Essays are an important component of the MBA application process as they allow applicants to showcase their unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives beyond their academic and professional credentials.
Kellogg has a distinctive feature of requiring both written essays and video essays as part of the application process. This presents an opportunity for applicants to explain why they believe Kellogg is the appropriate choice for them. Through essays, applicants can highlight their goals, motivations, and aspirations, and demonstrate how their values and experiences align with the program's mission and culture.
When writing essays for your Kellogg application, it's important to keep a few things in mind such as the skills that Kellogg specifically values and then framing your essays considering those points.
Essays
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? (450 words)
To answer this question, you should start by reflecting on a recent experience where you took on a leadership role and created value. It could be a work project, a volunteer opportunity, or a personal initiative. Be specific about the actions you took and the impact you had and describe any challenges or obstacles you faced and how you overcame them.
Essay 2
Values are what guide us in our life and work. What values are important to you and how have they influenced you? (450 words)
When answering the question about your values and how they have influenced you, it's important to keep in mind that Kellogg values leadership and decision making skills, so write your essay accordingly and don't forget to include those specific details that bring those skills of yours to life.
Video Essay 1 (Optional)
Please introduce yourself to the admissions committee.
This is your chance to communicate to the Kellogg admissions committee and your potential future classmates about what makes you unique. Use this opportunity to showcase your individuality and share what sets you apart.
Video Essay 2 (Optional)
What path are you interested in pursuing, how will you get there, and why is this program right for you?
The question is intentionally open-ended so that you can answer it in a genuine and significant manner. The admissions committee wants to understand your reasons for pursuing an MBA and why you have selected a specific Kellogg Full-Time Program.
Video Essay 3 (Optional)
What path are you interested in pursuing, how will you get there, and why is this program right for you?
When answering this question in a video format, it's important to present yourself professionally and engagingly. Keep in mind that you will be given 20 seconds to think and a minute to respond for your answer, so prepare yourself with those terms considered.
Kellogg Essay Tips
- Kellogg School is known for transforming business education. It's a good idea to include a business perspective for reliability in your answer.
- Kellogg is looking for leaders who possess exceptional leadership skills. Try to incorporate incidents highlighting your leadership abilities in your essay.
- If you feel like you left something in your applications or essays, opt for the optional video essays only then. It's not necessary to include a video essay if it doesn't add value.
- Based on previously accepted essays, it should be noted that Kellogg values decision-making skills, so writing about how made a decision and how it affected you will increase your chances of acceptance.
- During the video essay section, you will be given 20 seconds to gather your thoughts for the question and then you will have one minute to provide your response, so practice accordingly.