Columbia MBA Recommendation Questions
Columbia Business School’s early decision and regular decision online applications are live, meaning that the Columbia MBA recommendation questions are now available.
Columbia’s recommendation is rather streamlined compared to that of other leading MBA programs. The recommendation form requests that recommenders indicate whether they have an MBA, requires an upload of a business card or another form of proof of employment, such as a screenshot of a profile on an internal company website, or link to profile on public company website, etc., and asks that they address two prompts in the course of a recommendation of no more than 1,000 words that should be on professional letterhead. There are no additional questions asking the recommender to rate the applicant on a list of skills or qualities.
Recommenders are advised in the email sent by Columbia of the guidelines for submission, which now include a note that while the use of generative AI tools for idea generation and/or to edit a person’s work is permitted by the school, using these tools to generate a complete letter violates the Honor Code
2024-2025 Columbia MBA Recommendation Questions
Please consider the following guidelines when writing your recommendation:
- How do the candidate’s performance, potential, background, or personal qualities compare to those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Please provide specific examples.
- Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response.
Limit your recommendation to 1000 words. Please submit your recommendation as a PDF or Word document on letterhead, if possible.
Of note, these questions track closely with—but are not identical to—the questions in the GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation. Check out our analysis of the GMAC Common LoR prompts for strategic insight that your recommenders should keep in mind as they compose their responses.
MBA Applywire
Background: 30M, white European from a small non-EU country. Can speak 3 languages, lived abroad for 7 years across 2 countries.
Grades: BSc (3.8 GPA) from home country, MSc (3.9 GPA) from a top EU university. Both are in Electrical Engineering
GMAT: 675 FE (might retake, depending on work commitments).
Work Experience: 5+ years in the semiconductor/electronics industry—started as an Engineer, now a Product Manager focusing on product strategy at a large US-based company. Currently working in the EU.
Extracurriculars: Skiing, running, skill development (nothing standout).
Target Schools: M7 (reach), but more realistically T10-T20—Fuqua, Stern, McCombs, Tepper, Ross (Fuqua & McCombs are my top choices).
Post-MBA Goals: Transition into a Product Manager role at a top tech company (Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, NVIDIA, AMD). Consulting as a backup.
Long-Term Goal: Live and work in the US for 10+ years, using the MBA to build a strong local network for that transition.
Questions: Would Stern's Tech MBA or Kellogg's MBAi be appropriate for my kind of profile? + I would prefer to get $$$ to $$$$, given my stats is that too much to ask? Should I re-take the GMAT?
Hello all,
I want to get your thoughts. I am a 30/white/male applicant from Caucasus.
2.87 GPA (71.65/100), 750 Gmat Classic. 7+ years of Product management experience (Fintech/Banking, AI, and Govtech domains). Several extracurriculars, Volunteer experiences, and lots of activities.
I have applied through the last 2 cycles; m7 and t15 schools. I got an interview from Booth and Stern last year and both went well, but I got rejected, and I got an interview from Ross this cycle and got rejected after waitlist.
So questions:
Should I apply through 3rd round and consider t20 schools? or
Should I stay till round 1 next cycle and apply again?
Which makes sense more? Will being 31 before matriculation for US schools weak point of my application? Post-MBA goal is also PM-related positions in Big Tech companies. Should I reconsider my goal? Is the current situation in the US tech job market an issue for me as an international?
Thanks in advance
I’m a final-year Business Data Analytics major at ASU with a 3.55 GPA and multiple Dean’s List honors. I’ve completed three internships across strategy consulting, analytics, and supply chain, and recently accepted a full-time Data Analyst offer at a mid-sized firm in Phoenix. I plan to work for 1–2 years before starting my MBA, with long-term goals in consulting or strategic leadership roles at top firms or global corporations.
I’ve had the opportunity to connect closely with Tre Coles from Tepper, who shared, “Your background and leadership skills would be a great fit at Tepper, and we would be lucky to have you.” He also encouraged me to highlight my personal story, resilience, and leadership journey in my application. Tre further supported my interest by offering a full application fee waiver, which I truly appreciated as a sign of Tepper’s belief in my candidacy.
Outside academics, I’ve demonstrated perseverance and leadership—most notably during my recovery from a serious ankle injury and surgery while still managing full-time coursework and an internship. I’ve also earned 11 intramural soccer trophies during undergrad and served as a leader in various extracurricular activities, which helped sharpen my teamwork, grit, and time management.
Tepper is my top choice for its quantitative rigor, tight-knit community, and flexibility to explore different career tracks. I’m visiting campus this week and am truly excited to engage in the class visit and student lunch. I look forward to further strengthening my candidacy and would appreciate any feedback to improve my profile.
MBA LiveWire
Veteran, ($) scholarship included.