kellogg mba essay 2023

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Kellogg MBA Essays for 2024-2025

Are you targeting Northwestern University’s  Kellogg School of Management ? Then it’s time to shift into high gear. The Kellogg MBA essays and deadlines for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle have been confirmed.

The essays let you explain, in your own words, why you think Kellogg is right for you. Take some time to think through the experiences that led you here and how they have shaped where you want to go. This year, the application includes the following note about AI:

Generative AI can be a powerful aid in crafting an essay, but it should be used as a supplementary tool rather than a replacement for your own effort and creativity. If you choose to use generative AI in your essays, do so with integrity to ensure you provide genuine insights and reflections. You should also cite the use of generative AI by referencing the tool at the conclusion of your essay (Name of Tool, URL).

Kellogg MBA Essays for the Class of 2027

The following two essays are required of all applicants:

Essay 1: Intentionality is a key aspect of what makes our graduates successful Kellogg leaders. Help us understand your journey by articulating your motivations for pursuing an MBA, the specific goals you aim to achieve, and why you believe now is the right moment. Moreover, share why you feel Kellogg is best suited to serve as a catalyst for your career aspirations and what you will contribute to our community of lifelong learners during your time here.  (450 words)

Essay 2: Kellogg leaders are primed to tackle challenges everywhere, from the boardroom to their neighborhoods. Describe a specific professional experience where you had to make a difficult decision. Reflecting on this experience, identify the values that guided your decision-making process and how it impacted your leadership style. (450 words)

Note: Those applying to or listing a specialty program as their alternative choice will be prompted to complete an additional question.

Reapplicant Essay

How have you grown or changed personally and professionally since you previously applied and what steps have you taken to become the strongest candidate you can be? (approximately 250 words)

Additional Information

We know that life is full of extenuating circumstances. Whether you want to explain gaps in work experience, your choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance or something else, you can use this section to briefly tell us anything we need to know about your application. (280 words)

Career Goals Section

Please tell us about your career goals. You’ll also have the opportunity to expand on this in other parts of the evaluation process.

Short-answer question #1: Share with us the motivations behind your desired industry/function after graduating from Kellogg. (500 characters)

Short-answer question #2: What does a successful career look like five years after you graduate from Kellogg? (500 characters)

Video Essays

We’ve read your essays, we’ve read your resume — now we want you to bring all that to life in a video. Show us the person behind all those carefully crafted words.

The video will be comprised of three questions, each designed to help you showcase your personality and share some of the experiences that brought you here today.

Some things to keep in mind as you prepare to complete this section:

• Video essays are due 96 hours after the application deadline.
• A video essay link will appear on your Application Status Page after you submit your application and payment.
• You will need an internet-connected computer with a webcam and microphone.
• The video should take about 20-25 minutes to complete, which includes time for setup.

Here are some additional tips:

• There are practice questions that you may complete as many times as you like to get comfortable with the format and technology. The practice questions and experience will simulate the actual video essay experience to help you prepare.
• We encourage you to practice so you are comfortable with the format once it is time to complete the official questions. You will not have an opportunity to re-do the answer to the official video essay questions.
• You will have 20 seconds to think about the question and up to one minute to give your response

For more information on applying, please visit the Kellogg School MBA admissions website. If you need guidance on your Kellogg essays and MBA application or wish to discuss your MBA plans, reach out for a complimentary analysis of your candidacy. We’re here to help!

Here’s a snapshot of the caliber of expertise on our SBC team .

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School HBS MBA

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School Kellogg MBA

Director HBS Admissions at Harvard Business School MBA, the Wharton School

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School

Director HBS Admissions at Harvard Business School HBS MBA

Admissions Officer at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) MBA, Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB)

Asst Director MBA Admissions at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) Director MBA Admissions at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business

MBA, Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) Minority Admissions, the GSB Diversity Programs, the GSB

Associate Director MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania

Associate Director MBA Admissions and Marketing at the Wharton MBA’s Lauder Institute

Director, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania Professional Writer

Assistant Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS) NYU Admissions

Assistant Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS) M.S.Ed, Higher Education, U of Pennsylvania

Associate Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS)

Ashley is a former MBA Admissions Board Member for Harvard Business School (HBS), where she interviewed and evaluated thousands of business school applicants for over a six year tenure.  Ashley  holds an MBA from HBS. During her HBS years,  Ashley  was the Sports Editor for the Harbus and a member of the B-School Blades Ice Hockey Team. After HBS, she worked in Marketing at the Gillette Company on Male and Female shaving ...

Kerry is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS). During her 5+ year tenure at HBS, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a wide range of backgrounds across the globe. She also led marketing and outreach efforts focused on increasing diversity and inclusion, ran the Summer Venture in Management Program (SVMP), and launched the 2+2 Program during her time in Admissions. Kerry holds a B.A. from Bates College and  ...

A former associate director of admissions at Harvard Business School, Pauline served on the HBS MBA Admissions Board full-time for four years. She evaluated and interviewed HBS applicants, both on-campus and globally.  Pauline's career has included sales and marketing management roles with Coca-Cola, Gillette, Procter & Gamble, and IBM.  For over 10 years, Pauline has expertly guided MBA applicants, and her clients h ...

Geri is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS).  In her 7 year tenure in HBS Admissions, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a diverse set of academic, geographic, and employment backgrounds.  Geri also traveled globally representing the school at outreach events in order to raise awareness for women and international students.  In additio ...

Laura comes from the MBA Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS) and is an HBS MBA alumnus. In her HBS Admissions role, she evaluated and interviewed hundreds of business school candidates, including internationals, women, military and other applicant pools, for five years.  Prior to her time as a student at HBS, Laura began her career in advertising and marketing in Chicago at Leo Burnett where she worked on th ...

Andrea served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at Harvard Business School (HBS) for over five years.  In this role, she provided strategic direction for student yield-management activities and also served as a full member of the admissions committee. In 2007, Andrea launched the new 2+2 Program at Harvard Business School – a program targeted at college junior applicants to Harvard Business School.  Andrea has also served as a Career Coach for Harvard Business School for both cu ...

Jennifer served as Admissions Officer at the Stanford (GSB) for five years. She holds an MBA from Stanford (GSB) and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Jennifer has over 15 years experience in guiding applicants through the increasingly competitive admissions process into top MBA programs. Having read thousands and thousands of essays and applications while at Stanford (GSB) Admiss ...

Erin served in key roles in MBA Admissions--as Director at Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and Assistant Director at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB). Erin served on the admissions committee at each school and has read thousands of applications in her career. At Haas, she served for seven years in roles that encompassed evaluation, outreach, and diversity and inclusion. During her tenure in Admissions at GSB, she was responsible for candidate evaluation, applicant outreach, ...

Susie comes from the Admissions Office of the Stanford Graduate School of Business where she reviewed and evaluated hundreds of prospective students’ applications.  She holds an MBA from Stanford’s GSB and a BA from Stanford in Economics. Prior to advising MBA applicants, Susie held a variety of roles over a 15-year period in capital markets, finance, and real estate, including as partner in one of the nation’s most innovative finance and real estate investment organizations. In that r ...

Dione holds an MBA degree from Stanford Business School (GSB) and a BA degree from Stanford University, where she double majored in Economics and Communication with concentrations in journalism and sociology. Dione has served as an Admissions reader and member of the Minority Admissions Advisory Committee at Stanford.   Dione is an accomplished and respected advocate and thought leader on education and diversity. She is ...

Anthony served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he dedicated over 10 years of expertise. During his time as a Wharton Admissions Officer, he read and reviewed thousands of applications and helped bring in a class of 800+ students a year.   Anthony has traveled both domestically and internationally to recruit a ...

Meghan served as the Associate Director of Admissions and Marketing at the Wharton MBA’s Lauder Institute, a joint degree program combining the Wharton MBA with an MA in International Studies. In her role on the Wharton MBA admissions committee, Meghan advised domestic and international applicants; conducted interviews and information sessions domestically and overseas in Asia, Central and South America, and Europe; and evaluated applicants for admission to the program. Meghan also managed ...

Amy comes from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where she was Associate Director. Amy devoted 12 years at the Wharton School, working closely with MBA students and supporting the admissions team.  During her tenure at Wharton, Amy served as a trusted adviser to prospective applicants as well as admitted and matriculated students.  She conducted admissions chats with applicants early in the admissions ...

Ally brings six years of admissions experience to the SBC team, most recently as an Assistant Director of Admission for the full-time MBA program at Columbia Business School (CBS).  During her time at Columbia, Ally was responsible for reviewing applications, planning recruitment events, and interviewing candidates for both the full-time MBA program and the Executive MBA program. She traveled both internationally and dome ...

Erin has over seven years of experience working across major institutions, including University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School, and NYU's Stern School of Business. At Columbia Business School, Erin was an Assistant Director of Admissions where she evaluated applications for both the full time and executive MBA programs, sat on the admissions and merit scholarship committees and advised applicants on which program might be the best fit for them based on their work experience and pro ...

Emma comes from the MBA Admissions Office at Columbia Business School (CBS), where she was Associate Director.  Emma conducted dozens of interviews each cycle for the MBA and EMBA programs, as well as coordinating the alumni ambassador interview program. She read and evaluated hundreds of applications each cycle, delivered information sessions to audiences across the globe, and advised countless waitlisted applicants.

All Kellogg photos provided by Kellogg School of Management

SBC’s star-studded consultant team is unparalleled. Our clients benefit from current intelligence that we receive from the former MBA Admissions Officers from Kellogg, Booth and every elite business program in the US and Europe.  These MBA Admissions Officers have chosen to work exclusively with SBC.

Just two of the many superstars on the SBC team: Meet Beth who held the position of Director of Admissions for Kellogg’s Full Time MBA program selecting candidates for the 2-year, 1-year, MMM and JD MBA programs.

Meet Kim , who was an Senior Associate Director of Admissions at Chicago Booth.

Tap into this inside knowledge for your MBA applications by requesting a consultation .

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2023-2024 Kellogg MBA Essay Analysis and Tips

Admit expert.

• August 10, 2023

Thinking about pursuing an MBA at Kellogg? Well, get ready to put your thoughts into words! In this article, we’re diving into the essay prompts for Kellogg MBA admissions. Don’t worry, we’ll break things down and give you an analysis and a few tips to tackle these prompts like a pro.

The application process at Kellogg is distinctive in that it includes both written and video essays.

So, if you’re aiming to make a splash with your Kellogg MBA application, stay tuned for the juicy tips and insights coming your way. Let’s make those essays work for you!

Ready? Let’s dive in!

Kellogg MBA essays for the 2024 admissions

Kellogg mba application deadlines, kellogg mba essay analysis, video essay, other essays, let us help you get into kellogg, written essays.

All applicants are expected to submit the following two essays:

Essay Prompt 1 (450 words)

Kellogg Leaders are primed to tackle today’s pressing concerns everywhere, from the boardroom to their neighborhoods. Tell us about a time in your life where you’ve needed a combination of skills to solve a problem or overcome a challenge. Which skills did you use? What did you accomplish?

Essay Prompt 2 (450 words)

At Kellogg, our values are based on research that concludes organizations comprised of leaders with varied backgrounds and perspectives outperform homogeneous ones. How do you believe your personal and professional experiences to date will help to enrich the Kellogg community?

Reapplicants will receive a prompt about their growth since their last application: How have you grown or changed personally and professionally since you previously applied and what steps have you taken to become the strongest candidate you can be? (250 words)

To learn more about what Kellogg is looking for and how to make your application stand out, get in touch with us at [email protected]

Kellogg Leaders are primed to tackle today’s pressing concerns everywhere, from the boardroom to their neighborhoods. Tell us about a time in your life where you’ve needed a combination of skills to solve a problem or overcome a challenge. Which skills did you use? What did you accomplish? (450 words)

Essay 1 Analysis

This question aims to explore various facets, prompting you to not only discuss your skills but also their evolution, application in challenging situations, effectiveness, and the ultimate outcomes. This comprehensive framework provides a platform to showcase the breadth of skills and talents you offer. By skillfully navigating these elements, you can make efficient use of the word limit and demonstrate to the admissions committee that you embody the qualities of a Kellogg Leader.

How to start writing this essay?

The first thing you should know what qualities Kellogg MBA adcom looks for and use those stories which highlight these qualities.

Some of the qualities Kellogg looks for are:

• Strong, empathetic leader
• Thinking outside the box, innovation, problem solving
• Empathy, creativity, adaptability
• Community, collaboration
• High impact, low ego leader
• Diversity, equitably/inclusion

Now follow this framework to create a structure for the essay 1

• Start by delving into the concern you identified, providing a clear explanation of its significance and why you felt compelled to address it. Explain the reasons behind your decision to take action.
• Move on to describing your approach to making a difference. Detail the specific areas where your skillset came into play during the strategic planning process. Showcase how your abilities were crucial in shaping your strategy.
• Summarize the tangible outcomes that emerged from your strategic efforts, underscoring the positive impact you were able to generate within the community. Highlight the transformative changes that resulted from your actions.
• Conclude by outlining the valuable insights you gained from this experience. Discuss how these takeaways will inform your future endeavors and demonstrate your commitment to applying these lessons in various contexts. 

Here are a few tips to help this essay

Outline concerns & skills

Before you begin writing the essay, set aside some time to create a list of challenges you’ve faced in both your professional workplace and your community. From this list, choose a particular concern that you personally tackled, demonstrating the full extent of your skill set. Take a deeper look within to understand why this specific skill set was crucial in addressing the issue. This form of mind mapping encourages thoughtful consideration of each aspect, allowing you to discuss them in a coherent and relevant manner within your essay.

Impact and accomplishment

When addressing impact and accomplishments, begin by describing the tangible results or material outcomes that stemmed from your actions. Before delving into your key takeaways, consider discussing these outcomes within the context of the ‘community’ aspect, aligning with the question’s emphasis on leadership and influence within communities. Be it in the boardroom or the neighborhood, emphasize how your skills have been harnessed to enhance the lives of others.

Once you’ve outlined the direct consequences of applying your skills and implementing your strategy, transition into discussing your takeaways. Reflect on the lessons you gained from these experiences and briefly mention how you intend to apply these insights in the future.

It’s beneficial to research and understand the attributes of a Kellogg leader – what qualities the admissions committee is seeking. Aligning your responses with these expectations can strengthen your essay and present you as a candidate embodying the traits they value.

Do you want to impress Kellogg’s Adcom?

At Admit Expert, we have helped hundreds of students get into top MBA programs around the world. We would be happy to help you too. Schedule a free call with us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your goals.

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At Kellogg, our values are based on research that concludes organizations comprised of leaders with varied backgrounds and perspectives outperform homogeneous ones. How do you believe your personal and professional experiences to date will help to enrich the Kellogg community? (450 words)

The Kellogg values, often referred to as their ‘purpose,’ are summarized as “To educate, equip, and inspire leaders who build strong organizations and wisely leverage the power of markets to create lasting value.” Examining this statement in the context of the question reveals their belief in the transformative potential of diverse thought and opinions within leadership. Such diversity can ignite change and drive superior performance compared to organizations led by a homogenous group. This notion resonates with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices, where the incorporation of diverse perspectives is believed to drive change, expand the talent pool, enhance financial performance, foster innovation, and facilitate decision-making .

In this context, it becomes crucial to demonstrate your engagement with individuals from various backgrounds, your exposure to international settings, and your experience across different industries. These experiences enrich your perspective, offering a breadth of acquired knowledge and resources that enable you to approach challenges from a novel angle.

In your essay, spotlight the distinctive blend of personal and professional experiences that have broadened your worldview. Emphasize how these encounters have introduced you to fresh ideas, diverse individuals, and new vantage points, enabling you to reevaluate and expand upon your previous understanding.

Tips to write Essay 2 effectively

First follow this framework

• Begin by introducing the specific personal and professional experiences you’ve chosen to highlight.
• Elaborate on the valuable insights gained and the skills honed through these experiences.
• Transition into outlining your strategic approach for applying these learnings and skills within the Kellogg community. Emphasize the distinctive contributions you aim to bring to the table, aligning with Kellogg’s ethos.
• Conclude by discussing your vision for integrating these takeaways with Kellogg’s values in your post-MBA professional pursuits. Illuminate how you plan to synergize these principles to drive positive change and influence in your future endeavors.

Follow these essay tips

Sort carefully

Given that this essay encompasses both your professional and personal experiences, there’s a wealth of material to navigate. It’s advantageous to categorize both these areas and assess which instances best illustrate your interactions with diverse individuals and situations.

To facilitate this process, consider the following aspects: where, what, who, and how.

• Where: Reflect on the environments or settings where you encountered diversity. This could be within workplaces, community involvement, travel experiences, or educational contexts.
• What: Identify the specific encounters or situations that exposed you to diversity. Whether it’s collaborating with internatinal teams, participating in cultural events, or engaging with varied perspectives during projects.
• Who: Recognize the key individuals who played a role in facilitating these experiences. This could include mentors, colleagues, friends from different backgrounds, or community leaders.
• How: Analyze how these experiences were facilitated. Was it through networking, volunteering, seeking out opportunities, or participating in cross-cultural initiatives?

By addressing these fundamental questions, you can effectively pinpoint experiences that underscore your takeaways. You can then elaborate on how these insights will contribute to enriching the Kellogg community. This structured approach ensures you highlight the depth and breadth of your exposure and its potential impact on your contribution to the Kellogg environment.

Discuss application

Equally essential is the exploration of how you intend to apply these takeaways and lessons. To ensure a balanced treatment, avoid relegating the latter half of the question to just a few lines. While briefly touching upon your experiences is important, the primary focus should shift towards how you plan to leverage these insights at Kellogg and the unique value you’ll contribute to an equally talented and diverse cohort.

Highlight a range of qualities garnered from your experiences, emphasizing how they enrich your interpersonal and communication skills. These enhanced abilities lead to effective interaction and a personable demeanor, allowing you to adeptly navigate challenging group dynamics. For example, if you’ve acquired proficiency in one or more languages during your personal or professional journey, you could discuss how this linguistic skill fosters deeper connections. Understanding people in their native tongue enables you to build friendships and establish rapport, particularly with individuals from diverse backgrounds. In doing so, you will be able to showcase how your skills align with the Kellogg values.

The Kellogg admissions team advises the following in regards to the video essay: We’ve read your essays, we’ve read your resume — now we want you to bring all that to life in a video. Show us the person behind all those carefully crafted words. The video will be comprised of three questions, each designed to help you showcase your personality and share some of the experiences that brought you here today.

Take a look at this article on video essays to get more tips on Kellogg’s Video essays.

Video Essays for MBA Admissions: What They Are, Why They Matter, and How to Create One

There are 3 video essays:

Video essay 1: Please introduce yourself to the admissions committee.

– Consider this your opportunity to share what you would want your future Kellogg classmates and our admissions committee to know about you. What makes you, you?

Video essay 2: What path are you interested in pursuing, how will you get there, and why is this program right for you?

– This is an intentionally broad question so you can answer honestly and meaningfully. We want to know why you’re pursuing an MBA and why you’re choosing a particular Kellogg Full-Time Program.

Video essay 3: This question will be based on a challenge you’ve faced and what you’ve learned from it.

Additional Information

We know that life is full of extenuating circumstances. Whether you want to explain gaps in work experience, your choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance or something else, you can use this section to briefly tell us anything we need to know about your application.

Address any employment gaps or academic concerns honestly, providing a clear and concise explanation of the challenges you faced and how you have overcome them. This will demonstrate your determination and resilience as a candidate.

Focus on highlighting your strengths and unique qualities that set you apart. Discuss your engagement in extracurricular activities, such as local philanthropic drives, sports, or hobbies, and explain how these experiences have shaped you as a person and contributed to your work ethic.

Ensure that your narrative centers around your suitability as a candidate and adds value to the discussion of your candidacy for the program. Avoid irrelevant information and stay focused on showcasing your potential to thrive in the MBA program.

Reapplicants 

Since your previous application, what steps have you taken to strengthen your candidacy? (250 words)

In this answer, show how you have improved your candidacy in a way that can be seen and touched. A higher GMAT score could be one sign of improvement that can be seen. Also, give us your grades from any new math classes you’ve taken.

You could also talk about a promotion at work or some new volunteer work. You might also need to take on more responsibility at work or in extracurricular activities. Or, talk about how your goals for your career have changed. Lastly, you could talk about how you’ve changed your own goals.

We will help you write essays that portray your unique strengths and experiences in the most favorable light so that your application shines above the rest. We have helped hundreds of students get into top US business schools. Let us help you too.

Do you want to get into your dream business school?

Take the first step towards your MBA dream and schedule a free 1 on 1 application strategy call with us.

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Kellogg School of Management has opened its application for the 2024–2025 application cycle, updating its essay questions for 2024–2025 applicants. In doing so, Kellogg joined the list of top MBA programs that include a “goals” essay in their application. This is a change for Kellogg, which traditionally did not ask MBA applicants to directly discuss their goals or why Kellogg was a good fit in its essays.

In its second essay, Kellogg continues to ask applicants about leadership, but does so in a different way, tying in values. This change replaces Kellogg’s long-standing values essay.

See details below on the 2024-2025 essay questions and Personal MBA Coach’s tips on how to tackle them!

Looking for help with your Kellogg MBA applications? Personal MBA Coach’s team includes Frenk Nebiu. Frenk is a former Kellogg Admissions Director with 8+ years of professional experience across consulting, higher education, and nonprofits.

Reach out  today to find out how Frenk and the Personal MBA Coach team can support you with your Kellogg applications through our Comprehensive Packages .

The 2024–2025 Kellogg MBA Application Deadlines:

Round 1: September 11. 2024

Round 2: January 8, 2025

Round 3: April 2, 2025

Read Personal MBA Coach’s Top Tips For Tackling Kellogg’s MBA Essays Below!

Kellogg mba essay 1.

Intentionality is a key aspect of what makes our graduates successful Kellogg leaders. Help us understand your journey by articulating your motivations for pursuing an MBA, the specific goals you aim to achieve, and why you believe now is the right moment. Moreover, share why you feel Kellogg is best suited to serve as a catalyst for your career aspirations and what you will contribute to our community of lifelong learners during your time here. (450 words)

Though Kellogg’s first essay is what Personal MBA Coach often considers a “ goals/why MBA essay ,” this question also includes a contribution element. With a 450-word limit and several questions to answer, it will be important to be succinct as you tell Kellogg what you plan to do after business school, why NOW is a good time in your career path to pursue an MBA, and how Kellogg specifically will help.

Personal MBA Coach recommends that you begin by briefly setting the stage for Kellogg in terms of where you are in your career and why now is a good time for you to make a transition. This is not the time to cover your past accomplishments in detail (leave this for your resume and the short-answer questions ). However, it is important to illuminate for the reader where you currently are in your professional career and why NOW is a good time to pursue an MBA.

Next, share your career aspirations with Kellogg. Personal MBA Coach recommends discussing both your short-term and long-term goals here. Remember to select goals that are logical, ambitious, and achievable. (For more on how to think about MBA goals, check out this blog ).

In your next section, let Kellogg know how they factor into this path. To do so, think about the skills you need to gain to be successful in your career and how a Kellogg MBA will help you develop these skills. While it is important to research Kellogg’s unique offerings, do not simply include a laundry list of things you will do on campus. Instead, be thoughtful in selecting a few specific classes, clubs, or programs you are interested in and how these will help you succeed.

Finally, show the value that you will add on campus, considering your uniqueness. While this essay is NOT a classic personal story essay and there will be limited space to include your story here, you should consider your specific areas of expertise (either personally, professionally, or both) and how you might share them with your peers and the broader Kellogg community.

Kellogg MBA Essay 2

Kellogg leaders are primed to tackle challenges everywhere, from the boardroom to their neighborhoods. Describe a specific professional experience where you had to make a difficult decision. Reflecting on this experience, identify the values that guided your decision-making process and how it impacted your leadership style.  (450 words)

For the second year in a row, Kellogg has reworked its leadership essay. While the objective is similar to that of recent years—giving Kellogg an example of how you are an accomplished leader—this year’s essay has a bit more depth to it. After removing the separate essay question on values, applicants must now weave their values into the leadership story.

Also new this year, candidates are instructed to use a professional example in this essay.

Be sure to think of a decision for which you can clearly articulate the challenge faced. This story should also be easy enough to explain that you do not have to waste too many words setting up the situation.

A strong essay will discuss the actions you took and show which specific leadership skills and values you called upon as you made the decision. MBA admissions committees today are increasingly looking for candidates who are interested in not only driving their specific businesses but also in creating value for broader society. Similarly, DEI remains top of mind.

While neither of these topics is specifically covered in this essay, keep these themes in mind as you choose a story to tell. You want to show the type of leader you will be by detailing how you have led in uncomfortable or difficult situations in the past.

Optional Kellogg MBA Application Essay

We know that life is full of extenuating circumstances. Whether you want to explain gaps in work experience, your choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance or something else, you can use this section to briefly tell us anything we need to know about your application. (250 words)

Personal MBA Coach always advises to tread carefully here, as less is more with optional essays.

Need help tackling these new Kellogg MBA essays? Check out our Comprehensive Packages to see how we support you!

Additional Kellogg MBA Application Essays

Kellogg requires candidates considering options other than the full-time MBA to answer these additional essay questions.

One-Year applicants:  Why is the Kellogg One-Year Program the right fit to help you reach your post-MBA career goals? And what unique academic, personal or professional experience do you bring into this specific program? (250 words)

MBAi applicants:  Why is the Kellogg McCormick MBAi Program the right fit to help you reach your post-MBA career goals? And what unique academic, personal or professional experience do you bring into this specific program? (450 words)

JD-MBA applicants: Why is the JD-MBA Program the right fit to help you reach your post-MBA career goals? And what unique academic, personal or professional experience do you bring into this specific program? (250 words)

MMM applicants:  Why is the MMM Program the right fit to help you reach your post-MBA career goals? And what unique academic, personal or professional experience do you bring into this specific program? (250 words)

This year, Kellogg asks applicants to the One-Year MBA program, MBAi, JD-MBA, or MMM program to answer an additional essay. For those unfamiliar with the MMM program, it is a dual degree program offering graduates both an MBA from Kellogg and an MS in Design Innovation from the Segal Design Institute at the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science.

The question for all four programs is essentially the same, but applicants to the MBAi have a little more space to work with.

Since you will discuss your career goals in Essay 1, these essays give applicants a chance to expand on their interests in these specific programs and how the specific offerings of each program are best suited to help them achieve their career goals.

Be specific here, outlining what you will take advantage of on campus and how each opportunity will help you.

You should also consider how you will contribute specifically to the program of your choice by sharing what you uniquely bring to the table. Be sure not to repeat anything already discussed in Essay 1.

Reapplicants are also required to answer one additional question:

Since your previous application, what steps have you taken to strengthen your candidacy? (250 words)

Reapplicants should use the required additional essay to demonstrate growth. We advise candidates to review  our tips for reapplicants  before tackling this essay.

Finally, Kellogg has historically included video essay questions. Though not formally announced, we expect these will remain this year. See details below.

Kellogg MBA Video Essay Questions

“We’ve read your essays, we’ve read your resume — now we want you to bring all that to life in a video. Show us the person behind all those carefully crafted words. The video will be comprised of three questions, each designed to help you showcase your personality and share some of the experiences that brought you here today.”

This component of the application offers admissions committee members the chance to learn more about you on a personal level.

Once you submit your application and payment, you will be able to access the Kellogg video essay through your application status page. The school has not shared these essay questions in advance.

Read Personal MBA Coach’s  tips for handling videos  and other Kellogg MBA application extras.

Schedule a consultation today for 1:1 Kellogg application support including essay brainstorming and unlimited editing , resume review, and more!

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How to Nail Your Kellogg MBA Application Essays

Tips and tricks that will help you craft the best application essays possible and get admitted into Kellogg.

Posted January 9, 2024

Featuring Charlotte W.

MBA Admissions Strategy Office Hours

Starting tuesday, july 9.

5:00 PM UTC · 45 minutes

Table of Contents

Introduction.

The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University is consistently ranked high and is one of the top seven business schools (“M7”) in the United States. The essay portion of the Kellogg MBA application is unique because it comes in two parts: a written essay and a video essay portion.

The written essays are due along with the application while the video essays are due 96 hours after the application deadline. Once the application and fee have been uploaded, a link will appear on the application portal that will give the applicant access to the video portion.

2022-2023 Kellogg Application Deadlines

Round 1: September 14, 2022

Round 2: January 10, 2023

Round 3: April 5, 2023

To read more about the MBA program at Northwestern, visit The Kellogg School of Management–MBA Program and Application Overview .

Written Essays

The written essay portion is a great place to highlight the skills and experience that can’t be found on your resume or any other part of your MBA application. Your essays should present a compelling, concise, and clear story of your path to business school generally as well as Kellogg specifically. Kellogg requires two essays for all its applicants and a third for certain kinds of applicants (JD-MBA, reapplicants, etc). See the additional questions here .

2022-2023 Prompts

Kellogg’s purpose is to educate, equip and inspire leaders who create lasting value. Provide a recent example where you have demonstrated leadership and created value. What challenges did you face and what did you learn? (450 words)

Reading this prompt closely provides several insights. Firstly, Kellogg asks for an example, not examples. Choose one that makes the most compelling case. Secondly, in asking about challenges, Kellogg acknowledges that leadership comes with difficulties. Talk about the trials you faced throughout the story, don’t just throw them in at the end. Lead the adcom through the ups and downs of the example and make sure that the lessons learned tie into the overall narrative and aren’t tangential.

Values are what guide us in our life and work. What values are important to you and how have they influenced you? (450 words)

This question is purposefully left broad to allow you the space to craft a response that is genuine to your story. A good way to start brainstorming your response is to work backward. Make a list of the major decisions you’ve made in your life and identify why you made them. Then, see if there are any reasons that come up often. Going through the process like this will help you write your response to the second part of the question as well, as how the values have influenced you. You don’t have very many words so stick to one or two of the most important ones and choose examples that concretely show them.

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Video Essays

The video essays are your chance to bring your candidacy to life in a way that is impossible to do on paper. Instead of seeing numbers and credentials, the admissions committee will see a person. The video essay is optional, however, it is definitely strongly preferred that you complete it.

Kellogg says that the video should take about 20-25 minutes to complete, including time for setup. You’ll need to have a stable internet connection as well as a computer with a webcam and microphone. For each question, you’ll have up to one minute to respond.

There are three video essay prompts, all designed to help you make your case for admission. They are as follows:

• Please introduce yourself to the admissions committee. – What do you want your future classmates and the adcom to know about you? What makes you, you?
• What path are you interested in pursuing, how will you get there, and why is this program right for you? – Answer honestly and meaningfully, why are you pursuing an MBA and why are you choosing the Kellogg full-time program?
• One question will be based on a challenge you’ve faced and what you’ve learned from it.

Kellogg MBA Essay Tips

For each written essay, you are only given 450 words, and for the video you only have a minute for each prompt, both are not a lot. For this reason, make sure that every part of your answer is directly relevant to the question at hand. Here are several tips for acing your essays and making your application that much more competitive.

Use unique stories and anecdotes that aren’t found in other parts of your application.

Essays are a way for you to further expound on your candidacy and provide information that can’t be found elsewhere, whether that be on your resume, letters of recommendation, etc. Be intentional about where you choose to include certain information. If you have an important example that’s a bit lengthier, put it in your written essay. Have a funny or entertaining story? Talk about it in your video essay to add character.

Build Kellogg values into your answers.

After reading your essays and watching your video, the adcom should know exactly why you want to go to Kellogg specifically. You could go to any M7 and be successful and if you can get into one, you can get probably get into another. Even if Kellogg isn’t your top choice, showing that you understand what’s important to the institution will prove to the admissions committee that you care enough to have done some research.

You can do this by reading articles online–both on the school’s official site and third-party publications–taking tours of the campus, talking to alumni, contacting admissions for specific questions, and more. Get creative and work the values into your goals and plans.

Get specific.

When you talk about your strengths and the attributes you portray, make sure you’re providing concrete and specific examples. It’s easy to list off different things; it is much harder to prove how you’ve demonstrated them in the past. They should also be directly and obviously relevant to your overall narrative.

Remember: the admissions committee will not know any information that you don’t explicitly tell them. You have limited space to present a compelling reason that they should give you a seat in the class. Make that more likely by clearly demonstrating what you bring to the table.

Build a cohesive narrative.

At the end of the day, your entire application is basically one long story. Each part of the story should be related to the overall idea. Your candidacy is the culmination of the different parts of you that you’re choosing to present to the adcom.

As you write and film your essays, keep this in mind. Is the example you’re providing directly relevant to the narrative? If not, consider whether it should be there. There is a fine line between trying to portray as much of yourself as you can, in order to show your wide variety of strengths, and focusing on a set of core values. The right balance is usually somewhere in the middle.

Start early!

Start as early as you possibly can on your written essays. Usually, it takes a lot more time than you think it will to write multiple drafts, revise, receive feedback, and polish. For many people, it’s helpful to have a rough idea of your story before you start writing. Working with a coach can be really beneficial for this.

After writing your first draft, put it aside for a few days so that when you go back to it, you’re reading with a fresh perspective. Several drafts later after receiving feedback, read your essay out loud. Doing so will give you an idea of what it will sound like to an admissions committee member.

For the video essays, you should also start early. Practice your responses several times until you feel very comfortable giving them in a smooth manner. The last thing you want is to stumble over your words or be constantly “uhhh” and “umm”-ing your way through the answer. Talk to yourself in the mirror, practice recording yourself on Zoom, or role-play it with a friend.

Hopefully, you find these tips helpful as you put together your Kellogg MBA application. We know that it can be a very stressful process. For personalized, one-on-one advice and guidance, work with a Leland coach . We have lots who are Kellogg alumni who will be able to help you find the right narrative to tell. Here are some of our highest-rated MBA admissions coaches:

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Homepage > MBA Admissions > Business Schools > How to write Kellogg MBA essays for 2023 intake – Video essay tips included

How to write Kellogg MBA essays for 2023 intake – Video essay tips included

Posted by Suheb Hussain | Mar 10, 2023 | Business Schools , GMAT Focus Edition , MBA Admissions , MBA Application Process

Getting into Kellogg MBA is a dream for most candidates. To do that you’ll have to convince Kellogg’s admissions officers that you’re the one they’re looking for. One of the ways you can do that is by writing a spectacular MBA essay for their 2023 intake. In this article, Prashant Tibrewal, an admissions consultant who has helped numerous students with their MBA application, shares his analysis and tips on the Kellogg MBA essay for 2023 intake. He also shares his first-hand experience of visiting the Kellogg School of Management. Here is what he has to say.

Sitting inside the White Auditorium, listening to Kate Smith, Assistant Dean, Admissions and Financial Aid at Kellogg School of Management , address a select group of AIGAC members, I cannot resist getting distracted by the picturesque views of Lake Michigan, right beside the Global Hub, the spectacular new home to the Kellogg MBA. The Global Hub represents not only the transformational impact that Kellogg is set to bring about in management education but also the future-focused and global vision of the school.

Entering the building, you cannot miss the grand 34-foot-wide stairway inspired by the famed Spanish Steps in Rome, running up from the ground to the first and second floors. With collaboration oozing out of this architectural marvel, the 6000-square-foot central atrium is aptly named the Collaboration Plaza. If you are an MBA aspirant, there is no way you can visit the new campus and not make Kellogg your most cherished aspiration.

Kellogg Presents an exciting portfolio of full-time MBA programs, including the Two-Year MBA, One-Year MBA, MMM, and the JD-MBA. As you research the option most suitable for you, it may be a good idea to connect with the school to understand the pre-requisites for each of the options. Should you find yourself prepared to apply in the 2020-2021 intake, the application is now open, with the following deadlines:

Kellogg MBA Application Deadlines

Kellogg MBA Application Essays 2022-2023

There are 2 compulsory essays for the 2023 admissions of Kellogg MBA program. Here are the Kellogg MBA essay topics for the 2023 intake:

• Kellogg’s purpose is to educate, equip and inspire leaders who create lasting value. Provide a recent example where you have demonstrated leadership and created value. What challenges did you face and what did you learn?  (450 words)
• Values are what guide us in our life and work. What values are important to you and how have they influenced you? (450 words)

Certain applicants will respond to additional questions:

One-Year applicants : Please discuss your post-MBA career goal, the current experience you will leverage to support the transition, and the Kellogg One-Year MBA opportunities that will help you reach this goal. (250 words)

MBAi applicants: The Kellogg McCormick MBAi Program is designed to train the next generation of leaders who can help businesses deliver successful outcomes through AI-driven technology. Tell us about your firsthand experience with this disconnect between business and technology and how MBAi will prepare you to successfully lead businesses at the intersection. (450 words)

MMM applicants : The five core values of the MMM Program are curiosity, creativity, empathy, open-mindedness and a learning mindset. Describe a situation in which you demonstrated one of these values. Why is this value an important part of the MMM experience for you? (250 words)

JD-MBA applicants : Please discuss your post-JD-MBA career goals and why the JD-MBA Program is the right program to help you reach those goals. (250 words)

Reapplicants : Since your previous application, what steps have you taken to strengthen your candidacy? (250 words)

All applicants have the opportunity to provide explanations or clarification in  Additional Information . Use this section if you think the person reviewing your application might have a few questions about one or more of your responses. This could include:

• Unexplained gaps in work experience
• Academic, GMAT, or GRE performance
• Extenuating circumstances that we should be aware of when reviewing your application

Kellogg MBA Essay 1 Analysis

Kellogg’s purpose is to educate, equip, and inspire brave leaders who create lasting value. Provide a recent example where you have demonstrated leadership and created value. What challenges did you face and what did you learn? (450 words)

The first essay for Kellogg has remained the same as that of last year. “We’re looking for those individuals who have found or plan to find unique ways to demonstrate the Kellogg purpose in their careers.

As you consider leadership, in particular, keep in mind that Kellogg was the school that pioneered the team-based learning model that is now ubiquitous among the top business schools.

If you are planning to take the GMAT, we can help you with a personalized study plan and give you access to quality online content to prepare. Write to us at  [email protected] . We are the  most reviewed GMAT prep company on gmatclub with more than 2500 reviews. Why don’t you take a free trial  and judge for yourself?

We want all of our students to be able to step up when their teams need them”, suggests Kate Smith in the Kellogg admissions blog. As you strive to match your demonstrated aptitude and skills with the Kellogg purpose, it is advisable to understand the traits that the school is looking for in its students. These include:

• The ability to motivate a team, to drive impact
• The courage to question the status quo and to seek unconventional solutions
• Creativity and talent that is rooted in self-awareness
• Robust diversity in their networks and teams
• Eagerness to pitch in and collaborate with an engaged, ambitious community of peers

Effectively, leadership and teamwork come across as the underlying traits that Kellogg values the most. This essay, in very explicit terms, asks for one , recent example. Let’s break the question into smaller parts to understand what it seeks:

“A recent example…” – How recent is recent? Clearly, you cannot afford to bring in college stories here. Post-college, you have probably worked with one or more organizations.

If you have worked with multiple organizations, it will be important to choose an example from your current organization (unless you joined, let’s say, only three months ago).

While we routinely recommend this to applicants, Kellogg cuts the chase by explicitly mentioning it. On the other hand, If you have worked with just one organization throughout your career, present an example from your current role.

As individuals, and as professionals, we continuously evolve – and the recency of the example serves as valid corroboration of how much you may have evolved through your career.

“… where you have demonstrated leadership and created value” is a prompt that hints at the fact that leadership and the creation of value often go together.

Your example, therefore, shouldn’t focus solely on activities related to leading teams or projects or budgets; rather, it should establish how, in each instance, you succeeded in creating value for your organization, your team, and/or even for yourself.

While you have had good training in presenting quantifiable impact and high dollar savings, creating value goes beyond that.

As you narrate your story, it will be interesting to ask yourself if you went beyond the deliverables of the project to build and influence teams, demonstrated innovation and creativity, and put in conscious effort to deliver lasting impact.

“What challenges did you face…” – An achievement devoid of challenges is akin to playing tennis without nets.

It is important to establish why your achievement makes you proud. Explain what made this initiative or exercise so challenging and how you shaped your response to those challenges.

“… and what did you learn” – indeed! Learning is often associated with failure, but a leader is someone who is forward-looking and continues to learn even from achievements.

You probably learned something about team dynamics or working with multi-cultural teams, or inspiring people to work towards a common goal, or even discovered the extent of your own capabilities.

Kellogg MBA Essay 2 Analysis

Values are what guide you in your life and work. What values are important to you and how have they influenced you? (450 words)

This essay replaced the “how have you grown in the past and how do you intend to grow at Kellogg” essay that Kellogg asked two years ago.

It is often insightful to compare an old essay prompt with the new one to draw deeper messages and gauge what the admissions teams may be looking for.

If you compare the current and the previous essay prompts, what is clearly common is the school’s intent to understand you beyond your professional achievements, and your ability to contribute to the class at Kellogg.

This further gets established through Kate Smith’s statement, “Our goal this year is to uncover what motivates and inspires you. What drives you? How will this make you a meaningful member of the Kellogg community?”

While the question does not insist on isolating a single value; it may be wise to identify just two or three strongest values that you can back with examples, instead of spreading yourself too thin by presenting a range of values.

Further, this is one of those questions that require reading well between the lines. The prompt starts with the statement that values guide you in your “life” and “work”, suggesting that you may want to present examples from both the fronts.

If a certain set of values are important to you, you are likely to have strong examples to show how these values have influenced you and your decisions in the past.

The essay wouldn’t be complete without presenting how these values will continue to drive your aspirations and plans – at Kellogg, in your professional career, and in the larger scheme of things.

In other words, it may be a good idea to present how you may be equipped to contribute to the Kellogg community in specific ways, how your long terms goals are influenced by your values and how this may impact your career choice post-MBA.

450 words isn’t a lot of space to communicate all of this, but it is often useful to start with a larger perspective and then narrow it down through multiple reiterations.

Kellogg MBA Reapplicant Essay Analysis

Since your previous application, what steps have you taken to strengthen your candidacy? (250 words)

This is the best opportunity to convince the school that you have indulged in introspection to evolve a fresh perspective and enhanced your eligibility by upskilling or retooling.

If you applied in R1 last year and are applying in R1 again, you have had almost a year to plan afresh. Recapitulate the entire effort you may have expended to improve your profile.

If you applied in R2 last year and are now applying in R1, you have had just about 8 months, and this span may not reflect significant changes in your profile.

Did you still create opportunities to enhance your skills? You presented certain career goals in your last application. Did you take up professional initiatives and self-learning opportunities to move towards your professional career goals? Did you assess what might have gone wrong, talk to alumni and industry experts and attempt to position yourself better this year? If your GMAT score was not good enough, were you willing to push yourself and retake the test?

If you ended up scoring the same again – the school will still appreciate your intent and your commitment to the goal of pursuing an MBA.

Talk about the new projects, new learnings from these projects, things that you got to do for the first time, interactions you have had that had an impact on you and your career plans.

Do not forget to include the experiences that helped you refine your core and soft skills further.

If you presented a goal or a career plan last year that you failed to justify in the interview; or if, after more thorough research, you have decided to opt for an alternative plan that you can validate, do not hesitate to make a statement.

Feel free to present the specifics of the research you engaged in to arrive at a more rational career plan. For all logical purposes, this is a better approach than presenting the same career plans again, when you are not too confident about being able to substantiate them.

Kellogg MBA Additional Essay Analysis

All applicants have the opportunity to provide explanations or clarification in Additional Information. Use this section if you think the person reviewing your application might have a few questions about one or more of your responses. This could include:

• Academic, GMAT or GRE performance

As straightforward as it looks, candidates often end up overdoing the additional essay by presenting things that may not be required.

It is important to value the reader’s time and adhere to the instructions. While some schools keep the additional essay open-ended, Kellogg has presented clear guidelines that suggest that you should this space only to explain any inconsistencies or extenuating circumstances.

While this looks like a place where you are likely to touch upon the aspects of your profile that aren’t obviously your strengths, it is important to not get too defensive and to not list excuses that look immature.

Go ahead and present specific reasons why you may not have the best college GPAs or a high GMAT score, but don’t blame it on a particular committee you were a part of during college or an office project deadline that coincided with your GMAT date.

Instead, show through external certifications or course, how you are academically capable, despite not having done so well in the college first year, even with your grades improving in the subsequent years.

You may touch upon the quantitative tasks that you may have taken at work to alleviate concerns about your quantitative ability because of a low GMAT Quant score.

Above all, remain cognizant of the fact that schools are looking for reasons to select you and not to reject you. You may not need to justify everything where you think you fall short; as long as you are giving the school enough reasons to believe that you are a deserving candidate.

Kellogg 1-Year MBA Essay 2023

Please discuss your post-MBA career goal, the current experience you will leverage to support the transition, and the Kellogg 1Y opportunities that will help you reach this goal. (250 words)

The Kellogg 1-Year MBA, unlike most other 1-year MBAs in the US, has a class profile that’s pretty similar to that of its 2-year version.

The 1-year MBA is just an accelerated format, meant for a small group of about 90-100 participants with a good business background. Applicants to the Kellogg 1-Year MBA, therefore, have to write this career goal essay, in addition to the other required essays.

While it’s a standard career goal essay, it is different in that it requires you to present a higher level of goal clarity than a typical applicant to a two-year program.

A one-year program moves ahead at a significantly higher pace, and if you do not know exactly what you want to do post MBA, the kind of recruiters you would target, and the kind of roles you would like to apply to, you may not be in a position to make the best use of the opportunity.

Further, an important ask of the essay is “the current experience you will leverage to support the transition”.

It is important to relate your current skill set and industry / functional exposure to your future plans if you are hoping to make a smooth career transition through the one-year degree.

This essay isn’t as elaborate as the other ones, with just 250 words to communicate all that you would like to – but you will need to work well to pack a punch even with specific courses and opportunities at Kellogg that will enable you to achieve the desired career transition.

Clearly, if you have decided to apply to the Kellogg 1-Year MBA, you better have the right experience, goal-clarity, and academic background to fit in.

Kellogg invites its 1-Year MBA applicants to fill in an Eligibility form before you start working on the application – something that you may certainly want to make use of.

Kellogg Video Essays – 2023 admissions

Following are the instructions for the Kellogg Video Essay:

After submitting your application and payment, you will be able to access the video essay through your application status page.

You will be asked to answer three questions:

• Video Essay 1: Please introduce yourself to the admissions committee. Consider this your opportunity to share what you would want your future Kellogg classmates and our admissions committee to know about you. What makes you, you?
• Video Essay 2: What path are you interested in pursuing, how will you get there, and why is this program right for you?

This is an intentionally broad question so you can answer honestly and meaningfully. We want to know why you’re pursuing an MBA and why you’re choosing a particular Kellogg Full-Time Program.

• Video Essay 3: The third question will ask about a challenge you’ve faced and what you have learned from it.

There are practice questions that you may complete as many times as you like to get comfortable with the format and technology. The practice questions and experience will simulate the actual video essay experience, so this is meant to be a useful tool to help you feel prepared.

You will have 20 seconds to think about the question and up to one minute to give your response.

We estimate the video essays will take 20-25 minutes to complete — which includes time for set-up and answering all the practice questions. You will need an internet-connected computer with a webcam, microphone, and an updated version of Adobe Flash in order to complete the video essay.

Kellogg Video Essay 1

Please introduce yourself to the admissions committee.

Consider this your opportunity to share what you would want your future Kellogg classmates and our admissions committee to know about you. What makes you, you?

Is this supposed to be your Elevator Pitch? Probably yes, albeit a more personal one. Having presented most of your information through your resume and application essays, this should be your space to “connect” with your future classmates as well as the admissions committee.

While the video will allow the admissions committee to see you and hear you, it is your passion and your story that will invite them to feel your presence and personality. Prepare a story that is authentic, exciting, and enchanting. Above all, sound fluent, but not rehearsed!

Kellogg Video Essay 2

What path are you interested in pursuing, how will you get there, and why is this program right for you?

This is an intentionally broad question so you can answer honestly and meaningfully. We want to know why you are pursuing an MBA and why you’re choosing a particular Kellogg Full-Time Program.

While the first question was about you, the second question is about you and Kellogg. What leads you to Kellogg?

What are the opportunities and platforms you seek to leverage at Kellogg to achieve your career plans? What research have you done to discover and explore the most relevant opportunities and activities that you plan to participate in once you are on campus?

These are all obvious extensions to the second question. As you articulate your thoughts to answer these questions, it may be a good idea to present your plans for taking any initiatives at Kellogg that will further help you, and hopefully your peers, interested in pursuing a similar career path.

Kellogg Video Essay 3

The third question will ask about a challenge you’ve faced and what you have learned from it.

This is one question that you wouldn’t know in advance, but the prompt suggests classic behavioral interview questions that require you to draw examples from your professional or personal life.

Possibilities are immense and varied, ranging from challenges within a team to challenges while working with a client.

The key is to go prepared with a set of diverse stories that you can leverage in varied situations. An instance or example may involve multiple challenges, and if you are well prepared, you will be able to summon the one that’s asked in the essay.

Do not forget, of course, to follow the Challenge-Action-Result framework by not only discussing the challenging situation itself but also delineating the action you took to counter that challenge and the results that you were able to achieve or deliver.

You will have just about 20 seconds to think about the question before you start answering – important, therefore, to not start your video session unprepared.

Here are a few Sample Video Essays for Kellogg Essay 3 that you may want to practice:

• Describe a challenging time when you had a difference of opinion with a teammate.
• Describe a time when you took an initiative that wasn’t successful.
• Describe a time when you had a conflict with your senior/manager.
• Tell us about a time when you had to make a split-second decision.
• Tell us about a time when you were forced to make an unpopular decision.
• Discuss a challenging project where you couldn’t meet the deadline.
• Discuss an instance when you were misunderstood.
• Discuss a challenging time when you had to convince or negotiate with a colleague/superior.

I hope this analysis of Kellogg MBA essays for the 2021 intake will help you make a very strong application and the gatekeepers at Kellogg will gladly give you your place at Kellogg; your new home for the next 2 years.

Applying to Wharton? Read our detailed Wharton Essay Analysis

About the Author

Prashant Tibrewal is the founder of Admit Square Consulting and has mentored 1000+ MBA aspirants to get into top global universities such as Harvard, Stanford, INSEAD, Oxford, HEC, ISB, etc. Prashant has also served on the Board of the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants (AIGAC) and led the AIGAC Conference 2020, attended by admissions officers from 25+ top-ranked MBA programs.

Admit Square Consulting has mentored applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply to top MBA programs. With a proven track record of 10+ years, and admits to universities such as Stanford, MIT, Kellogg, Cambridge, INSEAD, etc., Admit Square was awarded the Most Successful International MBA Consulting Company in India at the India Education Awards, 2019. With a team of Consultants from top business schools such as MIT, Yale, LBS and Oxford, Admit Square offers 100% Money-back Assurance on its services. You may send your details to  [email protected]  for a free profile evaluation.

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• By Julia Brady

Kellogg Northwestern updated the two required essays in its 2023-2024 application in significant ways, but as in the past, the essays explore applicant’s approach to leadership and their value system. 

Kellogg also asks you to introduce yourself and “show us the person behind those carefully crafted words” in a video essay. In the video, you’ll respond to three prompts to introduce yourself, your career goal and reasons for seeking a Northwestern MBA, and a challenge you faced and what you learned from it. It’s good to keep this in mind while crafting your essays so you can plan what additional information you might share in the video. For advice on mastering the video, see our related blog on Kellogg MBA Video Essays.

The key to delivering a series of standout essays to Kellogg — from written to video statements — is to embrace your authentic story. Weaving a well-crafted narrative that conveys your passions and clarity of purpose in a way that elicits emotional impact is the secret sauce in creating a connection to an admission reader’s heart.

First, you’ll want to understand why Kellogg is asking each question and what the admissions committee is hoping to uncover. The clues, of course, are embedded within the questions themselves.

Tips for Essay 1

Essay 1 asks: Kellogg leaders are primed to tackle today’s pressing concerns everywhere, from the boardroom to their neighborhoods. Tell us about a time in your life where you’ve needed a combination of skills to solve a problem or overcome a challenge. Which skills did you use? What did you accomplish? ( 450 words; hard cut-off at 480 words)

In this essay, Kellogg is looking to learn about your leadership journey thus far and gain a sense for how you will grow as a leader at Kellogg. Highlighting the role of leadership in addressing “ pressing concerns…from the boardroom to their neighborhoods” reflects a core Kellogg value — that leadership is not something that one turns on or off. Consistently acting as an authentic leader to address any situation is crucial.

The prompt also recognizes that leadership occurs in all kinds of different settings, which invites you to offer an example from a unique context — say, leading from below, or in a volunteer or community setting — if you do not have deep experience in a typical leadership role to draw on.

The heart of the question, “Tell us about a time in your life where you’ve needed a combination of skills to solve a problem or overcome a challenge?” is the opportunity for the applicant to share a compelling example of how they’ve led, guided or facilitated a situation to accomplish a goal or overcome a challenge. Kellogg is focused here on how you put skills into action. And while the subject is “you,” Kellogg leaders recognize the value of bringing others along, and how differences and diverse perspectives create better solutions. 

This is your opportunity to tell a story.  Think through: why must you tell this story?  How is the world, your company or community better off from the skills you used, the actions you took and the contributions you have made? What leadership experiences can you share that reveal you’ve succeeded in elevating people, places and/or circumstances because of your intentional participation? What story will illuminate the significance of this shift, showcasing the situation before you came in, while you were there and after you’ve left? 

Keep in mind this values statement from the Kellogg website: 

WE VALUE INDIVIDUALS WHO:

• Approach business problems with a mix of hard and soft skills.
• Seek to adapt to the evolving business world with open curiosity and innovation.
• Believe in strong, empathetic collaboration as a way to strengthen work, perspectives and outcomes.
• Embrace the power of diversity in your teams and networks.

Kellogg wants to get to know the authentic you and enroll those who lead with empathy. They don’t wish to read the ‘heroes’ journey’ where your strength and resilience led to success without thinking about the impact on others. This is an opportunity to reflect how you currently embody Kellogg values and will positively contribute to your classmates’ experience.

Tips for Essay 2 

Essay 2 asks: At Kellogg, our values are based on research that concludes organizations comprised of leaders with varied backgrounds and perspectives outperform homogeneous ones. How do you believe your personal and professional experiences to date will help to enrich the Kellogg community? (450 words; hard cut-off at 480 words)

Here, Kellogg stresses how it values diversity. As the question makes clear, Kellogg’s leadership classes teach that diversity in thought and experience contributes positively to a firm’s performance. In framing the question this way, Kellogg seeks to learn about your lived experiences and values, to assess how you will fit into and contribute to a richly varied and diverse class and community. 

Implicitly, this question invites you to share your identity and background. If your origin story, the circumstances of your childhood, or the environment that you lived or worked in fundamentally shaped your values and how you contribute to the diversity of a team, that can be good territory to mine if you wish. Your personal story can share how those forces and experiences informed the person you are today and your aspirations for the future.

To address the spirit of this essay, start by identifying the values that you lean into, particularly when faced with a challenging situation. Kellogg is looking to understand what it is that inspires, drives and motivates you. Candidates who do the thoughtful introspection required to write with authenticity and substance will deliver a valuable view into who they are as a person, not just the workings of your intellect or the details of your resume.

Your values inherently extend beyond yourself, into your relationships with people and the places where you imagine making a positive impact. In considering examples to share as you reflect on your “personal and professional experiences”, what were the challenges or opportunities you encountered and how did you respond in ways that reflect your diversity of thought, background and/or how you bring that out in others in responding to challenges?

This question is another opportunity to dig deep and get personal. The essay begins, “How do you believe your personal and professional experiences to date…” You can use this to provide an overview of ways you’ve built and led diverse teams or contributed to the diversity of thought or background to an organization. Since the prompt asks for ‘experiences’ yet the essay is limited to 450 words, it will be important to concisely paint a high-level picture of the values that shape you as a leader and what you have gained from those experiences that will allow you to enrich the Kellogg community — then go deeper on one of the experiences.

Finally, address how will your values and perspectives influence the type of experience you create for your future Kellogg classmates? What might you contribute as well as gain from the Kellogg experience?: 

Formatting Guidelines: You can either upload your essays as a file or copy and paste your essay text into the form: Be sure to include the essay prompt in bold at the top of your essay. If you’re uploading a document, please use 12-point Times New Roman font, 1.5 line spacing and 1-inch margins.

View our  Kellogg & Chicago Booth Admissions Masterclass , an hour-long strategy session with essential advice and insight from Fortuna’s former Kellogg & Booth gatekeepers. View other MBA Essay Masterclasses in our series on Fortuna’s YouTube channel. 

Decoding the Kellogg MBA Video Essays

Lastly, Kellogg asks each applicant to complete a video essay component after submitting the application, and its new third question is a doozy. View our related blog for advice on how to tackle the Kellogg MBA Video Essays , including tips for performing well on camera.

Let’s Get You In.

Fortuna Admissions is a dream team of former MBA Admissions Directors and Officers from 18 of the top 20 business schools, including Kellogg. With our unparalleled collective expertise, we are able to coach you to develop a clear vision of your goals for business school and beyond. We work closely with you throughout the application process and provide expert guidance at every stage to maximize your chances of admission to a top school.

Our free consultations are consistently rated as the best in the industry. To learn more about Fortuna and assess your chances of admission to Wharton and other top programs, request a free consultation .

Want More Advice?

Check out our team’s latest articles, videos, and analysis related to how to get into Kellogg:

• Kellogg 2023-2024 Essay Tips
• Kellogg MBA Video Essays & How to Tackle Them
• Kellogg MBA Interview: What You Need To Know + 7 Tips on How to Prepare
• M7 Admissions Masterclass: Kellogg & Chicago Booth
• Business School Profile on Kellogg
• Request the Kellogg Insider Tips Report

Updated July 14, 2023

Julia Brady is an Expert Coach at MBA admissions coaching firm   Fortuna Admissions   and formerly served as  Managing Director at Kellogg & Former Senior Associate Dean, UChicago . For a candid assessment of your chances of admission success at a top MBA program, sign up for a   free consultation.

• Posted on July 14, 2023

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Kellogg MBA Essays for 2022-2023

Are you targeting Northwestern University’s  Kellogg School of Management ? Then it’s time to shift into high gear. The Kellogg MBA essays for the 2022-2023 admissions cycle have been confirmed. (Here are the Kellogg deadlines , released earlier this month.)

The essays let you explain, in your own words, why you think Kellogg is right for you. Take some time to think through the experiences that led you here and how they have shaped where you want to go.

The following two Kellogg MBA essays are required of all applicants:

• Kellogg’s purpose is to educate, equip and inspire leaders who create lasting value. Provide a recent example where you have demonstrated leadership and created value. What challenges did you face and what did you learn?  (450 words)
• Values are what guide us in our life and work. What values are important to you and how have they influenced you? (450 words)

Certain applicants will respond to additional questions:

One-Year applicants : Please discuss your post-MBA career goal, the current experience you will leverage to support the transition, and the Kellogg One-Year MBA opportunities that will help you reach this goal. (250 words)

MBAi applicants: The Kellogg McCormick MBAi Program is designed to train the next generation of leaders who can help businesses deliver successful outcomes through AI-driven technology. Tell us about your firsthand experience with this disconnect between business and technology and how MBAi will prepare you to successfully lead businesses at the intersection. (450 words)

MMM applicants : The five core values of the MMM Program are curiosity, creativity, empathy, open-mindedness and a learning mindset. Describe a situation in which you demonstrated one of these values. Why is this value an important part of the MMM experience for you? (250 words)

JD-MBA applicants : Please discuss your post-JD-MBA career goals and why the JD-MBA Program is the right program to help you reach those goals. (250 words)

Reapplicants : Since your previous application, what steps have you taken to strengthen your candidacy? (250 words)

All applicants have the opportunity to provide explanations or clarification in  Additional Information . Use this section if you think the person reviewing your application might have a few questions about one or more of your responses. This could include:

• Unexplained gaps in work experience
• Academic, GMAT, or GRE performance
• Extenuating circumstances that we should be aware of when reviewing your application

Video Essays

The Kellogg admissions team advises the following in regards to the video essay:

We’ve read your essays, we’ve read your resume — now we want you to bring all that to life in a video. Show us the person behind all those carefully crafted words. The video will be comprised of three questions, each designed to help you showcase your personality and share some of the experiences that brought you here today.

While they are an optional component of the application, we find these videos to be a great opportunity for you to tell us more about your story, experiences and why Kellogg is the right place for you. 

Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare to complete this section:

• Video essays are due 96 hours after the application deadline
• A video essay link will appear on your application status page after you submit your application and payment
• You will need an internet-connected computer with a webcam and microphone
• The video should take about 20-25 minutes to complete, which includes time for setup

After submitting your application and payment, you will be able to access the video essay through your application status page. You will be asked to answer three questions:

Video essay 1: Please introduce yourself to the admissions committee.

– Consider this your opportunity to share what you would want your future Kellogg classmates and our admissions committee to know about you. What makes you, you?

Video essay 2: What path are you interested in pursuing, how will you get there, and why is this program right for you?

– This is an intentionally broad question so you can answer honestly and meaningfully. We want to know why you’re pursuing an MBA and why you’re choosing a particular Kellogg Full-Time Program

Video essay question #3: This question will be based on a challenge you’ve faced and what you’ve learned from it.

Read more specific advice on how best to prepare for the video essay here .

For more information on applying, please visit the Kellogg School MBA admissions website. If you need guidance on your Kellogg essays and MBA application or wish to discuss your MBA plans, reach out for a complimentary analysis  of your candidacy. We’re here to help!

The post Kellogg MBA Essays for 2022-2023 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting .

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How to Approach the New (!) Kellogg Essays

If you’re applying to Kellogg and have been patiently waiting for them to release their essay questions, the time has come! The prompts have been reworked this year, after a number of application cycles without changes. Without further ado, here are the prompts for this year’s Kellogg essays:

• Kellogg Leaders are primed to tackle today’s pressing concerns everywhere, from the boardroom to their neighborhoods. Tell us about a time in your life where you’ve needed a combination of skills to solve a problem or overcome a challenge. Which skills did you use? What did you accomplish? (450 words)
• At Kellogg, our values are based on research that concludes organizations comprised of leaders with varied backgrounds and perspectives outperform homogeneous ones. How do you believe your personal and professional experiences to date will help to enrich the Kellogg community? (450 words)

Note: There is also a third required essay for those applying to a specialized MBA program and/or for those who are reapplying. Finally, Kellogg has three video essay questions that will need to be submitted within 96 hours of the application deadline (a link will be sent to you after you submit your application).

Advice for Approaching the Kellogg Essays

While the Kellogg essays may have changed, the qualities they look for haven’t. Let’s start by defining exactly what those qualities are. Kellogg shares that they value individuals who:

• Approach business problems with a mix of hard and soft skills.
• Seek to adapt to the evolving business world with open curiosity and innovation.
• Believe in strong, empathetic collaboration as a way to strengthen work, perspectives and outcomes.
• Embrace the power of diversity in your teams and networks.

A strong thread throughout each of these criteria is that Kellogg highly prioritizes soft skills – in short, they want leaders who bring people together to innovate and solve challenges. Before you even consider how you will approach the Kellogg essays, give thought to how you embody this statement and brainstorm examples that prove this is true.  

Think Long and Hard About the Story You Select for Essay One

As the first essay prompt indicates, Kellogg is looking for you to share one concrete ‘story’ in your answer. So, essentially, you have one shot to demonstrate why, as proven by a past experience, you are a strong leader that can overcome challenges and have impact on the organizations of which you are a part. That’s a lot of pressure to put on one story, so it’s important to choose wisely.

Our recommended approach is to brainstorm a variety of stories you could potentially use here and not simply go with the first one that comes to mind. Just because an accomplishment was personally significant to you doesn’t mean it is the best material for this essay.

Most applicants will likely share a professional example, but an extracurricular situation could work equally as well. Whichever you choose, we recommend that it is relatively recent (within the last two years) and involves teamwork of some kind. Kellogg wants to see the kind of leader you are today and given the heavily team-oriented nature of the program, telling a story about a time you accomplished something without the help of others doesn’t demonstrate the fit they are looking for. 

Once you’ve brainstormed a list of stories, consider which skills (beyond teamwork, which is non-negotiable) each one highlights. Compare this list of skills with the personal branding you’ve developed earlier in the application process – which story feels most cohesive with the picture you are trying to present of yourself?  Which story highlights the broadest list of MBA-applicable skills, notably those that are important to Kellogg which places a lot of value on soft skills? In fact, we think a successful essay could speak to primarily (if not all) soft skills given Kellogg’s culture and also because hard skills can be showcased through your test score, GPA, and resume. Ask yourself these questions as you narrow down your list to that perfect example.

Revisit Your Personal Branding (Again!) for Essay Two

You may find your head spinning upon reading the second essay prompt, wondering how you’ll possibly narrow down the list of ‘things’ you might share. Note that we’re using the term ‘things’ here because, while the essay prompt references ‘experiences’, we’d suggest that you can also think beyond discrete situations or characteristics and consider including more conceptual influences or themes that make you who you are. For instance, perhaps you’ve lived in seven countries in your lifetime – that combination of ‘experiences’ and their influence on you could be a topic of discussion.  

To start, we recommend that you revisit your personal branding work. What formative experiences or influences did you identify as being the driving force behind what you’ve done to date and what you hope to do in the future? Consider these the top contenders for inclusion in this essay because, beyond painting a picture of who you are, they should connect with why Kellogg – and an MBA in general – is right for you (in other words, they tell Kellogg who you are AND, critically, why they should care). 

Of note, make sure you don’t lean entirely professional in this essay. Even if you feel like your differentiated work experience is your key ‘selling’ point, it is important to weave in some personal background as well. Kellogg (and business schools in general) want you to bring your whole self to campus, so being comfortable opening up in the application demonstrates you are ready to contribute in this way if admitted.   

Once you’ve chosen and described the ‘things’ that make you unique, it is critical to share discrete ways in which you will utilize your perspective, skill set, etc. to improve the experience of others in the Kellogg community. Avoid a laundry list here and, instead, demonstrate you’ve put real thought into how you will contribute on campus with a few specific and impactful examples.

Structure Ideas for the Kellogg Essays

For Essay 1, we recommend a structure somewhat like this:

• P1: Share the context of the situation you will discuss and the problem or challenge at hand
• P2: Describe the actions you took, emphasizing elements of teamwork, collaboration, and innovative problem solving
• P3: Wrap up the story, covering the ‘results’ and the impact you had on your team or organization
• P4: Summarize the skills you demonstrated as well as any learnings you gained and talk about how you envision applying them at Kellogg and beyond

For Essay 2, we recommend a structure somewhat like this:

• P1: Introduce the first ‘thing’ that makes you unique, including how it has influenced or changed the way you see the world
• P2: Describe how you will use this perspective to enrich the Kellogg community
• P3: Introduce a second ‘thing’ that makes you unique and how it has influenced or shaped you
• P4: Share another concrete, actionable way you will apply this uniqueness at Kellogg

Kellogg Video Essay Tips

Kellogg requires you to record and submit responses to three questions, which you will not know in advance. The only clues they give are that the questions are designed to ‘help you showcase your personality and share some of the experiences that brought you here today’.

Not knowing the questions can feel intimidating, but we recommend you prepare an introduction of yourself that highlights your personality (hobbies, interests, etc. are fair game!) and also brainstorm a list of the best stories you imagine using for behavioral interview questions.

Procedurally speaking, once the clock starts ticking, you will have 20 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to answer each question. Focus the bulk of your practice on getting the timing right – a minute is shorter than you think! So, practice (out loud!) using the  STAR format  to tell each of your stories within this timeframe so you ensure you don’t get cut off before you can share the awesome ‘result’ you drove.  

Katie is a passionate mentor and coach, helping her clients craft a unique, compelling story by leveraging her experience as a corporate executive, alumni interviewer, and campus recruiter. Before completing her MBA at Kellogg, Katie spent five years in banking where she learned practical finance skills as well as how to operate in a demanding, high pressure environment. She pursued an MBA in order to transition to an industry role where she could utilize her finance knowledge to drive change within an organization. Post-MBA, she worked in finance and strategy for a leading CPG firm, progressing to an executive role leading the finance function for a $2B business segment. Her experience managing diverse teams led to a passion for developing others. In addition to her day-to-day responsibilities, she led her firm’s MBA recruiting efforts and served as an alumni admissions interviewer for Kellogg.

MBA Application Deadlines for 2023-2024

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Kellogg EMBA Application Essay Tips and Deadlines [2022 – 2023]

Kellogg’s two required EMBA application essay questions present a paradox: they’re straightforward and complex. Together, they draw out a fully rounded view of you as a person and as a professional, what you’ve done and how you think and perceive the world. To the extent possible, ground your essays in detail and concrete experience, and use reflection as the thread weaving those details and experiences into a vivid whole.

Essays 1 and 2 together should amplify and resonate with each other. They should be neither redundant nor discordant. Before or while drafting them, consider them as a whole. While they must each succeed as a separate statement, to do you the most justice they also should work together as parts of a dynamic whole.

Kellogg EMBA 2022-23 Application Essays

Kellogg emba essay #1.

What are your short-term and long-term career goals? What have you already done to get there and how do you think Kellogg can help you? ( 450 word maximum )

In presenting your goals, frame them with “why” you want to pursue that path and the impact you hope to have. Clarifying this motivation will animate the essay and engage the reader. Also, of course, support this vision by describing your goals in specific terms: likely positions, which company or industry, desired location, and some related context, e.g. anticipated challenges you or your organization may face, your take on industry trends and how they affect your goals, and so forth. Then connect the dots: explain how this stated path will enable you to deliver the desired impact.

In asking what you have already done to pursue these goals, the adcom is essentially seeking evidence that you are truly committed to this career path. Answering this part allows you to show that you are proactive, strategic, and resourceful. Don’t cite everything you’ve done in this regard, but rather identify the 2-3 most important experiences – and what you gained from them. In explaining why Kellogg must be the next step on that path, link the resources of the Kellogg EMBA to the specific learning and professional needs arising from your planned path.

Kellogg EMBA essay #2

Define what community means to you. Share an example of how you contribute to a community and how that contribution is impacting that community. ( 450 word maximum )

This question aims right at the heart of what Kellogg cares about (and always has). Kellogg’s sense of community is a central value of the business school and reflects its core identity. To define what community means to you, be concrete. There are many communities in your life, and probably they overlap. Your work, your neighborhood and the broader region, your friends from various areas of your life, any organizations or groups you belong to or participate in, cultural or religious groups, etc. When you describe what community means to you, give examples referencing your communities — your definition should encompass different communities.  

To address the “contribute” part, present a straightforward story about one of your community contributions. Identify and describe what community you are referring to. Clarify why it’s meaningful to you, and briefly summarize your history with and roles in the community. Next, action: what did you do to contribute. I.e., what need did you recognize and what did you do in response? What was the outcome of your action(s), what changed as a result?

Kellogg EMBA essay #3 (Optional)

If needed, use this section to briefly describe any extenuating circumstances (e.g. unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, etc.).

This question explicitly limits the potential topics to extenuating circumstances, so don’t use it to further market yourself by presenting new material to enhance your application. If you do not have extenuating circumstances, do not write the essay. If you do need to provide such information, do it succinctly and straightforwardly.

You’ve worked so hard to get to this point in your journey. Now that you’re ready for your next achievement, make sure you know how to present yourself to maximum advantage in your Kellogg EMBA application. Get a member of Team Accepted in your corner, guiding you with expertise tailored specifically for you.  Check out our flexible consulting packages today!

Kellogg Executive MBA application deadlines for January 2023 and September 2023 start dates

Source:  Kellogg website

Related Resources:

• Ace the EMBA: Expert Advice for the Rising Executive , a free guide
• EMBA: The Ultimate Guide for Applicants
• Program-specific EMBA application essay tips

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Is Northwestern Kellogg on your target list of business schools? Then you are in luck! Kellogg’s updated essays and application deadlines for the 2023-2024 admissions season have just been released. Time to start working on those essays (scroll down to see the questions)! 🙂

NORTHWESTERN KELLOGG MBA DEADLINES – Full-Time MBA

Application due: September 13, 2023* Decision released: December 13, 2023

Application due: January 10, 2024* Decision released: March 27, 2024

Application due: April 3, 2024* Decision released: May 8, 2024

Applications are due at 5 pm CT. 

For more information on application requirements, check out the Kellogg admissions site .

If you are looking for advice on your Northwestern Kellogg application, make sure you sign up for ApplicantLab! We provide step-by-step guidance on every aspect of your MBA application, including updated advice (as of July 13th, I am in the process of updating this advice over the next few business days!), dissecting this year’s Kellogg essays questions, providing non-obvious “do’s” and “don’ts”, and explaining the Kellogg “DNA” so that you can tailor your application materials to show that you’re the sort of person they’re looking for! Sign up for a free trial. 

For the 2023 – 2024 admissions season, Northwestern Kellogg has changed its written essay questions for the first time in several years! While I do like their new essay #1 more than the earlier version, the change to essay #2  is a shame, since it was one of my favorite essays from the top schools, but of course that doesn’t actually matter , ha ha!

Question 1 (450 words)

Kellogg Leaders are primed to tackle today’s pressing concerns everywhere, from the boardroom to their neighborhoods. Tell us about a time in your life where  you’ve  needed a combination of skills to solve a problem or overcome a challenge. Which skills did you use? What did you  accomplish ?

For years, Kellogg asked a question about a time you created “lasting value” — they’ve changed that this year to focus more on describing which “combination of skills” you used.  In other words, the PROCESS you went through to solve a problem now matters more than WHAT the problem was, or WHAT the IMPACT was.

If you read Kellogg’s own blog post / website accompanying this new question (something you won’t really have to do if you sign up for ApplicantLab since I do it for you!) — you might get a sense of the SORTS of skills they’re looking for you to have demonstrated… but achtung ! I think some of the skills mentioned on the website are a bit of a trap! (I do NOT think that this is a trap that has been INTENTIONALLY SET, but it’s one I think applicants should be aware of all the same!).

Another trap I think applicants might fall in to here is choosing the wrong sort of “problem / challenge” to talk about. I realize that it’s  business school and so you (understandably!) might initially want to write about your greatest work accomplishment here… (especially if you got an early start on the Kellogg essays and already drafted an answer to the previous essay 1, ha ha)… but resist that temptation. Some types of “problems / challenges” here will make for better fodder than others, and it might not necessarily be your Most Impressive Work Story!

In ApplicantLab, I,m not only creating advice for how to tackle this essay, along with the Dos and Don’ts, but I also synthesize what we can glean from changes over time to the Kellogg leadership essay. What does the new wording mean? Does it mean that Kellogg is CHANGING what it looks for in applicants (I don’t necessarily think so!) — what I think it means is that the answers they were getting to the previous “lasting value” essay prompt were disappointing on some level. If we can try to analyze what might have been wrong (or, well,  sub-optimal ) about the previous answers they were getting, then we can be sure to try to  avoid doing those things for this new question!

Question 2   (450 words)

At Kellogg, our values are based on research that concludes organizations  comprised  of leaders with varied backgrounds and perspectives outperform homogeneous ones. How do you believe your personal and professional experiences to date will help to enrich the Kellogg community?

Ok ok so first of all, I know I was being a little grumpy above re: this new question #2, BUT I would like to first THANK Kellogg for pointing out  right up front that there is actual, real research showing the value of diversity in organizations. With “diversity” and / or “inclusion” essays being the Hot Trendy Essay Topic these days, I think it can be tempting for the more cynical folks out there to think that this focus is just a bunch of politcally-correct, “woke”, b.s. …  but hey there, it actually isn’t … since study after study PROVES that groups that have team-mates with diverse points of view statistically tend to out-perform teams where everyone thinks in similar ways.

Anyway, the part of this new essay question that DOES make me a little grumpy is that the question used to ask for a more general discussion about ” What values are important to you, and how have they influenced you?”, which to ME led to really interesting insights from candidates about a wide variety of lived experiences they’ve had.

This newer version of the question is… fine. But it’s basically a standard “contribution to our campus” essay (with a wink to “Hey, ideally you’ll tell us stuff about you that is a bit more unique, so that we don’t die of boredom reading these”) …but it’s still a “contribution to campus” essay all the same.

Basically, if you’ve already started working on your Wharton essay #2 (“…how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to [our] community”), then you can simply swap out the names of the Wharton-specific clubs, organizations, etc. and replace them with the Kellogg version.  I mean, the word-counts are essentially the same (400 for Wharton; 450 for Kellogg) so you don’t even need to do significantly different amounts of editing / word-smithing between them.

* Note! Since Wharton’s deadlines are roughly 1 week before Kellogg’s, work on THAT application FIRST, if you’re in a hurry!

Maybe, to the extent that the new essay 1 requires a bit more thought / nuance than it has in the past, maybe the thinking here was to make up for MORE heavy-lifting needed in essay 1, by making essay 2 a lot easier? Meh. I mean — I get it, but still.  RIP, previous essay #2   🙁

3 Video Essays

Once again, Kellogg is asking for 3 video essays (you get 20 seconds to think, and up to 60 seconds to respond).

In previous years, they’ve told us in advance what the questions are, which to ME goes a long way towards  defeating the purpose of these questions — after all, if it’s super-important to know what my personality, poise, like-ability, etc. are as part of the application process… isn’t a SPONTANEOUS question that I CAN NOT prepare for going to yield a much more authentic response?

Anyway, I’m going to reach out to them to get confirmation if once again this year they are going with 3 pre-determined questions, or if they’re going to mix it up and make them more like “randomly picking from a bucket of questions — e.g. a teamwork / leadership bucket; a ‘why Kellogg / why MBA’ bucket; an extra-curricular / something fun about you bucket)… “

… but either way, in ApplicantLab I have advice on how to prepare for / do [and look!] your best in these video essays, regardless of what the topic is.  Of course, one of my strongest pieces of advice for how to prepare is to NOT PREPARE TOO MUCH, because not only do you then risk sounding like a robot (yikes!), but if the actual question asked turns out to be a minor variation of a question you’ve overly-prepared a rehearsed answer for… welp, then you risk reciting an answer that on its face might seem OK, but in fact  answers a question that wasn’t actually asked (DOUBLE YIKES).

I know that these video essays can be really stressful, but IMHO any school that offers them is doing you, the applicant, a HUGE FAVOR by giving you this chance.

• I know it might be tempting to view AdComs’ claims of a “holistic” process with skepticism / cynicism, but these video interviews level the playing field for everyone who applies (you KNOW that you’re at least getting A SHOT for them to hear from you directly!)
• Other MBA programs’ interviews!
• Future MBA employer job interviews!
• … and this is valuable early feedback that — if you DO get invited to OTHER schools’ interviews later on — it might be a super-useful wake-up cal l to get more help (say, from the InterviewLab , which is ApplicantLab’s interview prep module) while there’s still time!

Anyway, this post will be evolving as:

• I complete / finish updating the essay advice for Kellogg in ApplicantLab
• I get more clarification on the 3 video essay topics — ie, if this year there is a plan to make them random!

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Kellogg MBA 2023-2024: A Comprehensive Guide to Excellence in Business Education

When it comes to pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, the Kellogg School of Management stands out as a beacon of excellence. This renowned institution has consistently delivered top-tier business education, empowering individuals to achieve their professional aspirations. In this article, we delve into the world of Kellogg MBA, providing you with insights, details, and invaluable information that will guide you toward a successful future.

The Kellogg MBA is a  2 year  MBA program based in Illinois. It ranks  5th globally  in the Financial Times Global business school rankings. Kellogg Business School faculty members are world-renowned not only for generating new thinking in their fields but also for having a genuine impact on current business practices. 

Kellogg MBA: A Brief Overview

Choosing the right MBA program is a pivotal decision in one’s career. Kellogg MBA, offered by Northwestern University, has long been synonymous with prestige and excellence. As you embark on this journey, you’ll be joining a community of accomplished professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders who have achieved greatness through Kellogg’s exceptional curriculum and resources.

By joining Kellogg you join a network you can always count on. From day one, Kellogg students become part of a  global network  of  60,000  entrepreneurs, innovators, and experts across every conceivable industry and endeavor. 

Your Gateway to Career Advancement

A Kellogg MBA is not just a degree; it’s a transformative experience that equips you with the skills, knowledge, and network necessary for career advancement. The curriculum is designed to hone your business acumen, leadership abilities, and problem-solving skills, making you an invaluable asset in today’s competitive job market.

Expert Faculty and Innovative Learning

At Kellogg, you’ll have the privilege of learning from world-class faculty members who are at the forefront of business research and innovation. The teaching methods are cutting-edge, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability.

The Power of Networking

The Kellogg MBA program boasts a powerful alumni network, connecting you to a diverse range of professionals across various industries. This network is a valuable resource for mentorship, career opportunities, and invaluable insights.

The Application Process

To embark on your Kellogg MBA journey, you must go through a rigorous application process. This involves submitting your academic records, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a compelling personal essay. The admissions committee seeks individuals who not only possess academic prowess but also show potential for leadership and contribution to the Kellogg community.

Financing Your MBA

Investing in your education is an important decision. Kellogg offers a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. It’s essential to explore these options to make your Kellogg MBA dreams a reality.

Class Profile

The MBA cohort typically represents a wide array of industries and professional backgrounds, providing a truly global learning experience.

The industry experience of students, prior to joining is also diverse, ranging from consulting, banking, and financial services to fashion and performing arts. About  39% are international  or non-US students.

The average work experience for the full-time MBA is  5 years  which ensures that students contribute richly to classroom learning by bringing forward their varied industry experience Peer-peer learning beyond the classroom is also facilitated through this.

At 49%, Kellogg has one of the  best gender diversity ratios at B-schools  throughout the world.

The average GMAT score for the incoming class is  727  and the 80% range is from 620-to 780.

Kellogg MBA essay analysis 2023-2024:

Kellogg mba essay 1.

Kellogg Leaders are primed to tackle today’s pressing concerns everywhere, from the boardroom to their neighborhoods. Tell us about a time in your life where you’ve needed a combination of skills to solve a problem or overcome a challenge. Which skills did you use? What did you accomplish? (450 words)

Essay Prompt Analysis : The Kellogg MBA Essay 1 asks you to share a personal experience where you’ve needed a combination of skills to solve a problem or overcome a challenge. It’s important to demonstrate your ability to use a diverse set of skills and showcase your problem-solving capabilities. The admissions committee wants to understand how you’ve applied your skills to achieve a meaningful outcome.

Structure and Content :

• Introduction (Approximately 50 words) : Start by introducing the situation or challenge you faced and the skills you needed to address it. This should provide context for your story and engage the reader’s interest.
• Main Story (Approximately 300 words) : Describe the situation in detail. Walk the reader through the problem, explaining its complexity and the specific skills you employed to tackle it. Make sure to highlight both hard and soft skills. Discuss the challenges you encountered during the process.
• Skill Demonstration (Approximately 50 words) : Devote a paragraph to explicitly outlining the skills you used. This part should serve as a summary of the skills employed.
• Accomplishments and Impact (Approximately 50 words) : Conclude by explaining what you accomplished as a result of applying these skills. Discuss the broader impact or any significant outcomes.
• Conclusion (Approximately 50 words) : Conclude the essay by summarizing the key takeaways from your experience and how it has shaped your leadership abilities.

Content Tips :

• Choose the Right Story : Select a compelling and meaningful experience that demonstrates your leadership and problem-solving skills. Make sure the challenge you faced is relevant to the MBA program.
• Skill Variety : Showcase a mix of hard and soft skills, such as analytical thinking, communication, teamwork, and resilience. This will highlight your versatility as a leader.
• Be Specific : Use concrete examples and data to illustrate your accomplishments. This makes your essay more convincing and helps the reader understand the depth of your skills.
• Reflect on Impact : Emphasize the impact of your actions, not just what you did but why it was important and how it contributed to the overall goal.
• Keep It Concise : The word limit is 450 words, so be succinct while providing comprehensive information. Avoid unnecessary details.
• Avoid Clichés : Make your essay unique and avoid using clichés or overly general statements.

Sample Structure :

Introduction: In the summer of 2021, while working as a project manager at [Company], I encountered a critical challenge that required a unique combination of skills to resolve.

Main Story: Our team was tasked with [brief description of the problem]. The complexity of the situation demanded a multifaceted approach. I leveraged my strong analytical skills to [explain your analytical approach], and my communication skills came into play as I [detail how you communicated with team members and superiors]. However, it wasn’t just technical skills; my ability to adapt and lead through uncertainty was tested as [explain how you handled uncertainties].

Skill Demonstration: In this instance, I exhibited a blend of analytical acumen, effective communication, and adaptability.

Accomplishments and Impact: As a result, our project was not only completed ahead of schedule but also exceeded the client’s expectations, leading to a 20% increase in customer satisfaction and a 15% boost in revenue for our department.

Conclusion: This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of versatile leadership, where a combination of skills is crucial for solving complex problems. It has shaped me into a leader who can tackle pressing issues in any environment, whether it’s the boardroom or my neighborhood.

Remember to personalize your essay with your own experiences, skills, and accomplishments. Use the structure and content tips provided to craft a compelling and impactful response to this essay prompt. 

Kellogg MBA Essay 2

At Kellogg, our values are based on research that concludes organizations comprised of leaders with varied backgrounds and perspectives outperform homogeneous ones. How do you believe your personal and professional experiences to date will help to enrich the Kellogg community? (450 words)

It is based on Kellogg’s core value of diversity and inclusion and their belief that a diverse cohort of students can enrich the overall learning experience. The key components to address in this essay are your experiences, how they have shaped you, and how they will add value to Kellogg.

Essay Structure:

• Introduction (Approx. 50 words):  Begin by providing a concise introduction that sets the context for your essay. Mention your understanding of Kellogg’s values and express your enthusiasm for contributing to their community.
• Personal Experiences (Approx. 150 words):  Discuss your personal background, including your upbringing, cultural influences, and any unique life experiences that have shaped your perspectives. Highlight the diversity in your personal life and why it’s important.
• Professional Experiences (Approx. 150 words):  Describe your career journey, focusing on key experiences that have broadened your horizons, such as working in diverse teams, leading cross-functional projects, or engaging with global clients. Explain how these experiences have prepared you to contribute to Kellogg.
• Enriching Kellogg (Approx. 100 words):  Here, explain how your unique background and experiences align with Kellogg’s values and will enrich the Kellogg community. Discuss how you plan to actively engage with your peers and the broader Kellogg ecosystem.
• Conclusion (Approx. 50 words):  Summarize your main points and reiterate your enthusiasm for being part of Kellogg.

Essay Tips:

• Be Authentic:  This essay is about you, so be genuine in your responses. Admission committees appreciate sincerity.
• Show Impact:  Share specific examples of how your experiences have influenced your perspective and how this can benefit Kellogg.
• Align with Kellogg Values:  Make it clear how your experiences resonate with Kellogg’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Think About Contribution:  Consider not only how you can benefit from Kellogg but also how you can contribute to the community. Be forward-thinking in your approach.
• Edit and Proofread:  Ensure that your essay is well-structured, free from grammatical errors, and concise. Adhere to the 450-word limit.

Remember, Kellogg is not just looking for diversity in demographics but diversity in thought, experiences, and perspectives. By presenting a compelling case of how your background enriches their community, you’ll strengthen your application

The Kellogg MBA Experience

A Dynamic Curriculum

The Kellogg MBA program offers a flexible curriculum, allowing you to tailor your education to your career goals. Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, or any other field, you’ll find a rich selection of courses to choose from.

Experiential Learning

Kellogg places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning. Through internships, consulting projects, and global initiatives, you’ll gain real-world experience that will set you apart in the job market.

Leadership Development

Kellogg’s Leadership Development program is designed to help you discover your leadership style and develop essential skills. You’ll engage in workshops, coaching sessions, and leadership labs to prepare you for leadership roles in your career.

Kellogg MBA Beyond the Classroom

Thriving in Evanston

Situated in the beautiful suburb of Evanston, Illinois, Kellogg provides a vibrant and supportive community. You’ll have access to cultural events, outdoor activities, and a tight-knit community that enhances your overall MBA experience.

Career Services

Kellogg’s career services team is dedicated to helping you achieve your professional goals. They offer workshops, one-on-one coaching, and connections to a vast network of employers.

Kellogg MBA Graduates Shine

Kellogg MBA graduates have made their mark in various industries, from tech to finance to healthcare. They are known for their leadership, innovation, and commitment to creating positive change in their organizations and the world.

In summary, the Kellogg MBA program is your gateway to a world of opportunities, growth, and achievement. With its renowned faculty, powerful alumni network, and comprehensive curriculum, Kellogg equips you to become a leader in your field. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, Kellogg MBA can help you achieve your career aspirations.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your professional journey, consider Kellogg MBA as your path to excellence.

Kellogg MBA Admission FAQs

Q:  What are the admission requirements for Kellogg MBA?  A:  The requirements typically include a bachelor’s degree, GMAT or GRE scores, letters of recommendation, a resume, and essays. Check the Kellogg website for the most up-to-date requirements.

Q:  Is prior work experience necessary for admission?  A:  While work experience is recommended, Kellogg also accepts applicants with limited professional experience, particularly for its MMM program.

Q:  Can I apply to multiple Kellogg MBA programs simultaneously?  A:  Yes, you can apply to multiple programs, but you need to submit separate applications for each one.

Q:  How can I strengthen my application?  A:  Focus on showcasing your leadership qualities, community involvement, and how you align with Kellogg’s values in your essays and interviews.

Q:  What is the acceptance rate at Kellogg?  A:  The acceptance rate varies from year to year but hovers around 20-25%.

Q:  Are international applicants welcome?  A:  Absolutely! Kellogg values diversity and encourages international students to apply.

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Kellogg's video essays 2023

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The M7 By The Numbers: What It Takes To Get In & What It Means For Your Career

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In the 2021-2022 MBA application cycle, only around 7,700 out of more than 40,000 applicants earned admission to an MBA program at one of the vaunted M7 business schools. About 4,700 enrolled that fall. That’s a 20.3% acceptance rate and a 60.3% yield .

A year later, in 2022-2023, applicants to the M7 dropped by about 500, while admits grew to more than 8,000 — increasing the collective acceptance rate at Harvard Business School , the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania , Stanford Graduate School of Business , Columbia Business School , MIT Sloan School of Management , Northwestern Kellogg School of Management , and Chicago Booth School of Business to 21.8%. In two short years, the acceptance rate to an M7 had ballooned by more a third, up from an anemic 16.2%. Meanwhile, yield — the percentage of admits who actually enroll — fell at five schools, dropping collectively to 58.8%.

The bottom line: In two short application cycles, M7 acceptance rate jumped 34% and yield dropped 10%. Is this the start of an era of greater accessibility at the most elite business schools in the U.S., which are among the most elite in the world — or the tail end of a short window, of a kind we have seen before ? For the time being, it sure looks like the M7 are easier to get into now than they have been for many years.

THE M7 BY THE NUMBERS: 2023 EDITION

Source: M7 business schools and U.S. News

THE NORTH STAR OF MBA ASPIRANTS

The M7 are seven distinct schools, each with its own area of renown and expertise, and each with its own recent set of challenges. Collectively, they are leaders in gender and racial equity in higher education; magnets for the world’s most talented young leaders; home to the most elite faculty and thought leaders; and sources of the most groundbreaking research and initiatives. They are also vectors of a mind-blowing level of philanthropy, with billions in endowments and large gifts by donors with the world’s deepest pockets . (Among many other things this allows the schools to employ marketing and data collection teams which give them a constant voice in higher education coverage.)

Poets&Quants writes a lot about the so-called Magnificent 7 business schools — see links to past stories below — because of all of the above and for the simple reason that news about these B-schools has always been a big draw. As the vast majority of P&Q ‘s readers are prospective MBA students rather than current ones or alumni, the popularity of these stories underscores more than the aspirational appeal of the M7: It also highlights the stability of this self-selected group of schools in a chaotic graduate business education landscape. It should go without saying that getting into an M7 changes someone’s life, almost always for the better.

Change is the only constant in business education. The M7 is the north star of MBA aspirants, existing at a consistent level of superior quality and career assurance. In a world of unknowns, the M7 B-schools are islands of stability — or were, until recently. With MBA applications down globally more than 8% since 2021 , the M7 is also the proverbial canary in a coal mine, signaling when the air has gone bad and help is needed.

M7 MBA APPLICATIONS THROUGH THE YEARS

MYSTERIOUS ORIGINS

The M7 was created after a legendary meeting of the schools’ deans many years ago, details of which have intentionally been kept mysterious. What emerged is a union that to this day impacts every level of the seven schools and other schools that do business with them — which is most of the world’s top B-schools, and thus the vast majority of the graduate business education universe.

The M7 framework impacts more than the twice-yearly meetings among the seven deans; it also affects meetings among vice deans, admissions directors, career management directors, even PR and marketing types, as well as partnerships and programs between the schools that have created student leaders for decades.

What is new about the M7? For the prospective MBA applicant, the schools release a mountain of data every year that we slice, dice, compare and contrast with previous years; from this, trends emerge that impact the entire graduate business landscape. As we begin a new school year when a flood of Class of 2026 MBA class profile and employment data will imminently be available, we offer this collection of the available numbers from the previous MBA Classes at the M7 — a window into the elite of the elite. Check out these links to our past coverage:

THE M7 B-SCHOOLS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW (2023)

RANKINGS, RATES, ROI & MORE: THE M7 BY THE NUMBERS (2022)

HOW THE M7’S MAGNIFICENCE WAS TESTED IN 2020 (2021)

THE M7: STILL (MOSTLY) THE MOST MAGNIFICENT OF THEM ALL (2020)

NEW M7 DATA, FAMILIAR MAGNIFICENCE (2019)

M7 SCHOOLS: THE 2018 DATA IS IN & THEY REMAIN MAGNIFICENT (2018)

THE M7, ELITE OF THE ELITE, BY THE NUMBERS (2017)

LEADING THE WAY WITH WOMEN 

The easiest way to measure the impact of the M7 is through data. Employment data from the M7 MBA Classes of 2023 and profile data from the Classes of 2025 contained in this story, like the data from previous stories and prior classes , are a snapshot of some of the world’s most talented leaders in their incubation. The Class of 2023 data is particularly interesting as a portrait of those who started classes in a pandemic environment, with studies that were conducted partly or entirely online. Compared to their predecessors, what were class GMATs, GREs, and GPAs? What were the levels of women and international students admitted at each school? What industries did they matriculate to, and what did they earn? Here is where you will find the answers.

Let’s talk trends. One historical way in which the M7 have led the world: women. Though it wasn’t an M7 school that finally broke the gender equity barrier by enrolling 50% of women , it was M7 schools leading the way to that threshold — and now, at Wharton for the last three years, maintaining it . Six of the seven have for several years had at least 40% women in their full-time MBA programs; all do now .

The M7 lead by example in racial representation, as well. According to the most recent MBA class profile data, all seven schools have greater than 40% representation of U.S. students of color. They also lead in international composition , with all but one school boasting at least 36% foreign students.

They’re also among the biggest classes, in terms of actual students in classrooms, of any schools in the world. See the numbers in the table above.

MBA CLASS SIZES AT THE M7: CLASSES OF 2022 TO 2025

THE M7 FACE CHALLENGES, TOO 

If it’s reported in class profiles , the M7 probably lead in it:

• Graduate Management Admission Test scores : All the M7 schools are at or near 730 in average or median, and Stanford GSB led all schools in 2022 with a 738 class average;
• Graduate Record Exam scores : Of the schools that report this data, all are above 324 cumulative scores; very few other schools in the U.S. top 50 can say the same;
• Undergraduate GPA : All but one of the schools boast class averages of 3.60 or greater (led once again by Stanford at 3.77).

The M7 have their challenges, of course. They are not immune to larger forces bearing down on graduate business education, a fact reflected in application volume to their MBA programs:  All seven saw drops in apps between 2021 and 2022, and five saw drops again between 2022 and 2023; all have seen declines in the six years since the 2017-2018 application cycle. As apps have declined, so have class sizes overall, even as four of the seven schools reported year-over-year increases in their class sizes in 2023, and three have grown their classes overall in the last four years.

A particular sore spot has been job placement, and a particularly thorny industry has been tech. Where the M7 led the way to high MBA employment in tech two decades ago, they now are struggling along with the rest of graduate business education to place their grads in a beleaguered industry . The M7 are particularly vulnerable because so many people with the right profile to gain admission at a top schools have finance and tech backgrounds; with both industries suffering, it’s safer for these candidates to stay in their jobs and wait for more favorable conditions rather than take the risk of whiffing in post-MBA recruiting. See the table below for what that vicious cycle looks like in tech placement at the M7.

M7 TECH PLACEMENT 2019-2023

Source: School employment reports

The challenges faced by the M7 are to greater or lesser degree faced by B-schools everywhere. How the M7 overcome them will, as always, serve as an example for other schools to follow.

See the next page for breakdowns on tuition and cost, MBA pay and placement, and industry choices for M7 grads.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE M7 AND OTHER TOP B-SCHOOLS:

ACCEPTANCE RATES, APPLICATIONS, ADMITS, YIELDS & MORE AT THE TOP 100 U.S. B-SCHOOLS

HIGH & LOW GMAT SCORES AT THE WORLD’S LEADING MBA PROGRAMS

GRE SCORE AVERAGES AT THE TOP 50 U.S. MBA PROGRAMS

UNDERGRADUATE GPA: WHAT IT TAKES TO GET INTO A TOP-50 U.S. MBA PROGRAM

WOMEN AT THE LEDING U.S. & GLOBAL MBA PROGRAMS

THE U.S. MBA PROGRAMS WITH THE MOST INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

MINORITIES AT THE LEADING U.S. MBA PROGRAMS

AND VISIT POETS&QUANTS’ M7 SCHOOL PROFILE PAGES:

HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL

THE WHARTON SCHOOL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL

CHICAGO BOOTH SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

NORTHWESTERN KELLOGG SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

STANFORD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Questions about this article? Email us or leave a comment below.

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• The M7 By The Numbers: What It Takes To Get In & What It Means For Your Career (3,448 views)
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An Executive MBA’s ‘renegade approach’ to entrepreneurship

• Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Megan Klein ’20 MBA has always considered herself an “unconventional environmentalist” — a committed advocate who looked to “inspire people to love nature in a unique way.” Following that path took her first into environmental law, then vertical farming and now into nonalcoholic beverages with her startup Little Saints  and its line of functional mushroom-infused mocktails.

Rather than serve up the equivalent of sparkling water with lime, Little Saints mixes up cocktail flavors like negroni, spicy margarita, paloma and mezcal with a blend of aromatic terpenes, lion’s mane and reishi mushroom extracts. The product, all formulated by a food scientist, delivers a kick — but without the alcohol.

Little Saints, originally launched in Detroit and now based in Miami, is poised for nearly 600% growth in sales this year. By the end of the first quarter, Little Saints had already surpassed last year’s $1.5 million in total sales. For 2024, its projected run rate is $7 million.

As Klein wrote in a recent LinkedIn post, it’s the proverbial “ hockey stick growth ” that startups dream of — and achieved without “a dime of VC funding, a PR firm, a celebrity endorser, a roster of influencers, boatloads of cash or any of the other things that founders have been taught are necessary” for that kind of rapid growth.

Little Saints is also a byproduct, at least in part, of Klein’s decision to enter the Executive MBA Program at Kellogg. That move was sparked by a confluence of factors: for one, turning 40 and wanting to “do something new” and a desire to hone her business skills in such areas as entrepreneurial selling, presentations and storytelling.

Before entering the MBA program, Klein already had a background in startups. Her first foray was with a Chicago-based indoor vertical farm, where she’d helped with a fundraising round and eventually was brought in to run the operation. That business, now evolved into the brand Field + Farmer, branched out into salad dressings, which gave Megan a taste of the consumer products market and a desire to do something on her own.

What the school’s Executive MBA Program uniquely provided her was an opportunity to draw out and strengthen her own innate talents and abilities, through such classes as Entrepreneurial Selling with Professor Andrew Sykes and Phase 0: Designing, Building and Communicating Compelling New Ventures with Professor David Schonthal .

Equally important, Klein found herself among a cohort of classmates with diverse careers and business experiences — and who were willing consumers. The result was a supportive community, sharing ideas and feedback, and emotionally invested in each other’s success. “My classmates were the subject of many focus groups and surveys,” Klein says. “I credit them for helping me get the first iteration of Little Saints right.”

It’s the first lesson that she shares with MBA students, especially those who want to start their own businesses. “Don’t put it off until after school. Try it while you are in school,” she says. “You are in this giant focus group and support group.”

The Executive MBA program also focused Klein and her study group on what she called “team efficiency.” With busy lives — classes, projects, jobs and, for some, young children — the goal was “to be efficient and not waste time.” That balancing act, itself, was a learning experience that showed Klein she did have the time, energy and resources to launch her business. 

From inspiration to experimentation 

The inspiration for Little Saints was Klein’s own experience during Covid: drinking alcohol by herself, which she called “antithetical” to her lifestyle. “I’m super healthy, but then I was drinking negronis at night.” Her goal: to “evolve imbibing” with non-alcoholic drinks. “The marketer in me took over, and I bought everything available. But everything had sugar in it, and nothing tasted close enough to an alcoholic cocktail. So, I started to experiment in my kitchen,” she recalls.  Klein hired a food scientist with an advanced degree in adaptogens — which are plants and mushrooms that are used in herbal medicine for a therapeutic benefit. She also brought in professional bartenders and tweaked the recipes. For example, she made sure her paloma mocktail tastes more like the alcoholic version than a glass of fizzy grapefruit juice. 

Pivots and future plans

In the beginning, Little Saints largely followed the marketing plan that Klein knew from Field + Farmer: she signed a deal with a large distributor in 2022. When that proved largely unsuccessful; however, she pivoted the business in 2023 to sell directly to consumers through the Little Saints website. Although B2C will be the main channel going forward, Little Saints will begin selling products through two major retailers starting in summer 2024.

In terms of marketing, it seems Little Saints is positioned in the right place at the right time. The nonalcoholic drinks market is projected by Statista at $162.1 billion worldwide for 2024. With an annual growth rate of 11.5%, this market could reach $275 billion worldwide by 2029.  

When asked about her future plans, she gave a succinct reply: “Little Saints is my ‘child.’ I’m taking this as far as I can. We have never raised VC money. It’s a super-renegade approach. People tell themselves, ‘I have to raise VC to be successful.’ I did not.” 

That said, she is all in — investing her life savings and getting some angel funding from friends and family. “It’s a huge risk,” she admitted. “But I am going to show that this can be done.” 

It’s another lesson learned that Klein serves up to current and prospective MBA students — the same hard-earned wisdom she would also give to her younger self. “Trust your intuition. I knew I was a really strong businessperson, and I had an intuition that I could do this,” she says. “So don’t get stuck in a rut. Throw yourself into new venues.” 

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