Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)

Essay questions

The essays let you explain, in your own words, why you think Kellogg is right for you. Take some time to think through the experiences that led you here and how they have shaped where you want to go.

The following two essays are required of all applicants:

Kelloggs 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:

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)

JD-MBA applicants: Please discuss your post-JD-MBA career goals and why the JD-MBA Program is the right program to help you reach those goals. (250 words)

MMM applicants: The five core values of the MMM Program are curiosity, creativity, empathy, open-mindedness and a learning mindset. Describe a situation in which you demonstrated one of these values. Why is this value an important part of the MMM experience for you? (250 words)

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

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

Essay questions

You will be asked to complete two essays. The essays are your opportunity to talk directly to the admissions committee and tell your story. There is no right or wrong here, and we are not looking for any specific type of answer. However, we encourage you to think about the information you are sharing in your two essays and to make sure they share a balanced view of you as an applicant. Professional or personal examples are welcomed inclusions.

Essay 1: 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. What challenges did you face and what did you learn? (approximately 450 words)

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

Additional information: If needed, use this section to briefly describe any extenuating circumstances in your application (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, etc.).

Essay questions

Kellogg EMBA Essay #1
What do you want to achieve in your professional life? What have you already done to get there and how do you think Kellogg can help you? (approximately 450 words)
Kellogg EMBA Essay #2
Values are what guide you in your life and work. What values are important to you and how have they influenced you? (approximately 450 words)
Kellogg EMBA Essay #3 (Optional)
If needed, use this section to briefly describe any extenuating circumstances (e.g. unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, etc.).