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Whether you’ve been invited to interview with Columbia Business School (CBS) or are simply planning for the Columbia MBA application process, we’re here to help you make the most of this opportunity and take your application to the finish line. In this article, we will explore the CBS interview format, some frequently asked Columbia MBA interview questions and tips on how to prepare for the interview stage and excel in your interview.
To both answer questions and help you succeed, we have compiled a list of example questions and expert top tips based on information from various client interview experiences. Let’s dive into the crucial information you need to know to nail your interview.
The Columbia Business School Interview
Overview
- Type: Invite-only
- Interviewer: Usually an alum, occasionally an admissions officer or second-year student
- # of Interview Invites: ~50% of applicants
- Format: Blind, based only on the resume; behavior-focused questions
- Length: 45 minutes
- Timeline: Invitations are sent out on a rolling basis within six weeks of the application submission
Columbia Interviews Format
Columbia Business SchoolMBA interviews are primarily virtual interviews conducted by CBS alumni who have been instructed on how to interview and evaluate you. When alumni are not available, a current student or admissions officer may conduct your Columbia MBA interview. CBS uses a “blind” interview format, meaning the interviewer only has access to your resume and not your full application, allowing them to focus on your professional background and career goals.
Since your interviewer has not seen your application, the questions asked will be behavioral, focusing on your background, interests, career goals, and why you want to attend an MBA program and Columbia Business School in particular.
Timing and Structure
Interviews usually last around 45 minutes, offering ample time to discuss your qualifications leadership experiences, career path, and fit with the CBS culture. Given the shift toward virtual formats, be prepared to engage on camera, maintaining professionalism throughout the interview report.
The admissions office plays a crucial role in maintaining a structured timeline and transparency throughout the evaluation process, ensuring applicants are kept informed at each stage.
Note: For the 2024-2025 admissions and early decision cycle, the following admissions committee interview decision release timeline is expected:
- Round 1: Mid-October 2024
- Round 2: Early-to-mid February 2025
- Round 3: Mid-to-late April 2025
See: How to Ace Your MBA Interview: With Prep Questions & Answers
Columbia MBA Interview Questions and How to Approach Them
During your Columbia MBA interview, CBS alumni or students will ask questions designed to assess your leadership potential, problem-solving abilities, communication style, and cultural fit. Here are some sample questions and strategies for crafting impactful responses.
- “Tell me about yourself.” This common Columbia MBA interview opener allows you to summarize your professional journey. Highlight roles that prepared you for an MBA and relate current responsibilities to your goals at Columbia. Don’t walk the interviewer through your resume; instead, connect the dots between your past, your present, and your future (and, of course, how CBS fits into that trajectory).
- “Why Columbia Business School?” Research CBS’s unique programs (like the Global Immersion Program) and pinpoint specific elements, such as New York’s industry proximity or the active alumni network, that support your objectives. Your answer to “Why CBS?” should be hyper-unique to you. If someone else could copy and paste your answer, it’s not specific or personal enough. The question is really not “Why Columbia Business School?” but rather, “Why is Columbia Business School the best place for you?”
- “Describe a leadership role/experience.” Using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method, recount a scenario where you led a team, emphasizing impact and skills gained.
- “What are your short-term and long-term goals?” Provide a clear outline of your immediate post-MBA ambitions and your overarching vision. CBS values purpose-driven candidates who align their career plans with its resources. Be bold with your goals but ensure they make sense. In other words, has your past genuinely set you up to do what you say you’re going to do?
- Behavioral and Situational Prompts: Prepare to discuss how you handled challenges, ethical decisions, or unexpected project changes. Be specific, focusing on decisions, actions, and results to illustrate problem-solving skills. Show what you, personally, did and make sure to highlight the impact of your actions.
- “What makes you unique compared to other applicants?” Reflect on experiences that set you apart, such as international projects, unique skills, or professional insights that contribute to diverse perspectives within CBS. Remember that an MBA program is trying to build a well-rounded class of individuals from different backgrounds, industries, worldviews, etc. and you want to show that you would be a meaningful contribution to that class.
Other Common Columbia MBA Interview Questions
- Walk me through your resume.
- Why MBA? Why Columbia Business School?
- Why MBA now or Why MBA at this stage of your career?
- What is your Plan B if your current career plans don't happen?
- What are your key strengths? Can you give some examples, please?
- What is your biggest weakness? Can you give some examples, please?
- How can you add value to the class?
- Why should we take you?
- One reason that we should not select you?
- Teach me something.
- What makes you different from other applicants?
- Interests and Hobbies – Be prepared! Questions as basic as “Why do you do poetry (or any other activity)?” may be asked.
Questions to Ask Your Interviewer
Conclude your interview by showing curiosity and engagement. Here are some thoughtful follow-up questions you may consider asking. Personalize them to you and your background/goals.
- What was the most impactful part of your CBS experience?
- How has your Columbia MBA influenced your career?
- What advice would you give to prospective students about succeeding at CBS?”
- Questions related to hot topic current events, especially in your industry
- Questions about new technology and how that might affect your career path
Read: Top 20 Questions to Ask During Your MBA Application Interview
How to Nail Your Columbia MBA Interview
- Thoroughly research Columbia Business School: Demonstrating knowledge of CBS’s programs, values, and alumni network shows a genuine interest. Speak with current students or alumni to gain personal insights and highlight these connections in your responses. You want to show that you know exactly why you’re a great fit for CBS (and why CBS is a great fit for you!).
- Develop STAR-format stories: Preparing anecdotes that follow the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) will make your answers organized, impactful, and relevant. Focus on leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving stories.
- Conduct mock interviews: Mock interviews help you refine answers, especially for open-ended questions about goals and personal attributes. Practicing through mock interviews as part of your interview prep allows you to become comfortable with the format and receive constructive feedback from peers, mentors, or admissions coaches. Practicing with an experienced CBS alum or interview coach can further hone your responses. This is the #1 most impactful preparation tool at your disposal!
"“At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.”"
Maya Angelou
- Have a backup plan: CBS values flexibility in candidates, so be ready to discuss alternative career paths. This shows preparedness and adaptability, key traits for business leaders.
- Ask insightful follow-up questions: Thoughtful questions about your interviewer’s CBS experience or specific aspects of the MBA program demonstrate engagement and eagerness to understand the school’s culture. Tailor your questions depending on if you’re talking to an alumnus, student, or someone from the admissions committee. Think about asking questions that the interviewer has some unique insight into – do not ask questions that you can find the answer to easily online.
- Project confidence and calm: Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but remember to stay calm, speak clearly, and avoid rushing. Be confident in your experiences and believe in your fit for CBS. Pause before answering if you need a moment to collect your thoughts and always mirror the behaviors of your interviewer. If they’re more casual, you can be more casual. If they’re formal, also act formally.
- Practice, practice, practice: Rehearse answering common interview questions and case questions to ensure you’re comfortable and confident during the actual interview. Professional feedback during interview prep can significantly enhance your performance. We have dozens of amazing CBS experts on Leland who would be more than happy to practice with you!
Combining research, introspection, and practice, this guide equips you with everything needed to excel in the Columbia Business School MBA interview. Use these insights to shape your preparation, anticipate key questions, and refine your storytelling to make a lasting impression. By projecting confidence, clarity, and genuine interest in CBS, you’ll demonstrate your potential to enrich the Columbia community, good luck, and remember to stay authentic throughout the admissions process too!
Here are some other articles you may find helpful:
- 6 Coaches' Best Advice for the MBA Interview
- Columbia Business School MBA Application Deadlines (2024-2025)
- A Guide to the Columbia Business School Essays (2024-2025)
- NEW MBA Essay Prompt for Columbia Business School (2023-2024)
FAQs
How important is the interview in Columbia’s application process?
- The interview is critical, serving as a way for admissions officers to evaluate a candidate's ability, interpersonal skills, and communication skills, which can significantly influence the final decision. A significant percentage of interviewed applicants do not receive offers due to failures in effectively showcasing their backgrounds and motivations.
What should I wear for a virtual Columbia interview?
- Dress in professional business attire to convey seriousness and respect for the process, even if the interview is remote.
Can I follow up after the interview?
- Yes, a short, courteous thank-you email reiterating your interest in CBS can leave a positive impression on your interviewer and show that you genuinely care about going to this program.
