In the heart of New York City’s Manhattan sits Columbia Business School, the graduate business school of Columbia University. As one of six Ivy League Business Schools, Columbia Business School (CBS) is incredibly competitive and Columbia admissions are some of the most selective when it comes to choosing incoming students. Warren Buffet, president of Buzz feed Jon Steinberg, and Chairman of the Federal Reserve Arthur Burns are among the many famously successful alumni who came out of Columbia Business School, making it clear that the school is an ambitious choice for many who want a graduate business degree.
The superiority of Columbia Business School’s programs reflects its record for high achievement and access to top of the line resources. With a number of degree options both local and international, many talented faculty members, and access to great business connections, Columbia Business School is the way to go for motivated business students. The school is dedicated not only to developing the next generation of business thinkers, but also to cultivating new business scholars and teachers.
It’s no surprise that Columbia Business School GMAT score ranges and Columbia MBA average GPA numbers are higher than those of many other schools – but just how much do you have to study to get into this great school? In this guide we’ll tell you all about Columbia Business School GMAT and GPA scores, give you a quick introduction to the school, and summarize important information about the school so that you’ll be able to determine whether or not Columbia is the right choice for you.
Columbia Business School Overview
Columbia Business School has different programs to fit your different needs:
- Full-time, two-year MBA program
- Local and international Executive MBA (EMBA) programs
- Doctoral program
- Master of Science program, in which students can choose one of four different fields: MS in Financial Economics, MS in Marketing, MS in Accounting and Fundamental Analysis, and MS in Management Science and Engineering.
Each program has unique requirements, deadlines, and benefits, so be sure to do further research to determine which degree is best for you.
Columbia Business School prides itself in offering access to many business opportunities to its students. The school’s exceptional Executives in Residence program, for example, allows senior business leaders from firms like McKinsey, IBM, and Goldman Sachs to teach, counsel, and interact with students. Students also get the opportunity to attend exclusive conferences and to hear from over 500 speakers every year.
This school is all about moving from theory to practice and structures its programs in a way that sets students up for life outside their program. The Entrepreneurial Greenhouse Program, for example, provides funding, access to mentors, and opportunities for entrepreneurial hopefuls to present to investors. This program is a great success: nearly half of these proposed ventures are launched after graduation.
Columbia Business School GMAT Score Ranges
The EMBA and Ph.D. programs stress that there is no minimum score to gain admission into the school, but according to their official website, the MBA class entering in 2016 had scores that fell between 550–780, with the middle 80% ranging from 680–760. The average GMAT score was 717. As you can see, Columbia Business School GMAT scores span quite a wide range, but it’s always wise to try your best to reach at least the average score of 717. While GMAT scores are only one part of your application, it’s important to get a good score for a school like Columbia.
Applicants may also choose to submit a GRE score in place of a GMAT score, though the website only provides information on Columbia Business School GMAT scores.
Columbia Business School Average GPA
Like the Columbia Business School GMAT scores, the Columbia average GPA information available only applies in reference to the MBA program. The Columbia MBA Average GPA for the class entering in 2016 was 3.5, while the middle 80% of scores fell between 3.1 and 3.9. As mentioned with GMAT scores, Columbia admissions will probably take every part of your application into account, but having a top-notch GPA will certainly help make you stand out amongst the crowd.
Profiles
MBA Student Profile — Class Entering 2016 (January and August)
| Applications Received | 6008 |
| Admitted | 1025 |
| Enrolled | 776 |
| January Class Size | 218 |
| August Class Size | 558 |
| Average Work Experience | 5 years |
| Work Experience (middle 80%) | 3-8 years |
| Average Age: | 28 |
| Age Range (middle 80%) | 25-31 |
| Women | 38% |
| Minority of U.S. Origin | 31% |
| International Citizens | 48% |
MBA Student Profile — Class Entering 2016 (January and August) Undergraduate Majors
| Social Science | 34% |
| Business | 31% |
| Engineering | 18% |
| Humanities | 8% |
| Sciences | 6% |
| Other | 2% |
| Technology | 1% |
MBA Student Profile — Class Entering 2016 (January and August) Previous Industries
| Financial Services | 25% |
| Consulting | 20% |
| Marketing / Media | 13% |
| Private Equity | 7% |
| Technology | 7% |
| Other | 7% |
| Military / Government | 5% |
| Nonprofit | 5% |
| Real Estate | 5% |
| Healthcare | 3% |
| Energy | 3% |
| Manufacturing | 2% |
MBA Student Profile — Class Entering 2015
| Total Students in the class | 748 |
| Average Age at Entry | 28 |
| Age Range | 23-40 |
| GMAT Range (middle 80%) | 680-760 |
| Average Undergraduate GPA | 3.5 |
| Work Experience | 5 years |
| Women | 37% |
| Minorities of U.S. Origin | 33% |
| Non-U.S. Citizens | 39% |
What does the Admissions Office Say?
Columbia admissions occur on a rolling basis, meaning that admissions reviews and makes decisions on applications as soon as they are received, although each program does have its own deadlines and due dates. This means that it’s best for you to consider submitting your application as soon as possible.
There are also valuable information sessions you can attend to learn more about whether or not Columbia Business School is right for you. These events occur worldwide, and some are even held online, meaning that there is likely a session available for you. Check out the calendar of information sessions to find one that fits your schedule.
As you can see from the school’s profiles, Columbia Admissions accept students from all kinds of cultural, educational, and professional backgrounds. From the MBA admissions website itself: “While every student who joins our community is unique, they share certain defining traits: they are driven by a strong work ethic, ready to build and foster professional and personal relationships, and are determined to make a real impact on the world through their chosen field.”
Three Things to Keep in Mind about CBS:
1. Columbia Business School aims to support all kinds of students, including both those who are career-minded and those who return to school seeking a more intellectual education. The school offers an incredible number of degrees through the MBA, EMBA, Ph.D., and Master of Science programs. Each program has its own timelines, requirements, and benefits, so it’s imperative that you conduct your own research and study to figure out which program best fits your interests, needs, and schedule. Regardless of your choice, Columbia Business School is one of only six Ivy League Business schools, meaning that it may be difficult to gain acceptance. However, if you are to attend Columbia Business School you are guaranteed a critically acclaimed education.
2. Columbia Business School GMAT scores range from 550–780 with an average of 717 for this year’s entering class. Additionally, the Columbia MBA average GPA this year was 3.5. While there’s no need to get a perfect GMAT score or a 4.0 GPA, it never hurts to aim for these higher scores – they can set you apart from the rest of the applicant pool. Columbia admissions are looking for highly ambitious, intelligent, and motivated students, and you can show them you’re fit for their school through your GMAT scores and GPA.
3. Columbia Business School bases their education on a theory-to-practice structure; their mission is not only to educate students but also to prepare them for success in their future careers. Programs like the Entrepreneurial Greenhouse Program, which helps students start their businesses before graduation, and the Nonprofit Board Leadership Program, which partners ambitious students with major figures from nonprofits, are just two examples of how Columbia Business School aims to give its students a solid foundation for their future careers.
Columbia Business School is an Ivy League Business school, meaning that while getting into the school may be difficult, the effort you put in will be well worth it should you be accepted and choose to attend. You can use the Columbia Business School GMAT score ranges and the Columbia MBA average GPA as a standard against which to study, but make sure that your application is well-rounded as well. If you can show your passion for business to Columbia admissions not only through your great GMAT and GPA scores, but also through the other parts of your application, you’ve got a great chance at becoming Columbia Business School’s newest student.
Do you have any experience with Columbia Business School GMAT scores, the Columbia MBA average GPA, or Columbia admissions? We’d love to hear your comments below!
Let’s put everything into practice. Try this GMAT practice question:
Looking for more GMAT practice?
You can find thousands of practice questions on Albert.io. Albert.io lets you customize your learning experience to target practice where you need the most help. We’ll give you challenging practice questions to help you achieve mastery of the GMAT.
Start practicing here.
Are you a teacher or administrator interested in boosting GMAT student outcomes?
Learn more about our school licenses here.
