Essay 3: CBS Matters, a key element of the School’s culture, allows the people in your Cluster to learn more about you on a personal level. What will your Clustermates be pleasantly surprised to learn about you? (100-250 words)
Imagine that you are chosen for Columbia MBA. The GPA and GMAT scores were good, your essays proved demonstrable career progression, and your communication skills were at par with the students, but when the time came to interact and contribute for the learning cluster, a visible shield prevented you from opening up. You fear that your experience might be too trivial for the team, or it is better to listen than contribute.
The Columbia MBA admission team prefers candidates who are not only aware of their weakness but works actively to bridge the skill gap. If you are too afraid to share your worldview, from the fear that others in the learning cluster might know more than you do about the case, the opportunity to engage in meaningful learning experiences will be limited.
CBS Matters is a form of opening up on a personal level. Package your story in these two templates:
Do-Gooder
This is the most commonly cited personal level experience. You experience a personal tragedy or financial setback because of X or Y. When you were in a position to help your community or individual, you set up an organization Z or lead that organization to provide X or Y to the people who had gone through similar experience. Education is a common theme here.
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