions process, which means applications are reviewed — and decisions rendered — as they are received. It is always advantageous for you to submit your application as early as possible.

For all terms of entry, our goal is either to invite for an interview or deny admission within six weeks of a completed application being received. Our goal for interviewed applicants is to render a final decision within two weeks of the interview report being completed.

Keep in mind applications cannot be reviewed until they are complete. Missing required materials, updated test scores, or additional materials must be received by the Admissions Office within six weeks of your application submission.

Please note all Early Decision applications will be reviewed, and decisions will be rendered, before we begin reviewing Regular Decision. We will begin reviewing Regular Decision applications by early December.

Those reapplying more than one application cycle after their previous application should adhere to all the requirements of new applicants. As an example, if you applied for August 2012 you would not be considered a reapplicant for August 2014; however applicants who applied for August 2013 can be considered reapplicants for January 2014 or August 2014. Those reapplying for the application cycle immediately following their initial application need only do the following:

• Submit a new application fee (US$250).
• Update the “Personal,” “Family,” “Employment,” “Education,” and “Extracurricular Activities” sections of the online application.
• Update the “How Will You Finance Your MBA?” section of the online application.
• Submit transcripts of any additional courses taken since your previous application.
• Submit one new essay:

  How have you enhanced your candidacy since your previous application? Please detail your progress since you last applied, and address how you plan to achieve your post-MBA and long-term professional goals. (Maximum of 500 words)

• Submit one new recommendation letter, preferably from your current employer, but if not, another colleague in a supervisory role or a client will suffice.

Reapplicants with questions should contact the Admissions Office at apply@gsb.columbia.edu or 212-854-1961.

Please note that candidates may only apply once to a given term of entry.

Prior to actual enrollment, students are required to complete and pass a PreMBA online course, designed to facilitate reentry into academic life by refreshing and introducing concepts required in Columbia Business School’s rigorous curriculum. Several deliverables, which are prerequisites for matriculation, will be due approximately one month prior to orientation. It is estimated that these deliverables will take 25–40 hours to complete, depending on your background.

All students are expected to arrive on time and attend the entire new student orientation program. Any incoming student who cannot meet this expectation will forfeit his or her place in the class.

All applicants are required to submit two nonrefundable tuition deposits to secure their spots in the class after admission. Admitted students for January and Early Decision must submit deposits within two weeks of admission. Students who are admitted for Regular Decision must submit their deposits in either February or April depending on the date of admission. January admitted students are require to submit a second deposit by November 15, 2013. Early Decision and Regular Decision admitted students must submit a second deposit in May.

Please review the frequently asked questions about the Columbia MBA Program, or contact the Admissions Office at apply@gsb.columbia.edu or 212-854-1961.

Please note, information and requirements are subject to change without notice.

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