MBA Essay Guidance 2025-26: Kellogg School of Management

The Kellogg School of Management’s Full-Time MBA program at Northwestern University offers an immersive and flexible business education designed to develop both the analytical and leadership skills needed to excel in today’s dynamic global marketplace. Students can choose from several distinct paths—including the traditional Two-Year MBA, One-Year MBA, MMM dual-degree, and JD-MBA—each providing a rigorous curriculum, extensive elective options, and opportunities for experiential learning. Hallmarks of the program include a strong emphasis on teamwork, a general management focus, and a collaborative culture enriched by a diverse student body and world-renowned faculty. Kellogg’s MBA experience is further distinguished by its commitment to fostering leaders who can inspire growth, drive innovation, and make a meaningful impact in their organizations and communities.

As you prepare your Kellogg MBA application, understanding the program’s collaborative, leadership-driven culture is key to crafting compelling essays. Kellogg’s written and video essay questions are designed not only to assess your career goals and motivations but also to gauge your self-awareness, intentionality, and fit with the school’s values and community. In the following sections, we provide detailed guidance on how to approach each essay prompt, ensuring your responses clearly articulate your aspirations, experiences, and the unique contributions you will bring to Kellogg.

Written Essays

Question 1

Intentionality is a key aspect of what makes our graduates successful Kellogg leaders. Help us understand your journey by articulating your motivations for pursuing an MBA, the specific goals you aim to achieve, and why you believe now is the right moment. Moreover, share why you feel Kellogg is best suited to serve as a catalyst for your career aspirations and what you will contribute to our community of lifelong learners during your time here.  (450 words)

Admitify Guidance

Despite its innovative wording, Kellogg’s essay 1 prompt is a traditional Why an MBA/Why Kellogg essay. “Intentionality” simply refers to a preference for applicants who have specific reasons (goals) for needing an MBA versus applicants who just want a break from their careers, miss the learning they enjoyed as undergrads, or are clueless as to their post-MBA careers. Kellogg’s phrase “specific goals” means they do want your best thoughts on where your post-Kellogg career will go immediately after graduating and what your best-case long-term career vision is. This does not mean that you have to state only one short- and/or long-term goal. A Plan A/Plan B approach is fine, but make sure your Plans A and B are relevant to the long-term theme of your post-Kellogg career (e.g., “sustainability,” “AI entrepreneurship”, “professional sports leadership” etc.). Devote a sentence or two to the skills/assets you lack that these goals require and another sentence or two to the Why Now question (versus 2 years ago or 2 years from now). Half the essay at least should be devoted to Why Kellogg: state specific Kellogg resources (not just course names!) that show Kellogg is ideal for someone with your goals. Devote several sentences to sharing some specific ideas about ways you benefit Kellogg’s community. Naming three student clubs you’ll join is not a contribution; stating some value-adds or changes you will bring to those clubs is a contribution.

Question 2

Kellogg leaders are primed to tackle challenges everywhere, from the boardroom to their neighborhoods. Describe a specific professional experience where you had to make a difficult decision. Reflecting on this experience, identify the values that guided your decision-making process and how it impacted your leadership style. (450 words)

Admitify Guidance

Kellogg is limiting you to a professional experience (which ideally will be an accomplishment you’re proud of), want to explore how your decision-making muscle operated in a specific scenario, want to learn about the values that informed the decision you made, and *also* want you to connect the difficult ‘professional experience’ you wrote about to your leadership (either the leadership you demonstrated in the difficult experience you write about *or* the leadership style you have adopted since that experience). So look for job-related accomplishments not more than 2-3 years old where you had to make a tough choice (if that choice involved ethical/integrity issues, even better) that turned out for the best or at least taught you something. If you led people when you made that choice, wonderful, but if not, explain how the “difficult decision” changed your “leadership style” and perhaps share a quick example illustrating that change. Kellogg’s phrase “identify the values” means they want to see some introspection around your decision-making: what principles, ideals, influences, life experiences shaped the difficult choice you made? Clearly, this is not an easy essay because it requires you to find an accomplishment (hopefully though not necessarily) involving a dilemma or a tough A/B choice where (hopefully) the stakes were high and where (hopefully) you demonstrated some leadership. 

Additional Information

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)

Admitify Guidance

When writing the additional information essay for Kellogg’s MBA application, keep the following advice in mind to make the most effective use of this opportunity:

• Be Transparent and Honest: If there are any aspects of your application that require clarification or context, be open and honest about them. Admissions committees appreciate transparency and a genuine explanation.
• Focus on Relevancy: Use this essay to address significant extenuating circumstances or any information that is essential for the admissions committee to understand your application fully. Avoid including minor details or excuses that might distract from your overall profile.
• Be Succinct: The instructions suggest that you use this section to “briefly” tell the admissions committee about any relevant information. Respect the word limit and deliver your message concisely.
• Provide Context: If there were gaps in your work experience due to personal reasons, health issues, or other factors, explain the circumstances briefly. Offer context without going into unnecessary details or making excuses.
• Address Academic Performance: If your academic record has inconsistencies or periods of questionable performance, you can use this essay to explain the reasons behind them. Focus on any major challenges you faced and how you addressed them.
• Own Responsibility: If there are any challenges or issues that affected your application, take responsibility for them. Acknowledge any mistakes and demonstrate what you learned from those experiences.
• Avoid Unnecessary Negativity: While it’s essential to address extenuating circumstances, try to maintain a positive tone in your essay. Avoid sounding defensive or overly negative.
• Connect to Personal Growth: If possible, relate how you’ve grown or changed as a result of the challenges you faced. Discuss how these experiences have made you a stronger and more resilient individual.
• Utilize Optional Recommendation: If you believe your choice of recommenders requires clarification, you can briefly explain why you selected them and how they are best positioned to speak to your qualifications.
• Seek a Second Opinion: Before submitting the essay, consider sharing it with a trusted friend, family member, or mentor. Getting feedback can help you ensure that your message is clear and effectively presented.
• Use It Wisely: Only use this essay if you genuinely have something relevant to explain or clarify. If your application is strong and doesn’t require additional context, there’s no need to force an explanation.

The additional information essay is an opportunity to provide context and address any important points that might not be evident from the rest of your application. By using this section wisely and thoughtfully, you can strengthen your overall application and help the admissions committee understand you better.

Career Goals Short-Answer Questions Within the Application

• Share with us the motivations behind your desired industry/function after graduating from Kellogg. (500 characters)

• What does a successful career look like five years after you graduate from Kellogg? (500 characters)

Admitify Guidance

To answer Kellogg’s two 500-character career goals questions effectively, you need to be concise, specific, and intentional. Here’s targeted guidance for each:

1. Motivations Behind Your Desired Industry/Function

What to Do:

• • Clearly state your target industry and function.
  • Briefly explain the “why”—the underlying motivation or inspiration.
  • Connect your motivation to a personal experience, passion, or market insight.

How to Approach:

• • Avoid vague statements (“I like consulting because it’s interesting”).
  • Use a specific driver: a professional challenge, a personal value, or a formative experience.
  • Show intentionality—demonstrate that you’ve thought deeply about this path and how it fits your skills and aspirations.

Example Structure:
“I aim to join healthcare consulting to leverage my analytical skills and passion for improving patient outcomes, inspired by witnessing inefficiencies in hospital operations during my time as a medical device analyst.”

2. What a Successful Career Looks Like Five Years After Kellogg

What to Do:

• • Define a clear, realistic position or impact you hope to achieve.
  • Describe what “success” means to you—leadership, impact, innovation, or growth.
  • Link your vision to Kellogg’s values or your long-term goals.

How to Approach:

• • Be specific about your role, responsibilities, or the impact you want to have.
  • Avoid generic statements (“I want to be successful in my career”).
  • Show ambition but remain grounded and credible.

Example Structure:
“In five years, I envision leading a product team at a digital health startup, driving innovations that improve care delivery and mentoring diverse talent, embodying Kellogg’s collaborative leadership values.”

General Tips for Both Questions

• Be Direct: Get to the point quickly; every word counts with the 500-character limit.
• Show Intentionality: Kellogg values applicants who have clear, well-reasoned goals and motivations.
• Connect to Impact: Whenever possible, link your goals to broader impact—on your organization, industry, or community.
  Be Authentic: Use genuine motivations and aspirations, not what you think Kellogg wants to hear.

By being specific, intentional, and authentic, you’ll demonstrate the clarity and drive Kellogg seeks in its candidates.

Reapplicant Essay

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? (250 words)

Admitify Guidance

When addressing the prompt about personal and professional growth since a previous application, it’s essential to be concise yet impactful. Here’s some advice for crafting a compelling response:

• Reflect on Your Journey: Take some time to introspect and consider the experiences, challenges, and opportunities that have shaped you since your previous application. Think about how these experiences have contributed to your personal and professional growth.
• Focus on Key Transformations: Identify the most significant ways in which you have evolved. These changes could be related to your mindset, skills, knowledge, or outlook on life and career.
• Be Specific: Instead of providing a general overview, highlight specific examples that demonstrate your growth. Use anecdotes and real-life situations to illustrate your points effectively.
• Connect Personal and Professional: Showcase how your personal growth has positively influenced your professional development and vice versa. Discuss how both aspects of your life are interconnected and have contributed to your journey.
• Discuss Your Motivation: Explain the driving force behind your desire to become a stronger candidate. Discuss the factors that pushed you to pursue growth and self-improvement.
• Mention Past Feedback: If you received feedback from the previous application process, briefly touch upon how it influenced your journey and the steps you took to address any areas of improvement.
• Highlight New Achievements: If you’ve accomplished anything noteworthy since your last application, mention it briefly. Whether it’s a significant project, promotion, or leadership role, these achievements can demonstrate your progress.
• Address Weaknesses: If there were weaknesses in your previous application, mention how you’ve worked on overcoming them. Demonstrate your self-awareness and commitment to personal development.
• Discuss Kellogg’s Impact: Show your understanding of Kellogg’s MBA program and how it aligns with your goals for personal and professional growth. Explain how Kellogg’s resources and community can help you continue on your path of improvement.
• Stay Within the Word Limit: The prompt suggests “approximately 250 words,” so be concise and ensure your response fits within this limit.
• Edit and Revise: As always, review your essay for clarity, coherence, and grammar. Make sure your writing effectively conveys the changes you’ve undergone and your commitment to becoming the strongest candidate.

By following these tips, you can create a compelling and impactful response that showcases your growth and determination to succeed in Kellogg’s MBA program. Remember to be authentic and sincere in your reflections, allowing the admissions committee to see the real progress you’ve made since your previous application.

Video Essays

We’ve read your essays, we’ve read your resume — now we want you to bring all that to life in a video. Show us the person behind all those carefully crafted words.

The video will be comprised of three questions, each designed to help you showcase your personality and share some of the experiences that brought you here today.

Some things to keep in mind as you prepare to complete this section:

• Video essays are due 96 hours after the application deadline.

• A video essay link will appear on your Application Status Page after you submit your application and payment.

• You will need an internet-connected computer with a webcam and microphone.

• The video should take about 20-25 minutes to complete, which includes time for setup. 

Here are some additional tips:

• There are practice questions that you may complete as many times as you like to get comfortable with the format and technology. The practice questions and experience will simulate the actual video essay experience to help you prepare.

• We encourage you to practice so you are comfortable with the format once it is time to complete the official questions. You will not have an opportunity to re-do the answer to the official video essay questions.

• You will have a brief moment to think about the question and up to one minute to give your response.”

Admitify Guidance

The Kellogg School of Management’s video essay is a distinctive and crucial part of its MBA application, designed to let the admissions committee see the person behind the written application. Here’s how to prepare and excel:

Understand the Format

• You will receive three video essay questions after submitting your application, accessed via a link from Kira Talent.
• For each question, you get 20 seconds to think and 60 seconds to answer.
• There are no redos; you get only one attempt per question.
• The questions are designed to assess your personality, communication skills, and fit with Kellogg’s values.

Key Preparation Steps

1. Know What Kellogg Is Looking For

• Kellogg values leadership, teamwork, strong interpersonal skills, and a collaborative mindset.
• The video essay is your chance to demonstrate authenticity, communication skills, and how you embody Kellogg’s values of inclusivity and community impact.

2. Practice Common Question Types

While the exact questions are not released in advance, they typically fall into three categories:

• Personal introduction (e.g., “Tell us about yourself”)
• Behavioral/leadership experience (e.g., “Describe a time you led a team”)
• Motivation for Kellogg and your goals (e.g., “Why Kellogg?” or “What will you contribute to our community?”)

3. Structure Your Responses

Use a simple, clear structure for each answer:

• Brief introduction (set the context)
• Main point(s) with a specific example or story
• Conclusion that ties back to Kellogg or your personal growth

4. Practice Delivery

• Rehearse with a timer to get comfortable with the 60-second limit.
• Record yourself to ensure you speak clearly, maintain eye contact, and express enthusiasm.
• Practice answering without reading from a script to sound natural and authentic.

Technical and Presentation Tips

1. Set Up Your Environment

• Choose a quiet, well-lit space with a neutral background.
• Ensure your camera and microphone work well; check for clear video and audio.

2. Dress Professionally

• Wear business attire as you would for an in-person interview to convey professionalism.

3. Minimize Distractions

• Silence notifications and remove potential interruptions.
• Position yourself so your face is clearly visible and you’re centered in the frame.

Content Tips

1. Be Authentic and Personable

• Let your personality shine—Kellogg wants to see the real you, not a rehearsed persona.
• Show enthusiasm for Kellogg and demonstrate how your experiences and values align with the school’s culture.

2. Highlight Leadership and Teamwork

• Use specific examples that showcase your leadership, teamwork, and adaptability.
• Reflect on challenges you’ve faced and what you learned from them.

3. Show Cultural Awareness and Inclusivity

• Share experiences that demonstrate your ability to work with diverse teams and foster inclusive environments.

Final Reminders

• You must submit your video responses within 96 hours of submitting your application.
• Treat the video essay as a mini-interview—prepare, but don’t over-rehearse.

By preparing thoughtfully and presenting your authentic self, you can make a strong impression in Kellogg’s video essay component and stand out as a future leader in their community.

Ready to put these insights into action?

Want to make sure your Kellogg essays reflect your best, most compelling self? Sign up for a Free Profile Review with Admitify’s expert coaches. We’ll help you assess your strengths, identify areas for improvement, and craft a winning strategy — because at a school as competitive as Kellogg, you can’t afford to guess.