For 2019-2020, the following two essays are required of all applicants:
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)
Guidelines from Kellogg: 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.
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)
Guidelines from Kellogg: 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?
Optional essay:
All applicants have the opportunity to provide explanations or clarification in Additional Information. Use this section if you think the person reviewing your application might have a few questions about one or more of your responses. This could include:
- Unexplained gaps in work experience
- Academic, GMAT or GRE performance
- Extenuating circumstances that we should be aware of when reviewing your application
Certain applicants will respond to additional 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)
Video Essay:
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 what set you en route to pursuing an MBA and why you’re choosing a particular Kellogg Full-Time Program.
Video essay 3: Each of you will receive a randomly selected prompt, all of which have the same objective. We want you to show us how you handled a challenging situation in your career or personal life. For example, we might ask you to tell us about a time you failed to achieve a goal you had set for yourself.
(You will have 20 seconds to think about the question and up to one minute to give your response)
DEADLINES:
Round 1: September 19, 2019
Round 2: January 8, 2020
round 3: April 8, 2020
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:
Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation. Ideally, one of these should come from a current supervisor while the second can come from someone who can evaluate your professional performance e.g. a former supervisor, previous employer, client.
The recommendation questions are:
- Kellogg has a diverse student body and values students who are inclusive and encouraging of others with differing perspectives and backgrounds. Please tell us about a time when you witnessed the candidate living these values. (300 words)
- How does the candidate’s performance compare to those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Please provide specific examples. (300 words)
- Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the candidate. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (250 words)
Reapplications:
If you have previously applied to Kellogg, you must submit a new online application with updated transcripts and resume.
The reapplicant essay is: Since your previous application, what steps have you taken to strengthen your candidacy? (250 words)
All references need to submit an online letter of recommendation form, regardless of previous submissions. If using references from a previous Kellogg MBA application, please encourage them to include new information in their recommendation.
INTERVIEW
Interviews can be completed both on-campus and off campus. Kellogg tries to interview most applicants and thus they encourage applicants to schedule On-campus interviews after they have submitted their applications. These interviews are by first come first serve basis only, so there’s benefit in scheduling them quickly. Off-campus interviews are by invitation only.