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Cracking Columbia Business School takes more than strong stats – it takes a story, strategy, and execution that match CBS’s pace and rigor. The coaches below are a carefully chosen group with proven Columbia experience, from current Hermes Fellows and interviewers to seasoned consultants and finance operators. Their styles range from narrative crafters to industry insiders who know how to position a pivot. Dive in to find the partner who fits your voice, background, and goals. See all MBA admissions coaches here.
James H.
Experience: Columbia MBA and former McKinsey consultant who now leads Partner Strategy & Operations at Salsa. A non-traditional applicant himself, James has helped candidates both traditional and unconventional earn admits to M7 programs through sharp narratives and interview strength.
Specialties:
- Essays and storytelling
- Interview preparation and mock interviews
- Application strategy for CBS and other M7s
- Non-traditional and career-pivot applicants
- International applicants
If you’re targeting Columbia and need a crisp, authentic story that ties your path to NYC and CBS’s ethos, James is a strong match. He brings a calm, practical approach to articulating career goals and shaping distinctive essays, especially for applicants coming from creative or atypical paths. Expect grounded guidance that translates your experience into admissions-ready impact.
"“From the few meetings I’ve had with James, I’ve noticed a palpable improvement in my essay! He possesses a remarkable talent for extracting the most compelling aspects of my story and seamlessly integrating them into a business-oriented essay. Most of all, I appreciate how James doesn’t hesitate to provide constructive criticism whilst simultaneously offering encouragement. I’m looking forward to continue working with James and could not recommend him enough to anyone looking for help with their MBA application!” "
Coached by James
Jeffrey Y.
Experience: Deferred admit to Columbia Business School with a Statistics/Economics background from UC Berkeley and consulting experience at Strategy& (PwC). Broad exposure across finance and corporate strategy gives him a 360° view of early-career positioning.
Specialties:
- Deferred MBA applications (college and early-career)
- Essay development and editing
- Interview prep
- Test prep guidance
- First-generation, low-income, and international applicants
Planning to apply to Columbia’s deferred program? Jeffrey has sat where you are and knows how to calibrate your experiences, goals, and timing for an early admit. He’s especially helpful for undergrads and recent grads who need a structured roadmap – and a coach who understands the CBS deferred lens.
"Jeffrey knows what he is doing and will steer you in the right direction – definitely reach out to him!"
Coached by Jeffrey
Kemi A.
Experience: Columbia Business School MBA with 10+ years in NYC finance, spanning J.P. Morgan sales & trading and private equity. Deep exposure to both buy-side and sell-side roles informs her application coaching.
Specialties:
- Finance-focused applications (IB, S&T, PE)
- Essays and personal narrative
- Interview preparation
- Positioning in finance and marketing
- Women and diverse candidates
Columbia is a finance powerhouse, and Kemi knows how to present a market-ready profile. She helps you articulate technical depth and leadership potential while keeping your voice intact – ideal for applicants targeting CBS for front-office finance or a high-velocity pivot.
"Kemi’s MBA coaching is top-notch. She deeply understands MBA admissions, especially at Columbia where she went to, and has strong insight into other top programs. Her own success in MBA recruiting shows she knows what works. With a strong writing background, Kemi excels at refining essays and resumes. She’s strategic, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in her clients’ success. Her feedback is always clear and actionable, helping you present your best self. Whether you're early in the process or polishing final applications, Kemi provides the expert guidance you need to stand out. Highly recommend her coaching!"
Coached by Kemi, accepted to Wharton and CBS
London L.
Experience: Columbia MBA candidate focused on tech; former Accenture consultant; Hermes Admissions Fellow; active with The Consortium and MLT. Admitted to five top programs with scholarships, including multiple full rides.
Specialties:
- Application strategy and school selection
- Essay refinement and storytelling
- Interview prep
- Tech pivots and product/Big Tech interests
- Support for first-gen, low-income, international, and veteran applicants
For CBS hopefuls targeting tech or seeking scholarships, London brings tactical know-how and empathy. With hands-on admissions exposure and a track record of winning offers, they’ll help you package your impact, demonstrate fit with Columbia, and prepare for high-stakes interviews.
"London has been incredibly helpful in preparing me for my CBS interview. During our mock session, she covered a comprehensive list of questions and provided written feedback on each one for me to review. She is knowledgeable about CBS resources and generously shared her experiences. Beyond the session, London continued to offer support, demonstrating her genuine commitment to her coachees' success. I truly appreciate her guidance and highly recommend her to anyone applying to CBS."
Coached by London, accepted to CBS and Yale SOM
Melanie E.
Experience: Columbia MBA alum, current MBA admissions interviewer, and former McKinsey consultant; ICF-certified executive coach. Has guided 200+ applicants into M7 programs and coaches with a top-4 Poets & Quants-ranked firm (2025).
Specialties:
- Essays, short answers, and resume refinement
- Interview coaching with an interviewer’s lens
- Brand building and leadership narrative
- Columbia J-Term and EMBA applicants
- Candidates across score ranges and from diverse backgrounds
If you want editorial precision and an insider’s eye, Melanie brings both. She blends elite storytelling with interview-savvy feedback to help your Columbia application showcase the best version of you. Especially compelling for those seeking high-touch polish.
"Melanie was so amazing! My session with her was absolutely helpful in understanding my strengths and weaknesses. She provided insightful feedback and brainstormed with me on how to address specific areas for improvement. I highly recommend her for interview coaching."
Coached by Melanie, accepted to CBS
Pamela J.
Experience: Columbia Business School MBA with 15+ years of admissions consulting; 200+ paid clients coached. Formerly at mbaMission; AIGAC member who collaborates regularly with AdComs and tracks admissions trends across top U.S. and European programs.
Specialties:
- Application strategy and positioning
- Essay and resume development
- Interview preparation
- School list curation for M7/S7/Top-25 and Europe
- Data- and trends-informed guidance
Pamela is the steady hand for applicants who want a proven process. Her methodology and outcomes with M7 admits make her a great fit for CBS aspirants who value structure, professional rigor, and a coach who understands how market context and career arcs land with Columbia.
"Going into the MBA application process, I had some reservations about working with an admissions consultant. Looking back, I don't regret the decision at all, especially working with Pamela. She has a deep understanding of the application process as well as what each school is looking for in candidates. With Pamela's expert guidance, I was able to figure out my story and craft compelling essays. What I appreciated most was Pamela's honesty through the process, as she was not afraid to tell me if an idea was or was not going to work. The MBA application process is not easy and such honesty was needed to ensure that I was turning out the best possible product. Pamela really pushes you to put 110% effort and her attention to detail makes sure that there are no holes in your work. When preparing for interviews, she also provided candid feedback as well as valuable knowledge on what types of questions I should anticipate for the specific schools I was invited to interview with. Ultimately, I was admitted to both Kellogg and Columbia. I definitely would not have been able to get these offers without Pamela's help. I would highly recommend anyone looking to undergo the MBA application process to work with her!"
Coached by Pamela, accepted to CBS and Kellogg
Priya P.
Experience: Columbia MBA and McCombs alum with a background in venture capital and Deloitte consulting. Coaches candidates on admissions and industry transitions into consulting and VC.
Specialties:
- Consulting and venture capital pathways
- Application strategy and essays
- Interview prep
- Career pivots and storytelling
Applicants aiming at Columbia for a VC or consulting trajectory will appreciate Priya’s industry fluency. She helps you translate deal exposure, startup experience, or consulting impact into a credible CBS case: clear goals, compelling narrative, and realistic next steps.
Randall G.
Experience: Columbia Business School MBA with investment banking experience in media, entertainment, and sports at CAA Evolution and Guggenheim Partners. Former Hollywood talent agency professional; published in Forbes; coached 50+ applicants.
Specialties:
- Finance, media, entertainment, and sports applicants
- Application strategy and essays
- Interview preparation
- First-generation applicants
- Investment banking recruiting guidance
If your story sits at the intersection of finance and media, Randall speaks your language. He knows how to frame transactions, creative experience, and deal rationale in a way that resonates with Columbia’s finance- and industry-oriented audience – perfect for IB-bound CBS hopefuls.
"Super sharp, articulate and easy to work with. He has an impressive network throughout the media world. Randall understands the business world and how to break into it through an MBA program. This is someone you can trust to help you achieve goals - I know I do."
Coached by Randall, accepted to CBS
Scott H.
Experience: Columbia MBA with strategy roles at Accenture, Nordstrom, Samsung’s Global Strategy Group, and Disney Strategic Planning. Undergrad English major who has coached dozens of successful CBS applicants.
Specialties:
- School selection and program fit
- Essay/story crafting
- Interview prep
- Positioning for traditional backgrounds
- Columbia-focused application strategy
For strong candidates who need to stand out beyond stats, Scott helps you build a clear, values-aligned case for CBS. He’s particularly adept at teasing out fit, sharpening themes, and making your application read like a cohesive story – critical for Columbia’s pace and precision.
"Scott has been incredibly helpful in preparing me for my CBS interview. During our mock session, he not only identified areas for improvement but also provided actionable advice to refine my responses. Beyond the session, Scott continued to offer support, demonstrating his genuine commitment to the coachee's success. Highly recommend him to anyone looking for thoughtful and constructive coaching."
Coached by Scott, accepted to CBS and Yale SOM
Victoria R.
Experience: Columbia Business School MBA and Forte Fellow with strategy and retail experience at Deloitte, Tapestry, and Rimowa. Has interviewed MBA candidates and coached dozens of applicants.
Specialties:
- Application strategy and essays
- Interview preparation
- Women and Forte-focused applicants
- Retail, consumer, and luxury candidates
- International applicants
If you’re targeting Columbia from retail, consumer, or consulting – and want an interviewer’s perspective – Victoria brings targeted, practical guidance. She helps you highlight leadership and results while keeping your narrative elegant and direct, a balance that plays well at CBS.
"Victoria is very responsible, knowledgeable, and great at storytelling! I'm so glad I found her in my MBA journey."
Coached by Victoria, accepted to CBS and MIT Sloan
Get Into Columbia Business School With the Help of an Expert
An experienced MBA admissions coach can give you a powerful edge in the Columbia Business School admissions process. From refining recommendation letters and essays to interview preparation for the Columbia interviews, the right coach will help you connect your career goals to the strengths of Columbia’s MBA program – its New York City location, world-class finance education, ties to Wall Street, and collaborative learning environment.
CBS’s MBA program uses a holistic approach, looking beyond test scores and the average GMAT score to value diverse backgrounds, leadership, and fit with the community. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a re-applicant, a coach can help you present a clear, compelling case to the admissions committee and improve your odds of being offered admission.
Every Leland coach offers a free 15-minute intro call so you can explore their approach and ensure the right fit. Still deciding? Book a free strategy and coach matching call, and we’ll connect you with an expert who knows CBS’s application deadlines and how to help you craft a great application that gets results.
Read more:
- Columbia MBA Essays: Tips & Examples (From a CBS AdCom)
- Columbia JD/MBA – Program & Application Overview
- How to Build a Lasting Connection in Your MBA Interview
Columbia Business School Application Help – FAQs
How do I get into Columbia Business School?
- Gaining admission to Columbia Business School (CBS) requires a strong, well-rounded MBA application that aligns with the admissions committee’s expectations. Competitive MBA applicants typically have an excellent GPA, high GMAT score or GRE, compelling essays, strong recommendation letters, and a clear connection between their career goals and Columbia’s MBA program. Leveraging CBS’s New York City location, collaborative learning environment, and ties to Wall Street in your application process can help demonstrate fit. Many successful applicants also prepare thoroughly for Columbia interviews and showcase leadership, global perspective, and readiness to contribute to the CBS community.
How prestigious is CBS?
- Columbia Business School is one of the most prestigious business schools in the world, consistently ranked among the top MBA programs. Known for its excellence in finance education, influential business leaders as notable professors, and deep connections to industries like investment banking and management consulting, CBS’s prestige is enhanced by its New York City location. The school’s reputation attracts MBA students from diverse backgrounds and industries, including international students, creating a vibrant, globally connected community.
Is CBS rolling admission?
- CBS’s MBA program offers a rolling admissions process for its January entry class and uses application deadlines for its August intake. For rolling admission, many applicants submit early to maximize chances, as seats fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Regardless of entry term, applying early in the admissions process can improve your odds, especially if you have competitive test scores, a strong GPA, and a well-prepared CBS application.
Is CBS difficult to get into?
- Yes, Columbia Business School is highly selective. While the acceptance rate may vary year to year, many applicants compete for limited spots, and the admissions committee looks for students with strong academics, leadership skills, and a clear fit with CBS’s MBA program. High GMAT scores, an impressive professional path, impactful essays, and a demonstrated ability to thrive in the collaborative learning environment all help make you a stronger candidate.
What GPA do you need for Columbia Business School?
- There is no official minimum GPA requirement for Columbia Business School, but successful applicants often have a GPA in the 3.5–3.7 range. The admissions committee takes a holistic approach, also weighing GMAT scores, professional experience, and leadership qualities. A slightly lower undergrad GPA can be offset by strong test scores, impactful essays, and evidence of academic readiness for CBS’s MBA program.
How can I get a full ride to Columbia Business School?
- To earn a full scholarship for CBS’s MBA program, you’ll need an exceptional CBS application that demonstrates outstanding academics, leadership, and alignment with the school’s reputation and mission. Full-ride awards are highly competitive and often go to students with top-tier GMAT scores, strong GPA, and unique contributions to the community. International students and students interested in sectors like public affairs or finance may qualify for merit-based awards, while others pursue external scholarships. Early application and a compelling case for how you will contribute to CBS increase your chances.
How to get admission in Columbia Business School?
- To gain admission, MBA applicants should excel in every aspect of the MBA application process – academic credentials, essays, recommendation letters, and the interview process. Clearly connect your career goals and professional path to CBS’s MBA program, New York City location, and network of career mentorship opportunities. The admissions committee values a clear sense of purpose, readiness to contribute to the CBS community, and the ability to thrive in its collaborative learning environment. Applying early, preparing thoroughly for Columbia interviews, and leveraging admissions consulting services can make all the difference.
