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Inside the CBS MBA Class Profile: GMAT Scores, Work Experience, and Pre-MBA Backgrounds

Columbia Business School, nestled within the intellectual heartbeat of Manhattan, continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations for aspiring business leaders. With its direct access to Fortune 500 companies, startups, venture capital, consulting giants, and financial institutions, CBS attracts a diverse and globally ambitious cohort each year. However, joining its distinguished MBA program is no easy feat. Understanding the Columbia MBA class profile is an essential step for any candidate preparing to submit a competitive application.

This first article in a three-part series explores the academic side of the CBS MBA experience—specifically, GMAT and GRE scores, undergraduate GPAs, fields of study, and how these elements help shape the intellectual fabric of each incoming class. The goal is not simply to present numbers, but to interpret what they mean for applicants and how CBS defines academic excellence within a multidimensional admissions process.

Average GMAT Score: A Marker of Analytical Strength

For many applicants, the GMAT remains the most visible component of the admissions process. At Columbia Business School, the GMAT is more than a simple cutoff metric; it represents a baseline for analytical, quantitative, and verbal reasoning capabilities. For the MBA Class of 2025, the average GMAT score was 730, positioning CBS in the elite league of global MBA programs where high intellectual standards are expected.

That number, however, only tells part of the story. The middle 80 percent GMAT range—typically between 700 and 760—shows that while Columbia expects academic excellence, it does not demand perfection. Candidates within this band are assessed holistically, with the GMAT acting as one factor among many.

A candidate who scores below 700 but presents exceptional academic achievements, strong leadership experiences, and a compelling professional narrative may still be a competitive applicant. On the flip side, a perfect GMAT score without context or substance in the rest of the application is unlikely to impress the admissions committee. The GMAT, then, functions less as a gatekeeper and more as a contextual performance indicator.

GRE Scores: A Flexible and Equally Valid Option

While the GMAT has long been the standard bearer for business school admissions, Columbia has made it clear that the GRE is a fully accepted alternative. This flexibility benefits candidates from non-traditional or humanities backgrounds who may find the GRE format more aligned with their strengths.

For the incoming class, average GRE scores were as follows:

  • Verbal: 163

  • Quantitative: 162

These averages reflect competitive performance levels consistent with top-tier business schools. The GRE’s structure allows applicants to demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills in different ways than the GMAT. Still, the expectations remain high—CBS is looking for well-balanced, high-achieving individuals regardless of which test they choose.

Applicants should consider their test-taking style, strengths, and career goals when deciding between the two exams. Columbia’s admissions team has stated repeatedly that no preference is given to either test, but they will scrutinize low scores in either format if not contextualized by compensating strengths elsewhere in the application.

Retaking the GMAT or GRE: Strategic Considerations

For those unsure whether their standardized test score meets CBS standards, retaking the GMAT or GRE can be a strategic decision. Columbia does not superscore, meaning it only considers the highest total score from one sitting. However, showing upward progression between multiple attempts is often viewed positively.

An applicant who increases a GMAT score from 680 to 710, for example, demonstrates not just improved aptitude but also determination, discipline, and a growth mindset—qualities that align with the values CBS upholds. Still, retesting should not be pursued endlessly. Beyond two or three attempts, additional gains may diminish in impact, especially if other parts of the application remain unchanged or weak.

Undergraduate GPA: Academic Rigor and Consistency

In tandem with standardized testing, Columbia Business School places significant weight on undergraduate academic performance. For the Class of 2025, the average undergraduate GPA was 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. This indicates a high-achieving cohort, though it also suggests that perfect scores are not the only path to admission.

GPA, much like test scores, is reviewed in context. The admissions committee considers the difficulty of coursework, the competitiveness of the institution, and the applicant’s academic trajectory. A 3.3 GPA from a rigorous engineering program at a top-ranked school may be as impressive as a 3.7 GPA in a less demanding curriculum. Likewise, an upward trend in GPA during junior and senior years can reflect maturity and improved focus.

Applicants whose academic records include anomalies—such as a single semester of low grades or an uncharacteristically difficult course—can address these in the optional essay. A brief, fact-based explanation, without excuses, allows applicants to control the narrative and provide important context.

Undergraduate Majors: Academic Diversity Across Disciplines

Columbia Business School emphasizes diversity not just in geography or industry but also in intellectual backgrounds. The MBA Class of 2025 includes students from a wide range of undergraduate majors. While economics, business, and finance predictably dominate the mix, CBS also welcomes students from engineering, sciences, arts, and humanities.

A rough breakdown of undergraduate majors in the class is as follows:

  • Business and Commerce: 28%

  • Engineering and Technology: 23%

  • Economics: 17%

  • Humanities and Social Sciences: 13%

  • Physical Sciences and Mathematics: 8%

  • Other/Interdisciplinary: 11%

This rich tapestry of academic experiences reflects Columbia’s belief that leadership can arise from any discipline. A philosophy major with deep analytical training may perform exceptionally well in business strategy courses. A biology student with lab-based rigor may bring precision and systems thinking to operational roles. Diversity in thinking styles often leads to innovation in practice—a hallmark of Columbia’s MBA pedagogy.

Applicants from less traditional academic fields should not be discouraged by the numerical dominance of business majors. Instead, they should view their unique background as an opportunity to differentiate themselves, provided they can articulate how their intellectual journey complements their career aspirations.

Evaluating International Academic Records

Columbia Business School attracts candidates from over 60 countries, meaning the admissions office routinely evaluates transcripts from dozens of grading systems. Whether a candidate studied in Europe, Asia, Africa, or Latin America, Columbia has the tools and institutional expertise to interpret international records accurately.

Applicants are not required to convert their GPAs into a 4.0 scale, though credential evaluation services such as WES may assist in standardizing academic records for clarity. The admissions committee primarily looks at relative performance—how well a student performed compared to peers in their own institution or system.

For international students, English language proficiency is another academic criterion. CBS typically requires TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores for applicants whose undergraduate education was not conducted in English. Waivers are available under certain conditions, such as attending a university where English was the medium of instruction.

Supplemental Academic Credentials: MOOCs, Certificates, and Pre-MBA Programs

To strengthen their academic profile, many applicants undertake supplemental learning through online platforms or professional certificate programs. Courses in statistics, accounting, finance, or data analytics can provide valuable preparation for the Columbia MBA curriculum, especially for candidates from non-quantitative fields.

Popular pre-MBA programs such as HBS Online’s Credential of Readiness (CORe) or Wharton’s Business Foundations Specialization offer structured learning in business fundamentals and can enhance both preparedness and credibility. Columbia does not require such coursework, but it does recognize the value of proactive academic engagement.

Applicants should be selective, however, in how they present these credentials. A certification in corporate finance or data analysis can bolster a weak quant background, but stacking unrelated certificates simply for volume may seem unfocused. The most impactful academic supplements are those that align clearly with career goals and show deliberate preparation.

Intellectual Curiosity and Narrative Cohesion

While numbers and transcripts form the quantitative foundation of an application, CBS also looks for indicators of intellectual curiosity, self-awareness, and cohesive storytelling. Admissions essays, interviews, and recommendations offer windows into how applicants think, learn, and connect disparate experiences into a unified narrative.

Candidates who demonstrate curiosity beyond the classroom—whether through research projects, language learning, teaching, or interdisciplinary exploration—often leave a lasting impression. CBS values depth of interest as much as breadth of exposure, especially when those interests feed into leadership potential.

An applicant with average scores but an extraordinary academic story—a refugee who pursued education against all odds, or a first-generation college graduate who taught others—may rise above peers with higher metrics but weaker narratives.

The Columbia MBA class profile reflects more than just data—it reveals how the school defines and identifies intellectual excellence. With a median GMAT score of 730, a 3.5 average GPA, and representation from a wide array of disciplines, CBS clearly favors academic rigor but not uniformity. Whether through test scores, transcripts, or self-driven learning, applicants are expected to demonstrate readiness for a demanding curriculum and curiosity for complex global problems.

As business challenges grow more multifaceted, Columbia seeks students who bring not just knowledge, but the capacity to question, connect, and create. For those willing to combine analytical strength with narrative clarity, the CBS classroom awaits.

The Columbia MBA program is not merely an academic exercise; it is a crucible of professional transformation. Situated at the confluence of global commerce, technology, and entrepreneurship, Columbia Business School prioritizes practical acumen as much as intellectual potential. While Part 1 of this series examined academic credentials, Part 2 explores the experiential bedrock of the CBS MBA class: prior professional experience, industry sectors, functional roles, and leadership development.

Prospective applicants often wonder what kind of work history Columbia expects, how many years of experience is “enough,” and whether certain industries have an edge. In reality, the answer is more nuanced. Columbia does not prescribe a singular career path or ideal résumé. Instead, it evaluates professional experiences through the lens of impact, growth, and strategic vision. This article delves into the career composition of the CBS MBA Class of 2025 and decodes what it reveals about the school’s evolving identity.

Average Work Experience: More Than Just Years

For the MBA Class of 2025, the average pre-MBA work experience is approximately five years. However, Columbia does not impose a rigid minimum or maximum threshold. Candidates with as few as two years and as many as ten can be competitive—provided their careers demonstrate progression, initiative, and insight.

The admissions committee evaluates not only how long someone has worked but how meaningfully they have contributed during that time. Promotions, cross-functional responsibilities, international exposure, and moments of adversity overcome are weighed heavily. A candidate who spent three years launching a startup and growing it across regions may bring more real-world savvy than someone who held a conventional role for six.

In short, Columbia prefers quality over quantity. Demonstrated leadership, innovation, and self-awareness matter more than the accumulation of calendar years.

Early Career Applicants and Deferred Admissions

Though CBS tends to favor candidates with several years of experience, it does offer routes for high-potential early-career professionals. The Deferred Enrollment Program allows undergraduate and master’s degree students to apply in their final year, secure admission, and then gain two to five years of work experience before matriculating.

This program attracts academically gifted individuals who may not yet possess a traditional career track record but show exceptional promise. Participation in research, entrepreneurial ventures, competitive internships, or nonprofit initiatives can distinguish early applicants in this pool.

Additionally, Columbia values early-career applicants who exhibit clarity of purpose and articulate why an MBA is relevant at their current inflection point. The school appreciates visionaries and strategists who plan their journeys with foresight, not just ambition.

Industry Backgrounds: A Spectrum of Professional Archetypes

The professional tapestry of the Columbia MBA class is expansive. Traditional feeder industries like finance and consulting remain well represented, but the school’s commitment to diversity ensures that applicants from a wide array of fields are welcomed and supported.

For the Class of 2025, the industry breakdown is approximately as follows:

  • Financial Services: 32%

  • Consulting: 25%

  • Technology: 12%

  • Healthcare, Pharma, Biotech: 6%

  • Media and Entertainment: 4%

  • Nonprofit, Government, Education: 3%

  • Consumer Goods, Retail: 3%

  • Manufacturing, Energy, Engineering: 4%

  • Real Estate: 3%

  • Other: 8%

This variety illustrates Columbia’s commitment to assembling a class that mirrors the complexity of global business. It also underlines the school’s flexible pedagogy, which accommodates different learning styles, career goals, and functional skills.

Candidates from “non-traditional” industries should not be deterred. In fact, their unique vantage points often enrich classroom discussion and attract recruiters looking for multidimensional thinkers.

Consulting and Finance: Powerhouses with a Purpose

Consulting and finance consistently account for over half of Columbia’s incoming MBA class. These sectors offer rapid professional development, client-facing roles, and exposure to high-stakes decision-making, all of which align with the business school’s ethos.

Within finance, Columbia draws heavily from investment banking, private equity, asset management, and hedge funds. Its New York location—within walking distance of Wall Street—gives it an unparalleled edge in financial immersion. Applicants from finance are expected to demonstrate more than technical competence; they must show why an MBA is essential for transitioning to a new function, geography, or level of leadership.

In consulting, candidates typically come from top-tier firms where analytical rigor, client management, and strategic thinking are honed. These applicants often use the MBA to pivot into industry leadership roles, specialize in new verticals, or explore entrepreneurship.

For both groups, the challenge lies in differentiation. Admissions readers encounter numerous candidates with similar résumés. Personal clarity, introspective essays, and authentic passion are what make one consultant or banker stand apart from another.

Technology and Startups: A Rising Contingent

Technology continues to be one of the fastest-growing sectors within the Columbia MBA profile. Roles in product management, software engineering, data science, and UX design are increasingly represented, as are startup founders and early-stage employees.

Applicants from tech backgrounds are prized for their agility, cross-functional collaboration skills, and comfort with ambiguity—traits that align with the innovation economy. CBS values tech professionals who seek to layer business acumen atop technical expertise, whether to lead a product team, launch a venture, or transition into venture capital.

Startups, too, are fertile ground. While working at a nascent company may lack the structure of a traditional corporation, it often cultivates resourcefulness, risk-taking, and rapid learning. These are exactly the types of attributes Columbia seeks to amplify through its MBA curriculum.

Government, Nonprofit, and Social Impact Roles

While smaller in number, applicants from public service and mission-driven sectors bring powerful leadership narratives to the CBS MBA cohort. Whether from international development, public policy, education, or nonprofit management, these professionals often demonstrate outsized impact and deep purpose.

Columbia’s Social Enterprise Initiative provides a supportive ecosystem for such candidates, offering fellowships, programming, and mentorship tailored to their goals. In the admissions process, the emphasis is on clarity of vision and commitment to measurable change. A Peace Corps volunteer, UN fellow, or Teach for America alumnus may impress not only with passion but with strategic acumen.

These candidates often use the MBA to pivot into impact investing, ESG consulting, public-private partnerships, or social entrepreneurship. Columbia embraces the multiplicity of ways business can serve society and actively cultivates a class that includes those with mission-driven outlooks.

Entrepreneurs and Independents: The Outliers Who Inspire

CBS is increasingly home to entrepreneurs—both those with businesses already launched and those preparing for their first venture. The school’s entrepreneurial spirit is reflected in its close ties to Columbia Engineering, the Lang Center for Entrepreneurship, and the Columbia Startup Lab.

Entrepreneurial applicants need not have built unicorns. Instead, the admissions committee looks for evidence of initiative, resilience, and market insight. Running a family business, founding a nonprofit, or launching a niche product can all serve as valid entrepreneurial experiences—provided the applicant can articulate lessons learned and next steps.

CBS values builders, tinkerers, and disruptors. Their presence in the classroom ensures that case discussions go beyond theory into lived experience, where risk, failure, and iteration are daily realities.

Functional Roles: From Analysts to Team Leads

Beyond industry, Columbia evaluates the functional roles candidates have held. Positions that entail cross-team collaboration, direct decision-making, or bottom-line responsibility carry additional weight. Popular functions in the incoming class include:

  • Financial analysis

  • Strategic planning

  • Operations

  • Marketing and brand management

  • Data analytics

  • Sales and business development

  • Engineering and product management

Roles that demonstrate growth, even within a narrow function, are favorably viewed. A marketing analyst who evolves into a brand strategist or a software engineer who begins managing product roadmaps shows maturity and scalability—traits Columbia seeks to cultivate further.

Geographical and Cultural Context of Work Experience

With students representing over 50 nationalities, CBS values global work experience. International assignments, emerging market exposure, and multilingual fluency all strengthen a candidate’s global leadership potential. Candidates who have worked across cultures, navigated geopolitical complexities, or built bridges between markets are especially valued.

Moreover, CBS evaluates work in local or regional contexts through a global lens. A candidate managing agricultural logistics in rural India may show as much strategic leadership as someone negotiating hedge fund contracts in London. What matters is the substance of the work and its relevance to broader economic systems.

Leadership Development and Evidence of Impact

Ultimately, CBS is seeking not just professionals but leaders in formation. Leadership potential is assessed not just by titles but by impact. Did the candidate lead a team through transformation? Did they pilot a new process, spearhead a strategic initiative, or mentor others?

Applicants should illustrate how they influenced outcomes, drove change, and earned trust. Evidence of initiative—whether through formal roles or informal influence—sets strong candidates apart. CBS looks for those who are not just doers but shapers of their organizations.

Columbia Business School’s MBA class profile reveals a professional mosaic defined by ambition, adaptability, and action. Whether applicants hail from Fortune 100 companies or grassroots ventures, what matters most is the path they’ve forged, the progress they’ve made, and the impact they’ve generated.

The CBS MBA is not a career reset—it’s a career amplifier. By admitting candidates who bring diverse, deep, and dynamic experience to the table, Columbia creates a classroom where ideas collide, challenge, and ultimately converge into forward-thinking solutions.

The series will focus on the pre-MBA demographics and personal attributes that round out the CBS experience—including age ranges, gender diversity, international representation, and personal narratives.

While academic prowess and professional experience are critical cornerstones of Columbia Business School’s MBA admissions criteria, they only tell part of the story. The CBS MBA class is shaped just as much by who candidates are beyond their résumés—by the cultures they represent, the values they embody, and the life experiences that have forged their character. This third and final part of the series delves into the often-overlooked yet deeply revealing elements of the CBS class profile: age, gender, geography, undergraduate background, personal interests, and diversity of thought.

Columbia’s aim is not to admit a cohort that fits a mold, but one that disrupts it. The school strives to reflect the multiplicity of global business through the heterogeneity of its student body. Let’s take a closer look at the human dimension of Columbia’s MBA class and what it reveals about the school’s priorities in building a transformative academic community.

Age and Career Stage

The average age of incoming full-time MBA students at Columbia is 28. Most candidates fall within the 26 to 32 range, with a notable concentration in the 27–29 bracket. This age distribution corresponds closely with the school’s average work experience of around five years.

Despite the averages, CBS is open to both younger candidates who demonstrate unusual maturity and older applicants who are pivoting mid-career. For example, military veterans or professionals from technical fields often matriculate later, bringing deep operational expertise. The Deferred Enrollment Program also means that exceptionally qualified students may begin planning for Columbia as early as age 21 or 22.

Columbia values career stage alignment, not just age. The guiding question is whether the applicant’s timing for an MBA makes strategic sense given their goals and accomplishments.

Gender Composition and Equity Initiatives

In recent years, Columbia has made notable strides toward gender parity in its MBA program. The Class of 2025 consists of approximately 44 percent women—a meaningful improvement from past decades.

This shift reflects Columbia’s investment in gender equity initiatives both within the admissions process and through post-matriculation support. Student-led organizations like Columbia Women in Business, executive coaching for female leaders, and events like the Women’s Leadership Conference provide ongoing infrastructure to empower women at CBS.

Admissions officers actively seek to identify and elevate female candidates with strong leadership potential. Academic distinction, entrepreneurial initiative, and social impact are key differentiators. The message is clear: women at Columbia are not tokens—they are changemakers.

International Representation and Geographic Diversity

The CBS MBA is a truly global program. The Class of 2025 includes students from over 50 countries, with international students comprising roughly 44 percent of the cohort. Applicants often come from diverse educational systems, work environments, and cultural contexts.

This global fabric is no accident. Columbia’s admissions committee intentionally builds a class with wide geographic representation to prepare students for international careers. Whether it’s an entrepreneur from Nairobi, a banker from São Paulo, or a consultant from Istanbul, every international candidate contributes to the school’s global discourse.

Regional representation is especially strong from East Asia, South Asia, Western Europe, and Latin America, but Columbia continues to seek applicants from emerging regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. Bilingualism, cross-border projects, or transnational mobility all add weight to an international profile.

Undergraduate Majors and Academic Institutions

Columbia admits students from a wide spectrum of academic disciplines and institutions. While business, economics, and engineering remain prominent, liberal arts backgrounds are increasingly visible.

Typical undergraduate majors among the incoming class include:

  • Business Administration

  • Economics

  • Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Software)

  • Computer Science

  • Political Science

  • International Relations

  • Psychology

  • Mathematics

  • Biology and Pre-Medical Studies

  • History and Philosophy

Applicants hail from a mix of Ivy League universities, international institutions, liberal arts colleges, and large public universities. Columbia evaluates academic rigor and relative performance within a student’s context, rather than relying solely on school brand.

What matters is not just where an applicant studied, but how they applied themselves. Honors, thesis research, interdisciplinary work, and extracurricular leadership during college can significantly enhance an undergraduate profile.

Extracurricular Engagement and Non-Professional Identity

Admissions at Columbia are holistic, meaning that what you do outside of work carries genuine evaluative weight. Candidates are encouraged to highlight extracurricular passions—whether in the arts, athletics, community service, or activism—that reveal depth of character and multidimensionality.

CBS students have included:

  • Competitive musicians and orchestra conductors

  • National-level athletes and martial artists

  • Environmental advocates and nonprofit founders

  • Filmmakers and screenwriters

  • Volunteers for refugee education and climate justice

  • Mentors for underrepresented youth

Such experiences don’t just humanize an application; they underscore transferable skills like resilience, creativity, empathy, and long-term commitment. Columbia values applicants who bring more than analytical prowess to the table—those who also possess emotional intelligence and a genuine sense of purpose.

Military Background and Service Experience

Veterans represent a vital and respected cohort at Columbia. The school is one of the most military-friendly MBA programs in the U.S., with dedicated financial aid, career support, and transition programming.

Students from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps—as well as international armed forces—have consistently enriched the CBS classroom with their leadership under pressure, operational discipline, and global exposure.

Veterans are not expected to pivot into defense-related roles post-MBA. Many transition into finance, consulting, tech, or entrepreneurship. What Columbia appreciates is their capacity to lead, adapt, and drive execution in high-stakes environments.

Dual Degrees and Interdisciplinary Aspirations

A growing subset of CBS students pursue dual-degree programs in law, public policy, engineering, or international affairs. These candidates often aspire to intersect business with broader societal concerns.

Popular combinations include:

  • MBA/MPA with Columbia SIPA (School of International and Public Affairs)

  • MBA/JD with Columbia Law School

  • MBA/MS with Columbia Engineering

  • MBA/MD for future healthcare leaders

These interdisciplinary profiles are valuable to Columbia, as they represent a hybrid form of leadership well-suited to the complexity of 21st-century problems.

Family Background and First-Generation Students

Columbia encourages applicants to share stories of personal adversity, family responsibility, or socioeconomic mobility. First-generation college students and those from underrepresented communities are not only welcomed—they are prioritized as essential contributors to the school’s mission.

CBS evaluates grit, perseverance, and self-authorship as markers of leadership. A student who worked part-time throughout college to support their family, or who broke barriers in their community, embodies the kind of impact Columbia seeks to amplify.

Scholarships and fellowships targeted at first-gen students ensure financial accessibility and create pathways for leadership that transcends traditional privilege.

Diversity of Thought and Cognitive Range

Diversity at Columbia is not limited to race, gender, or nationality. The school places equal emphasis on diversity of thought, life philosophy, and problem-solving style. Columbia’s curriculum is case-based and discussion-heavy; therefore, the admissions office values applicants who bring different interpretive lenses to complex challenges.

This could include:

  • A computer scientist who approaches leadership through systems thinking

  • A poet-turned-consultant who views brands as stories

  • A behavioral economist who sees policy and profit as intertwined

  • An architect who thinks spatially about team dynamics

CBS is not seeking consensus thinkers. It seeks intellectual tension, cross-pollination, and the occasional productive disagreement. Such diversity deepens the classroom experience and reflects the messiness of real-world decision-making.

Student Clubs and Identity Networks

Once on campus, students engage in over 100 professional, cultural, and identity-based clubs. These include:

  • Black Business Students Association

  • Hispanic Business Association

  • Asia Business Club

  • Cluster Q (LGBTQ+ group)

  • Columbia Veterans Association

  • Columbia Christian Fellowship

  • South Asia Business Association

  • OutClass (Ally and LGBTQ+ Network)

These groups don’t merely offer social outlets. They are vehicles for career networking, thought leadership, advocacy, and personal growth. Prospective applicants are encouraged to research which organizations align with their identity and aspirations—often these alignments find a voice in the application essays or interview.

Columbia’s Commitment to Inclusion and Belonging

Diversity is a foundational tenet of CBS’s value system, but so is belonging. Columbia invests in creating an environment where every student feels heard, supported, and inspired. This includes mentorship programs, mental health resources, DEI workshops, and faculty engagement around cultural competency.

Belonging at Columbia is not just about representation; it’s about participation. Students are invited to co-create the culture of the school, from case competition themes to club programming to community service initiatives.

The admissions team looks for applicants who will not only benefit from this inclusive culture, but who will help build and sustain it.

Conclusion

The Columbia MBA Class of 2025 is a microcosm of the modern business world—diverse, dynamic, and deeply human. While academic scores and professional milestones set the stage, it is the personal stories, varied life paths, and shared ambition for impact that truly define the cohort.

As Part 1 examined intellectual capacity, and Part 2 explored professional depth, this final chapter affirms that what makes Columbia exceptional is not just what students know or do—but who they are. For anyone considering the CBS MBA, the path forward lies not in mimicry, but in embracing one’s authentic narrative.

Columbia isn’t looking for perfect résumés. It’s looking for imperfect humans with bold ideas, resilience, and the courage to reimagine what business can achieve.

Let me know if you’d like the full compiled version in one document or assistance tailoring your own CBS application strategy.

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