Top 5 tips when applying to Kellogg

Applying to Kellogg is your opportunity to join a vibrant community of future leaders and  create a network of friends, colleagues and support for life.  

We know the process can feel overwhelming, so we’ve created this checklist to help you prepare your best application and feel confident about becoming part of the Kellogg community.

1. Connect with our community

Before diving into your application, take time to explore what the Kellogg experience is all about. You’ll see that collaboration and community are at the heart of everything we do, and that we strive to foster a special combination of analytical, creative and social intelligence within each student.  

Get in touch with our admissions team, attend an admissions event and follow Kellogg on social media to stay inspired and informed. This exploration is a great way to picture yourself at Kellogg and see if it feels like the right place for you both in and out of the classroom. It can also help you articulate how your goals align with the Kellogg experience and how you would contribute to our community.

2. Find the right program for you

Kellogg offers several programs designed to meet students at different stages of their careers, including: Full-Time MBA, Evening & Weekend MBA, Executive MBA, Master in Management (MiM), and Kellogg Future Leaders (KFL). Each program is structured to support distinct professional goals, experience levels and learning formats. 

Full-Time MBA: Explore our One-Year, Two-Year, MBAi, MMM, JD-MBA or MD-MBA programs for early career explorers, pivoters and business launchers.  

Evening & Weekend MBA: Designed for working professionals who want to earn an MBA while continuing to work full-time. 

Executive MBA: Built for experienced leaders seeking to strengthen their strategic perspective and advance their leadership impact. 

Master in Management (MiM): Designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals with less than 2 years of work experience, providing a strong foundation in essential business disciplines. 

Kellogg Future Leaders (KFL): Offers deferred MBA admission for undergraduate and recent master's students who want to gain work experience before beginning business school. 

3. Share your story authentically

The admissions team wants to understand you beyond your resume. Think about moments that highlight your leadership, resilience and growth. Your essays are a chance to share these reflections, as well as highlight your motivations, aspirations and what you bring to the Kellogg community.  

But your story doesn’t live in the essays alone. Think of each section like a puzzle piece that comes together to show us who you are. Your experiences, recommendations and accomplishments all help build a fuller picture of your journey. 

We want you to be genuine and avoid generic responses. Remember: there are no “right” or “wrong” answers, and admissions officers want to hear your real voice. We want to understand the experiences that have shaped you personally and professionally. 

4. Prepare and submit your application materials

Collect your transcripts from all educational institutions, an updated resume or CV, your test scores — if the program you’re applying to requires them — and two letters of recommendation.  

Your resume should highlight your impact and leadership; focus on achievements that showcase how you’ve grown and contributed in your career. For your letters of recommendation, choose people who truly know your work and character. Ideally, they should be able to speak in detail about your leadership potential and ability to collaborate. Provide them with context about your career goals and why you’re applying to Kellogg. 

We recommend you give yourself time to gather these documents to help reduce last-minute stress and ensure your materials are polished. 

Before hitting submit, carefully review every part of your application. Check that all materials are complete, clear and polished. Trust in your story and the unique perspective you bring. Remember, every applicant brings something special to the table. 

You can submit an update to your application after you complete it if your employment changes, or if you receive new test scores or grades for recent classes. Simply sign in to your application and add the new info to the supplemental information page.

5. Interview with confidence

This is a chance for you to meet with a member of the Kellogg community one-on-one as we get to know you better. Use storytelling techniques, like the STAR approach, for example: explaining a project or experience by laying out the Situation (S), Task (T), Action (A) and Result (R) you achieved. Think about how to answer questions clearly and compellingly, and practice giving your answer in your chosen format.  

Be ready to discuss your career goals and why Kellogg is the right fit. Most importantly, be yourself: let your personality shine through and demonstrate how you engage as a peer and learner. 

Your application is your chance to show us who you truly are and what motivates you. Don’t wait! Start your application journey today. We can’t wait to meet you and see how you’ll contribute to the Kellogg community. 

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