The global COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 presented institutions of higher education with challenges in teaching and learning, as well as in the assessment of academic performance.  As a consequence of these challenges, Columbia University affirms the following principle: 

The University’s graduate and professional schools, as well as their respective admissions committees, will take into account the important disruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak when reviewing student transcripts and other admissions materials as part of their customary practice of performing holistic reviews of individual applications or dossiers. Specifically, we will respect decisions made by institutions or individuals regarding the adoption of Pass/Fail or similar grading options during the period in question.

The Provost and University Deans adopted this principle to ensure that no applicants are disadvantaged by policy decisions made by their colleges/universities as a result of this unprecedented public health event.

About

The Columbia Business School Deferred Enrollment Program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to gain a few years of work experience with a guarantee of admission to Columbia's highly selective MBA program, and the flexibility to begin the full-time program two to five years after college graduation. 

Columbia is looking for future leaders from all academic and personal backgrounds to maintain the diverse and supportive community for which Columbia is known. 

Apply to Columbia Business School:

Apply during your senior year in college or during a subsequent graduate program.  When reviewing your application, the admissions committee will look at your academic background, any work experience or internships that you have, and your engagement in activities outside the classroom. Click here for additional FAQs regarding the Deferred Enrollment Program. 

Gain Work Experience:

After completing your current studies and before starting your MBA at Columbia Business School, enter the workforce for two, three, four, or five years.  Use the time to explore what drives you, knowing that you have the flexibility to start the MBA program when the time is right for you.

Access Columbia:

As an admitted student you are part of the Columbia Community, and will have access to select conferences, events, and School-wide resources to enhance your academic experience and to help you throughout your career.

Start Your MBA:

When you are ready to start the MBA program, send us a letter of intent, specifying whether you want to enroll in January (16-month program) or August (traditional 20-month program featuring a summer internship.) You will have the option to choose the program that fits your personal and professional goals.

Fellowships and Scholarships:

Once you send your letter of intent to start the MBA program, you will be considered for merit-based fellowships and be able to apply for need-based scholarships.  Find more information on fellowships and scholarships here.

Application Process

*The deadline to submit the 2021 DEP Application is April 15, 2021 

Who is eligible for the Deferred Enrollment Program:

• Students graduating during the current academic year from a bachelor's degree program. 
• Students completing a graduate degree program. Candidates must have started the graduate degree program directly after completing their undergraduate degree to be eligible for the Deferred Enrollment Program.
• Students enrolled in Ph.D. programs, law school, or medical school are not eligible. Please apply through the standard MBA or EMBA application process.  

Application Requirements:

• Online application
• Academic transcript
• Standardized test scores (GMAT, Executive Assessment, or GRE)
• Current resume (feel free to include a note on any post undergraduate job offers)
• One letter of recommendation from a professor, mentor, internship supervisor or employer. We ask recommenders to consider the following when writing their recommendation (recommended limit - 1000 words):
  • Please share how you feel the applicant will contribute to the Columbia Business School classroom and community.
• Three short answer questions
  • How is a Columbia MBA going to help you? (maximum 250 words)
  • What has been your favorite class, and why? (maximum 250 words)
  • Who is a leader you admire, and why? (maximum 250 words)

Candidates will be notified if they are invited to interview with Columbia Business School.

Fees and Deposits:

• There is no application fee for students who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or eligible graduate-level program. 
• Once admitted, students will be required to submit a $500 non-refundable deposit two weeks after admission. 
• Subsequent deferral continuation fees will be due each year that you defer. 
• The year that you decide to matriculate you will also be required to verify your work experience during the deferral period and submit deposits for your entry-point.

Click here for additional FAQs regarding the Deferred Enrollment Program. 

Important Dates:

• The Deferred Enrollment application will open in November 2020 and will close on April 15, 2021
• Completed applications will begin the review process after April 15, 2021 
• Interview invitations will be sent on or before April 30, 2020, or within two weeks of receiving all required application materials
• While your application needs to be submitted by April 15, 2021, you have until June 1, 2021 to submit your standardized test score.  However, your application will not go under review until it is complete. 
• Final decisions will be released on a rolling basis and within two weeks of your interview being conducted

2020 Deferred Enrollment Class Profile

Admitted: 180
GMAT Range: 640-790
GPA Range: 3.16-4.0
Number of Schools Represented: 65
Number of Countries Represented: 19

Contact 

Contact us to learn more about the Deferred Enrollment Program.

Email: [email protected]