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2023-2024 Kellogg MBA Essay Analysis and Tips

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  • 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.

Kellogg MBA essay analysis and tips

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.

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Northwestern Kellogg School of Management Essay Tips and Examples

July 19, 2023

Jeremy Shinewald

Northwestern University (Kellogg)

Northwestern Kellogg 2023–2024 Essay Tips

Required 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) .

Challenges and obstacles can be powerful learning opportunities. Kellogg wants to learn three primary things here: (1) what are some of the key skills and strengths you already possess, (2) how do you apply them and use them synergistically, and (3) how do you act (and react) in situations that do not go as planned. You of course want to convey that you are not easily discouraged by setbacks and instead use them as learning tools or stepping-stones on your path forward.

For this essay, you could discuss a one-time occurrence or an ongoing issue that you deal with regularly (and have learned to “overcome” when it arises). And because the school does not stipulate that the challenge you share be strictly professional or personal, you should consider every possible option you have from the various facets of your life—your workplace, academic background, family, personal life, community engagements, and so on. Also, the problem could be something you faced alone or as part (or leader) of a group. We recommend using a narrative approach to present your story, but in addition to clearly explaining how you approached and prevailed over the challenge at hand, ensure that you detail the inner workings of your decision making—the thought process and motivation(s) behind your actions. This way, the admissions committee will get a clear impression not only of what you accomplished but also of the abilities and aspects of your character that enabled your success. And be sure to not focus solely on one skill; the prompt specifically notes “a combination of skills,” so you will need to describe a situation in which you drew from different areas and capabilities to create synergy.  

With just 450 words for this essay, you have limited space, but if you can work it in easily, consider mentioning a skill that you could gain at Kellogg that would have made your experience easier or somehow more successful. Similarly, Kellogg does not specifically ask you to explain what you learned from the experience, but if word count allows enough for you to include this element in your essay, we would encourage you to do so. This would demonstrate to the admissions committee an advanced level of self-awareness and highlight your ability to learn from obstacles, rather than be daunted by them. 

One final note: do not be afraid to reveal a weakness or error on your part. Although this is not a “failure” essay, if your own actions helped create the problem or you failed to see the obstacle right before you (and should have), you should not shy away from an honest discussion of your responsibility. Such incidents are usually very effective learning opportunities and could therefore make for a compelling essay.

Required 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)

At its core, this is a kind of diversity, equity, and inclusion essay, which many top schools are introducing this year (if they did not already have one). Kellogg is directly stating its belief that when people who represent a diversity of experiences, viewpoints, and capabilities work together, the results are better than those produced by teams of individuals who are more similar than different. The admissions committee is not asking you to comment on this part of the prompt specifically, though, but rather to keep it in mind when formulating your response. Your job with this essay is to convey the special attributes you possess that would be additive to the Kellogg learning environment and community by describing the situations and circumstances that have helped you develop them. Although your personal background, strengths, and abilities might overlap with those of other Kellogg applicants in some way, you can differentiate yourself here via the stories you choose to illustrate them. 

A good way to start identifying your best options for this essay is by making a list of things you believe are notable about you and that would be helpful to have in an MBA environment and then pinpointing the experiences you have had that engendered these qualities. As the prompt notes, you can draw from both your career and your personal life. Look for and especially consider experiences from your past that not only allow you to discuss your strengths and standout characteristics but also involve situations in which you worked with or alongside individuals who were different from you. If you can show the admissions committee concrete evidence that you know how to collaborate and communicate effectively with diverse coworkers, clients, and/or team members, your essay will be even more powerful. 

You will then need to demonstrate both self-awareness and a thorough understanding of the Kellogg MBA experience by drawing connections between (1) what you have done and who you are and (2) what you can subsequently provide at the school as a member of its community. To do this effectively, you will need to truly familiarize yourself in depth with what the Kellogg MBA experience is like. Go beyond the school’s website and published materials and connect directly with students, alumni, and other people who can provide firsthand, insider knowledge. Absolutely visit campus if at all possible, and sit in on a class. Read news articles about the school as well as student blogs, check out Kellogg’s YouTube channel , and, if offered, attend admissions events in your area. As you do all this research, look for places where your skills, strengths, and personality would not just fit but also contribute in some way. You want to make sure that in your essay, you are not merely showcasing traits, events, and achievements that you think are interesting or singular. They also need to clearly fit with Kellogg specifically. 

To further familiarize yourself with the Kellogg program and get an insider’s perspective on its academic program, unique offerings, social life, and other key characteristics, be sure to download a complimentary copy of the  mbaMission Insider’s Guide to the Kellogg School of Management .

Reapplicants: 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) 

Whether you have improved your academic record, received a promotion, begun a new and exciting project, increased your community involvement, or taken on some sort of personal challenge, the key to success with this essay is conveying a very deliberate path of achievement. Kellogg wants to know that you have been actively striving to improve yourself and your profile, and that you have seized opportunities during the previous year to do so, because a Kellogg MBA is vital to you. The responses to this essay question will vary greatly from one candidate to the next, because each person’s needs and experiences differ. We are more than happy to provide one-on-one assistance with this highly personal essay to ensure that your efforts over the past year are presented in the best light possible.

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) 

However tempted you might be, this is not the place to paste in a strong essay you wrote for another school or to offer a few anecdotes that you were unable to incorporate into any of your other essays. Instead, this is your opportunity, if needed, to address any questions an admissions officer might have about your candidacy. We encourage you to download our free  mbaMission Optional Essays Guide , in which we offer detailed advice on when and how to take advantage of the optional essay, along with multiple sample essays, to help you mitigate any problem areas in your profile.

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.

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., 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, so this is meant to be a useful tool to help you feel prepared., 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..

During a Q&A session at a past mbaMission annual conference, a Kellogg admissions representative explained that the school’s video component sprang from the admissions committee’s desire to actually see and hear the applicants they were evaluating. Given that Kellogg’s interviews are conducted by alumni, the video is the committee’s only “live” interaction with candidates. Keep this in mind as you tackle this segment of the application, and make being authentic and natural your primary goal. Kellogg is not looking for the next viral TED Talk presenter or late-night TV host. They just want to get to know you as a unique individual who may one day join its community. 

So, start by taking a deep breath. We understand that these video essays can make you feel like you are being put on the spot, but Kellogg is really not trying to scare you. The admissions committee simply wants a more dynamic representation of your personality than a written essay can provide. You cannot answer any of the school’s video questions incorrectly, so do not concern yourself with trying to give the “right” answer. Just respond to each query honestly, as smoothly as you can (despite any nervousness you may be feeling), and be yourself. 

In the past, Kellogg has provided the questions applicants would encounter in the application’s video segment, but this year (at least at the time this post was written), the specific questions posed are unknown. Do not let this panic you. The core reason for this component is still to put a face to a name for the admissions committee and to see how you communicate and conduct yourself when questioned in this way (very similar to how you will eventually be interviewed by recruiters as a Kellogg student). Not knowing the questions beforehand just ensures a higher level of spontaneity and therefore authenticity. We would not be surprised to learn later that candidates were asked similar questions to those posed in the past, which focused on introducing oneself, one’s career goals, one’s interest in the Kellogg MBA program, and a challenge one has faced—pretty basic stuff for an MBA admissions interview, really. 

Remember to speak with energy and enthusiasm. You are trying to connect with others, so charisma is welcome, and a little less rigid and traditionally “professional” demeanor is okay. Forego any fancy or dramatic tactics, and just be as natural and authentic as possible. As they say, you only have one chance to make a first impression, so dedicate some time to prepping (just in case) to ensure that your introduction is engaging, substantive, and true to who you are. 

Even though you do not know exactly what you will be asked, you can still practice and prepare to some extent. We encourage you to download a free copy of the mbaMission Interview Guide , which includes a list of 100 common MBA interview questions that you can use in getting comfortable with responding to the types of queries you will likely encounter for these videos. And even though this is not an official Kellogg interview, our school-specific Northwestern Kellogg Interview Guide could still be a helpful resource. One minute is not very long, so run through several practice sessions—perhaps in front of a mirror—to get a sense of how quickly those 60 seconds will pass when you are in front of the camera. Although you can prepare as much as you want, you get only one chance at the recording. If you stumble while answering or ultimately are unhappy with your answer, unfortunately, you cannot do anything about it. You will not be able to rerecord your responses or try again another time. This might make you nervous, but we encourage you to view the situation a little differently. Kellogg wants to get to know the  authentic  you through these video essays. If you fumble for words or lose your train of thought, just laugh or shrug and continue with your response. Accepting a mistake with a sense of humor and grace will give the admissions committee a more positive and natural impression of your personality than rigid scripting and overpreparation ever could.

The Next Step: Mastering Your Kellogg Interview

Many MBA candidates find admissions interviews stressful and intimidating, but mastering this important element of the application process is definitely possible—the key is informed preparation. And to help you develop this high level of preparation, we offer our   free Interview Guides ! Download your free copy of the   Northwestern Kellogg Interview Guide  t oday.

To learn more about the essays for other top business schools, visit our  MBA Essay Tips and Examples Resources Page .

2023-2024 Business School Essays MBA Essay Tips Northwestern University (Kellogg)

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Kellogg MBA Essay Advice and Application Deadlines: 2023-2024

Kellogg MBA Essay Analysis

Kellogg School of Management has released its essay questions and application deadlines for the 2023-2024 application cycle. Once again, Kellogg asks applicants to answer two essay questions. This year, Kellogg has changed its application essay and has made the video essay questions (which were optional last year) mandatory.

Looking for help with your Kellogg MBA applications? Personal MBA Coach recently welcomed Frenk Nebiu to our team. 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 2023-2024 Kellogg MBA Application Deadlines Are as Follows

Round 1: September 13, 2023

Round 2: January 10, 2024

Round 3: April 3, 2024

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

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)

Kellogg has reworked its leadership essay this year; however, the objective is the same as in recent years: give Kellogg an example of how you are an accomplished leader.

Many candidates likely will share a professional story to answer this first prompt. However, strong leadership examples in your extracurricular activities could also work well here.

Be sure to think of a significant undertaking where you can clearly articulate the challenge that you overcame. Ideally, with this example you will also demonstrate the value you added. This story also should 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 you used in your approach. While this year’s question does not specifically ask, you might consider sharing some learnings from this experience. A strong answer not only will demonstrate your leadership experience but also will highlight your most impressive strengths.

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)

This second Kellogg MBA essay is completely new, replacing Kellogg’s longstanding “values” essay. As we have increasingly seen with other schools this year, Kellogg is giving applicants flexibility to talk about what makes them unique, noting the importance of diversity (though not in these exact words) in the classroom.

For this essay, you want to think about how you stand apart from your peers. You can think of this essay as you would any personal story essay (for more on how to think about a personal story essay – check out this blog .)

Ask yourself: “What makes me special?”

You might also evaluate what you have done beyond what is in your resume or items that you wish you had space within your resume to elaborate on.

As you draft you answer, consider how your accomplishments (both in and out of the office), background and/or experiences have shaped you. Then, as you discuss your past, go beyond just telling the reader what you did or how you were raised, and dig deeper. Think about what you have learned from these experiences.

Next, and most importantly, tell the reader how these experiences have prepared you to add value on campus. Write about how you might share your passions, perspective, experiences, and successes with your future peers. Tell the reader how you will improve and enrich the Kellogg community.

As with all essays, be specific about the contributions you will make on campus, and less is more. Do not submit a laundry list here.

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)

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 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 three programs is essentially the same, but applicants to the MBAi have a little more space to work with.

For all three questions, we advise applicants to be very direct both in terms of their career goal (need help on approaching a  career goal essay ?) and how Kellogg will help. To answer these specialty MBA questions, you want to tell the reader where you are in your career currently, and what gaps you are hoping to close. Next, you want to demonstrate how the unique offerings within your chosen program are best suited to help you close these gaps and reach your 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 2.

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.

Woman at Desk Reviews Kellog MBA Application Deadlines

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.”

Finally, Kellogg has mandatory video essays this year. 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. Unlike last year, 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 free consultation today for 1:1 Kellogg application support including essay brainstorming and unlimited editing , resume review, and more!

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Homepage > MBA Admissions > Kellogg MBA Essay Questions – Analysis and Tips for 2022 intake

Kellogg MBA Essay Questions – Analysis and Tips for 2022 intake

Posted by Suheb Hussain | Jan 24, 2023 | Business Schools , MBA Admissions , MBA Application Process

Kellogg MBA Essay Questions – Analysis and Tips for 2022 intake

For the 2023 MBA application season, the Kellogg MBA Essay questions focus on two attributes – Leadership and Values.  The applicants are required to submit two written essays and one optional essay. Apart from the written essay, Kellogg also requires three short video essays that are designed to get to know the applicant better in an interactive way.

Kellogg's-essay-tips-analysis

In this article, Poonam Tandon from myEssayReview, who has been helping students with their MBA applications since 2011, shares her tips on Kellogg MBA essays for 2023 intake.

Before we move on to the Kellogg MBA essay tips, let’s take a look at what does Kellogg’s admissions committee expects from its applicants.

Read more about the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management MBA Program  Class Profile | Employment Reports | Notable Alumni

Kellogg MBA Essay Question 1

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)

Kellogg-essay-questions-1

This question asks the applicants to recount a leadership experience in which they made a significant impact while overcoming challenges and learning something that helped them in similar situations in the future. Please note the word “brave leaders” and choose a leadership example in which you stepped outside your comfort zone to guide people around you towards a goal.

Regarding examples of leadership, you may choose stories from your personal or professional experiences. Make sure that the impact you have made and the value you have created is not only in terms of dollar amounts or percentages but also in terms of the challenges faced. The examples can be handling an uncooperative team member, or a supervisor, taking a decision with insufficient information, convincing someone of your innovative ideas, handling a new project, meeting stringent deadlines, managing a client’s expectations, or resolving the conflict between two team members, etc.

In these exceptional times, when the whole world is dealing with a global health crisis, what actions you took to do your part in helping people that made a difference in their lives? Did you take the initiative to make masks or PPE for the hospitals,  or did you private tutor kids, or got involved with a local NGO to contribute in any way you could, or connected with your alma mater in their virtual efforts to help the underprivileged.  Maybe you stepped up to volunteer in your community and helped an old and physically disabled people in your neighborhood with groceries or medicines, or took the responsibility of your family as your parents have immunity issues. During this ongoing crisis, you can show leadership in many different ways. The key is you stepped out of your comfort zone at this challenging time, took the reins, and made a difference.

As always, we recommend you follow the 4-part STAR framework below:

  • Situation:  what was the situation/ challenge? Who were the people involved in this situation- players, stakeholders?
  • Task:  what you needed to accomplish? What conflict/ challenges did you encounter?
  • Action : What were the actions you took? Describe this in detail as it will become a crucial part of your essay.
  • Result/ Impact:  What was the outcome of your leadership efforts? Were you able to address the situation? What “lasting value” you created? What lessons did you learn?

Since the second part of the essay question asks you to share what the experience taught you, you must explain at length why that experience is meaningful to you, in terms of what you achieved and what you learned about yourself. The experience may have revealed to you your strong attributes, which you might not have been aware of earlier. For example, you might have never known that you could rise to the occasion to contribute to the ongoing crisis, but this complicated situation offered you an opportunity to lead people that yielded great results. You may wrap up the essay with a final note about how you are now applying or trying to apply those lessons in similar situations.

You may also use this essay as an opportunity to comment on a leadership position you are interested in holding as a student at Kellogg and add value to the Kellogg community.

Kate Smith’s advice : This question is unchanged. 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. We want all of our students to be able to step up when their teams need them.

Kellogg MBA Essay Question 2

Kellogg Essay Question 2 – Values are what guide you in your life and work. What values are important to you, and how have they influenced you? (450 words)

Kellogg-essay-questions-2

This essay requires applicants to do a significant amount of self-reflection to understand what values and beliefs are meaningful to them. Simply discussing values that you think will impress the admission committee members will not work here as it is crucial to explain how you have demonstrated those values/ beliefs in your life.

Also, please don’t be tempted to provide a laundry list of values. You may discuss only 2-3 values,  and back up your statements with concrete examples from your life (personal or professional). Also, explain how these values have shaped your personality and have influenced your decisions and actions.

You may wrap up your essay by stating how you will enrich the Kellogg community through these values.

Kate Smith’s Advice : Our goal is to uncover what motivates and inspires you. What drives you? How will this make you a meaningful member of the Kellogg community?

Reapplicant essay

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

This is a straightforward  re-applicant essay . Through this question, the Ad Com would like to know if your need for the Kellogg MBA is as strong as it was last time. Hence you should demonstrate your continued interest in Kellogg by explaining how you have enhanced your application since you applied last time. Focus on the areas you have improved upon since you applied last. Whether you have taken extra classes, boosted your GMAT score, received a promotion, led a new and exciting project, increased your community involvement, taken on a personal challenge, or articulated your goals, the key here is to demonstrate that you are now a stronger candidate. Your conscious efforts to strengthen your profile and to work on your weak areas will prove how determined you are about your Kellogg MBA.

Learn  What is a good GMAT score for Kellogg School of Management?

Kellogg Video essays for 2023 intake

Kate Smith:  “ Kellogg introduced the video essay several years ago to provide the chance to “meet” our applicants around the world. It also lets us assess your communication skills through a medium that has overtaken the business landscape.”

Kellogg has retained its video essays.

Kellogg MBA Video Essay 1

Introduce yourself to the admissions committee

Kellogg-video-essay-1

This question allows you to present your personality to the Ad Com and your classmates. You can discuss your cultural background, motivation, personal and professional goals, hobbies/interests, and issues that pique your interest. The motive is to tell them who you are. Since you will be discussing your plans in your second video essay, you may just touch upon them in this video essay.

Kate Smith’s advice :  “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?”

Kellogg MBA Video Essay 2: Analysis and Tips

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

Kellogg-video-essay-2

The second question provides you an opportunity to describe your plans for the future and how Kellogg will help you achieve them. Since the written essays do not offer you a chance to discuss your post-MBA goals and why you are applying to Kellogg, this is a great place to show how your goals are in line with the offerings and resources of Kellogg.

Kate Smith’s advice : “This is an intentionally broad question so you can answer honestly and meaningfully. We want to know what set you en route to pursuing an MBA and why you’re choosing a particular Kellogg Full-Time Program .”

Kellogg MBA Video Essay 3: Analysis and Tips

Kate Smith’s advice: Each of you will receive a randomly selected prompt, all of which have the same objective. You need to show how you handled a challenging situation in your career or personal life and learning from those challenges.

Kelloggs-video-essay-3

This is typically an interview-style question and is usually related to the workplace or your leadership skills, for example, “Tell us about a time when you had to make a difficult decision?” or “Tell me about a time when you overcame an obstacle in the workplace.”

The Kellogg application suggests some sample questions that you can use to prepare for video essays. You should practice as many times as you like until you get comfortable with the format and technology. You may prepare MBA-related questions as well as non-work questions about your interests/ passions and volunteer work. Add more items to the list and begin practicing. Also, it’s a great idea to seek the help of family or friends and get their feedback on your topics and delivery style so you can improve yourself accordingly in your next recording.

You will have 20 seconds to think about the question and up to one minute to give your response. So timing is the crucial thing in this response. Please note that you will not get a second chance to record your answer to the official video essay questions. So make sure to practice to get a clear sense of how much time you need to think and record your response.

  • Click  here  for Kellogg’s Tips on Video essays.
  • Kate Smith’s tips for completing the 2021-22 Kellogg application
  • You may be interested in  Kellogg alumnus Eduardo’s advice –  Kellogg Second Year Student Shares his experience /advice
  • Also, check out Kellogg admit Rohit’s story –  Indian Doctor and Civil Cervices Officer’s Journey to Kellogg

Kellogg MBA Application Deadlines

The deadlines for the Full-Time 2022 application are as follows:

Free Resources:

  • 10 Key Essay Tips with Examples
  • Essay Analysis of Other Top Programs-2022-23
  • MER Students Share their success Stories
  • Case Studies

Since 2011, MER ( myEssayReview ) has helped many applicants get accepted into the top 20 MBA programs. (Poonam is one of the  top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club .)

Do you have questions about your application? E-mail Poonam at  [email protected]  or sign up  here  for a free consultation.

About the author

Poonam Tandon - My Essay Review

Poonam, one of the  top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club , is a master storyteller with more than three decades of experience in successfully helping students craft compelling stories for undergraduate and graduate school programs.

A Ph.D. in English, with three decades of teaching experience in India and the US, Poonam launched myEssayReview (MER) in 2011 to provide highly personalized and dedicated consulting services to Business School applicants. Since then, she has helped hundreds of students around the world get into top MBA, EMBA, part-time MBA, and specialized graduate programs. A full-time consultant, Poonam is passionate about her work and is highly committed to each of her students’ success.

GMAT is the stepping stone if you want to pursue your MBA from Kellogg School of Management. Start your GMAT Preparation online by registering for our free trial today .

Here are some additional articles :

  • How to overcome a low GPA? 
  • How to improve your MBA Profile?
  • How to improve a low GMAT Score? 
  • Avoid these MBA application mistakes and make it to your dream business school
  • Learn how to make an impressive MBA Application Video Essay

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Kellogg Essay Examples (23-24): Cracking The Code to Win

Are you an applicant trying to crack the code of Kellogg’s MBA admissions process? Crafting a stellar application essay can be daunting for many, but with our helpful tips and tricks as well as detail-oriented Kellogg essay examples, you’re sure to create an effective piece of writing that will set your candidacy apart. Whether it is through illustrating growth in professional experiences or leveraging diversity stories – we’ll show you how to tell the story of who you are and why Kellogg should say yes! We understand that the road to MBA admission can seem murky—but fear not! With this post focused on 2023-2024 Kellogg essay examples, get ready to take ownership of your story and begin your journey toward achieving your business school dreams.

Introducing Kellogg and Its Application Process

Kellogg School of Management , a part of the esteemed Northwestern University, is renowned for its emphasis on global and experiential learning. The application process at Kellogg is designed to assess not just the academic prowess of potential candidates, but also their leadership attributes, team skills, and potential to make an impact. The process typically involves multiple essays, recommendation letters , and an in-person or virtual interview . These components strive to give the admissions team a holistic view of each applicant, ensuring that those accepted will not only thrive in the academic environment but also contribute meaningfully to the Kellogg community.

Why studying Kellogg essay examples is key to success

Studying Kellogg essay examples is key to success for several reasons. These examples provide invaluable insight into what the admissions committee values and is looking for in potential candidates. They offer a blueprint for effective storytelling – showcasing not just the what, but the how and why of your experiences, aspirations, and values. Examining these essays can help applicants understand how to balance between personal anecdotes and professional accomplishments, demonstrating both competence and character. Understanding the structure, tone, and content of successful essays also allows applicants to avoid common pitfalls, craft compelling narratives, and ultimately stand out in a highly competitive applicant pool.

Picture of girl in need of Kellogg essay examples

How to read and analyze Kellogg essay examples for improved application essays

When reviewing Kellogg essay examples, it’s vital to approach them analytically rather than imitatively. The goal is not to replicate another applicant’s story but to glean insights on structure, tone, and content. Start by examining how the essay begins – does it grab your attention, and how does it do so? Take note of the balance between personal anecdotes and professional aspirations; a compelling essay seamlessly weaves these elements together. Look at how the writer demonstrates their understanding of Kellogg’s culture and values. Do they make clear connections between their goals and what Kellogg can offer? Pay attention to the language and style – is the tone formal or conversational? Does the writer use complex sentence structures or keep it simple? These considerations can help in honing your own unique narrative that is compelling and authentic.

Tips for writing an effective Kellogg essay

In crafting an effective Kellogg essay, it’s crucial to be clear, concise, and authentic. First off, start with a compelling introduction that hooks the reader’s attention. Draw on experiences that have shaped your professional aspirations, ensuring to tie these elements back to Kellogg’s values and offerings. Remember, specificity is key. Instead of writing in broad strokes, detail precisely how Kellogg’s resources or programs align with your goals. Finally, maintain a balance in tone – while professionalism is essential, a bit of conversational flair can inject personality into your essay. Keep the language simple and clear, and always proofread for grammar and punctuation errors. A well-crafted essay not only communicates your suitability for Kellogg but also reflects your ability to communicate effectively and thoughtfully.

Areal picture of Northwestern University

Question 1: Analysis and Tips

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)

Analyzing the Question

This question from Kellogg is seeking to understand your problem-solving skills, leadership ability, and flexibility to use a combination of skills. It’s looking for evidence of how you’ve navigated complex situations to achieve a desired outcome. Your response should demonstrate your ability to think critically, adapt, collaborate, and lead, tying into the overall theme of leadership that Kellogg emphasizes.

The mention of boardrooms and neighborhoods suggests a consideration for community. Therefore, it is important to select leadership examples that not only demonstrate your ability to rally and guide others toward a common goal but also showcase your innovative approach.

This essay question allows for a wide range of recent examples, both personal and professional. Instead of solely measuring the importance of an experience based on monetary value or percentages, the focus should be on the challenges faced and the lessons learned. These challenges can range from logistical hurdles, such as coordinating internal teams while managing client expectations, to interpersonal obstacles, such as building a positive working relationship with a difficult colleague. Effective responses will highlight transferable skills that were developed or strengthened throughout the process, with the result being a lasting and positive impact.

When it comes to structure, we highly recommend using the STAR approach for crafting your response. Begin by setting the stage with a detailed description of the situation, including the key players and stakeholders involved. Then, transition smoothly into discussing the task at hand—clearly outlining the specific goals you needed to accomplish. Furthermore, it is imperative to recognize the challenges faced, highlighting the multitude of factors and complexities that were overcome to achieve victory. As you move forward, provide a cohesive and chronological account of the actions you took throughout the project or process. To maintain narrative flow, integrate the challenges you encountered and how you overcame them within this section, rather than separating them into distinct segments.

Finally, wrap up your response by commenting on the positive outcome of your efforts and how the story resolved. Conclude with a reflective note, discussing the valuable lessons learned and how they continue to shape your ability to bring significant value to the Kellogg community.

View of Northewestern University where  applicants will go if they follow our Kellogg essay examples

Tips for Convincing Response

  • Choose an impactful story: Select a situation from your past experiences that had a significant impact on your professional or personal life. This could be a challenging project at work, a community initiative, or an unexpected crisis that required quick thinking and action.
  • Detail your skills: Explicitly mention the skills you employed to address the situation. This could range from technical skills to soft skills like communication, team management, strategic thinking, or negotiation skills.
  • Showcase problem-solving ability: Illustrate your problem-solving process clearly – how you assessed the situation, identified the problem, considered various solutions, and decided on the most effective one.
  • Highlight your achievements: Conclude your response by discussing the outcome of the situation. What did you accomplish? How did the situation improve as a result of your actions? This should ideally tie back to the skills you employed.
  • Connect with Kellogg: Finally, subtly highlight how this experience has prepared you for Kellogg’s leadership-focused environment. Show how this instance has honed your abilities and how you intend to further develop these skills at Kellogg

During my tenure as a Project Manager at XYZ Corp, we were faced with a complex challenge. A high-stakes project we were handling for an important client was falling behind schedule due to unforeseen technical issues. As the leader of the team, it was my responsibility to navigate this situation and deliver the project as promised.

I utilized a combination of technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills to tackle this problem. First, I applied project management and technical skills to understand the nature of the technical issues and assess their impact on the project timeline. I collaborated with the technical team to explore potential solutions, and we decided to implement a more efficient algorithm that could speed up our processing time.

Simultaneously, I leveraged my communication and negotiation skills to manage the client’s expectations. I clearly communicated the issues we were facing, and the steps we were taking to resolve them, and negotiated a slight extension for the project delivery.

To ensure that the team was motivated and focused, I employed leadership and team management skills. I arranged daily stand-ups to track our progress, identified and addressed any concerns team members had and fostered a positive and collaborative work environment.

Despite the odds, we managed to complete and deliver the project within the extended deadline. The client was satisfied with our transparency and the quality of our work. As a result, we not only retained the client but also secured a new project from them.

This experience was instrumental in enhancing my problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills. I also learned the importance of agility and adaptability in managing unexpected challenges. I believe the skills and experiences I have gained align well with Kellogg’s focus on cultivating versatile leaders who can navigate complex situations effectively. I am excited about the prospect of further developing these skills and leveraging them to tackle pressing issues in the Kellogg community and beyond.

Pic of classroom at Kellogg School of Business

Question 2: Analysis and Tips

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)

Analyzing this question, it becomes apparent that Kellogg is seeking individuals who contribute diversity and richness to their community. Therefore, your response should demonstrate how your unique personal and professional experiences can add value to the Kellogg community.

In essence, since the aim of this Kellogg MBA essay question is to provide the admissions team with greater insight into who you are, it’s beneficial to begin with some reflections on your personal journey, experiences, and accomplishments, and then work backwards to uncover the prevailing qualities. Remember that it’s not your direct “answer” to the question that will set you apart (which may even be somewhat ordinary), but rather the series of anecdotes and supporting evidence you provide that will effectively convey your unique candidacy to the admissions team.

The admissions committee is eager to learn how your background, perspective, and experiences can contribute to the Kellogg community. To conclude your essay effectively, it would be prudent to establish connections with Kellogg’s offerings. Gaining insights into the school’s curriculum, special programs, and extracurricular activities—whether through a campus visit or conversations with alumni—will enable you to craft a standout response.

To address this convincingly, focus on the following areas:

  • Professional Experiences: Share specific examples of how your professional experiences have shaped you as a leader and how you can bring these insights to Kellogg. Discuss the skills and competencies you have developed, such as problem-solving, leadership, communication, etc.
  • Personal Experiences: Talk about your personal background and experiences that have influenced your values, beliefs, and perspectives. Relate how these elements will enhance the diversity of the Kellogg community.
  • Contribution to the Kellogg Community: Clearly articulate how you plan to use your experiences and skills to enrich the Kellogg community. This could involve discussing your plans to participate in specific clubs, initiatives, or programs, and how your unique perspective would contribute to these activities.
  • Alignment with Kellogg’s Values: Highlight how your experiences and perspective align with Kellogg’s values of leadership, diversity, and community.

Remember to keep your response authentic and personal. The readers should get a sense of who you are as an individual and what you can bring to the table, so make sure your personality shines through in your response.

Main building of Kellogg School of Business

Throughout my professional journey and personal life, I have sought to embrace diversity, thrive in leadership roles, and contribute positively to my community. These experiences, I believe, align remarkably with Kellogg’s values and will enable me to enrich your esteemed community.

Professionally, as a project lead in a multinational tech firm, I have had the privilege of working with and leading diverse teams spread across different continents. This exposure to various cultures, work ethics, and perspectives has honed my problem-solving and leadership skills. I have learned to appreciate the power of diverse ideas and have seen firsthand how a multifaceted team outperforms a homogeneous one. At Kellogg, I intend to share these experiences and insights, potentially influencing my peers’ understanding of creating and managing diverse teams.

On the personal front, I come from a small town in Asia with a unique cultural heritage. My upbringing in a multicultural environment has instilled in me a deep appreciation for diversity and an understanding of different perspectives. I believe my background will add a unique flavor to the Kellogg community, broadening its cultural and experiential diversity.

Beyond just adding to the diversity at Kellogg, I plan to contribute actively to the community. Particularly, I am interested in the Technology Club and Entrepreneurship Club. As someone who has worked in the tech industry and harbors entrepreneurial ambitions, I can bring a unique, ground-level perspective to these clubs. I would love to organize workshops and seminars to share industry insights and foster a culture of technological innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.

Lastly, my experiences have reinforced my belief in the power of community and collaboration. Throughout my academic and professional life, I have always prioritized contributing to my community, be it through mentorship roles or voluntary services. At Kellogg, I intend to continue this trend, using my experiences to contribute to the community positively and constructively.

In conclusion, I believe my professional experiences, personal background, commitment to community service, and alignment with Kellogg’s values equip me to make a significant contribution to the Kellogg community. I look forward to enriching and being enriched by this diverse community of future leaders.

Mastering your MBA essays for Kellogg

Considering the high caliber and diversity of candidates applying for the Kellogg MBA program, it’s undoubtedly a daunting task to stand out from the crowd. The admissions committee seeks applicants who not only excel academically and professionally, but also demonstrate distinct personal experiences, unique perspectives, and a strong commitment to the community. The scrutiny and attention to detail in their evaluation process can be intimidating, as even minor shortcomings or inconsistencies in your application or essays can potentially impact your chances of admission. Therefore, it is essential to critically assess the quality of your essays to ensure they effectively highlight your strengths, uniqueness, and alignment with Kellogg’s values.

The Kellogg essay examples provided above should serve merely as sources of inspiration, and by no means as templates to emulate. Each candidate brings a unique set of experiences and perspectives, hence, it is paramount to reflect this uniqueness in your essays. Instead of replicating these examples, let them inspire you to weave your own narrative that genuinely encapsulates your individuality. Remember, the objective is to distinguish yourself from other applicants, so strive to imbue your essays with personal experiences, distinctive insights, and an authentic voice that resonates with the ethos of Kellogg. Your essays should unequivocally reflect who you are, what you value, and how you envision contributing to the Kellogg community.

Happy girl who used Kellogg Essay Examples

Final thoughts on cracking the code with Kellogg essay examples

In conclusion, cracking the code with Kellogg essay examples comes down to understanding your personal narrative and how it intersects with Kellogg’s values. The essay should be a window into your professional aspirations and how Kellogg’s unique resources and culture can help you realize these goals. While showcasing your proficiency in clear and effective communication, also embrace your uniqueness and authenticity.

You have what it takes to craft a great Kellogg application essay; you just need the know-how of how to do it. What sets The Admit Lab apart is our focus on delivering a portfolio-driven approach that helps applicants craft narratives to stand out from the competition. With our unique approach, you can create an eloquent portrayal of your journey thus far —and why you deserve a seat at the world’s greatest business school, Kellogg! So if you’re ready to join the Kellogg community take ownership of your story and don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice and guidance every step of the way. We’ll be more than happy to guide you in any way we can. And if writing powerful essays just isn’t your strong suit, remember that we offer top-notch MBA admissions consulting services so that you can stay ahead of the competition. So grab hold of this golden opportunity and plan for success – let the journey begin!

With a Master’s from McGill University and a Ph.D. from New York University, Philippe Barr is a former professor and assistant director of MBA admissions at Kenan-Flagler Business School. With more than seven years of experience as a graduate school admissions consultant, Dr. Barr has stewarded the candidate journey across multiple MBA programs and helped hundreds of students get admitted to top-tier graduate programs all over the world .

Follow Dr. Barr on YouTub e for tips and tricks on navigating the MBA application process and life as an MBA student.

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The Anatomy of a Great Kellogg Mba Essay

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MBA & Beyond Team

14/12/2023 | 5:16 pm

Anatomy of MBA Essays

We are back with another MBA essay series where we undoubtedly to our dedicated applicants who wish to book a seat in their dream college. This time we’ll discuss “The Anatomy of a Great Kellogg Mba Essay .” So, let’s prepare you to knock it out of the park.

Here is a quick guide on Kellogg MBA  Essays with dos and don’ts regarding the Essays and video statement and some tips regarding short answer questions and reapplication so that you can build the most unique and authentic application to stand out.

Before delving into essays, let’s dispel a myth: essays aren’t just about ‘writing’. Two key takeaways from this article are ‘Introspection’ and ‘Research’. First, reflect deeply on your personality, aspirations, and MBA purpose. Then, research your target programs, activities, goals, and classes. Our experts recommend engaging with students and alumni to gain insights into the Kellogg MBA community

If you’d like personalized, honest, and in-depth feedback on your profile and essays, feel free to book a 1:1 Profile evaluation with our profile experts (students and alums in the top 10 B-Schools). 

Kellogg mba essay

Here is the Snapshot of the article:

Just a warm-up statement! Undoubtedly, getting a good score on the GMAT will increase the chances of your selection. But trust us when we say it doesn’t help you make the cut (which most applicants assume after getting a good score). Nevertheless, an extraordinary essay and video statement are important to build a strong case of why you should deserve that seat and make you stand out. We speak to the admissions team of top B-schools every year, and while up-to-the-mark scores help them understand your quantitative aptitude, what they look for in ‘academic potential’ is much beyond that.

You must showcase your intellect, curiosity, perseverance, and willingness in your essays to go above and beyond in your journey.

We strongly believe in embracing authenticity as it is the direct connection to the reader’s interest. Also, adcoms believe in quality over quantity, so utilize those limited worthful 450 words for each question into a remarkable essay that can reflect you as a person while also demonstrating a strong fit to the school (from its class to culture and community). Kellogg’s intention is not to enroll students with impressive academic backgrounds. Still, they want upcoming leaders with multifaceted personalities who can be an asset for their institution and add and create new elements in their class and community. 

1.Provide a recent example where you have demonstrated leadership and created value.

The question is very straightforward but choosing the right example where you created a lasting value is a task. So think about this question twice, dive deep into your leadership stories, and write them down.  (Quick tip: Don’t neglect the word recent in the question, and frame your answer in something that can grab the attention of adcoms).

Now, when you are writing all your stories,  use the STAR approach. Showcase the situation your organization was in, what task they wanted to accomplish, what leadership skills you showed that helped elevate people, places, or circumstances, and lastly, how your actions resulted that revealed you and the organization got success. The last component, ‘i’, will answer the second part of ‘how you created value. This ‘i’ refers to ‘impact’. Write down the impact created by your action and when you think about effects, think qualitative impact. A

Once you are done writing all your stories, identify the one. 

2. What challenges did you face, and what did you learn?

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This will serve as the narrative of your story, reflecting on a challenging situation where you learned to handle crises, manage people and resources, and address mistakes. You may seek clarification on whether acknowledging your mistakes is appropriate. They are keen on understanding your weaknesses.

While writing this, an important thing to note is to emphasize the learnings rather than describing the weakness/failure. Also, bits important that you exemplify how you can implement these learnings further to impact the Kellogg community – it will demonstrate your competitiveness and collaboration, which Kellogg highly values. 

The adcoms want to test the collinearity in your values and goals. They believe that values guide you in your life and work. Make sure to distinguish matters from a list of great adjectives. It must be something you feel, embrace, and reflect on in your life & work and the way they drive your decisions and actions in certain aspects that matter to you. 

The key point to note is bringing authenticity and removing self-biases while discussing your values. They can easily sense that in your essay as they have gone through tons of them, not to mention the extensive years of experience they have. 

Q) What values are important to you, and how have they influenced you?

The best opportunity to tell a story that is personal to you or that talks about “you.” The b-school members want passionate students and well-rounded individuals who can easily gel up with classmates. But, again,  do not simply put what you think adcoms want to hear. Try to be as authentic as possible while connecting your values to Kellogg’s values and how they fit well with its culture and community.

The key strategy to excel in this essay question is to weave together your past, present, and future. Explain how your values and perspectives will impact your fellow Kellogg classmates. Additionally, highlight specific instances where your wise actions have had a profound and motivating effect. Incorporating these personal moments will enhance your essay.

For each value you choose to highlight, discuss “why” this value is important to you and “how” this has impacted or shaped you. For example, it might be driving excellence, helping others, giving back to the community, leading a team, etc. 

VIDEO ESSAY

Kellogg mba essay

The video essay simply means that you are adding life to your essay from a virtual medium. Bring your personality’s shine and confidence on your face and show the person that crafted an excellent essay to adcoms. Before giving you some tips, the school has guidelines an applicant must adhere to. 

No more than 1 minute (60 seconds) in length

Single take (no editing)

Speaking directly to the camera

Do not include background music or subtitles

We can sense that you must be nervous yet excited but don’t be scared. Schools don’t want to hear the “right thing”; they want to hear “you”, one you know very well.  Show your dynamic personality and the desire to be part of them. We always give this advice and keep continuing this  “Be you, not an ideal.” 

The important point to remember is more than just mugging up things and dictating your essay. Even you can self-analyze that your video will be boring and can create a negative impact. Refrain from praising their curriculum; you will already mention why you want to join or post-MBA goals in your essays. We are confident that you have more to your personality, then why tell that story again?

Sometimes taking opinions from the right person will give you the right perspectives, which you may need to be aware of. In this task, you can take help from your close ones or an expert who will hear you and give you honest feedback. Jot down the points and create combinations that benchmark your personality in their minds.

You can book a 1:1 session with our experts to get personalized feedback on your profile and roadmap for your applications if you require it.

The best thing is Kellogg allows you to practice the video format a few times with practice questions before your official video. So make your mirror your best friend, and let them help boost your confidence, communication, and expression. 

To introduce yourself, share your intriguing background, a quirky hobby, and a notable achievement outside academia. Choose something distinct and memorable to describe here. While you’ve outlined your goals, explain why their MBA program aligns with your aspirations and what excites you about joining their community.

The main aim of a video statement is to challenge you on how well you cope with the tension in your aura and how calm you are with deep knowledge like an ocean. 

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1Y applicants: 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 most important thing to keep in mind here is COLLINEARITY. There should be a strong connection between your professional experience, short-term goal, and how Kellogg will support you. 

As you will discuss extensively in your essay, be concise and direct here. This question is tailored for business background applicants, focusing on how you can achieve your goals within a one-year timeframe. Be specific to the campus resources you’ll leverage and outline how you’ll convert these advantages into opportunities.

This article will further help you understand how you can create strong collinearity. 

Reapplication

Again, this presents a prime opportunity offered by Kellogg. If you’ve improved academically, earned a promotion, initiated a new project, increased community involvement, volunteered recently, or tackled a personal challenge, you can submit a new application with supporting evidence. Highlight the changes since your last application to demonstrate your dedication, belief in consistency, and commitment to growth. This positions you as an ideal candidate for Kellogg and leaves a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

Read the success story of a reapplicant!

With this, we end this article with all the information regarding Kellogg Mba Essays, but this is still ongoing from our side.  If you need an upper hand, our team is always there to show you the right direction. 

1:1 SESSIONS WITH ALUMS AND STUDENTS OF TOP B-SCHOOLS-

We offer a limited number of complimentary profile evaluations each week to maximize your chances. We match you with the students and alums of top B-Schools according to your background and target schools. In this call, the experts will try to dig out your USP for top B-schools and provide you with honest feedback on your profile and chances to your target schools.

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Kellogg MBA Essay Tips

2021-2022 kellogg mba essay prompts.

Two essays are required of all Kellogg MBA applicants:

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

Certain applicants will respond to additional questions: Refer to the Kellogg MBA admissions website for details.

Kellogg Essay 1: Create Lasting Value

This is your chance to tell a leadership story. Kellogg really wants to know how you influence those around you. Highlighting the value you delivered to your team and/or organization as a leader is the essence of a great response to this essay prompt. Building a model that impacted your company’s bottom line may be impressive, but it isn’t leadership.

Don’t fall into the trap of writing an entire leadership essay without talking about how you inspired and motivated others to contribute.

Kellogg recognizes the fact that not everyone has had the opportunity to directly manage others, but applicants do need to be able to tell a story about how they have influenced others in pursuit of a greater goal . This is what Adcom wants to hear. What was the situation? What were the stakes? How did you win over key stakeholders?

“Kellogg Admissions wants to know how your interpersonal skills will translate into their collaborative culture,” explained one former student admissions lead. “How will you drive value for the institution, marketplace, and society at large?”

He went on to emphasize the importance of using the active voice and writing about your individual contributions in this essay:

“In American culture, we are trained to talk about ‘we’ and ‘us’. Don’t do that here. Kellogg wants to understand how you lead, what you did to drive value – not just the actions of the collective group.”

Bringing it all together

Demonstrated leadership and a growth mindset are the raw intangibles that tie together Kellogg’s perennially collaborative and overtly social class.

How do you demonstrate these attributes? Start with a heavy dose of introspection, and be sure to emphasize empathy through your stories of leadership, influence, and personal high expectations. Show yourself to be curious and accepting of different cultures and viewpoints. It’s all about how and what you will add to the carefully constructed school culture that is assembled by admissions each year.

Kellogg Essay 2: Values

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Kellogg Essay Examples

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Kellogg Essay Samples

Kellogg’s MBA essays reflect a holistic approach. Kellogg is looking for both strong academic potential as well as leadership and a track record of involvement. Depth or breadth are valued. The Kellogg essays are essential to showcasing fit.

SBC has four former Kellogg Admissions Officers and multiple Kellogg MBA graduates who deeply know the nuances of applying to Kellogg successfully. If you’d like to speak with one of our Principals about your candidacy, please request a free analysis here.

Successful Examples of Kellogg Essays

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.

Pizza should be a delicious comfort food. But following our acquisition of ABC Bakes, a manufacturer of pizza crusts, it had become nothing but a source of stress. I had the challenging responsibility of leading the new management team in developing a budget and operating plan for the following year.

The successful development of a budget and operating plan requires a truly cross-functional effort, with contributions from accounting, finance, sales, marketing and operations. However, this management team was new to the company and had never worked together. These individuals were all several decades my senior, and while all of them were talented, accomplished operators, few had been exposed to the rigor of private equity ownership. My key challenge would be the successful cohesion of this cross-functional team to execute against an eight-week timeline, culminating in a budget presentation to my CEO.

First, I organized a kick-off meeting to bring the team together. This meeting was a forum to discuss each team’s responsibilities – and how each function would both depend on and be accountable to others. Informed by the learnings from this meeting, I followed up with a detailed timeline listing deadlines for each group, including when they owed others certain information. I also scheduled a weekly check-in meeting to discuss each group’s progress towards completing the budget.

A challenge I did not anticipate were the clashing incentives inherent in the project. As the investor, I wanted to push the team to commit to an aspirational budget that maximized financial performance. Management understandably preferred a less risky approach given their compensation was tied to meeting the budget. While meeting with the CEO of ABC I expressed that if we didn’t push ourselves, we wouldn’t reach the levels of performance we all desired. The CEO countered that if we set unattainable goals, management would become dejected and unmotivated when they inevitably didn’t meet those goals. Coming out of this meeting, we both better appreciated the other’s perspective, and settled on a budget where we both felt a bit uncomfortable – a good compromise.

In the end, I created a collaborative project dynamic that relied on frequent communication and interdependent teamwork. This successfully led to a measured, but ambitious budget, that was developed in both a timely and effective manner. Significant value was created both operationally and financially, as the company, guided by this budget and operating plan, achieved a 17% increase in revenue and a 49% increase in earnings the following fiscal year. As a leader, I learned the value of open communication and necessary compromise – tools that I continue to apply with my other portfolio companies. These strategies have consistently driven improved teamwork and performance among our teams.

Compassion and empathy are guiding values both personally and professionally. I learned the value of these traits as a child, watching my father handle my uncle’s drug addiction and its impact on our family. Through all the pain he brought, my father cared for and loved him. This demonstrated to me that to understand and help my uncle, you had to approach him with a level of compassion that allowed him to show his best self. I also learned this didn’t just apply to friends and family – you had to show the same respect and understanding to the check-out clerk at the grocery store as you did your boss in the corner office.

I applied this lesson when I got to college and started working at the Bulk Mail Center. I worked alongside a blue-collar workforce, printing pamphlets and newsletters the university distributed. My colleagues had experienced extremely different circumstances than me – most had no more than a high school degree and many had criminal backgrounds. As I worked with them longer, taking time to better understand them as people, barriers broke down, and I was able to see them as caring and intelligent individuals. By approaching them with compassion, I was able to see their best selves and learn from them as a result.

As a PE Associate, I am exposed to many levels of a company’s organization and interact with diverse executives. I utilize an empathetic and compassionate perspective in this position, aiming to identify with employees at all levels and functions of an organization – whether I’m meeting with the COO or walking the factory floor with a production worker. By doing so, I’ve been able to gain a broader perspective on how value is created by every member within an organization. Recently a shift leader at a portfolio company, an immigrant from (Country) with limited English, demonstrated a newly implemented quality-control process to me– a learning I was able to suggest to another portfolio company with great success.

In my personal life, I have demonstrated these values through my work with (group), an education non-profit benefiting underprivileged children. I worked with (group) by fundraising at quarterly events supporting the organization’s mission and helping with an annual Christmas party and gift drive. Through a better education, we hope these children won’t be defined by their current circumstances, but will grow, thrive, and be empowered to become their best selves.

Compassion and empathy allow people to be respected and heard – this makes for better businesses, better communities and ultimately a better world. These will continue to be vital values both as I lead investments in companies and as I contribute to the community around me.

During my third year at TTT, Sam, the Senior on my government audit, was detained by a prior client, and I was left to lead the government audit. This audit was unique as our firm was required to hire two subcontractors—a Staff, Alicia, and a Senior, María—from a minority-owned firm to perform most of the testing, but TTT was responsible for directing the work. Both subcontractors reported to me and I was responsible for managing workflow and reviewing work.

This created a unique dynamic in that María had more years of experience than I did; moreover, she had two years of previous experience with our client. As I began the scoping, I quickly realized that not only would there be significantly more work “in scope” this year, but also the internal control testing needed to be completely redesigned.

The first thing I did was schedule a call with my TTT Senior Manager and Sam to discuss my concerns, both of whom agreed that I would need to redesign the testing. María, however, was indignant at the insinuation that she had executed prior year audits incorrectly. She also expressed concerns about the additional time that might be required to correct the identified issues.

To address her concerns and frustration, I met with María right away. I assured her that the audit in prior years had been flawless but the scoping provided by my firm was incorrect. I also walked her through the new control testing methodology. Ultimately, the redesign would require only a slight increase in billable hours in the current year but would significantly decrease the hours in future years, creating value to both the audit team and the client. I further explained to María that the previous internal control testing regimen did not provide sufficient audit evidence to verify compliance with government regulations, so making these updates early would save us all the inconvenience of having to perform additional testing later on.

This discussion was a turning point in my relationship with María. I acknowledged her strong operational understanding of the client and the audit procedures and she recognized my organizational and strategic abilities. Communication and camaraderie within the team improved ten-fold and the audit operated with great efficiency and speed.

My experience leading María taught me how important it is to maintain open communication and obtain buy-in from the team regarding new changes. I also learned to better leverage the strengths of different team members. Having María’s support made a world of difference as she used her strong relationship with the client to help troubleshoot the implementation of the new audit plan, identifying alternate ways to test the internal controls and contribute to our success.

Many of the values that are important to me today were instilled by my parents throughout my childhood. As entrepreneurs, my parents taught me the need for ingenuity and hard work to get a job done. They also taught me the importance of showing gratitude for the things that I have and empathy towards others.

My parents worked hard to succeed as entrepreneurs, my mom as a healthcare consultant and my dad as a farmer. I found that same self-starter spirit at an early age, always seeking ways to get creative and satisfy an unmet need. From selling candy on the playground in elementary school to starting a business in high school unlocking iPhones, my resourcefulness carried into college where I majored in entrepreneurial management. Throughout college, I started several new ventures that leveraged my skills and interests. For example, after learning from a family friend how expensive swimming lessons were at the local golf club, I earned my instructor’s license and taught private lessons at a much more affordable rate.

While I was fortunate to live comfortably from my parents’ hard work, I learned the meaning of gratitude when my childhood home burned down during a thunderstorm in the summer of 2005. Although the house was a complete loss, I only felt gratitude that none of my family members were hurt. Since then, I’ve known that material things are not important to me. The things that are most important to me are intangible, including my family’s health, time with loved ones, and the sense of security that comes with stable income and housing. To this day, I consider myself incredibly privileged to have the things that I do and try to express that gratitude every day.

Growing up, my parents ensured that I understood my privilege by involving me in numerous charitable causes, such as volunteering at local group homes and at food drives. I continue to seek ways to help those going through challenging times, including my work with the Animal Humane Society. Beyond these volunteer efforts, I take great care to incorporate empathy and compassion into my personal life. Someone once told me that “People won’t always remember exactly what you said, but what they will remember is how you made them feel,” and for that reason I try to show kindness and respect to everyone that I meet.

I want to continue championing these values in my career, and earning my MBA from Kellogg will equip me with the tools I need to lead and empower teams with empathy, compassion, and gratitude. As an active leader and team member, I hope to inspire my classmates to bring empathy, gratitude and compassion into their work.

I began to learn about the power of integrity when I first flipped through Davidson College admissions materials. While immersed in these pamphlets, it was challenging to go two pages without seeing a reference to the honor code and its impact on campus. This emphasis on integrity continued as my class came together for our honor code signing ceremony, as I took self-scheduled finals, and as I left my laptop unattended in the student union. It never ceased to amaze me that this focus on integrity could permeate every aspect of the Davidson experience. From my time at Davidson, the first thing I notice about new communities is whether they place this same emphasis on integrity. In the workplace, this idea comes to life through working under different project leadership. When leaders emphasize the importance of doing the right thing, even if it’s not easy and may not maximize our annual revenue, it trickles down to the daily behaviors of the team. As I ultimately want to lead a portfolio of team-based projects grounded in integrity, a Kellogg MBA would give me the necessary leadership skills to achieve this goal as well as a strong community supportive of this ideal.

The importance of trust became apparent much earlier; I realized that running the soccer ball down the entire length of the field by myself was not an effective strategy. I couldn’t score, and my teammates were understandably frustrated. However, if I passed, my strengths and the skills of my teammates could complement one another, and the team would be much more successful. While trust looks different amongst a team of consultants, the lesson is the same. If one team member tries to own a deliverable individually or independently present every time there’s a client meeting, the team eventually suffers due to a lack of trust. The team also fails to leverage its full range of skills and strengths. At Kellogg I will be working in multiple teams concurrently, each comprised of unique individuals with diverse backgrounds working towards different goals. The opportunity to contribute to and lead this range of teams will further hone my ability to build and facilitate groups that successfully operate in an environment of trust.

My conversations with (student) and (student 2) demonstrated that Kellogg fosters these same values. (Student) highlighted the trust between the administration and students that enables most aspects of Kellogg to be student-led. (Student 2), a Davidson and Kellogg alumna, spoke of her initial concern that a larger community couldn’t replicate Davidson’s focus on integrity. She grew to understand this concern was unfounded as peers treated academics and extracurriculars with focus on doing the right thing and supporting their classmates.

Trusting a 24-year-old engineer to manage a sales territory is a big risk, especially when the customers are demanding surgeons and the competition is far more experienced. Despite these considerations, I was promoted early to a territory manager and tasked with growing a new medical device business.

After finding initial success, I learned that a key product was being divested due to product consolidation. This threatened my business with Dr. Smith, but I was confident that I could leverage our relationship to retain the business. I assured leadership not to worry and even projected sales growth for that product in my annual business plan. Dr. Smith tried a comparable product I offered, but ultimately went to a competitor who inherited the divested product because it was the best decision for his patients and practice.

I learned from this experience to never assume that past success is an indicator for future success. I began to expect adversity and use feedback to constantly improve my customer service. Overcoming this challenge caused me to become introspective with my relationships and career goals. The professional growth and maturity I developed early in my career allowed me to establish myself as a credible and reliable vendor, which led to retaining other at-risk customers and winning new business.

Now, I crave an opportunity to grow as a leader and become a product manager in the medical device industry. A Kellogg MBA will empower me to follow my passion of creating value for healthcare providers by delivering innovative products and solutions. Kellogg offers experiential and design-centric learning opportunities through the MMM program and a collaborative environment, which I enjoyed when I visited campus in the spring. From our tour guides to the participants in the Marketing Strategy class I audited, the students and staff were engaging and helpful.

The Healthcare Enterprise Management pathway feels tailor-made to my career aspirations. Classes such as Healthcare Strategy and Biomedical Marketing will provide me with industry-specific foundational knowledge and electives such as Medical Product Early Stage Commercialization will teach me the technical skills necessary for my career track. I will utilize the broader Northwestern network by partnering with an interdisciplinary team in NuVention: Medical Innovation and gain entrepreneurial experience taking a medical device concept to market.

Kellogg’s vast extracurricular offerings will help me grow personally and as a leader. I look forward to competing in case competitions with the Marketing Club and coordinating events with industry sponsors as a leader in the Healthcare Club. As an avid skier, I am excited about bonding with classmates at the annual ski trip. Kellogg is the best MBA program for me and I look forward to sharing my passion with the Kellogg community.

“What does he even do every day? Why do you and I subsidize his income while we do all the work?” These were the questions that JJJ asked me about another teammate, ABC, seemingly on a daily basis. Last year, the sales territory I led merged with another territory and I was tasked to lead a team of five sales reps producing $10 million in sales. The celebration from the promotion was short-lived when I realized the challenges of managing a team of senior sales reps across an expansive geography.

Our medical device business is very entrepreneurial; we are paid a commission on every sale plus a bonus on growth. JJJ supported our largest account while ABC supported a few smaller accounts but spent a considerable amount of time cultivating those relationships and performing sales calls. As the team leader, I had an obligation to grow our territory each month while keeping our customers satisfied and I knew we couldn’t do that if the internal strife on our team continued.

To address the conflict, my strategy was to speak with both individuals and then host a team meeting to collaborate on creative, growth-centric adjustments to the compensation plan. JJJ and I had constructive conversations reminding each other that we are tasked with growing every account in our territory, not only the largest ones. ABC and I discussed the importance of communication and transparency; we talked about his role in supporting our largest accounts and communicating with the whole team on sales activities and ongoing deals. At our team meeting, I introduced a compensation plan where a portion of bonus commission would be awarded, based on merit, to the teammate who closed the most new business that quarter.

The modified compensation plan was a success and created value both internally and externally. Team morale was noticeably better; with the new growth-based incentive, we spent less time focusing on each other and more time focusing on our targets and driving new business. I knew the compensation model would have a lasting impact when two other territory leads contacted me about implementing it for their teams. As an added benefit, senior management was impressed that we worked through these problems without their intervention. Through this experience, I learned that in times of conflict, leadership is more about listening than prescribing. I continue to apply this philosophy when I coach my junior reps on overcoming objections and closing new business. We encounter unique business challenges daily that require empathy to navigate. As a growth-minded leader, I will bring my style of empathetic and creative problem-solving to Kellogg.

Feeling the weight of every eye in the room, I took a calming breath and began my presentation. I was outlining my team’s next initiative to a group of product managers, directors, and VPs from across the company, and it was the first high-stakes test of the public speaking strategies I’d been working on for several months. Public speaking had never been my specialty, but as I progressed in my career I had to present more frequently in front of larger, more senior audiences. I could tell I wasn’t projecting the same gravitas as my colleagues, and my manager agreed this was something I should address in order to advance.

I took a two-pronged approach to improving as a public speaker: I looked for outside help to learn new techniques, and I turned to introspection to understand what triggered my anxiety. I joined Toastmasters, attended improv classes and seminars, and started a journal to reflect on my development. I also volunteered to be a teacher with my director and the senior VP for our department. This allowed me to practice speaking in front of senior managers in a low-stakes, non-work environment.

My efforts created a positive feedback loop: I could tell I was improving, which made me more confident, and helped me improve faster. I built stronger relationships throughout the organization, which allowed me to feel more confident speaking in front of colleagues whose opinions I valued. As a result of my preparation, my big presentation was a success, and my manager commended me on my improvement. I’m proud of the headway I’ve made, and there will be many opportunities for me to continue gaining confidence and growing as a public speaker through Kellogg’s student-driven culture and focus on empowering students to lead.

I want to grow at Kellogg in new areas, too, and approach them with the same resourcefulness and tenacity. Discussing Global Lab with an alumna got me excited to learn about solving business problems in a real-world, international context. Speaking with students during my campus visit inspired me to build relationships through the Women’s Business Association’s peer mentorship program and cultivate community at Kellogg by organizing events like Ski Trip and the Charity Auction Ball. As an officer in the Tech Club, I’ll develop my leadership skills, and joining Net Impact will help me contribute off-campus by sharing what I’ve learned through the Inner City Mentoring Club, which has a similar mission to .

I’m excited to take advantage of all these opportunities during the 1Y program. While a year goes by quickly, 1Y alumni have told me that it’s just enough time to focus on personal growth while still maintaining my career trajectory.

Errors in economic consulting are sometimes worth millions; in antitrust litigation, defense attorneys entrust my team with finding these expensive errors. Often these cases are thousands of pages of industry reports, data methodologies, and client strategy documents—our job is to find where something was wrong. On one such case, I was tasked with managing a team of unfamiliar faces from outside my LA office. Motivating this new group throughout the routine of casework was a new challenge for me.

Initially I stressed the importance of the details, since minor errors in analysis could change the trajectory of the case; our diligent review was essential to success. Initially, the project hummed along, but a challenge soon emerged. One of my team members, “Bill,” was several years my senior with a higher title, and didn’t appreciate his reduced role on this project. Although the chain of command had been established, he subtlety attempted to circumvent me and seek tasks from my boss. Sensing his frustration, I decided to delicately confront Bill without turning the situation toxic. I didn’t reprimand him, but instead thanked him for his willingness to take a role beneath his normal responsibilities; I even confided to him that this was an important opportunity for me and asked if he had any managerial advice. After our conversation, he recommitted to the team and even became my second in command.

Our commitment eventually paid off: we found a costly blunder. The opposing economist had innocently confused “the San Francisco metropolitan area” with the city of limits of San Francisco and correcting this seemingly minor error in his model decreased the predicted damages by almost $30 million. With our successful outcome, the partner on the project called me into his office to thank me for my effort on this project. Although my team members had already dispersed back to their respective offices, I asked if he could call and thank Bill and the rest of the team as well. As someone who hasn’t always held the manager role, I appreciate the satisfaction that comes from simple acknowledgement of work done well.

This experience taught me that there is no single prescription for leadership. My style for managing self-motivated consultants shouldn’t mirror my style as captain of my co-ed soccer team. In this situation, my team didn’t need someone to tyrannize, but someone to galvanize them as the case progressed. I also learned that success sometimes comes at the expense of my own ego; I built the team’s trust by my willingness to take on even the simplest task to inch us toward completion. While my leadership style will evolve as my responsibilities grow, a key tenant of my leadership style will always be adaptability.

Stacy Blackman

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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Kellogg MBA Essay Analysis 2020-2021

August 18, 2020 by wpboysnew

Home Blog Kellogg MBA Essay Analysis 2020-2021

Before getting into the essay questions, it is important to keep in mind:

  • Kellogg prides itself about its ‘culture’. A collegial environment, teamwork and collaborative learning are key constituents of the Kellogg culture.
  • It is a close knit community that emphasizes on ‘we’ and not ‘I’. It values diversity and philanthropy. Looks for leadership as well as humility.
  • The application process aims to establish the right ‘fit’ between an applicant and the Kellogg culture. In other words, establish whether the applicant has the ‘Kellogg DNA’. Your essay responses need to establish this ‘fit’.

Essay question 1 : 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)

In answering this question we suggest that you:

  • Start by reflecting on the purpose of this leadership essay. From the blog of Kate Smith, Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, on leadership: “We’re looking specifically for examples of spearheading change, striving for excellence or creating a lasting impact. We want our students to be the kind of people who aim to leave an innovative mark on their companies before and after Kellogg.”  Mark the additional emphasis on ‘change’ and ‘innovation’.
  • Select the right example that projects you as a ‘brave’ leader, someone who is not afraid to challenge the status quo or to ‘spearhead change’. Also an example which demonstrates your ‘out of the box’ or innovative thinking.
  • Provide a ‘recent’ example. How recent is recent? Typically within three years is a good benchmark. If you are a recent graduate, we would suggest choosing a  work example compared to one from your college.
  • Use a STAR framework to provide the example. Start with describing the Situation , covering context, the stakeholders and relationships. Explain the Task at hand or the objective in front of you. Highlight the leadership challenge involved in accomplishing this objective. Move to Action you took, or what you did to meet your objective. Remember to highlight the difficulties involved (challenges faced) in doing your work, especially around the people issues as the focus is on leadership. It is important to highlight what you thought and felt as you went about doing things. Wherever possible, bring out details on how you inspired, influenced and persuaded others to move in the desired direction. Lastly, cover the Results or the outcome that was achieved. Given the focus, describe how the outcome created lasting value for the stakeholders involved .
  • Do not forget about your learning from this experience, ideally something which is generic and transferable across situations.

Essay question 2 : Values are what guide you in your life and work. What values are important to you and how have they influenced you? (450 words)

  • Start by reflecting on the purpose of this essay. Kate Smith, Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, explains this essay question in her blog, “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?”
  • Taking cues from the essay topic, the scope covers both, your personal and professional life. 
  • Identify some of the key decisions, accomplishments or experiences from your work or personal life. 
  • Try answering the question for each of these: What motivated you, guided you or inspired you to make those decisions, seek those experiences or achieve those accomplishments.
  • Look for a pattern. Is there a value that touches across various items. You got your start.
  • This essay is NOT about generating a list of values. Restrict to 2-3 and substantiate these values with examples from your personal and professional life.
  • The last part of the essay is about how you will contribute to the Kellogg community. Your values will define your interests and career goals. Based on that, how will you engage with and contribute to the Kellogg community inside and outside the class.

Read the Kellogg MBA Application requirements here

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Advice, tips and insights from the admissions dream team., table of contents, kellogg mba video essays: tips & strategy.

  • By Julia Brady

Kellogg asks each applicant to complete a video essay component after submitting its MBA application. Mercifully, the school gives you all three questions upfront.

The first two questions are specific, meaning you can prepare and rehearse your answers in advance. The third, as Kellogg says, “will be based on a challenge you’ve faced and what you’ve learned from it.” While you may not know the precise wording of question 3, the good news is that you have time to prepare possible responses. Your challenge – and opportunity – is to respond in a way that’s concise, meaningful, and introspective.

How to Tackle the Kellogg Video Essay Questions

The first video question asks you to ‘introduce yourself to the admissions committee’ in the spirit of what you’ll bring to future classmates and ‘what makes you, you?’. The second drives at your career goals and ‘why Kellogg.’ For the third question, you can expect an interview-type behavioral prompt focused on a challenging moment in your personal or professional life.

Consider the video essays a huge opportunity to showcase your personality and character. Remember that Kellogg wants to learn something new about you (meaning, prepare some fresh material and don’t regurgitate examples from your written essays).

As you prepare, imagine how to convey what’s not obvious in your resume, credentials or LinkedIn profile. What will help make your application sticky and memorable? Again, reflect on the story you want to tell and offer a dimension that might be missing.

kellogg mba essay analysis

Play with ways to take advantage of the medium itself in your storytelling. Among my favorite efforts at a ‘introduce yourself’ video response was from a candidate who gave a brief viola performance, then used an element of the instrument itself as a metaphor to convey his personality and interpersonal style.

As you reflect on possible responses to the third question, consider: What meaning can be discerned from your story and what does it say about you and who you are as a leader? How might the qualities that are most important to Kellogg be reflected in your response? Considered self-reflection is the key to delivering something that’s both meaningful and distinctive. As you do, keep your audience in mind – this is a business school essay after all, and your words are directed to the MBA admissions committee.

5 Top Video Essay Tips:

1. plan your answers..

Jot down a few bullets or talking points or outline a quick structure, e.g., main answer and supporting examples. But avoid overly scripting – you want to appear fluid and natural on camera.

2. Stand for more energy.

Ensure your face is in good light (consider a ring light if you don’t have good natural light), and elevate your laptop to eye level.

3. Record yourself when you practice.

What type of impression are you giving off? Are you friendly and approachable? Would others feel comfortable working with you?

4.  Dress for success.

This is still an interview after all, so put on your best Zoom outfit. If you work in a more creative or entrepreneurial field, it’s fine skip the tie or jacket, but dress like you’re interviewing your post-MBA dream job.

5. Connect with the viewer.

Ask yourself, if the person reviewing my video essay takes nothing else, what is the number one thing I want them to remember about me? And enjoy yourself. The admissions team wants to get to know you, and when you smile and authentically convey who you are, it’s easier for the viewer to envision how you’ll be in a classroom.

Kellogg takes great pride in identifying candidates who have self-reflected on what they want, the ways Kellogg is uniquely positioned to help get them there and ways their aspirations support a broader vision for having a positive impact.

For a deep dive on how to prepare to shine in your MBA video essays, view this related article by Fortuna Co-Director Caroline Diarte Edwards: MBA Video Essay Tips .

How to Tackle the Written Essays 

For detailed advice on how to tackle the written essays, view our related post: Kellogg MBA Essays: Strategy & Tips . You can also view our MBA Admissions Essay Masterclass featuring Kellogg along with MIT Sloan, Chicago Booth & Columbia.

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 MBA Essays: Tips & Strategy
  • 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 12, 2022

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 12, 2022

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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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P&Q: Two years ago, P&Q asked you to share how you’ve integrated AI, STEM, analytics, and digital disruption into your programming. Since then, what types of enhancements have you made in these areas?

Oyer: “Our faculty are at the forefront of cutting-edge research developments in these areas, and they bring their insights and experience into our classrooms every day.

In addition, as I shared earlier, Stanford GSB is integrating an understanding of the relationship between business and governmental institutions into the educational experience through our Business, Government & Society initiative. One of the areas of focus of this initiative is how we can create, deploy, scale and govern technology to improve people’s lives. Stanford GSB is bringing together experts from across the social sciences, technology, and organizational and market design to develop insights into solutions that benefit all.

In terms of new courses, while it would not be possible to capture them all in one answer, some new elective courses in these areas of focus include:

Professor Kuang Xu’s and Lecturer Luis Voloch’s AI and Data Science course, where our students examine companies at various sizes and stages, from seed to IPO. They study real-life cases to understand how companies can leverage AI, data science and machine learning to build effective teams, core competencies, and competitive advantages. Several AI entrepreneurs, executives, and investors also join the class discussions to share their perspectives with our students.

Professor Andrew Hall’s course: Building Trustworthy Products in a Divided World . This class examines how leaders can design and build new technology products, make decisions, and develop and enforce policies that society can trust. A variety of leaders from the tech space visit the class to share insights on how new developments in AI, AR/VR, social media and web3 can maximize good outcomes, minimize harms, and rebuild trust between technology and society.”

kellogg mba essay analysis

Stanford MBAs meeting after class

P&Q: What is your biggest student-run event of the year and what does it reflect about your school?

Oyer: “Because so many of our amazing student-run events touch hundreds of members of our community, we can’t define just one as the biggest. One thing that makes Stanford GSB unique is the breadth and variety of student-run programming, both large and small.

Students gain valuable experience by owning these events, from conception to planning to implementation; and the events themselves are marked by students coming together to build community, educate themselves and others, and celebrate accomplishments.”

P&Q: What makes Palo Alto (and the Bay Area in general) such a great place to earn an MBA? How has Stanford leveraged local resources to provide opportunities for students to learn and gain work experience?

Oyer: “Stanford GSB shares a special relationship with Silicon Valley, as a place where people, potential, and ideas come together to achieve the unimaginable. In this unique environment of inspiration, innovation and collaboration, our students develop the passion to lead, the courage to take risks, and the motivation to strive to make a positive impact on the world.

There is undoubtedly an entrepreneurial mindset that can benefit students from all industries, and regardless of their particular post-graduation plans. Interdisciplinary collaboration, rich conversations, and the spirit of challenging conventional thinking are a crucial part of our school experience. The GSB is an open-minded institution that inspires optimism and is eager to tackle any problem, big or small.

In addition, our Career Management Center helps students with career planning and developing personal and professional skills to achieve their goals, both while they are a student and beyond. This includes offering career resources, providing one-on-one advising at every stage of the process, and helping them leverage an extensive network.”

kellogg mba essay analysis

Stanford GSB Entrance

5 REASONS TO CONSIDER STANFORD GSB

1) Entrepreneurship: “As a GSB student, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the abundant resources and active entrepreneurial culture at Stanford. The “Founders” Slack channel was initiated by our classmates from the beginning of school, with numerous founder meet-ups across various industries taking place. Stanford offers many entrepreneurship courses that teach you how to develop your ideas, with successful startups like Doordash emerging from these programs. Talks from venture capitalists or founders are organized by clubs nearly every day. Additionally, there are many cross-school opportunities to connect with entrepreneurial talents from other departments such as the School of Engineering and School of Medicine. All these programs and connections have proven extremely helpful as I navigate my entrepreneurial journey.” Avis Chan

2) Social Impact: “Stanford GSB’s offerings in the social impact space were the deciding factor for me. It’s one thing to talk about impact in an academic setting, and there’s plenty of great impact-related classes here. But as someone who learns best by doing, I wanted a place where I could dive into social impact in a hands-on way. In courses like “Analysis and Measurement of Impact”, students partner with local governments, NGOs, and other organizations on social impact projects aligned with the course’s learning goals. That is exactly the kind of field-specific learning experience I was looking for from business school. Stanford GSB also puts its money where its mouth is and has multiple ways to fund social impact-oriented summers—from Seed internships in emerging economies to SMIF grants.” Catherine Lacy

3) Philosophy: “Stanford GSB’s programming stood out to me because of its intentionality with developing the student as a whole person, rather than simply imbuing them with the requisite skills for a high paying career. GSB’s emphasis on personal and interpersonal development is important to me because I know I’ll reap the benefits for the rest of my life, in and out of the office.” Nicholas Tobin

“Ultimately, what made me choose Stanford was realizing it is a campus that fosters innovation by bringing together different minds and disciplines. Here you don’t have to be – shouldn’t be – one thing. You are encouraged to be many. To me, Stanford is not only a university, but also an incubator to brainstorm and execute what’s next. A place where I can be a former banker, turned anchor/writer/actress, soon to be anything I dream of.” Patricia Fernandez de Castro

4) Leadership Lab: “My favorite course at Stanford GSB has been the Leadership Lab. It’s a first-quarter course where theory meets practice. In small groups of 5/6 MBA1s and an MBA2, we engage in role-playing exercises and simulations that mirror real-life leadership challenges, complete with urgency and ambiguity. After each simulation, we reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what new approaches we want to try either individually or as a team. This experience has deepened my understanding of my leadership style, taught me how to further master the art of adaptability, and provided valuable insights into how others perceive me. But what I treasure most are the lasting friendships formed during the Lab—relationships I know will endure far beyond my time at Stanford.” Patricia Fernandez de Castro

5) Traditions: “The weekly TALK sessions, where classmates share their journeys, have become a highlight of my GSB experience. It’s like listening to concise yet captivating autobiographies delivered with humor and authenticity. I’ve enjoyed them because they remind me that despite our different backgrounds, we share common hopes and dreams. They have helped me develop stronger connections with my classmates and an appreciation for their stories. I hope to give a TALK before I graduate.” Mubarak Alliyu

“View From The Top. It’s not every day that you get to hear from people whose work impacts millions of lives. 2-3 times each quarter, Stanford GSB students interview leaders on the lessons they have learned throughout their career. The most powerful part of View From The Top is realizing that ordinary people do extraordinary things.” Kailash Sundaram

kellogg mba essay analysis

GSB at dusk

APPLICATION ADVICE

“Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and dream big in your application. As Steve Jobs said, it’s the “round pegs in the square holes,” the ones who see differently, that change the world after all.” Kailash Sundaram

“My advice centers on the importance of deep self-reflection. Before embarking on the application journey, take substantial time for introspection. Consider not just your strengths but also your weaknesses and how you aim to evolve these areas. Envision where you see yourself in 5, 10, and 20 years, and critically assess the skills and tools you’ll need to reach those milestones. Moreover, don’t hesitate to go through the application process. It’s an enlightening experience that reveals much about Stanford GSB’s culture and values. Regardless of the outcome, the application journey offers a valuable opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth. Reflect, envision, and apply.” Stefano Schiappacasse

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

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kellogg mba essay analysis

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Management Science Major

The Management Science major focuses on the application of analytical techniques, tools, and models across the school’s academic disciplines. You will deepen your expertise across disciplines by learning techniques that can be applied to the analysis of problems surrounding business organization and performance.

This critical coursework will prepare you to both manage and direct analyses to improve decisions. Students who major in Management Science will be prepared for a wide range of careers including consulting, technology, finance, and entrepreneurship.

Major requirements are determined by the quarter you began your Kellogg MBA program. Any new courses and adjustments to the major displayed in the most recent academic year can be applied to previously matriculated students.

A student must earn at least four credits from the courses listed below to complete the major. No more than one course with the same subject area can be counted toward the major.

  • Managerial Accounting ACCT-431-0
  • Financial Reporting and Analysis ACCT-451-0
  • Financial Decisions FINC-442-0
  • Capital Markets FINC-450-0
  • Derivatives Markets FINC-465-0
  • Competitive Strategy and Industrial Structure MECN-441-0
  • Pricing Strategies MECN-446-0
  • Data, Models, and Decisions MECN-451-0
  • Big Data Advanced Analytics Workshop MECN-935-0
  • Marketing Research and Analytics MKTG-450-0
  • Retail Analytics and Pricing MKTG-462-0
  • Customer Analytics MKTG-482-0
  • Strategy Implementation MORS-455-5
  • Winning with Networks MORS-457-0
  • Decisions Models & Prescriptive Analytics OPNS-450-0
  • Strategic Decisions in Operations OPNS-454-0
  • Supply Chain Management OPNS-455-0
  • People Analytics and Strategy STRT-440-0
  • Strategy and Organization STRT-452-0
  • Analytics for Strategy STRT-469-0

Last edited May 14, 2024. For any questions regarding this page, please email [email protected] .

  • Customer Analytics and AI MKTG-482-0
  • Digital Marketing Implementation MKTG-956-0

Last edited July 21, 2023. For any questions regarding this page, please email [email protected] .

  • Decision Making and Modeling MECN-451-0
  • Making Business Decisions with Big Data MECN-935-0
  • Social Dynamics & Network Analysis MORS-457-0
  • Strategy & Organization STRT-452-0

Last edited June 30, 2022. For any questions regarding this page, please email [email protected] .

Last edited July 27. For any questions regarding this page, please email [email protected] .

Last edited Aug. 31, 2020. For any questions regarding this page, please email [email protected] .

  • Strategy Implementation MORS-455-0

Last edited Nov. 8, 2019. For any questions regarding this page, please email [email protected] .

Contact us about the Full-Time MBA Program at Kellogg

Full-Time MBA Application Deadlines

Round 1:  Sept. 13, 2023 Round 2:  Jan. 10, 2024 Round 3:  April 3, 2024

COMMENTS

  1. Kellogg MBA Essay Questions & Analysis 2023-2024

    Northwestern / Kellogg MBA Essay Questions & Analysis 2023-2024. Let's take a closer look at each of the Kellogg MBA essay questions for 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 ...

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  3. Northwestern Kellogg Essay Examples & Tips, 2023-2024

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  4. How to write Kellogg MBA essays for 2023 intake

    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.

  5. Kellogg MBA Essay Advice & Application Deadlines: 2023-2024

    Kellogg MBA Essay Advice and Application Deadlines: 2023-2024. Kellogg School of Management has released its essay questions and application deadlines for the 2023-2024 application cycle. Once again, Kellogg asks applicants to answer two essay questions. This year, Kellogg has changed its application essay and has made the video essay questions ...

  6. Kellogg Application tips: Written and video essays

    Please note, video essays are due 96 hours after the application deadline. Learn more . At Kellogg, we believe in a holistic approach to the application process. We look at all areas of a candidate's application. For us, this is much more than a test score, essay or job title. All applicants have unique strengths and attributes.

  7. Kellogg MBA Essay Questions

    Kellogg MBA Essay Questions - Analysis and Tips for 2022 intake. For the 2023 MBA application season, the Kellogg MBA Essay questions focus on two attributes - Leadership and Values. The applicants are required to submit two written essays and one optional essay. Apart from the written essay, Kellogg also requires three short video essays ...

  8. Kellogg Essay Examples (23-24): Cracking The Code to Win

    Question 1: Analysis and Tips. 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. ... Mastering your MBA essays for Kellogg. Considering the high caliber ...

  9. Full-Time MBA Application Series: the Video Essays

    A Kellogg MBA is your gateway to a global community, countless personal and professional opportunities and access to the sharpest minds in business. Explore the Kellogg Experience. People ⁠ Campuses ⁠ Career ... Many ask why Kellogg even uses video essays. Well, since we strive to interview all applicants and leverage our ...

  10. Kellogg MBA Essays for 2023-2024

    Kellogg MBA Essays for the Class of 2026. The following two essays are required of all applicants: Question 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 ...

  11. The Anatomy of a Great Kellogg Mba Essay

    Two key takeaways from this article are 'Introspection' and 'Research'. First, reflect deeply on your personality, aspirations, and MBA purpose. Then, research your target programs, activities, goals, and classes. Our experts recommend engaging with students and alumni to gain insights into the Kellogg MBA community.

  12. Kellogg MBA Essay Tips

    2021-2022 Kellogg MBA Essay Prompts. Two essays are required of all Kellogg MBA applicants: 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)

  13. Kellogg MBA Essays for 2022-2023

    The post Kellogg MBA Essays for 2022-2023 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. stacyblackman Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs.

  14. Kellogg 2020-2021 MBA Application Essay Analysis

    by Personal MBA Coach, Sep 8, 2020. Once again, Kellogg School of Management asks applicants to answer two essay questions. This year, Kellogg is minimizing changes and keeping both essays the same as the previous application cycle. Read Personal MBA Coach's Kellogg essay analysis below for key tips on tackling this year's questions for the full-time MBA program for the class of 2023.

  15. Kellogg application tips: Written and video essays

    Each part of the application provides an opportunity for you to share what makes you unique. When you are submitting your written and video essays, consider examples that demonstrate who you are, what drives you and what you plan to achieve as a future Kellogg Leader. Written essays. The application will give you two short essay prompts:

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  18. Kellogg 2020-2021 MBA Application Essay Analysis

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  21. Kellogg MBA Video Essays: Tips & Strategy

    By Julia Brady. Kellogg asks each applicant to complete a video essay component after submitting its MBA application. Mercifully, the school gives you all three questions upfront. The first two questions are specific, meaning you can prepare and rehearse your answers in advance. The third, as Kellogg says, "will be based on a challenge you ...

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

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    Once again, Kellogg School of Managementasks applicants to answer two essay questions. This year, Kellogg is minimizing changes and keeping both essays the same as the previous application cycle. Read Personal MBA Coach's Kellogg essay analysis below for key tips on tackling this year's questions for the full-time MBA program for the class of 2023.

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  25. Management Science

    This critical coursework will prepare you to both manage and direct analyses to improve decisions. Students who major in Management Analytics will be prepared for a wide range of careers including consulting, technology, finance, and entrepreneurship. Major requirements are determined by the quarter you began your Kellogg MBA program.