Northwestern / Kellogg Essay Topic Analysis 2013-2014

by Clear Admit, Jul 26, 2013

Following up on Kelloggs release of its 2013-2014 essay topics, we wanted to take a closer look at how this years prompts have changed from last year and provide applicants with some insight into how to approach each question.

Like several other top business schools, Kellogg has reduced the length and number of its required essays this year; while applicants last year had to answer four questions totaling 1,525 words, this years applicants face only three questions totaling 1,350 words. The prompts for Essay 1 and Essay 3 have also changed, though the themes highlighted by the essay questionspersonal growth, leadership, career goals, and an interest in Kelloggremain much the same from prior years.

Essay 1

Whats the greatest obstacle youve overcome (personally or professionally)? How has overcoming this obstacle prepared you to achieve success now and in the future? (350 words maximum)

Previously calling for applicants to discuss defining moments from their lives, Essay 1 is now a bit more specific, asking applicants to describe the most difficult obstacle they have ever overcome and to reflect on what they learned and how they changed from the experience. Given that applicants may draw from the personal or professional realms, there are numerous topics that could be appropriate here. For example, an applicant could discuss how growing up in difficult socioeconomic circumstances influenced his or her strong work ethic, or how adapting to a foreign culture made him or her an open-minded and adaptable person. Regardless of the subject, after providing a detailed description of the obstacle and how it initially hindered their lives, applicants should be sure to clearly explain how they overcame it and how that process shaped them in a positive way that has prepared them for success. To really prove to the adcom that they learned from the experience, applicants could provide a brief example of a later time when they navigated a difficult situation by implementing the strengths theyd gained. In demonstrating their overall growth, applicants will show the adcom that they possess the ability to overcome challenging circumstances to achieve a successful outcome.

Essay 2

What have been your most significant leadership experiences? What challenges did you face, and what impact did you have? This is your opportunity to explain how you Think Bravely. (500 words maximum)

Making an appearance on Kelloggs application for the second year in a row, this prompt asks applicants to focus on how, in the course of leading others, they have overcome obstacles and had a positive influence on a group or organization. This essay is a great opportunity for an applicant to showcase the various leadership roles he or she has taken on in college and afterward. Given the number of topics that need to be addressed in this response, however, it would be wise to focus ones discussion on two or three leadership examples rather than providing a laundry list that includes every key leadership experience one has had. Applicants should also be sure to note the adcoms emphasis on Kelloggs Think Bravely slogan.According to Dean Sally Blount, thinking bravely refers to thinking outside of the box and being unafraid to challenge conventional wisdom. With that in mind, applicants will want to choose leadership examples that showcase not only their ability to rally others and guide teams toward an objective, but also their ability to do so in an innovative way.

Essay 3

Part 1: What career/role are you looking to pursue and why? (250 words maximum)

Part 2: Why are Kellogg andthe MBAessential to achieving these career goals? (250 words maximum)

A more straightforward version of last years Essay 3, this prompt is a variation of the typical career goals essay. In Part 1, applicants are asked to describe their professional aspirations and the motivation behind them. At a minimum, applicants will want to clearly explain their immediate post-MBA goal and long-term goal, as well as their reasons for pursuing these objectives. It would also be prudent of applicants to briefly comment on the timing of their application with respect to their career path to date so as to thoroughly address the why aspect of their goals and provide the reader with a better understanding of how their work experience thus far has shaped their aspirations.

Part 2 of Essay 3 requires applicants to explain why earning an MBA and attending Kellogg are essential steps to achieving their goals. In addition to discussing their reasons for pursuing an MBA at this juncture in their careers and what they hope to learn during business school, applicants should keep in mind that the school prides itself on its collegial culture and demonstrate a strong understanding of the unique merits of Kelloggs program. Taking the time to learn about the schools curriculum, special programs, and extracurricular activitieswhether through a visit to campus, conversation with alumni, or reading theClear Admit School Guide to Kelloggwill pay dividends here.