Columbia University’s Deferred Enrollment Program
New York City is at the heart of the financial world and even considered to be a global capital. It is home to a prestigious Ivy League institution- Columbia University. Established in 1754, its completely urban campus fits right in with the hustle of the city. This premier academic institution offers an extraordinary range of programs and courses. Columbia Business School is right at the centre of this. The business and management programs attract a wide range of applicants with varying backgrounds. With an exceptional MBA program, it is no wonder that the deferred enrollment program at Columbia tops the dream course for graduate school aspirants.
1.Course Design
This course is designed to accommodate students who plan to pursue professional experience in the gap between their current undergraduate studies and an MBA. It is a highly selective program with the flexibility to choose a working gap of two to five years. A student can apply during the final year of their undergraduate or other postgraduate degrees. Columbia Business School expects that students enrolled in this program will productively use their gap time to explore their interests in a professional capacity.
2. Aspects of Application
a. Standardised Test Scores: Along with academic transcripts, a high GMAT or GRE score is fundamental that any applicant is considered against. Proof of English proficiency may be required in the form of TOEFL, IELTS or PTE especially if the applicant is currently studying in a school where the medium of instruction is not English.
b. Resume: A current and updated resume is a great way to highlight your achievements, volunteer activities (if any) and other work done in the past. Make sure that it is clear and honest.
c. Letter of Recommendation: One Letter of Recommendation from a professor, employer or other relevant persons is a must-have for your application for the deferred program.
d. Three Questions: The Columbia application requires answering three questions briefly to indicate your passion and personality to the Admissions Committee. It is important to adhere to the word limit allotted to each question.
e.Interview: Potential candidates may also be invited for an interview by the business school.
There is no application fee for a student in their undergraduate or graduate studies. There is a deposit to be made after admission. Subsequent fees for every year that is deferred is also to be deposited with the school.
Once a student decides to enrol after the deferred gap is completed, a letter of intent has to be submitted. It must specify whether a student wishes to enrol in January (16-month program) or August (traditional 20-month program featuring a summer internship).
3. Fellowships and Scholarships
Following the submission of the letter of intent, a candidate may apply for a fellowship based on merit or a scholarship based on need. These fellowships are awarded based on merit, work experience and personal background. There is no separate application for the same but, Columbia recognizes potential candidates. Some fellowships available are Columbia Fellows, R.C. Kopf Fellowships, Board of Overseers Fellowships among others.
Scholarships, on the other hand, are applied for. They are usually need-based unless specified otherwise by the donor. Be sure to check your eligibility while applying for the same.
4. News Updates
Columbia Business School extended application deadlines to June 1, 2020, for the deferred enrollment program. The deadline to submit standardized test scores has also been extended to July 1, 2020. This has been decided keeping in mind the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on applications and admission procedures.
Columbia University boasts a rich combination of world-class campus, academic programs, alumni and faculty. Any student there can and should make the most of what this college experience has to offer. Holistic education and development are a starting point for professional success. Columbia hosts some of the best. Are you one of them?
