UPDATE: This article was originally posted on August 7, 2018. It has been updated with new information and tips below.
Kellogg of Management at Northwestern University has long been a haven for collaboratively-minded leaders. With its unique MBAi and MMM programs, the school also stands out for those focused on tech and design innovation, respectively. Furthermore, Kellogg is one of the few top business schools in the US to offer a 1-year MBA program.
However, getting a spot at Kellogg also requires serious smarts, as the school continues to add incredibly appealing majors and pathways, including options on Social Impact and Energy & Sustainability to name a few, getting into Kellogg is more challenging than ever.
That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to help you use your Kellogg admissions essays to stand out. We’ve rounded up our best tips and links to Kellogg MBA sample essays to ensure you give your Kellogg application your best shot.
1. Who is Kellogg looking for?
Source: @kelloggschool on Instagram
Showing fit with Kellogg 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.
Check out Kellogg’s most recent class profile here.
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. How should I answer the Kellogg essay questions?
2.1. Essay 1 Tips
Part I: An MBA is a significant investment of time, energy, and resources, and the decision to pursue one deserves serious reflection. Tell us about the pivotal experiences and decisions that have brought you to this moment in your career, how they have shaped your ambitions, and why now is the right time to take this next step.
Part II: Now turn the lens outward: beyond what you hope to gain, what do you hope to contribute to the students who will learn alongside you? (550 words max)
This question is new this year and is a traditional goals essay, a common type of essay required of applicants at many elite business schools.
In this essay, you have a big task. In 550 words, you need to discuss:
- Context for your goals
- Your specific MBA goals and why you are pursuing them at this moment
- Why you believe an MBA is necessary to reach these goals
- How a Kellogg MBA will help you reach these goals
- How you will contribute to the Kellogg community
Each of these elements must be included and must build off of each other.
First of all, many candidates think they do not need to specifically state their goals, or that it’s better to leave “their options open.” If you are applying to elite business schools, however, you must have and present absolute clarity about your goals.
TOP TIP: If you’re having trouble figuring out what your post-MBA goals are, we’ve prepared this post to help you decipher this essential part of the application process!
However, goals without context can be a little confusing to decipher or understand (or they can just seem a bit lackluster). For this reason, we suggest starting your essay with context.
For example, a client last year initially started his essay by saying:
“I want to become a Business Development Director at a Brazilian company.”
While interesting, it’s better to give a little bit of context to help these goals come to life. Check out the final version of the same essay’s introduction:
“In the 1970s, the phrase “think global, act local” came into use, suggesting that to have global impact, one must be active locally. With this mindset, I focused my career on Brazilian multinational companies to start creating global change at home. While at Company 1, I led a diverse global team, which showed me that clear communication is essential. I later accepted a finance position at a real estate company where I learned how new technologies can impact traditional local industries and that leaders must adapt to these trends to maintain competitiveness. Most recently, I joined Company 2 to participate in its daring globalization plan. At Company 2, I have learned how challenging it is to formulate effective global strategies to thrive in diverse markets. I have also developed management skills since becoming Financial Coordinator, learning how important establishing a culture of collaboration is to providing stability for organizations.
I now seek to take the next step to becoming a “global” leader by becoming Business Development Director at a Brazilian company pursuing globalization, giving me the experience to assume my long-term goal of CEO of one such company.”
Second, you should clearly demonstrate why you need an MBA.
An MBA is not a catch-all degree that serves a purpose for all career paths. As such, you need to demonstrate that the goals you have set for yourself require the additional training an MBA can provide.
Be thoughtful about this particular section. If you don’t need to improve in any meaningful way, you might be presenting the argument the admissions committee needs for why you can’t actually benefit from an MBA.
Furthermore, if you show fluffy or unsupported reasons you need to hone your skills, you’ll also likely see your application tossed aside in favor of an applicant who was able to clearly demonstrate how they plan to leverage their time at business school.
Third, add how Kellogg can specifically help you grow in the areas you’ve identified. Mentioning that you want to go to Kellogg because of its ranking will not cut it here.
Instead, show that you understand the unique offerings Kellogg’s curriculum provides (I highly suggest you mention the pathway or major you’re interested in) and have done significant, thoughtful research into how the opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom can help you grow.
Then, choose 1-2 ways you can contribute to the community, either based on your background, experience, or skills. Make sure you connect it with specific elements at Kellogg, like a club, conference, or specific class you want to take. Saying things like, “I’m from Korea, so I’m looking forward to bringing an Asian perspective to campus” isn’t going to cut it here. Specifics matter.
End with a winning conclusion statement that reinforces your personal brand and ties the whole essay together.
2.2. Reapplicant Essay Tips
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? (280 words)
Here, make sure you clearly demonstrate how you have improved since your previous application. We have written extensively on the topic of reapplying to business school here.
2.3. Optional Essay Tips
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)
First of all, don’t be tempted by the “no word count” element of this question. This is not a place for you to retell your life story or sum up your interest in Kellogg or need for an MBA. Make sure you focus only on weak spots and also discuss what steps you have taken or took to rectify the weaknesses. This essay should be short, sweet, and included only if strictly necessary!
TOP TIP: Not sure if you need to write an optional essay? Check out our post on the topic here.
3. It’s Not Just About Having a Good Story. It’s About Making People Care
Whether you need deep-dive essay coaching, a full application strategy, or just a quick profile review, Leland has coaches at every price point and experience level. You’ll find former admissions officers, current MBA students, people working in your target industry, and everything in between.
I’ve partnered with Leland because after years in this industry, I know finding the right coach matters more than finding the most expensive one. Leland has made it easy to compare options and can even help you find your perfect match. Just as importantly, you get to do a free discovery call with as many coaches as you need to find the perfect fit for you.
Check out Leland and find your perfect coach to get into your dream school.
We earn a small commission if you purchase coaching services through our link, which helps support the free content we create here.
4. Deadlines
The deadlines for the 2026-2027 season are below. You can access the Kellogg application here.
Kellogg Round 1 Deadlines
Application Deadline: September 9, 2026
Interview Notification: Ongoing
Decisions Released: December 9, 2026
Kellogg Round 2 Deadlines
Application Deadline: January 6 2027
Interview Notification: Ongoing
Decisions Released: March 24, 2027
Kellogg Round 3 Deadlines
Application Deadline: March 31, 2027
Interview Notification: Ongoing
Decisions Released: May 12, 2027
