Columbia Business School MBA Deadlines 2026-2027
The Columbia Business School MBA deadlines for the 2026-2027 admissions season are available in the table below.
In 2023, CBS changed from a rolling admissions process to rounds of specific deadlines. CBS deadlines for August 2027 entry fall in September, January and March. The January Entry, which is for MBA candidates who can forego the summer internship, deadlines are June 17, 2026, and August 13, 2026.
Applicants targeting the full-time MBA at Columbia Business School should note that all materials must be submitted by noon (12 p.m.) Eastern Time on the date of each deadline. Applications will not be reviewed until after each deadline.
| Round | Application Deadline | Interview Notification | Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | September 9, 2026 | By November 2 | On December 14 |
| Round 2 | January 5, 2027 | By February 17 | On March 24 |
| Round 3 | March 29, 2027 | By April 30 | On May 12 |
Required Materials
A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution is required for admission to Columbia Business School. Scanned PDF versions of transcripts from each institution should be submitted with the application, encrypted digital copies are requested if offered admission.
All applicants must provide GRE, GMAT, or EA scores. Scores are considered valid for five years after the test date. Applicants must complete two short answer questions and three essays, with the opportunity to include an optional essay of 500 words or less. First-time applications require one recommendation. Re-applicants also need to submit one new recommendation. With at least six months of work experience, the recommendation should come from a current supervisor. If the applicant has worked less than six months at their current firm, other options include a former direct supervisor, or another professional associate senior to the applicant.
The non-refundable $250 application fee should be paid via credit card through the online application system. Fee waivers are available to full-time students, active-duty US military personnel, and members of the Peace Corps, or Teach For All network partners who are currently in service. The Application fee is automatically waived for the Deferred Enrollment Program.
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 three weeks of submission or the application will be withdrawn.
How Does the Interview Process Work?
Interviews are by invitation only and cannot be requested.
Interviews are usually conducted by alumni in or near the applicant’s geographic area. If one is not available, applicants will be invited to interview via telephone or Skype. The interviewer will not be familiar with the application details except for a professional resume if the applicant chooses to provide one. The interviewer will provide a report to the admissions office within one week following the interview.
MBA Applywire
Work Experience
• As of the time of application, five years in top-tier strategy consulting (client-face role), including 2 years at a Tier-2 global firm and 3 years at an MBB, consistently recognized as a top-performing consultant and awarded MBA sponsorship
• Broad exposure to international projects across diverse industries and strategic topics, with roles engaging mid- to senior-level client stakeholders
Social Impact & Volunteering
• Volunteer mentor at a non-profit dedicated to providing educational support and career guidance to low-income youth, contributing to social mobility initiatives
Academics
• B.Eng. in Civil Engineering from a top 3 Brazilian university with a GPA of 7.84/10.00
• GMAT Focus 665 (Q82, V85, DI82)
EA Score: Quant: 12 IR: 12 V: 10
I got a Master Degree in Finance with a 3.7 GPA.
CV:
Purchasing Manager (2025- Current) in a Mexican Leading plumbing company that manufactures 1,900 Skus with 1,200+ employees.
Innovation Engineer (2023 - 2025) in a Mexican Leading plumbing company that manufactures 1,900 Skus with 1,200+ employees.
Financial Analyst Sr. (2022 - 2023) in Strategic business services center.
Financial Analyst (2020 - 2022) in a Telecommunications infrastructure company, 150 employees
Short Term Goals: Right after my MBA, my goal is to work in the US, in a strategic corporate role, like a Global Procurement Manager, Operations Consultant, or a member of a Supply Chain Leadership Program in a global company. I want to manage large international supply chains, lead cross-border projects, and learn how top companies use new technologies to run their operations.
Long Term Goals: Ten years after my MBA, my goal is to be the Director of Development, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the company where I work right now or Director of Product Development. In this position, I want to lead the company's high-level strategy, drive our global expansion, and make the executive decisions on where the company is heading. Additionally, depending on the company's timings and internal succession plans, my ultimate goal is to compete for the General Director (CEO) position to lead the entire enterprise.
Why MBA Now: Through my roles in innovation, finance, and procurement at a leading manufacturer, I’ve learned how operational decisions shape overall business performance. I’ve led the digital transformation integrating an AI-powered strategic sourcing platform in indirect purchases and building supply chain resilience against tariff changes. However, I want to increase my influence over high-level business direction and execution. Having optimized our foundational operations, this is the perfect window to pivot toward global leadership. I need to develop leadership experience in a world-class global organization to return and successfully lead the company as it reaches its mature, global scale.
Silver medallist/ 7 years finance experience in JP Morgan and American Express (US market) / Led $30B commercial portfolio, led multiple initiative leading to $100M profitability/ Running AI startup in Supply chain finance- backed by Entrepreneur First
I want to be on a COO track in the medical device industry. I want to focus my MBA on strategy within an operations framework, so I can be the best applicant for MBB consulting in the medical device industry.
MBA LiveWire
Received a call from admissions last Thursday (7/9), official letter posted to portal today. Offered admission (no scholarship) after submitting a test score update (327 GRE) and quantitative readiness course completion.
Applied June 7, invited to interview June 29, interview and acceptance on July 8