The Columbia Business School essay topics for the 2012-2013 admissions season have recently been announced, following up on last week’s release of CBS’s 2012-2013 deadlines. The essay topics are below. All essays are required unless otherwise noted.

Short Answer Question
What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (200 characters maximum)

Essay 1
A. Why are you pursuing an MBA at this point in your career, and how do you plan to achieve your immediate and long term post-MBA professional goals? (500 words maximum)
B. Please view this video, entitled Community at Columbia. Diverse, tight-knit clusters and carefully selected learning teams are defining features of the first year at Columbia Business School. Along with more than 100 student organizations and countless events each semester, the cluster system helps to create a supportive and devoted lifelong community. Describe why you are interested in becoming a part of the Columbia community. (250 words maximum)

Essay 2
Describe a personal experience and how it has influenced who you are today. This essay should have a personal rather than a professional focus. (500 words maximum)

Optional Essay
An optional fourth essay will allow you to discuss any issues that do not fall within the purview of the required essays.

For additional information, applicants should visit CBS’s admissions website.