The Complete Kellogg School of Management
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About The Kellogg School Of Management
Collaboration is the cornerstone of the MBA experience at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Located north of Chicago in Evanston, Illinois, Kellogg cultivates a uniquely empathetic approach to leadership within a rigorous academic setting. From its highly selective two-year MBA, one-year MBA, part-time MBA, and joint degree programs to its PhD and executive education offerings, Kellogg empowers future leaders to make a positive impact on their organizations and communities.
Kellogg’s collaborative culture is defined by its emphasis on teamwork and its extensive and approachable network, which together foster a strong sense of community. Resources like the Kellogg Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative (KIEI) and the Levy Institute for Entrepreneurial Practice provide students with invaluable support in developing and launching ventures. These initiatives, coupled with mentorship opportunities and access to Kellogg’s vast alumni network, equip students with the leadership skills and practical experience necessary for entrepreneurial success.
Further, Kellogg fosters a dynamic environment that encourages innovation and experimentation. Students develop the skills, connections, and support needed to affect meaningful change, becoming creative, empathetic, and purpose-driven leaders prepared for a rapidly evolving global landscape.
The Core Values of Kellogg School of Management
At Kellogg, core values aren’t just words on a page – they’re the heartbeat of the community. Empathetic Leadership takes center stage, encouraging students to pair business acumen with integrity, empathy, and a commitment to the greater good. This focus on ethical decision-making fosters a culture of respect and accountability, with a long-term vision that considers broader societal impact
Additionally, Kellogg is committed to providing a Transformative Learning Experience. Believing that a collaborative, inclusive environment leads to optimal outcomes, Kellogg fosters a team-based culture that emphasizes support, cooperation, and the exchange of ideas among students with varied backgrounds and perspectives.
Another core value at Kellogg is Thought Leadership & Innovation. Students are encouraged to think creatively, question traditional norms, and take calculated risks to push the boundaries of their industries. This spirit of innovation is woven into the curriculum, research opportunities, and initiatives, inspiring students to drive change and lead with a future-focused mindset.
Lastly, Kellogg emphasizes the value of Global Impact. Through international study opportunities, diverse student and faculty representation, and a focus on addressing worldwide challenges, Kellogg prepares graduates to make a positive difference across cultures and borders, equipping them to lead with a sense of global responsibility and empathy.
Kellogg MBA Class of 2027 Profile
The Kellogg MBA Academic Experience
Kellogg’s team-based learning environment cultivates close relationships between students, faculty, and peers, allowing for personalized mentorship and a supportive learning journey that extends beyond the classroom walls. Rigorous coursework is balanced by flexibility and a commitment to developing well-rounded leaders.
Students begin with core courses in foundational business areas such as finance, marketing, and leadership before selecting from a vast range of electives across disciplines. Kellogg’s curriculum encourages interdisciplinary learning, with students often taking advantage of joint courses offered through other Northwestern University schools, such as the Pritzker School of Law or the McCormick School of Engineering. This interdisciplinary approach cultivates creative problem-solving and provides a comprehensive understanding of complex business challenges. Courses such as Leadership in Organizations and Negotiations emphasize crucial soft skills like emotional intelligence and effective team dynamics, setting Kellogg apart from many other MBA programs. Additionally, students have the ability to explore a greater number of course topics each year because Northwestern operates on a quarter system.
Experiential learning is also central to Kellogg’s approach. Through opportunities like Global Initiatives in Management (GIM) and field-based courses, students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, gaining firsthand experience in various industries and global markets. Case studies, group projects, international travel, and interactive experiences deepen their understanding and prepare them for real-world challenges.
Moreover, Kellogg fosters a culture of respect and growth, encouraging students to take intellectual risks and explore new topics without fear of failure. With a grade non-disclosure policy in place, students are motivated to focus on learning and personal growth rather than grades, reinforcing Kellogg’s supportive and growth-oriented environment.
What Is Kellogg Really Looking For?
While the Kellogg MBA class profile highlights some key stats, it doesn’t fully reveal what the admissions team values most in applicants. Our insights reveal that Kellogg admits, as diverse as they are, typically share three qualities:
1. Collaborative Spirit
Kellogg highly values applicants who thrive in team-oriented settings. The program seeks candidates who not only excel individually but also uplift and inspire those around them. A strong sense of collaboration and community-mindedness signals that candidates will enrich the Kellogg community, contribute to group success, be involved members of the tight campus community, and continue fostering these values as alumni.
2. Adaptability and Resilience
Kellogg looks for students who demonstrate a proactive, adaptable mindset, ready to tackle challenges and grow from them. This quality is usually demonstrated through a history of embracing change, learning from setbacks, and displaying resilience in the face of uncertainty. Applicants who are self-aware and able to reflect on their experiences come across as individuals who will benefit from and contribute to the program’s rigorous and dynamic environment.
3. Global Mindset
Kellogg is committed to developing leaders who are prepared to operate on an international stage. Candidates with a demonstrated global perspective, an openness to diverse viewpoints, or experience working across cultures resonate with Kellogg’s global focus. This characteristic highlights that the applicant will bring a broadened perspective to discussions, enrich the learning experience for peers, and thrive in a globalized business landscape.
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The Kellogg MBA Application Process
Like other top MBA programs, the Kellogg School of Management uses a holistic admissions approach that considers an applicant’s entire profile, not just metrics like test scores or GPA. Here are the details for the application process for the class of 2028:
Deadlines:
Kellogg Future Leaders (deferred MBA)
- April 22, 2026
Full-Time MBA Admissions
- Round 1: Sept. 10, 2025
- Round 2: Jan. 7, 2026
- Round 3: April 1, 2026
Application Requirements:
- Completed Application Form: Applicants must complete the online application form on the Kellogg School of Management website.
- Transcripts: Official academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended are required, showing courses taken and grades received.
- GMAT or GRE Scores: Applicants can submit either the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.
- Resume: A current resume highlighting work experience, education, and key accomplishments.
- Essays: Applicants must submit two written essays, video essays consisting of three impromptu questions, plus an optional short-answer question for those who wish to provide additional information. The prompts are as follows:
- 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)
- 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)
- Optional Short-Answer Question: 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)
- 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. (takes 20-25 minutes to complete, due 96 hours after application deadline)
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required, ideally from professional references who can provide insight into your qualifications and character.
- Interview: The majority of candidates will be invited to an interview, which can be conducted virtually or in person.
- English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must provide proof of proficiency through tests like the TOEFL or IELTS, unless they hold a degree from an English-speaking institution.
- Application Fee: A non-refundable fee is required, with fee waivers available for qualifying applicants.
Kellogg MBA Essay Tips
When tackling Kellogg’s essay prompts, “fit”, leadership, authenticity, and vulnerability are key. These qualities help applicants stand out from the crowd of high achievers. Instead of listing accomplishments, focus on one or two experiences that have shaped who you are and influenced your career path. Be specific about the challenges you’ve encountered and the lessons you’ve learned, allowing the admissions committee to see your resilience and personal growth. Following a “show, don’t tell” approach will help engage the reader by painting a vivid picture of your journey and offering a unique perspective.
Self-awareness is essential, which is why Kellogg’s first essay asks specifically about your career path and goals in the context of intentionality. To approach this essay optimally, reflect on and then articulate the motivations and passions that have led you down the path, both personally and professionally, that you have chosen up to this point. Then, clearly outline what you need to learn and experience to reach your goals and how Kellogg specifically aligns with those gaps. Start by articulating your vision for the future and the impact you wish to make. Then, discuss specific Kellogg programs, faculty, clubs, or global experiences that resonate with your goals and show how they will support your development.
A strong essay will go beyond the obvious, highlighting unique ways you plan to learn and grow at Kellogg, and how you will be a perfect match for the tight-knit and teamwork oriented community. Demonstrating an insider knowledge of the program’s unique opportunities for development, like taking advantage of no-class Wednesdays meant to encourage student involvement in clubs, sports, and conferences, will help you gain traction.
The second essay, which asks you to reflect on a difficult decision, can be approached through the lenses of leadership, teamwork, or ethics. We recommend you dig deep for a fairly recent professional example that can showcase the evolution of your leadership style and/or highlight your ability to navigate challenging team dynamics. If the decision also has a component that challenged you to think and act ethically, that’s also a win! No matter what experience you choose to write about, be sure that it was truly difficult.
In Kellogg’s quest to interview a majority of applicants, many interviews are conducted by students and alumni. Therefore, the video essays may be the only time an admissions officer gets a glimpse of the applicant, making it critically important that the video essays showcase personality, goals, well-roundedness, and “fit”. The video essays are also an ideal opportunity to discuss salient elements of your candidacy that didn’t fit neatly into the written essays. For example, you could shed light on a hobby you are passionate about that you are excited to explore further with fellow Kellogians, such as poker or baking.
If Kellogg is on your list of dream schools, your next step is to request a free consultation with our team at Vantage Point MBA. We’ll share candid advice on your profile, answer your questions, and walk you through our services & pricing so you understand exactly how we can help you get accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the minimum GMAT score for Kellogg?
Bear in mind that while the mean GMAT score for those admitted to Kellogg’s MBA program is 733 (legacy) and 687 (GMAT Focus), there is technically no minimum as Kellogg considers candidates on a holistic basis.
Does Kellogg prefer the GRE or the GMAT?
Kellogg accepts both the GMAT and GRE for MBA admissions and has no preference between them. Applicants should choose the test that best reflects their abilities. There are no minimum score requirements, and the admissions process is holistic, considering various factors beyond test scores.
What is the cost of attending Kellogg?
When preparing for your educational expenses, take into account that the yearly cost for the Kellogg MBA program is estimated to be around $129K. This total includes not only tuition but also living costs, accommodation, medical insurance, and a student association fee. It’s important to factor these financial considerations into your planning if you’re contemplating enrollment in the MBA program at Kellogg.
Does Kellogg offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes! Admitted students are automatically considered for Kellogg scholarships and financial aid. Students receive a notification from admissions at the time they are admitted if they have been selected for one of Kellogg’s scholarships. Finance Fellows are the only exception – they are required to write a supplemental essay housed within the Kellogg application. Finance Fellows is a full-tuition scholarship for students in the Two-Year Program who are committed to making an impact in a finance industry or function
The F.C. Austin Scholarship is one of Kellogg’s largest, awarded at the time of admission, to a select cohort of high-potential students within the Two-Year and MMM Programs. Austin Scholars are selected because they have demonstrated exceptional leadership in academic and professional endeavors and show promise of outsized impact at Kellogg and beyond.
Can I reapply if I am not admitted to the Kellogg MBA program?
Certainly, if your first application to the Kellogg MBA program is not successful and you are not admitted, you have the option to submit a new application in the following year.
Don’t leave your Kellogg MBA application to chance!
Work with the best in the business so you too can become an MBA success story!
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