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The key to delivering a series of standout essays to Kellogg is to embrace your genuine story. Weaving an authentically\u00a0crafted narrative that conveys your passions and clarity of purpose \u2014 in a way that elicits emotional\u00a0impact \u2014 this is the secret sauce in creating a connection to an admission reader\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n
\nRegister today for the second session in our live MBA Admissions Essay Masterclasses<\/a> <\/span><\/strong>featuring Kellogg, Chicago Booth, Columbia & MIT Sloan on Wednesday, August 5 @noon ET.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nDo this\u00a0successfully, and you\u2019ll be embraced in return: Among Kellogg\u2019s signature traditions during MBA\u00a0orientation is the moment when the Dean of Admissions offers a rousing speech called \u201cOne of You,\u201d\u00a0which runs down a list of remarkable highlights about new students. What this means for MBA\u00a0candidates is that there\u2019s a place for you based on your true, authentic self.<\/p>\n
As an MBA Admissions consultant and former Kellogg Alumni Admissions Interviewer, I\u2019m practiced at discerning\u00a0how the best candidates translate their experiences into a narrative that\u2019s both genuine and distinctive.\u00a0So let\u2019s talk strategy.<\/p>\n
First, you\u2019ll want to understand why Kellogg is asking each question and what adcom is hoping to\u00a0uncover. The clues, of course, are embedded within the questions themselves. Let\u2019s start decoding, piece by piece.<\/p>\n
ESSAY 1: Kellogg\u2019s purpose is to educate, equip and inspire brave leaders who create lasting value. Provide a recent example where you have demonstrated leadership and created value. What challenges did you face and what did you learn? (450 words)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\u201cKellogg\u2019s purpose is to educate, equip and inspire brave leaders who create lasting value.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
To unpack the opening statement: What the question is asserting here is that walking through Kellogg\u2019s\u00a0door means that you\u2019re not only going to receive a world-class MBA, but you\u2019re also expected to add value by engaging in the classroom, the greater community and, ultimately, the world as a Kellogg alum.\u00a0How will you drive the type of MBA experience that leaves your classmates wishing they had more time\u00a0with you? The MBA experience is only as unique as the collective contribution of the class, and this\u00a0means that Kellogg is trying to uncover your capacity to lead and participate in this collective experience\u00a0during school and beyond.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cProvide a recent example where you have demonstrated leadership and created value.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
This part is directed at your specific leadership experience. Kellogg is trying to get a sense of who you\u00a0are as a leader, and how you\u2019ve shaped the organizations and communities in which you\u2019re involved.\u00a0The words to pay attention to are \u201ccreated lasting value.\u201d (This notion is so important it\u2019s mentioned\u00a0twice in the same prompt.) This is your opportunity to tell a story. Think through \u2014 why must you tell\u00a0this story? How is the world better off from you having told this story? What leadership experiences can\u00a0you share that reveal you\u2019ve succeeded in elevating people, places and\/or circumstances because of\u00a0your conscious participation? What story will illuminate the significance of this shift, showcasing the\u00a0situation before you came in, while you were there and after you\u2019ve left?<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhat challenges did you face and what did you learn?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
This is both the substance and resolution of your story. Who are the characters of your story? What\u00a0setting are you in? What are the stakes of you not succeeding in your leadership challenge? How did you\u00a0grow through the challenge? Don\u2019t just share what you learned and stop there; essays that nail this\u00a0question will also demonstrate how what you learned will translate to your unique contribution towards\u00a0the Kellogg class of 2021, during your MBA and beyond.<\/p>\n
ESSAY 2<\/strong>: Values are what guide you in your life and work. What values are important to you and\u00a0how have they influenced you? (450 words)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\u201cValues are what guide you in your life and work.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Your values aren\u2019t a laundry list of adjectives, they\u2019re emblematic of the beliefs that guide your\u00a0decisions, actions and engagement in the things that matter most to you. Similar to Stanford GSB\u2019s\u00a0iconic \u2018what matters most to you and why\u2019 essay, Kellogg is looking to know what it is it that inspires,\u00a0drives and motivates you. Candidates who do the thoughtful introspection required to write with\u00a0authenticity and substance will deliver a valuable view into who they are as a person, not just the inner\u00a0workings of a dazzling intellect. Your values inherently extend beyond yourself, into your relationships\u00a0with people and the places where you imagine making a positive impact.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhat values are important to you and how have they influenced you?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
This is an opportunity to tell a story that\u2019s personal, vulnerable and honest. You might lead with one\u00a0specific value and the emblematic story that helps connect the dots between what has shaped you and\u00a0who you\u2019ve become. As you look back, what are the seminal moments, influences and interactions that\u00a0have forged you into an ever-wiser human being? Has anything rocked you to the core, prompting you\u00a0to rethink the path you\u2019d charted for yourself? This can be anything from the loss of a family member to\u00a0a horrible mistake or a failure that illuminated what\u2019s most essential for you.<\/p>\n
Another tact is to lead with an origin story, the background of your childhood or the environment that\u00a0shaped you. Then, how have those forces and experiences informed the person you are today and your aspirations for the future? The way to really nail this essay question is to coherently connect past,\u00a0present and future. How will your values and perspectives influence the type of experience you create\u00a0for your future Kellogg classmates? For the win: how will this accumulated wisdom inform the type of\u00a0leader you will become in the longer term?<\/p>\n
VIDEO ESSAY DECODED<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Lastly, Kellogg asks each applicant to complete a video essay component after submitting the application.\u00a0This year, the school gives you two of the three questions upfront. The first asks you to \u2018introduce\u00a0yourself to the admissions committee\u2019 in the spirit of what you\u2019ll bring to future classmates and \u2018what\u00a0makes you, you?\u2019. The second drives at your career goals and \u2018why Kellogg.\u2019 The third is randomly\u00a0generated with the objective of understanding how \u2018you handled a challenging situation in your career\u00a0or personal life.\u2019<\/p>\n
Consider this video component is a huge opportunity to showcase your personality. As you prepare,\u00a0imagine how to convey what\u2019s not obvious in your resume, credentials or LinkedIn profile. What will\u00a0help make your application sticky and memorable? Again, reflect on the story you want to tell and offer\u00a0a dimension that might be missing.<\/p>\n
Play with ways to take advantage of the medium itself in your storytelling. Among my favorite efforts at\u00a0a \u2018introduce yourself\u2019 video response was from a candidate who gave a brief viola performance, then\u00a0used an element of the instrument itself as a metaphor to convey his personality and interpersonal\u00a0style.<\/p>\n
5 Top Tips to Performing Well on the Video Essays:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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- Plan your answers.\u00a0<\/strong>Jot down a few bullets or talking points or outline a quick structure, e.g.,\u00a0main answer and supporting examples. But avoid overly scripting \u2013 you want to appear fluid and\u00a0natural on camera.<\/li>\n
- Stand for more energy.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Record yourself when you practice.\u00a0<\/strong>What type of impression are you giving off? Are you\u00a0friendly and approachable? Would others feel comfortable working with you?<\/li>\n
- Don\u2019t forget to smile.\u00a0<\/strong>When you enjoy yourself, it shines through and makes a connection with\u00a0the viewer (you\u2019re on camera, after all).<\/li>\n
- Visualize success.\u00a0<\/strong>Ask yourself, if the person reviewing my video essay takes nothing else, what\u00a0is the number one thing I want them to remember about me?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Kellogg takes great pride in identifying candidates who have really self-reflected on what they want, how Kellogg will get them there and how their aspirations support a\u00a0broader vision for having a positive impact. Nearly every aspect of the Kellogg application has some component geared toward discerning if a\u00a0candidate is the right fit.<\/p>\n
Want more advice? <\/strong>Register today<\/a> for the second session in our free, live MBA Admissions Essay Masterclasses<\/a><\/strong> featuring Kellogg, Chicago Booth, Columbia & MIT Sloan on Wednesday, August 5 @noon ET. You can also view a recording of the first in our series, focused on essay advice for HBS, Stanford GSB & Wharton<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nJason Yeh<\/a>\u00a0is an MBA admissions consultant at MBA consulting firm\u00a0Fortuna Admissions<\/a>, as well as a former Kellogg<\/em>\u00a0Admissions Interviewer and Kellogg MBA Alum. For a candid assessment of your chances of admission<\/em>\u00a0success at a top MBA program, sign up for\u00a0a free consultation<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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