Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management is one of several leading business schools to release its 2019-2020 MBA application online within the last week. At Kellogg, deadlines for the upcoming admission season are as follow:
- September 19, 2018
- January 9, 2019
- April 10, 2019
To help you get started, Director of Admissions Melissa Rapp provided insight into the 2019 MBA application along with some great advice on how to prepare. We’ve shared some of the most pertinent details below.
Written Essay Questions Remain Unchanged
The Kellogg written essay questions remain the same this year as last. Applicants will need to answer the following two questions.
- Tell us about a time you have demonstrated leadership and created lasting value.
To answer this question, MBA applicants should think about a specific challenge they have faced in their career and how they overcame it. Specifically, Rapp advises applicants to think about their contribution to their organization and the lasting value they created.
- How have you grown in the past? How do you intend to grow at Kellogg?
This question is about looking at both past performance and future behavior. Remember to keep in mind the reason why you’re pursuing an MBA in your answer.
Video Essay Advice
For four years, MBA applicants have been expected to complete a video essay, and this interview season is no different. Rapp recommends using your video essay as your chance to tell your story in your voice. In the video portion, you’ll answer three questions:
- What path are you interested in pursuing? How will you get there?
- Why is this program right for you?
- Randomly generated question about overcoming obstacles.
When answering these questions, Rapp encourages applicants to speak from the heart and to avoid repeating phrases from their written essay. You’ll have a few practice questions to help you get comfortable; then, they’ll dive straight into the official questions. Think of the video portion like an interview more than an essay.
As for the technology, the Kellogg technical team is available 24/7 with questions or concerns, though Rapp says few if any candidates struggle.
Focus on Your Unique Qualities
In this most recent blog post, Rapp also underscored Kellogg’s focus on diversity and inclusion. Specifically, she explained that the school is interested in a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and opinions. So, be confident in telling your story and what makes you unique. That’s what the admissions team wants to hear all about.
To read the full article and learn more about the 2019 MBA application, visit the Kellogg website.