Essay 1
What are your short-term and long-term post-MBA goals? How will Columbia Business School help you achieve these goals? (recommended 750 word limit)

This essay can be divided into three parts:

• The first part should describe your short-term, midterm and long term goals. It is advisable to relate your goals to your interests, skill sets and professional background and what you are looking forward to achieve from an MBA course.
• It is advisable to align your goals to what Columbia MBA can give you. Columbia has consistently been ranked among the top 10 in Finance, Marketing, Operations and International Studies hence it would be great if your goals are aligned to one of them.
• Gather as much information on professors, clubs, programs etc and state how they can help you achieve your goals.

Essay 2

Please tell us about yourself and your personal interests. The goal of this essay is to get a sense of who you are, rather than what you have achieved professionally. (Recommended 500 word limit)

Essay 3

(Optional) Is there any further information that you wish to provide to the Admissions Committee? (Please use this space to provide an explanation of any areas of concern in your academic record or your personal history.)

As suggested in the question, you can use this space to explain weaknesses in your resume or application. You can also state any awards, achievements or passion you have not been able to mention elsewhere in your application.