Columbia Business School GMAT Requirements
📚 Additional Study ResourceThis content is not part of the original "30 Day GMAT Success" book by Brandon Wu. It has been created as a supplementary resource to help GMAT students with additional practice questions, guides, and study materials.
Quick Facts
Median GMAT: 729 | 80% Range: 680-770 | Acceptance Rate: 14.3%
GMAT Score Requirements
By Applicant Profile
| Your Profile | Target GMAT | Minimum Viable |
|---|---|---|
| Over-represented (ORM) | 759+ | 739 |
| Traditional Background | 749 | 729 |
| Balanced Profile | 739 | 719 |
| Non-traditional | 729 | 709 |
| Under-represented (URM) | 719 | 699 |
Columbia Business School Class Profile
- Location: New York, NY
- Ranking: #7 (US News 2024)
- Class Size: 550-650
- International Students: 30-35%
What Columbia Business School Values
Beyond GMAT Score (Weight in Decision)
- Work Experience (30%)
- Essays & Story (25%)
- GMAT Score (20%)
- Undergraduate GPA (15%)
- Recommendations (10%)
Program Specialties
- Finance
- Value Investing
- Media
- Real Estate
Application Strategy for Columbia Business School
If Your GMAT is Above 749
- Strong position for admission
- Focus on cultural fit in essays
- Likely scholarship consideration
If Your GMAT is 709 to 749
- Competitive but need differentiation
- Emphasize unique experiences
- Apply in Round 1 for best chances
If Your GMAT is Below 709
- Need exceptional other factors
- Consider retaking GMAT
- Alternative: Part-time or EMBA programs
How to Improve Your Chances
- Score 729+ on the GMAT
- Apply Round 1 (September/October)
- Visit campus or attend virtual events
- Network with current students and alumni
- Craft compelling essays showing fit
Scholarship Opportunities
- Full ride: GMAT 779+ with strong profile
- 50% scholarship: GMAT 759+
- Merit aid: GMAT 739+
Application Timeline
Round 1 (Recommended)
- Deadline: September/October
- Decision: December
- Best for: All applicants
Round 2
- Deadline: January
- Decision: March
- Good for: Strong candidates
Round 3
- Deadline: March/April
- Decision: May
- Consider: Only if exceptional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the minimum GMAT for Columbia Business School?
No official minimum, but below 679 is very challenging without exceptional circumstances.
Does Columbia Business School prefer GMAT or GRE?
Both accepted equally, though 80% submit GMAT. Use official converter to compare scores.
Should I retake a 709 GMAT?
Yes if you can improve 30+ points and have 8+ weeks. Otherwise, focus on essays and recommendations.
Next Steps
- Assess your profile against 729 median
- Calculate needed score with our calculator
- Create study plan if retaking
- Research Columbia Business School programs thoroughly
Data from Columbia Business School official statistics and recent admission trends.