While this year Kellogg changed its MBA application less than it did last year, it too has cut word limits and it also removed its one short-answer question. There may be short answers as part of the online application, but that is not yet available.
I strongly urge you to watch the videos where Kellogg defines what it means by Think Bravely. The qualified applicants who show they identify with that motto will have the best chance of acceptance.
1. What’s the greatest obstacle you’ve overcome (personally or professionally)? How has overcoming this obstacle prepared you to achieve success now and in the future? (350 word limit)
New question this year and 150 words less than was allowed for last year's first question about pivotal moments that have defined who you are today. However, this question is not entirely unrelated. The truth is that we frequently are defined if not heavily influenced by overcoming obstacles. Furthermore overcoming obstacles is tremendous preparation for achieving success in the future because winning that game, closing that deal, or making that goal almost always requires overcoming obstacles. (For more on this, please see Admissions Tips from Dr. Pausch's Last Lecture (Part 2) or for a deeper exploration of the topic, see Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Dweck.)
The response to this question begs for an anecdotal opening and requires a specific example or incident. What was the obstacle? What were you trying to achieve? How did you overcome it. Then analyze what the experience means to you. How will overcoming that obstacle help you overcome even greater ones in the future? What did you learn specifically that will contribute to success? And please don't write that you learned you can overcome anything you set your mind to. I'm sorry to break it to you, but it's not true, and a lot of people will write that (at least if they don't read this).
Realize that in the Think Bravely video, Dean Blount talks about four initiatives to drive Kellogg's thought leadership in the business world: 1) Markets and customers 2) Collaboration 3) Public/Private Interface 4) Innovation and Entrepreneurship. She defines the latter as renewal, resilience, and new ideas. This question is all about renewal and resilience, particularly resilience.
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. (500 word limit)
Here you can draw on professional or personal experiences, but make sure your answer shows you in a leadership role. You have the option of discussing more than one experience. Due to the word limit, I would bring up no more than three, and obviously choose the “most significant.” Answer the question as posed, but just as Kellogg suggests keep in mind its “Think Bravely” motto.
Because of that motto, focus on challenges that were not just technical or logistical; focus on leadership experiences where you were innovating , facing interpersonal issues, dealing with the public/private interface. or responding to markets and customers. . Those are the situations where thinking bravely, as Kellogg defines it, almost automatically come into play.
3 . Part 1: What career/role are you looking to pursue and why? (250 word limit)
This is a variation of last year's career goals question. It is more focused. Kellogg has also split the components of last year's 500-word question more narrowly focused 250-word components.
For part 1, what do you want to do after you get your MBA? What function do you want to perform and in what industry? If you have geographic element to your goal, that can be included too. You can answer that part of the question very succinctly and directly. In terms of the reasons for pursuing this goal, describe an experience or two, preferably an achievement, that convinced you this is the right path for you.
You can also start your essay with the experience and then say that it influenced your goal to do XYZ in the ABC industry.
Part 2: Why are Kellogg and the MBA essential to achieving these career goals? (250 word limit) (Please answer Part 2 in terms of your program choice: One-Year, Two-Year, MMM, JD-MBA).
This question was part of last year's application. How will the Kellogg's option you choose help you achieve your goal. What specific elements of its curriculum, co-curricular activities, and career management strengths will help you go from where you are today to where you want to be the day after tomorrow. Show that Kellogg is the ideal means for you to achieve your ends.
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 #1-3.
No trick questions here. How are you a better candidate today than when Kellogg rejected you? Have you addressed weaknesses in your previous application? Check out MBA Reapplicant 101 — a lot of (free) resources.
Additional Information (Optional): If needed, briefly describe any extenuating circumstances (e.g. unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, etc.) (No word limit)
This is a true optional question If necessary, use it to provide context for possible negatives. Take responsibility for mistakes if necessary.
Keep this section short and to-the-point. Don’t be fooled by “No word limit.”
If you would like professional guidance with your Kellogg MBA application, please consider Accepted’s MBA essay editing and MBA admissions consulting or our MBA Application Packages, which include advising, editing, interview coaching, and a resume edit for the Kellogg application.
Kellogg 2014 MBA Application Deadlines:
| Round . | Due Date* . | Decisions Released |
| Round 1 | October 16 2013 | December 18 2013 |
| Round 2 | January 7 2014 | March 25 2014 |
| Round 3 | April 2 2014 | May 15 2014 |
*All deadlines are 11:59pm Central Time.
By Linda Abraham, president and founder of Accepted.com and co-author of the new, definitive book on MBA admissions, MBA Admission for Smarties: The No-Nonsense Guide to Acceptance at Top Business Schools.
Accepted.com's experienced admissions consultants can help you create the most impressive application possible with comprehensive packages, or provide targeted assistance from picking perfect programs to designing a dazzling resume, constructing engaging essays, or preparing for intense interviews…and more! Accepted.com has guided thousands of applicants to acceptances at top MBA programs since 1994 – we know what works and what doesn't, so contact us to get started now!
This article originally appeared on the Accepted Admissions Consulting Blog, the official blog of Accepted.com.
