We want to get to know you. The written and video essays are your chance to tell us your story and why Kellogg is the right next chapter for you. Take some time to think through the experiences that led you here and how they have shaped where you want to go. 

The following essay is required of all Kellogg applicants: 

Essay question (550 words max) 

Part I: An MBA is a significant investment of time, energy and resources, and the decision to pursue one deserves serious reflection. Tell us about the pivotal experiences and decisions that have brought you to this moment in your career, how they have shaped your ambitions, and why now is the right time to take this next step.  

Part II: Now turn the lens outward: beyond what you hope to gain, what do you hope to contribute to the students who will learn alongside you?  

Video essays 

We’ve read your essays, we’ve read your resume — now we want you to bring all that to life in a video. Show us the person behind all those carefully crafted words. 

The video will be comprised of five questions, each designed to help you showcase your personality and share some of the experiences that brought you here today. 

Some things to keep in mind as you prepare to complete this section: 

• Video essay links will be emailed out after Kellogg receives QuestBridge applications in mid-September.
• Video essays are due by September 20.
• You will need an internet-connected computer with a webcam and microphone.
• The video should take about 30 minutes to complete, which includes time for setup.  

Additional tips: 

• There are practice questions that you may complete as many times as you like to get comfortable with the format and technology. The practice questions and experience will simulate the actual video essay experience to help you prepare.
• We encourage you to practice so you are comfortable with the format once it is time to complete the official questions. You will not have an opportunity to re-do the answer to the official video essay questions.
• You will have a brief moment to think about the question and up to one minute to give your response. 

Career objectives 

We recognize that for some candidates, the MBA is an opportunity to explore and clarify career direction. Whether your goals are well defined or still evolving, we ask that you share your current thinking as specifically as you can. You will have the opportunity to connect your experiences and ambitions more fully in your written essay.  

• Immediately following graduation: Beyond your industry and function selections above, describe the type of role(s) and organization(s) you are targeting. (500 characters)
• Five years post-graduation: Describe where you expect your career to have progressed by this point. We are interested in the scope of responsibility and leadership you are working toward. (500 characters) 

The interview provides an opportunity for you to learn more about our community. It also allows the admissions committee to further evaluate your interpersonal and communication skills, career focus and motivations for pursuing a Kellogg MBA. 

All interviews are virtual. If invited, you will receive an email from Kellogg with scheduling instructions. Interview invitations are sent on a rolling basis throughout the evaluation period up until decision release. The timing of your interview is not an indication of your status as a candidate.