Update: This article was originally posted on August 2, 2022. It has been updated with new information and tips below.
As a haven for globally and collaboratively minded leaders, Kellogg is one of the best places to prepare for a successful career solving some of the biggest problems in business. Considering that Kellogg offers one of the best-ranked MBAs out there, earning a spot at this school requires you to really stand out among the competition.
In this guide, we will go through how to get into Kellogg. While many applicants think that simply marketing themselves well is enough to gain admission, successful applicants are the ones who understand a) who Kellogg is looking for, b) how Kellogg’s MBA program, community, and opportunities fit their profile and goals, and c) how to prepare a Kellogg-specific essay and interview. Read on for our expert advice on how to master these three things.
1. Understand who Kellogg is looking for
(Photo courtesy of @kelloggschool on Instagram)
Growth is a key principle at Kellogg.
According to Kellogg’s Admissions Team, “[Our students] uphold Kellogg’s rigorous standard of academic excellence, but they demonstrate the unique combination of analytical, creative and social intelligence. ”
Each year, Kellogg selects around 530 students to take part in its two-year program. Though there is no one “perfect” type of Kellogg student, the university does favor high test scores (the mean GMAT for the Class of 2026 was 733 and the average GRE score was 163 Quant, 162 Verbal).
Additionally, Kellogg is committed to admitting a diverse class, as the composition of the Class of 2026 reflects. 50% of the incoming class are female, 40% are international, 10% are first-generation students, and 11% identified as LGBTQ+.
However, at Kellogg, showing fit with the school goes far beyond having the right GMAT or GRE score. That’s why Kellogg also looks for a set of “soft” skills in its applicants.
In our experience, Kellogg also responds well to applicants with a demonstrated history of giving back.
So, if this sounds like a community in which you’d be right at home, you’ll have to think of the ways in which you align with the main characteristics of Kellogg’s students. This means forming your business school brand and then focusing on the aspects of that brand that align with changing the status quo, collaborative leadership, and giving back to society.
2. Know Kellogg’s program and how you can use it
The second thing you must do to get into Kellogg is to know the MBA program and how it applies to your career goals. If you want to get into Kellogg, you really need to show the admissions committee why it’s a good fit for you (and why you’re a good fit for the community too)!
While you will have to do your own research to find the specifics of what aligns specifically with your goals and profile, below we are highlighting some of the main aspects of Kellogg’s MBA program so you can be informed about what makes it unique in comparison to other business schools.
Kellogg’s collaborative culture
Kellogg is known for its integration of collaboration into its community, coursework, and activities. Most academic deliverables must be done in groups, and students must rate one another on their contributions. And with a strong emphasis on networking through opportunities like KWEST and a ton of extracurricular activities, students form tight bonds that go well beyond the MBA.
Student leadership opportunities
Kellogg has a number of opportunities to practice leadership on campus, whether it’s in the wide range of experiential learning courses and labs, global treks, or student-led clubs. For example, students must complete a Leadership and Crisis Management course during the pre-term orientation of year two, and the Asset Management Lab places students in a quarter-long internship with a local or national asset management firm, developing their capacities in deal selection, due diligence, and/or investment efforts.
Multiple degree options
Kellogg offers a wide range of degree options to fit students’ schedules and interests. Whether you need to continue working and thus pursue a part-time degree, or are interested in pursuing a major, joint degree, or pathway to specialize your degree, Kellogg has many options that can adapt to you.
Students who decide to specialize in a major can choose among the following areas: Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management Analytics (formerly Management Science), Managing Organizations, Marketing, Operations, and Strategy. (Note: If you choose not to elect a major, “General Management” will be noted on your transcript.)
In addition to majors, Kellogg provides “pathways,” which are sequences of courses designed to address particularly relevant and high-demand skill sets or industries. Some of the current pathways offered include AI and Analytics; Asset Management; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Sustainability: Climate, Environment, & Energy; Entrepreneurship; Growth and Scaling; Healthcare at Kellogg; Real Estate; Sustainability: Social Impact and Responsible Leadership; Technology Management; Private Equity and Venture Capital. Students have the flexibility to pursue any number of pathways.
Additionally, Kellogg has recently launched a dedicated Certificate of Business in Healthcare for students interested in that area.
There are also four joint programs available: the MBAi program, in partnership with McCormick School of Engineering; the MMM program, which provides an MBA from Kellogg and an M.S. in Design Innovation from the Segal Design Institute; the JD/MBA program in conjunction with the Northwestern School of Law; and the MD/MBA program with the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Show Kellogg Why You Belong
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3. Prepare a winning application
Last, but certainly not least, is knowing how to write an outstanding essay and prepare for a successful interview. Below are our top tips on succeeding at both of these key aspects of your Kellogg application!
Write an outstanding essay
Your admissions essays are one of the most critical components of your Kellogg application. They’re your chance to share your unique perspective, demonstrate your values, and show how you align with the school’s mission to educate leaders for business and society. These essays aren’t just about recounting experiences. They’re about weaving a narrative that highlights who you are at your core and the impact you aim to create.
According to Kellogg’s admissions team, “Today’s changing business landscape demands leaders who possess a blend of analytical, creative and social intelligence and who can uplift teams to their full potential — those are the candidates we at Kellogg are looking for. Know that there are no perfect answers to our essay questions. Instead, when you are writing your essays, think about how you can leave your mark on Kellogg and the world. ”
That’s why we’ve crafted a comprehensive guide to navigating Kellogg’s MBA essay questions, complete with actionable advice and examples.
Remember that authenticity, reflection, and clarity are your most powerful tools as you approach this section of your application.
Prepare a winning interview
Unlike other business schools, all Kellogg applicants must interview. This means that making sure you shine in your interview is an especially difficult task.
Kellogg interviews are conducted either by admissions committee staff or by alumni and usually last 45 to 60 minutes. Interviews with alumni tend to be slightly friendlier than interviews conducted by admissions committees. Nonetheless, the interviewer is still trying to gauge how solid your motivations for wanting to pursue an MBA are, how interested you seem in the Kellogg program, and if you truly have a growth mindset.
Interviewers often ask many standard MBA interview questions, as well as questions designed to test just how collaborative you really are. You can also expect numerous follow-up questions. Usually, the Kellogg interview is blind, meaning the alumni interviewer will only have access to your CV. However, if you interview with the admissions committee, it’s safe to say they will have carefully read your application before your interview.
Our clients who have interviewed with Kellogg in the past say that the interviewer was very friendly and demonstrated a genuine interest in their answers. Since Kellogg interviews all of its applicants, the pool of alumni interviewers is also larger and more diverse than most other schools. As such, though questions do tend to focus on standard MBA interview questions, be ready for anything.
For more on how to respond to these questions, see our post on Kellogg’s interview.
Create a successful video essay
Kellogg applicants must also submit a video essay. In addition to giving the admissions committee the chance to “put a face with a name,” the video essay is an essential part of the Kellogg application, as it allows committee members to determine if your communication style and values are a good fit with the Kellogg community.
The questions asked by Kellogg are grouped into three different categories, each with a different focus: introducing yourself, explaining why you chose Kellogg, and talking about a challenge you faced. For more on how to respond to these questions, see our post on Kellogg’s video essays.
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