Admissions FAQs
I would like an application package mailed to me.
Will I qualify for admission with a three-year undergraduate degree?
May I submit my application if I have not yet taken the GMAT, GRE, and/or TOEFL?
Do I need to take the TOEFL/IELTS?
How do I schedule an interview?
My transcript(s) and/or letter(s) of recommendation are not in English. What should I do?
If I’ve been denied admission, may I receive feedback on my candidacy?
If I’ve been denied admission, may I appeal the decision?
What is the average GMAT or GRE score for a person accepted into the PhD Program?
Why do applicants have to take the GMAT or GRE?
Does the Doctoral Program prefer GMAT or GRE?
Do you offer a distance-learning program?
I have a master’s degree. Can I transfer some credits toward my Business PhD course requirements?
Is there any financial aid available to students? What about TA positions?
May I apply to more than one department within the Business PhD Program?
Note: Other FAQs regarding specific application questions can be found in Application FAQs.
Answers
I would like an application package mailed to me.
All applicants are required to use the online application process. In extreme cases, alternate processes may be accommodated with the approval of the PhD Office.
May I submit additional materials after I have sent my application?
We require all applicants to submit your entire application online.
Will I qualify for admission with a three-year undergraduate degree?
We do accept applications from candidates with three-year undergraduate degrees. We review such applications on a case-by-case basis. In some instances, applicants who hold three-year degrees demonstrate exceptional academic performance and strong professional promise may be offered admission.
May I submit my application if I have not yet taken the GMAT, GRE and/or TOEFL?
We require self reported test scores from all applicants, which must be submitted with the completion of your online application. The application deadline is Jan. 1. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Do I need to take the TOEFL/ IELTS?
All foreign applicants must take either the TOEFL or IELTS unless they received a degree from an institution where English was the language of instruction.
How do I schedule an interview?
Interviews are conducted by invitation only. They are made after a preliminary review of the completed application. We will contact you if you are selected for an interview. Please keep in mind that many of those who do not receive interviews are admitted and many of those interviewed are declined admission.
My transcript(s) and/or letter(s) of recommendation are not in English. What should I do?
Materials that are not in English must be transcribed by an official and notarized transcription agency. Columbia Business School does not provide referrals to such agencies.
If I’ve been denied admission, may I receive feedback on my candidacy?
Our review process is exhaustive, and our decisions are made only after thoughtful deliberations. Unfortunately, given the volume of the demand for feedback, we simply do not have the resources to be able to offer individual feedback to candidates who have been denied admission.
If I’ve been denied admission, may I appeal the decision?
We are well aware of the depth of investment our applicants make while participating in our selection process. Accordingly, the Doctoral Program reviews each candidacy with great care and thoughtful consideration. Our review process is extremely thorough and all decisions are final. Thus, there is no process for appeal.
What is the average GMAT or GRE score for a successful applicant to the PhD Program?
Successful candidates have shown a tendency to score 90% and higher on each section (verbal, quantitative, and analytical) of their chosen standardized exam.
Why do applicants have to take the GMAT or GRE?
All applicants are required to take the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). These tests report to the Doctoral Program the verbal, quantitative, and analytical skills of the applicants and assess their suitability as a candidate for the program.
Does the Doctoral Program prefer GMAT or GRE?
For applicants to all Departments, the GRE or the GMAT will be accepted for application.
Do you offer a distance-learning program?
The Columbia Business School Doctoral Program does not offer a distance-learning program. Our Program requires a five-year full-time, in-residence commitment.
I have a Master's Degree. Can I transfer some credits toward my Business PhD course requirements?
All admitted student requests for advanced standing are submitted to their departmental adviser and the doctoral office for consideration. A maximum of 10 courses of advanced standing (out of a 20-course requirement) may be transferred from your graduate studies. Most students do not receive the maximum allowable transfer of credits.
Reapplying
Prior to reapplying, we urge candidates to seek to strengthen their applications in any way possible.
If you are considering a reapplication, please consider the ways in which you might strengthen your candidacy. Consider the following:
- Improved GMAT, GRE and/or TOEFL scores
- Refinement of your research goals
- New essay
- New recommendations
Please be aware that you must file a completely new online application, in addition to paying the current application fee.
From your previous application, we will allow re-applicants to use the following towards their new application: Transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters are all transferable towards your new application.
All students reapplying are required to provide a new statement of purpose.
When reapplying please email us at phdinfo@mail.gsb.columbia.edu to request what materials you would like to have reapplied towards your new application.
Is there any financial aid available to students? What about TA positions?
All applicants who apply to the Columbia Business School Doctoral Program are considered for merit-based fellowships and tuition. There is not a separate financial aid application. TA positions are not a part of the financial aid package but may be sought by individual students.
May I apply to more than one department within the Business PhD Program?
You may apply to only one department within the Columbia Business School PhD Program. You are welcome to apply to other Programs at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Applicants must complete the application requirements for each school.
Other Questions
If you have other questions, please contact the Doctoral Program.
