Updated March 2026 Columbia Business School is one of the most sought-after MBA programs in the world – and one of the most specific about what it looks for. Columbia evaluates candidates on a demonstrated passion for being "at the very center of business," professional and community leadership, and a robust analytical skillset. For Columbia, fit with New York City isn't optional – it's the point. In this post, I break down what each of these criteria actually means for your
