Decoding the 2023-2024 Kellogg MBA Essays: Your Guide to Standing Out
The Kellogg School of Business has always been a beacon for aspiring business leaders, and this year's essay prompts certainly reflect their dynamic approach. If you're gearing up to apply, it’s imperative to fully understand and smartly address these new twists in the essay questions. In this blog post, we share our advice to ensure your application is both authentic and aligned with Kellogg's evolved ethos.

Enroll in our free 7-day email course for step-by-step guidance on beginning your MBA application journey.
By enrolling you agree to our privacy policy and provide consent to receive updates from our company.
The Kellogg School of Business has always been a beacon for aspiring business leaders, and this year's essay prompts certainly reflect their dynamic approach. If you're gearing up to apply, it’s imperative to fully understand and smartly address these new twists in the essay questions. In this blog post, we share our advice to ensure your application is both authentic and aligned with Kellogg's evolved ethos.
Leadership: Beyond Titles and Roles
Essay 1: Kellogg leaders are primed to tackle today’s pressing concerns everywhere, from the boardroom to their neighborhoods. Tell us about a time in your life where you’ve needed a combination of skills to solve a problem or overcome a challenge. Which skills did you use? What did you accomplish? (450 words; hard cut-off at 480 words)
The Nuanced Facets of Leadership
Leadership is multifaceted, and Kellogg's vision gravitates towards those who can effectively employ a blend of skills to lead.
From Formal Meetings to Informal Settings
Whether your leadership story unfolds in a corporate scenario or a local community event, Kellogg is keen on understanding the essence of your leadership style and impact.
Crafting a Memorable Leadership Narrative
- Depth Over Breadth: Go beyond mere events and dive into the psyche behind your leadership choices.
- The Skills Spectrum: How did you merge analytical acumen with emotional intelligence?
- Aligning with Kellogg’s Ethos: Your leadership tale should resonate with Kellogg's philosophy of holistic leadership.
The Depth of Diversity: A Comprehensive Exploration
Essay 2: At Kellogg, our values are based on research that concludes organizations comprised of leaders with varied backgrounds and perspectives outperform homogeneous ones. How do you believe your personal and professional experiences to date will help to enrich the Kellogg community? (450 words; hard cut-off at 480)
Diversity Beyond Demographics
Kellogg’s perspective on diversity extends beyond mere demographics; it’s about varied experiences, values, and contributions.
Your Individual Journey and Impact
- Charting Personal Evolution: Consider moments that have been transformative in shaping your worldview.
- Professional Intersections: How have your diverse experiences played a role in your professional achievements?
- Projecting Future Contributions: Reflect on how you envision contributing to the Kellogg community, given your unique background.
Weaving Values with Diversity
- Underlying Principles: Reflect on the core values driving your decisions and actions.
- Harmonizing with Kellogg’s Commitment: Draw connections between your values and Kellogg's emphasis on comprehensive diversity.
Navigating the Application Landscape with M7 Admissions
Approaching Kellogg's MBA essays with precision and authenticity can significantly enhance your application's impact. M7 Admissions is committed to offering insights, strategies, and personalized guidance to articulate your narrative effectively. For a tailored approach to your MBA aspirations, consider scheduling a consultation with M7 Admissions. Good luck!
The resources you need

Last-Minute Tips for Round 2 MBA Applicants
With the Round 2 MBA application deadlines fast approaching, M7A is here to provide focused, last-minute strategies to polish your application. Time is of the essence, and these tips are designed to ensure you present your best self to the admissions committees.

Explore Careers in Entrepreneurship and VC at Stanford GSB
If you're interested in pursuing a career in entrepreneurship or venture capital, attending Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) will provide you with a range of advantages that can help you achieve your career goals. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford GSB offers a unique blend of academic excellence and real-world experience that can help you succeed in the competitive world of entrepreneurship and venture capital.

Writing A+ Essays for the 2023-24 Wharton Full-time MBA Application
Embarking on the path to a full-time MBA is a monumental step. It’s not only a journey of academic and professional growth, but also one of personal discovery. While standardized test scores and resumes provide a concrete framework for your application, the essays bring color and life to your story. Application essays give you the opportunity to converse with the admissions committee on a deeply personal level, setting the stage for your entire MBA experience. In this blog post, we'll delve into the intricacies of crafting compelling essays that not only meet but exceed Wharton's expectations.