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Columbia MBA Events - January 2026

In January, Columbia Business School is hosting seven MBA admissions events, comprising five virtual events and two in-person events. The month’s programming is designed to give prospective applicants a structured understanding of the Columbia MBA, with particular emphasis on inclusion initiatives, student life, and deferred enrollment pathways.

Virtual Events

The virtual events begin on 7 January and 21 January with Engagement & Inclusion Virtual Small Group Conversations, where candidates interact with CBS’s Engagement & Inclusion admissions team to learn about the MBA application process, inclusion-focused initiatives, The Consortium, and the Phillips Pathway for Inclusive Leadership through guided discussion. On 26 January, The CBS Experience: Student Chat with the Sports Business Association offers a student-led perspective on club life and the role of sports business at Columbia, followed by a live Q&A.
 

Founding Consultant - F1GMAT, Author, EditorEssay Editing - Consult with Atul Jose (Essay Specialist, F1GMAT)

The skills that a writer/editor brings to the table are different from what a former admissions officer or a consultant who has limited writing skills brings

Review Skills # Writing Skills
Movie Critics # Movie Directors

For any questions about the service, email me, Atul Jose, at editor@f1gmat.com

As F1GMAT’s Lead Consultant and Essay Specialist, I will help you structure the essay by:

1)  Incorporating your Personal Brand

I will help you find unique life experiences that would differentiate you from the highly competitive Columbia MBA application pool.

2)  Including Storytelling elements

I have developed a keen sense of storytelling from over a decade and a half of editing essays and writing essay examples for F1GMAT’s Essay Guides.

The skills that a writer/editor brings to the table are different from what a former admissions officer or a consultant who has limited writing skills brings

Review Skills # Writing Skills
Movie Critics # Movie Directors

It is easy to comment, but it is tough to structure the essay from the perspective of the applicant and turn the essay into a winning application essay.

3) Aligning with the Culture of the School

A big part of editing and guiding applicants is in educating them about the culture of the school

Some schools have very ‘specific’ traits that they are looking for in an applicant. 

If you don’t highlight them and lean towards general leadership or cultural narratives, the essay won’t work. 

I will guide you through the writing process. 

I will also iteratively edit the essays without losing your original voice. 

 

This is complemented on 27 January by Top Business Schools Discuss: Application Advice for Deferred MBA Programs, a multi-school virtual panel featuring Columbia and peer institutions, focused on the value of deferred MBA options and application strategy. The month concludes online on 29 January with the Deferred Enrollment Program Virtual Information Session, where the admissions team provides a detailed overview of Columbia’s deferred enrollment pathway and application requirements.

F1GMAT's Columbia MBA Essay GuideDownload F1GMAT's Columbia MBA Essay Guide

Short Answer Question 1: What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 characters maximum)

Short Answer Question 2: How do you plan to spend the summer after the first year of the MBA? If in an internship, please include target industry(ies) and/or function(s). If you plan to work on your own venture, please indicate a focus of business. (50 characters maximum)

Essay 1: Through your resume and recommendation, we have a clear sense of your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next three to five years and what is your long-term dream job? (500 words)

Essay 2: Please share a specific example of how you made a team more collaborative, more inclusive or fostered a greater sense of community within an organization. (250 words)

Essay 3: We believe Columbia Business School is a special place with a collaborative learning environment in which students feel a sense of belonging, agency, and partnership--academically, culturally, and professionally.

How would you co-create your optimal MBA experience at CBS? Please be specific. (250 words)

Related Download: F1GMAT's Columbia MBA Essay Guide

Related Read

In-Person Events

The in-person programming includes London Small Group Conversations held on 9 January in London, hosted by Zara Sayeed, Associate Director of Admissions. These small-group sessions offer an overview of Columbia Business School, insights into the Full-Time MBA application process, and an interactive discussion format, giving prospective students in the UK a chance to engage directly with admissions in a more personalized setting.

DateEventDescriptionType of EventRegister

07-Jan-25

Engagement & Inclusion Virtual Small Group ConversationProspective students can join this virtual small-group conversation with Columbia Business School’s Engagement & Inclusion admissions team to learn about the MBA application process. The session will also highlight inclusion-focused initiatives, the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, and the Phillips Pathway for Inclusive Leadership, with time for open discussion.Virtual

Register

 

09-Jan-25

London Small Group ConversationProspective students can attend this in-person small group conversation in London with Zara Sayeed, Associate Director of Admissions. The session will provide an overview of Columbia Business School and insights into the Full-Time MBA application process, with time for discussion and questions.In-Person

Register

 

09-Jan-25

London Small Group ConversationProspective students can attend this in-person small group conversation in London with Zara Sayeed, Associate Director of Admissions. The session will provide an overview of Columbia Business School and insights into the Full-Time MBA application process, with time for discussion and questions.In-Person

Register

 

21-Jan-25

Engagement & Inclusion Virtual Small Group ConversationProspective students can join this virtual small-group conversation with Columbia Business School’s Engagement & Inclusion admissions team to learn about the MBA application process. The session will also highlight inclusion-focused initiatives, the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, and the Phillips Pathway for Inclusive Leadership, with time for open discussion.Virtual

Register

 

26-Jan-25

The CBS Experience: Student Chat with Sports Business AssociationProspective students can join this virtual student chat to connect with members of Columbia Business School’s Sports Business Association. The session offers an opportunity to learn about the club’s activities and hear directly from current students during a group Q&A.Virtual

Register

 

27-Jan-25

Top Business Schools Discuss: Application Advice for Deferred MBA ProgramsProspective students can attend this virtual panel featuring admissions officers from Columbia Business School and other leading MBA programs to learn about deferred enrollment options. The session will cover the value of deferred MBA programs, application strategies, and opportunities to connect with individual schools.Virtual

Register

 

29-Jan-25

Deferred Enrollment Program Virtual Information SessionProspective students can join this virtual information session to learn about Columbia Business School’s Deferred Enrollment Program. The webinar will provide an overview of the program and insights into the application process, led by the admissions team.Virtual

Register