Columbia Business School (CBS) is changing its MBA admissions process by introducing three rounds of set deadlines for fall entry, starting with the MBA Class of 2026.

Columbia Business School’s MBA admissions process has long stood out from most of its peers due to two unique aspects. Firstly, it has two major intakes in August and January. Secondly, until recently, CBS used rolling admissions to fill both sections of its MBA class.

However, Columbia will continue to have two intakes but will now implement three rounds of set deadlines for fall entry, starting with the MBA Class of 2026. Approximately 70% of each Columbia MBA class is seated in the fall. The Round 1 deadline for fall entry shares a date with the final deadline for application to the January cohort, known as the J-Term: September 13. Rounds 2 and 3 for entry to the fall cohort will be January 5 and April 3, respectively.

Columbia’s unique intake system means students begin on two different paths, each made up of four terms, then merge in the fall of the second year to complete electives as a single class. The paths are identical in terms of competitiveness of admissions, academic rigor, and student resources. However, only students who enter in August can complete a summer internship.

Columbia will continue to use a rolling admissions process for J-Term applications, meaning applications are reviewed and decisions rendered as they are received. Applicants to the fall cohort will have their applications reviewed after each deadline, and decisions will be released at one time.

The move to a round system also means Columbia is doing away with its Early Decision program. Round 1 acceptees will still have a $6,000 non-refundable deposit, but it will not be due until February 7. Round 2 will have a non-refundable $1,000 deposit and be due on April 17. Rounds 1 and 2 matriculants will be required to submit an additional $1,000 deposit on May 22; Round 3 acceptees will submit one non-refundable deposit of $3,000 on May 22.

The change to a round system for August-entry applications was designed to bring Columbia more in line with peer schools, which use application rounds. This change should be advantageous to both applicants and the B-school, as it allows Columbia to review all applications and create a diverse class based on the whole pool for a given round.