Every year, Kellogg MBA essays trip up otherwise strong candidates. Unlike HBS with its one-big-essay or Wharton with ultra-tight word limits, Kellogg throws you a different curveball: two 450-word written essays plus the infamous video essay.
The result? Many applicants feel torn: How do I sound authentic without sounding cliché? How personal is too personal? What if I freeze on the video?
As someone who’s chaired admissions committees, I can tell you this: Kellogg essays aren’t just about clarity of goals or values. They are a test of intentionality. The committee wants to know if you can articulate why Kellogg, why now, and how you’ll lead in the real world — not just in theory. That’s what makes them deceptively hard.
Kellogg MBA Essay Basics
- Two required written essays (450 words each)
- Video essays (three randomized prompts, due within 96 hours of submission)
- Optional essays for specialty programs or re-applicants
- Word counts are strict — every sentence matters.
This Year’s Essay Questions (2025–26)
Written Essays
- Intentionality is a key aspect of what makes our graduates successful Kellogg leaders. Help us understand your journey by articulating your motivations for pursuing an MBA, the specific goals you aim to achieve, and why you believe now is the right moment. Moreover, share why you feel Kellogg is best suited to serve as a catalyst for your career aspirations and what you will contribute to our community of lifelong learners during your time here. (450 words)
- Kellogg leaders are primed to tackle challenges everywhere, from the boardroom to their neighborhoods. Describe a specific professional experience where you had to make a difficult decision. Reflecting on this experience, identify the values that guided your decision-making process and how it impacted your leadership style. (450 words)
Re-applicant Prompt
How have you grown or changed personally and professionally since you previously applied and what steps have you taken to become the strongest candidate you can be? (250 words)
Video Essays
- Three randomized questions (1 min each).
- Must be completed within 96 hours of application submission.
- Practice questions available but no do-overs.
Kellogg MBA Deadlines 2025–26
| Round | Deadline | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | September 10, 2025 | December 10, 2025 |
| Round 2 | January 7, 2026 | March 25, 2026 |
| Round 3 | April 1, 2026 | May 13, 2026 |
Feeling Unsure About Your MBA Timeline?
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Download the Free MBA TimelineWhat These Prompts Are Really Testing
- Essay 1 (Intentionality / Why Kellogg MBA essay): Can you link your career journey, future goals, and Kellogg’s ecosystem with authenticity? They’re testing clarity of purpose and school fit — the classic “why Kellogg MBA” essay, but at a deeper level.
- Essay 2 (Values in Leadership): They’re probing your decision-making under pressure. Do your values show up in action, not just in words?
- Video Essay: They’re testing spontaneity, presence, and whether you can show up as a human, not just a polished résumé.
👉 The video essay is essentially a mini-interview. If you want to sharpen your skills even further, read my MBA Interview Prep Guide for Wharton — the strategies apply across top schools and will help you understand exactly what committees are really listening for.
Round 1 vs Round 2 Strategy
- Round 1: Stronger odds for scholarships and certain specialty programs. Great if you’re polished and ready.
- Round 2: Still winnable, but more competitive. Essays must show why waiting was strategic (not procrastination).
- Round 3: Only advisable for career-switchers who have unique differentiators.
The Trap Most Applicants Fall Into
Most essays I review for Kellogg fail in one of three ways:
- Generic goals: “Consulting → impact → leadership” with no Kellogg connection.
- Over-polished leadership stories: Too much jargon, no vulnerability.
- Video panic: Applicants freeze because they treated practice questions as optional.
For example, I once reviewed an applicant who had excellent consulting credentials but used a generic “why MBA” pitch. Once we reframed their goals around Kellogg’s Global Lab and MMM program opportunities, the story clicked — and they were admitted.
Insider Lens: How Committees Actually Read Essays
Here’s what you don’t see: Kellogg essays are never read in isolation. They’re read alongside your resume, recommendations, transcript, and interview. The question isn’t just “Is this essay good?” but:
- Does this essay fit the rest of the story?
- Does it add something new beyond stats and résumé lines?
- Would this applicant contribute to Kellogg’s collaborative culture?
What Strong Kellogg Essays Have in Common
- Career clarity + Kellogg fit (not generic MBA goals).
- Leadership defined by values, not titles.
- Storytelling that’s specific, human, and cohesive across essays, resume, and video.
Make Your Kellogg MBA Essays Stand Out
Your Kellogg essays need to be sharp, authentic, and unforgettable. I’ve helped hundreds of applicants refine their story and win admission — don’t leave yours to chance.
Don’t risk blending in with generic applications — craft a Kellogg story that shows your intentionality, values, and leadership edge.
Why Essay Editing Matters
Most Kellogg essays that sound “fine” to you will not survive committee scrutiny. Why? Because admissions insiders are trained to spot formulaic writing, forced career plans, and over-polished stories instantly. A strong editor helps you find your real voice — and ensures your story holds up under review.
👉 If you’re also polishing your MBA resume, grab my MBA Resume Blueprint to make sure your application materials work together.
FAQs About Kellogg MBA Essays 2026
How many essays does Kellogg MBA require in 2026?
Kellogg requires two written essays of 450 words each, plus three short video essays that must be completed within 96 hours of submitting your application. Re-applicants also have an additional 250-word prompt. Together, these essays test clarity, intentionality, and authentic voice.
What is the word limit for Kellogg MBA essays?
Each Kellogg MBA written essay is capped at 450 words. Applicants often underestimate how challenging it is to convey goals, leadership values, and school fit in such a tight limit. Strong editing is essential to avoid fluff and make every word count.
What is Kellogg looking for in MBA essays?
Kellogg looks for intentionality in career goals, authenticity in personal motivations, and values-driven leadership. The admissions committee wants to see how you will both benefit from and contribute to Kellogg’s highly collaborative culture. They are not looking for perfection — but for a clear, cohesive story.
How important is the Kellogg MBA video essay?
The video essay is very important. It helps Kellogg assess your presence, communication style, and ability to think on your feet. Unlike written essays, you have no time to polish — which means committees get to see the “real you.” Practicing with sample video essay questions is strongly recommended.
Where can I find Kellogg MBA essay examples?
You can review Kellogg MBA essay examples on sites like ClearAdmit or Stacy Blackman. However, using templates is risky — the committee quickly spots generic structures. Instead, focus on telling your unique story and refining it with expert feedback so it stands out.
Should I apply to Kellogg MBA in Round 1 or Round 2?
Round 1 is ideal if your application is ready, as it can increase scholarship odds. Round 2 remains highly competitive but still offers strong chances. The key is to apply when your essays, resume, and recommendations are polished — rushing for Round 1 with weak materials is riskier than applying in Round 2 fully prepared.
Conclusion / Next Steps
Kellogg essays are a balancing act: personal yet professional, polished yet authentic, strategic yet human. Don’t underestimate them. I’ve seen great applicants stumble — not because they lacked potential, but because their essays failed to bring their story together.
If you want your Kellogg application to stand out, don’t leave it to chance. Get an expert set of eyes before you hit submit.
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Dr. Philippe Barr is a former professor and graduate admissions consultant, and the founder of The Admit Lab. He has helped applicants gain admission to top PhD, MBA, and master’s programs worldwide.
He shares weekly admissions insights on YouTube.