Kellogg’s two required EMBA application essay questions present a paradox: they’re straightforward and complex. Together, they draw out a fully rounded view of you as a person and as a professional, what you’ve done and how you think and perceive the world. To the extent possible, ground your essays in detail and concrete experience, and use reflection as the thread weaving those details and experiences into a vivid whole.
Essays 1 and 2 together should amplify and resonate with each other. They should be neither redundant nor discordant. Before or while drafting them, consider them as a whole. While they must each succeed as a separate statement, to do you the most justice they also should work together as parts of a dynamic whole.
Kellogg EMBA 2022-23 Application Essays
Kellogg EMBA essay #1
What are your short-term and long-term career goals? What have you already done to get there and how do you think Kellogg can help you? (450 word maximum)
In presenting your goals, frame them with “why” you want to pursue that path and the impact you hope to have. Clarifying this motivation will animate the essay and engage the reader. Also, of course, support this vision by describing your goals in specific terms: likely positions, which company or industry, desired location, and some related context, e.g. anticipated challenges you or your organization may face, your take on industry trends and how they affect your goals, and so forth. Then connect the dots: explain how this stated path will enable you to deliver the desired impact.
In asking what you have already done to pursue these goals, the adcom is essentially seeking evidence that you are truly committed to this career path. Answering this part allows you to show that you are proactive, strategic, and resourceful. Don’t cite everything you’ve done in this regard, but rather identify the 2-3 most important experiences – and what you gained from them. In explaining why Kellogg must be the next step on that path, link the resources of the Kellogg EMBA to the specific learning and professional needs arising from your planned path.
Kellogg EMBA essay #2
Define what community means to you. Share an example of how you contribute to a community and how that contribution is impacting that community. (450 word maximum)
This question aims right at the heart of what Kellogg cares about (and always has). Kellogg’s sense of community is a central value of the business school and reflects its core identity. To define what community means to you, be concrete. There are many communities in your life, and probably they overlap. Your work, your neighborhood and the broader region, your friends from various areas of your life, any organizations or groups you belong to or participate in, cultural or religious groups, etc. When you describe what community means to you, give examples referencing your communities — your definition should encompass different communities.
To address the “contribute” part, present a straightforward story about one of your community contributions. Identify and describe what community you are referring to. Clarify why it’s meaningful to you, and briefly summarize your history with and roles in the community. Next, action: what did you do to contribute. I.e., what need did you recognize and what did you do in response? What was the outcome of your action(s), what changed as a result?
Kellogg EMBA essay #3 (Optional)
If needed, use this section to briefly describe any extenuating circumstances (e.g. unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, etc.).
This question explicitly limits the potential topics to extenuating circumstances, so don’t use it to further market yourself by presenting new material to enhance your application. If you do not have extenuating circumstances, do not write the essay. If you do need to provide such information, do it succinctly and straightforwardly.
You’ve worked so hard to get to this point in your journey. Now that you’re ready for your next achievement, make sure you know how to present yourself to maximum advantage in your Kellogg EMBA application. Get a member of Team Accepted in your corner, guiding you with expertise tailored specifically for you. Check out our flexible consulting packages today!
Kellogg Executive MBA application deadlines for January 2023 and September 2023 start dates
| January 2023 Start Date | September 2023 Start Date | |
| Round 1 | August 17, 2022 | April 19, 2023 |
| Round 2 | October 5, 2022 | June 7, 2023 |
Source: Kellogg website
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