The most important thing you can do during this process is to be your authentic self. We can’t stress enough that there are no “right” or “wrong” answers. Rather, we encourage you to tell your story as authentically and honestly as possible, because we truly want to get to know you and the experiences that helped shaped you as a person, student and employee.
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Completing the Kellogg Application
Take a deep dive into each component of the Kellogg application and learn a few tips along the way.
What We Look For and How We Evaluate
Hear firsthand insights from our admissions team about what we’re looking for and how we evaluate applicants.
Eligibility
A bachelor’s or equivalent degree from an accredited college or university is required to apply. Previous study in business or economics is not required, with the exception of the One-Year Program. Since much of the MBA curriculum utilizes quantitative skills, we encourage students to complete introductory courses in calculus and statistics prior to enrolling.
Evaluation & Assessment
When we evaluate our applicants, a few qualities really stand out to us, including the ability to push past comfort zones and question the norm. These qualities help us understand if an applicant is ready to seize all of the opportunities that come with joining Kellogg.
The committee assesses your:
For international candidates, the committee also assesses:
Professional Experience
The committee also values professional experience, including military service, that has provided a breadth and depth of skills and experiences to serve as a foundation for the MBA classroom. We look for people who are not afraid to question the status quo, can motivate a team to drive impact, and are eager to dive in and collaborate with an engaged, ambitious community of peers.
There is no "one-size-fits-all" when it comes to business, so why should your MBA be any different? At Kellogg, we are proud to offer five distinct Full-Time MBA Programs — One-Year, Two-Year, MBAi, MMM and JD-MBA — all uniquely designed to fit your personal and professional goals.
Each applicant is allowed to apply to one Full-Time Kellogg program per year. If you haven’t already, we highly encourage you to research all program options to make sure you’ve found the right fit for your needs.
Insights from Admissions: Kellogg Full-Time MBA Program Options
If you’ve decided to apply to a Full-Time Kellogg MBA program but aren’t sure which to choose, you’ll find a breakdown of your options in this post from our admissions team.
These components of the application are core to evaluating your experience and aptitude, giving us a better idea of your ability to tackle the challenging MBA curriculum.
You’ll be asked to provide a current resume or CV as part of the application. It should be similar to one you would use for a job application, but tailored to a more general audience as it will be reviewed by those with different backgrounds. You are not obligated to submit it in a specific format or length. Instead, try to ensure our team can look at your resume and application and easily understand your professional background and accomplishments.
In addition to submitting a copy of your resume/CV, you’ll also complete an employment section of the application to provide us with a more in-depth understanding of your career history, key transitions between jobs, and promotions. Make sure to double check the accuracy of information in this section.
Read more application tips
Your education is a major part of how you got here today, and we want to make sure we understand all parts of it. We ask that you list all colleges, universities and study abroad programs you have attended or are currently attending. Please note:
All records must show your name, the name of the institution, enrollment dates, courses taken, units of credit, marks or ratings in each subject, and rank in the total class or group (if available).
Kellogg requires you to submit either a GMAT or GRE score; no preference is given to either test so choose the option that works best for you. If you’re interested in seeing a typical score range, check out our latest Class Profile. Note that we do not have a minimum acceptable score.
Please request that official test scores are sent to Kellogg by using one of the following school codes:
Important Facts
Kellogg has continued to monitor the access to GMAT/GRE testing due to COVID-19. With the opening of many testing centers across the country and the enhancements made for online testing options, Kellogg will require a GMAT or GRE test score for applicants.
However, we understand that this situation is fluid and access to take the test varies based on each applicant's location, health condition, and personal situation. We empathize with these applicants and encourage them to apply to their desired entry term, even if they haven't yet taken a test. If you are unable to take the GMAT/GRE prior to submitting your application, please use the Additional Information essay in the application to explain your situation and provide an anticipated date for completing the exam. To receive a decision in Round 3, you will need to submit a valid score by April 25, 2021.
Kellogg is unique in that we ask you to complete written essays as part of the application as well as video essays. This is your chance to tell us why you think Kellogg is the right place 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:
Certain applicants will respond to additional questions:
One-Year 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)
MBAi applicants: The Kellogg McCormick MBAi program is designed to train the next generation of leaders who can help businesses deliver successful outcomes through AI-driven technology. This requires leaders who have both strong technical and business skills; many firms struggle to find leaders with these skills. Tell us about your firsthand experience with this disconnect between business and technology and how MBAi will prepare you to successfully lead businesses at the intersection. (450 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)
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)
Reapplicants: Since your previous application, what steps have you taken to strengthen your candidacy? (250 words)
5 Tips on Writing the Essays
Jennifer Hayes, the director of admissions for the One-Year MBA Program, gives you five tips on acing the written essays on the Kellogg application.
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.
Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare to complete this section:
After submitting your application and payment, you will be able to access the video essay through your application status page. You will be asked to answer three questions:
Here are some additional tips:
Insights from Admissions: the Video Essays
It’s not uncommon to feel apprehensive about answering the video essay questions on the application. Lance Bennett, director of diversity admissions, is here to help.
MBA Application Video Essays: Managing Yourself Through Disruption
Lance Bennett covers how to approach the video essay and dives deeper into the new question on the application.
Letters of recommendation are particularly useful to us because they provide insight into your experience and accomplishments as a leader through the eyes of someone else.
You’ll need to submit two letters of recommendation for your application to be considered complete. Ideally, one letter should come from a current supervisor or manager. The second should come from someone who can evaluate your professional performance and your managerial/leadership potential (e.g., former supervisor, previous employer, client).
Please choose your recommenders carefully as additional letters of support are neither required nor encouraged.
Have your recommenders respond to the following prompts:
The application fee is $250. Submit your payment via credit card with the application. Do not send payments directly to Kellogg.
Fee waivers are granted to:
If you qualify for a fee waiver, send a formal request to mbaadmissions@kellogg.northwestern.edu before you submit your application. Provide supporting evidence of your current employment or military status. Military applicants should submit either a pay stub or letter from a commanding officer to verify active duty status. For military veterans who have completed service within the last three years, please submit a copy of Form DD-214.
Candidates may not be considered for more than one Kellogg program at a time. Please note that all application fees are non-refundable.
The interview provides an opportunity for you to learn more about our community. It also allows the admissions committee to further evaluate your interpersonal and communication skills, career focus and motivations for the Kellogg MBA. We strive to interview as many candidates as possible.
Virtual Interviews
All interviews are currently virtual; in the application, you will provide your location so we are aware of your time zone. You will receive an email regarding the status of your interview and scheduling instructions within six weeks of the application deadline.
Interview Waiver
Due to the high demand for interviews and limited availability of interviewers, you may receive an interview waiver. If your interview is waived, the admissions committee may contact you if further information is needed to make a decision on your candidacy.
All Interview Requests are Final
You may not change your interview after it is scheduled. If you are unable to attend your interview, please contact the office of admissions at 847.491.3308 to cancel your request. The office will issue an interview waiver, which will not have a negative impact on your candidacy.
Insights from Admissions: The Interview
Christy Heaton, associate director of admissions, zeroes in on the interview experience.