In November 2025, Columbia Business School will host a total of 32 events, including 19 in-person sessions and 13 virtual events, offering prospective students multiple opportunities to learn about the MBA program, engage with admissions representatives, and connect with members of the CBS community around the world.
Virtual Events
The virtual events begin with the Deferred Enrollment Program: The Application is Open Webinar on 6 November, which introduces prospective students to Columbia’s deferred enrollment pathway, application timeline, and eligibility criteria. Other specialized sessions include the Executive Assessment Overview on 12 November, where GMAC experts discuss test preparation strategies, and The MBA + Master’s Tour Middle East on the same day, which connects attendees with representatives from top business schools. A series of “Catch Up With” events, organized by Columbia’s student clubs, will be held throughout the month, featuring the Women in Business (CWiB) on 17 November, Black Business Student Association (BBSA) on 18 November, Asian Business Association (ABA) and Hispanic Business Association (HBA) on 19 November, Veterans Club on 20 November, and Cluster Q and CBS Student Leaders on 21 November.
These sessions provide an inside look into how CBS students build community and leadership across diverse networks. Other virtual highlights include Top Business Schools Present: Military in Business on 18 November, which explores the MBA journey for military professionals, and Virtual MBA Information Session on 25 November, which provides a comprehensive program overview and application guidance.
Essay 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.
In-Person Events
The in-person events provide immersive engagement opportunities across the U.S. and globally. The recurring MBA Admissions Overview and Student Chat sessions, held on 6, 19, and 24 November, invite candidates to the Manhattanville campus for an in-depth look at admissions, academics, and student life.
The MBA Campus Visit on 14 November similarly offers campus tours and conversations with current students. Small Group Conversations with the Associate Director of Admissions will take place in Los Angeles (6 November), Miami (11 November), and Charlotte (12 November), offering intimate discussions over breakfast about the application process.
Regional events such as Top Business Schools Present in Miami (11 November) and Charlotte (12 November) bring together representatives from leading business schools for panel discussions and networking. The Insight into Deferred Enrollment MBA Programs events in Los Angeles (12 November) and San Francisco (13 November) will focus on early admission pathways, while Spotlight On: The CBS Community on 8 November offers a full-day on-campus experience featuring alumni panels and admissions insights. Additional events include the Dual MBA/Executive MS Campus Visit on 12 November, which highlights the interdisciplinary program in Engineering and Applied Science, and the Shanghai Small Group Conversation – MBAxMS Program on 7 November, offering insights into the joint program’s global opportunities.
Download 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
| Date | Event | Description | Type of Event | Register |
06-Nov-25 | Deferred Enrollment Program: The Application is Open Webinar | Prospective students can join this virtual session to learn about Columbia Business School’s Deferred Enrollment Program and the application process. The webinar offers an overview of eligibility, timelines, and tips for preparing a strong application. | Virtual |
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06-Nov-25 | MBA Admissions Overview and Student Chat | Prospective students can join Columbia Business School on campus for an MBA Admissions Overview & Student Chat, featuring insights into the admissions process, conversations with current students, and a visit to the Manhattanville campus. | In-Person |
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06-Nov-25 | Los Angeles Small Group Conversation | The prospective MBA students will join the associate Director of Admission at Columbia Business school for breakfast in Los Angeles where he will discuss the application process at Columbia MBA program | In-Person |
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06-Nov-25 | Los Angeles Small Group Conversation | The prospective MBA students will join the associate Director of Admission at Columbia Business school for breakfast in Los Angeles where he will discuss the application process at Columbia MBA program | In-Person |
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07-Nov-25 | Shanghai Small Group Conversation - MBAxMS Program | Prospective students in Shanghai can join Associate Dean Gabrielle Gannon for a small group discussion about Columbia’s MBAxMS Program. The session offers insights into the program’s structure, opportunities, and application process. | In-Person |
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08-Nov-25 | Spotlight On: The CBS Community | Prospective students can attend Spotlight On: The CBS Community at Columbia Business School to experience campus life firsthand. The full-day event includes sessions with young alumni, insights into the academic and student experience, and an overview of the Full-Time MBA admissions process. | In-Person |
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11-Nov-25 | Miami Small Group Conversation | The prospective MBA students will join the associate Director of Admission at Columbia Business school for breakfast in Miami where he will discuss the application process at Columbia MBA program | In-Person |
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11-Nov-25 | Miami Small Group Conversation | The prospective MBA students will join the associate Director of Admission at Columbia Business school for breakfast in Miami where he will discuss the application process at Columbia MBA program | In-Person |
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11-Nov-25 | Miami Small Group Conversation | The prospective MBA students will join the associate Director of Admission at Columbia Business school for breakfast in Miami where he will discuss the application process at Columbia MBA program | In-Person |
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11-Nov-25 | Top Business Schools Present in Miami | Prospective students can attend this in-person event in Miami to hear from admissions representatives of leading business schools, including Columbia. The session will feature a panel discussion on the MBA experience followed by a networking reception with representatives from all participating schools. | In-person |
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12-Nov-25 | Dual MBA/Executive MS: Engineering and Applied Science Campus Visit | Prospective students can join a Dual MBA/Executive MS Campus Visit at Columbia to meet with Admissions, connect with current students, and tour the campus. | In-Person |
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12-Nov-25 | Clear Admit: Insights into Deferred Enrollment MBA Programs | Prospective students can join this virtual Clear Admit webinar to connect with Wharton and other top business schools. A Wharton admissions representative will discuss the Moelis Advanced Access Program and answer questions about the deferred MBA pathway. | Virtual |
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12-Nov-25 | Executive Assessment Overview | Prospective students can join this virtual Executive Assessment Overview session hosted by Columbia Business School to gain expert insights from GMAC representatives on test content, structure, and preparation strategies. The session also offers guidance on how the EA fits into the MBA admissions process. | Virtual |
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12-Nov-25 | Charlotte Small Group Conversation | The prospective MBA students will join the associate Director of Admission at Columbia Business school for breakfast in Charlotte where he will discuss the application process at Columbia MBA program | In-Person |
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12-Nov-25 | Charlotte Small Group Conversation | The prospective MBA students will join the associate Director of Admission at Columbia Business school for breakfast in Charlotte where he will discuss the application process at Columbia MBA program | In-Person |
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12-Nov-25 | Charlotte Small Group Conversation | The prospective MBA students will join the associate Director of Admission at Columbia Business school for breakfast in Charlotte where he will discuss the application process at Columbia MBA program | In-Person |
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12-Nov-25 | Insight into Deferred Enrollment MBA Programs - Los Angeles | Prospective students can meet Columbia Business School representatives at the Insight into Deferred Enrollment MBA Programs event in Los Angeles, hosted at UCLA Anderson School of Management, to learn more about CBS’s Deferred Enrollment Program and the application process. | In-Person |
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12-Nov-25 | Top Business Schools Present in Charlotte | Prospective students can attend this in-person event in Charlotte to hear from admissions representatives of leading business schools, including Columbia. The session will feature a panel discussion on the MBA experience followed by a networking reception with representatives from all participating schools. | In-person |
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12-Nov-25 | The MBA + Master's Tour Middle East | Prospective students can join this virtual MBA + Master’s Tour Middle East to connect with admissions representatives from leading business schools. The event offers application guidance, opportunities to ask questions, and access to exclusive benefits like fee waivers and test prep discounts. | Virtual |
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13-Nov-25 | Insight into Deferred Enrollment MBA Programs - San Francisco | Prospective students can meet Columbia Business School representatives at the Insight into Deferred Enrollment MBA Programs event in San Francisco, hosted at UCLA Anderson School of Management, to learn more about CBS’s Deferred Enrollment Program and the application process. | In-Person |
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14-Nov-25 | MBA Campus Visit | Participating candidates can visit the Columbia campus in Manhattanville and chat with the admission team and the current students. | In-Person |
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17-Nov-25 | Catch Up With Columbia Women in Business (CWiB) | Prospective students can join this online session hosted by Columbia Women in Business (CWiB) and the Office of Admissions to learn how Columbia MBA students build community, lead events, and foster mentorship on campus. Following the presentation, attendees can participate in breakout rooms to ask personalized questions about Columbia’s MBA application process in an informal, interactive setting. | Virtual |
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18-Nov-25 | Catch Up With Black Business Student Association (BBSA) | Prospective students can join this online session hosted by the Black Business Student Association (BBSA) and the Office of Admissions to learn how Columbia MBA students build community, lead initiatives, and foster mentorship on campus. After the presentation, attendees can join breakout rooms to ask questions about Columbia’s MBA application process in a relaxed, interactive setting. | Virtual |
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18-Nov-25 | Top Business Schools Present: Military in Business | Prospective students can join this virtual session to hear from top business schools, including Columbia, about the MBA experience for military and veteran students. The event will feature a panel discussion with admissions representatives and a networking session with participating schools. | Virtual |
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19-Nov-25 | Catch Up With Asian Business Association (ABA) | Prospective students can join this online session hosted by the Asian Business Association and the Office of Admissions to learn how Columbia MBA students build community, lead events, and foster mentorship on campus. Following the presentation, attendees can participate in breakout rooms to ask questions about Columbia’s MBA application process in an informal, interactive setting. | Virtual |
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19-Nov-25 | Catch Up With Hispanic Business Student Association (HBA) | Prospective students can join this online session hosted by the Hispanic Business Association (HBA) and the Office of Admissions to learn how Columbia MBA students build community, lead initiatives, and foster mentorship on campus. After the presentation, attendees can join breakout rooms to ask personalized questions about Columbia’s MBA application process in a relaxed, interactive setting. | Virtual |
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19-Nov-25 | MBA Admissions Overview and Student Chat | Prospective students can join Columbia Business School on campus for an MBA Admissions Overview & Student Chat, featuring insights into the admissions process, conversations with current students, and a visit to the Manhattanville campus. | In-Person |
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20-Nov-25 | Catch Up With Veterans Club | Prospective students can join this online session hosted by The Veterans Club and the Office of Admissions to learn how Columbia MBA students build community, lead events, and foster mentorship on campus. Following the presentation, attendees can participate in breakout rooms to ask questions about Columbia’s MBA application process in an informal, interactive setting. | Virtual |
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21-Nov-25 | Catch Up With CBS Student Leaders | Prospective students can join this online session hosted by Columbia Business School student leaders and the Office of Admissions to learn how current MBA students build community, lead events, and foster mentorship on campus. After the presentation, attendees can join breakout rooms to ask personalized questions about Columbia’s MBA application process in a relaxed, interactive setting. | Virtual |
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21-Nov-25 | Catch Up With Cluster Q | Prospective students can join this online session hosted by Cluster Q and the Office of Admissions to learn how current MBA students build community, lead events, and foster mentorship on campus. Following the presentation, attendees can participate in breakout rooms to ask questions about Columbia's MBA application process in an informal, interactive setting. | Virtual |
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24-Nov-25 | MBA Admissions Overview and Student Chat | Prospective students can join Columbia Business School on campus for an MBA Admissions Overview & Student Chat, featuring insights into the admissions process, conversations with current students, and a visit to the Manhattanville campus. | In-Person |
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25-Nov-25 | Virtual MBA Information Session | This virtual session will be hosted by the admission representative from the Columbia MBA program who will explain the application process and give an overview of the program. | Virtual |
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