Friday, July 13, 2012

Northwestern Kellogg Essays for the 2012-13 Application Season (including one with a 25 word limit)


Northwestern Kellogg has released their essay questions for those applying to the MBA class entering in the fall of 2013.

One change that stands out is the inclusion of a 25-word essay asking for an "interesting or fun fact" that the applicant would want their future Kellogg classmates to know about them.  Shorter essays are always harder to write than longer ones, and the careful applicant will want to ensure they have something that answers this question which is clear, succinct and memorable.


Required Essays:
1. Discuss moments or influences in your personal life that have defined who you are today. (500 word limit)
2. What have been your most significant leadership experiences? What challenges did you face, and what impact did you have? This is your opportunity to explain how you Think Bravely (personally and/or professionally). (500 word limit)
3. Imagine yourself at your Kellogg graduation. What career will you be preparing to enter, and how have the MBA and Kellogg helped you get there? (Please answer in terms of your program choice: One-Year, Two-Year, MMM, JD-MBA) (500 word limit)
4. What one interesting or fun fact would you want your future Kellogg classmates to know about you? (25 words or less)


MMM Applicants Only:
How have you redefined yourself, your business environment and your community through the pursuit of design and innovation? (400 word limit)

For MMM applicants only: This is an optional essay that will be evaluated for the Rasmussen scholarship. 


Re-Applicants Only:
Since your previous application, what steps have you taken to strengthen your candidacy? (400 word limit) 

Please note: re-applicants are required to answer this question in addition to #1-4. 


Additional Information (Optional):
If needed, use this section to briefly describe any extenuating circumstances (e.g. unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, etc.) (No word limit)



The essay questions and instructions are reproduced above as they appear on the Northwestern Kellogg admissions site. Do verify all information directly with the program.

John Couke
john.couke@gmail.com