Crafting Winning Kellogg MBA Essays: Expert Tips from Caryn
Applying to Kellogg’s MBA program means taking on two essay questions that challenge you to communicate your motivations, leadership style, and personal growth. To help applicants navigate this process, B-Schooled co-host Chandler sat down with senior SBC consultant Caryn, a former AdCom officer at the Kellogg School of Management, to provide actionable advice for crafting impactful Kellogg MBA essays.
Their conversation covers:
- How to tackle the “motivation” essay while staying focused and specific.
- Structuring the “leadership and decision-making” essay with clarity and introspection.
- Avoiding common pitfalls, such as vagueness, irrelevance, or failing to answer the question fully.
- Demonstrating Kellogg’s highly valued concept of fit, authenticity, and collaboration.
This Q&A offers a roadmap for aspiring Kellogg applicants who want to stand out while staying true to themselves.
Curious about your chances of getting into Kellogg? Contact us to talk strategy with a free 15-minute advising session with an SBC Principal Consultant.
The first essay prompt for Kellogg asks applicants to discuss their motivations for pursuing an MBA. What’s your top advice for tackling this question effectively?
Caryn: The key here is focus. Kellogg is asking about your motivations—they’re not asking for a full breakdown of your resume. While your resume may inform your motivations, you should only include details that directly connect to why you’re pursuing an MBA. You need to thread the needle carefully to show how things you have done in your background, whether professional, personal, or extracurricular, relate to your career goals.
I always encourage my clients to be very specific about answering those questions. If it says, “articulate your motivations for pursuing an MBA,” you can have a topic sentence that says, “My motivations for pursuing an MBA include…”. Clear, succinct and candid is the way to go.—B-Schooled co-host Chandler
For example, some applicants struggle with word count because they try to cram in too much background information. Instead, focus on the most relevant elements. Why now? Why Kellogg? Why an MBA? Connect these threads clearly and concisely.
Another crucial point for Kellogg MBA essays is specificity. Don’t be vague about what you want to achieve or why Kellogg is the right place for you. Avoid general statements like, “I want to take strategy classes.” Instead, name a specific course, mention a professor, or highlight a unique feature of Kellogg that aligns with your goals.
If you can replace “Kellogg” with another school’s name and your essay still makes sense, you haven’t been specific enough. The schools all know each other, especially the M7, and they know what they do and don’t offer.
Lastly, this essay is about you. It’s not about a team you were part of or a group accomplishment. Kellogg wants to know your personal story—what drives you, what you’ve learned, and where you’re headed.
The second essay asks about a difficult professional decision and how it impacted your leadership style. How should applicants approach this essay?
Caryn: This is a behavioral question; the STAR framework is your best friend here. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Structuring your essay this way ensures clarity and flow, which is critical given the limited word count.
The tricky part of this essay is the focus on the decision itself. You need to tell a story about a professional decision—this isn’t the place to write about extracurricular activities or something from college. Kellogg has explicitly said they want work experience for this essay.
You have two main options for structuring your response:
- Focus entirely on the decision-making process: Dive deep into the research, conversations, and thought processes that guided your choice.
- Split the essay into decision and action: Start with a brief explanation of the decision, then spend the bulk of the essay on what happened next—your actions, the challenges you faced, and the results.
Whichever approach you choose, keep the setup concise. If your essay spends more than 20% of its word count on background details, you risk losing the reader before they get to the core of your story.
Many applicants struggle to stay within the word count limits while still telling a compelling story in these Kellogg MBA essays. How can they manage this effectively?
Caryn: Word count management starts with the setup. If it takes four or five sentences to explain the situation, cut it down to two. And if you still can’t make it concise, it’s probably not the right story. You want a clear and compelling setup that doesn’t overshadow the actions and results.
Most of your essay should focus on the action—what you did, how you navigated challenges, and why you made specific choices. Including a minor setback or obstacle is also helpful to show resilience and problem-solving skills.
Finally, don’t skimp on the results. Many applicants end their essays with, “And we achieved X,” but they fail to include introspection. Kellogg specifically asks how this experience impacted your leadership style, so use the conclusion to reflect on what you learned and how it has influenced your approach to leadership moving forward.
How can applicants demonstrate fit in their Kellogg MBA essays?
Caryn: Fit is critical to Kellogg—they’re looking for collaborative, self-aware individuals who will thrive in their tight-knit community.
One way to demonstrate fit is through the tone and content of your essays. Highlight experiences that showcase your ability to work well with others, adapt to challenges, and contribute to a team. But don’t overemphasize group accomplishments at the expense of your personal contributions—remember, this is about you.
Another aspect of fit is authenticity. Don’t try to write what you think Kellogg wants to hear. Be genuine about your motivations, challenges, and growth. Admissions committees can spot inauthenticity, and it’s a major red flag.
Lastly, consider how your values align with Kellogg’s culture. Kellogg values collaboration, community, and leadership, so your essays should naturally reflect these qualities. For example, if your leadership story demonstrates self-awareness and mentorship, it aligns well with what Kellogg seeks in its students.
What are some common pitfalls applicants should avoid for these Kellogg MBA essays?
Caryn: Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Irrelevance: Stick to what the question is asking. For example, in the leadership essay, Kellogg isn’t asking how you plan to contribute to their program—that belongs in a different part of the application.
- Vagueness: Be as specific as possible. Generic statements won’t make your essay stand out.
- Overcomplication: If your story is too convoluted or takes too long to set up, it won’t resonate. Admissions officers read quickly, so clarity is essential.
- Lack of introspection: Always connect your story to personal growth. If you don’t reflect on how the experience shaped you, you’re missing a critical part of the essay.
- Failing to showcase fit: Your essays should naturally convey that you belong at Kellogg—both academically and culturally.
Do you have any final thoughts or advice for applicants working on these essays?
Caryn: Be authentic. Kellogg asks these questions because they genuinely want to know who you are. Don’t try to game the system—just be yourself. Also, remember that the school values collaboration and fit. Consider how your Kellogg MBA essays reflect your ability to work with others and contribute to a community. Finally, leave the admissions officer wanting more. If your essays are compelling and personal, they’ll be excited to learn more about you during your interview.
Embrace the opportunity to show who you are and why you’re a perfect fit for Kellogg’s dynamic environment. With thoughtful preparation and the tips shared here, you’ll be well-equipped to present your best self and take the next step toward achieving your MBA goals!
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Stacy Blackman Consulting offers multiple services to meet your MBA application needs. From our All-In Partnership to interview prep, essay editing, resume review, and much more, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today for a free 15-minute advising session to talk strategy with a Principal SBC consultant.
