Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, or simply Kellogg, is a perennially top-ranked MBA program. Northwestern Kellogg prides itself on developing leaders who have a thirst for creativity and innovation, a commitment to collaboration, and an eye toward empathy. Although Kellogg is perhaps best known for its marketing expertise, such esteemed professors as Philip Kotler, and placing students into brand management roles, the top industry for the school’s 2023 graduates was actually consulting, followed by technology, financial services, and consumer packaged goods.
Located in Evanston, Illinois, just 13 miles north of downtown Chicago, Kellogg offers the best of both an intimate, student-centric college town and a big city. Kellogg’s flagship building, the Global Hub, helps facilitate a culture of teamwork and collaboration that is evident in group project requirements and the numerous student-led extracurricular activities and clubs. But do not let the top-notch technology of the Global Hub fool you; students can also find serene spots with a view of the waves of Lake Michigan to unplug for a bit.
As a midsize school, the Northwestern Kellogg MBA program seeks to support a tight-knit community feel through smaller first-year sections, interactive student experiences, and Kellogg Worldwide Exploration Student Trips (KWEST) for incoming first-year students, planned and led by second-year students and consistently named a favorite Kellogg experience. Although academics and the recruiting process are a top focus, Kellogg MBA students also make time for social endeavors, with Special K, the student variety skit show offering a satirical view of life at Kellogg, and the annual ski trip at the end of first semester often cited with fondness. Northwestern Kellogg requires you to present a strong application both professionally and personally—fortunately, mbaMission offers a depth of resources and services to help you on your journey.
Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management Insider’s Guide
After consulting with Kellogg MBA students, admissions committee members, and alumni about their experiences, we have prepared our Insider’s Guide to Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. We take an in-depth look at life as a Kellogg MBA student, highlighting how the school’s location, class size, curriculum, teaching methods, facilities, alumni involvement, and rankings all affect its culture and MBA experience. Then, we delve into Kellogg’s faculty and professional student clubs, revealing how they facilitate the careers of Kellogg MBA students. Through our guide, you will learn more about the spirit of collaboration and teamwork that is core to Kellogg.
In addition to academic quality and high rankings, culture is frequently named as a key reason students choose Kellogg. Clubs and extracurricular activities are often student run, allowing for ample leadership opportunities. The inclusive environment facilitates developing deep bonds with one’s classmates and learning from diverse perspectives. With international students making up 36% of the student body and women 49%, Kellogg offers a diverse MBA program and values the perspective that individuals of various backgrounds bring to lively class and team discussions. The quantitatively rigorous first-year core curriculum allows for some flexibility, with the option to waive up to seven classes with approval and the opportunity to take electives in the first year. Although Kellogg’s teaching style is neither exclusively case method nor exclusively lecture, team projects are an important part of essentially every class, simulating the reality of most business environments. Students choose one major and as many “pathways” as desired to tailor the MBA experience to their specific career goals. And you will often find Kellogg MBA alumni back at the Global Hub as guest speakers, sharing real-world case studies in the classroom and through club conferences. The sense of teamwork and comradery so pervasive in Kellogg’s culture continues long after graduation.
Dean Francesca Cornelli, an accomplished scholar and a leader in business education, joined Kellogg in August 2019. Given the prevalence of change and disruption in the current era, Dean Cornelli said her goal is “to teach people to be adaptable, to see change and to embrace opportunity.” She went on to say, “So when people ask what is the value of an MBA, I say it’s not your next job. We want to impact all your life, the entire trajectory.” The new dean also emphasized the deep-rooted strength of Kellogg’s culture, sharing that “the biggest surprise is how big and distinctive the culture is.” Learn more about Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management through our comprehensive guide, which presents eight key criteria to consider when evaluating whether Kellogg is a good fit for you.
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Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management Essay Analysis, 2024–2025
Applicants to the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University must submit two written essays. For the first, candidates are asked to provide a somewhat short, but dense, explanation of their path to and motivation for pursuing an MBA from Kellogg and their vision for their professional future. The second essay deals with an experience in which the applicant had to navigate a challenging decision. In addition, the admissions committee requires that candidates respond to three brief questions via video. Although all of Kellogg’s required submissions are on the shorter side, they cover a lot of territory, so together, they should allow you to share a good deal of information about your past, your personality, and your strengths.
In our analysis, we provide in-depth guidance on each of Kellogg’s 2024–2025 essay questions:
- Essay 1: 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)
- Essay 2: 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)
- 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 three questions, each designed to help you showcase your personality and share some of the experiences that brought you here today.
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Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management Class Profile (Class of 2026)
Class Size |
524 |
Mean GMAT |
733 |
GMAT Range |
640–780 |
Median GRE (Verbal) |
162 |
Median GRE (Quant) |
163 |
GRE Range (Verbal) |
152–170 |
GRE Range (Quant) |
149–170 |
Average GPA |
3.7 |
GPA Range |
2.9–4.0 |
Average Years of Work Experience |
5 |
U.S. Underrepresented Minorities (based on Federal Reporting Guidelines as advised by the Graduate Management Admission Council) |
27% |
Women |
50% |
International |
40% |
Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management Rankings
Northwestern Kellogg has consistently been ranked in the top ten of most popular business school surveys for many years. In the 2024 U.S. News & World Report ranking, the school was third in the country, in a tie with Chicago Booth. In the 2023 Bloomberg Businessweek ranking of U.S.-based schools, Kellogg was seventh. In the Financial Times’ 2024 evaluation of MBA programs, Kellogg was in third place domestically and sixth internationally. The 2023 Poets&Quants ranking of U.S. MBA programs placed Kellogg 12th.
Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management MBA 2024 Acceptance Rate
The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University boasts an acceptance rate of approximately 28%, making it a competitive choice for aspiring MBA candidates. This prestigious program is renowned for its emphasis on collaboration, leadership, and innovation, attracting ambitious individuals from diverse backgrounds. As a prospective student, understanding the acceptance rate is crucial in gauging the level of competition and preparing a standout application that highlights your unique strengths and experiences.
For those aiming to join the ranks of Kellogg’s distinguished alumni, it’s essential to focus on crafting a compelling application that showcases not only academic excellence but also leadership potential and a commitment to making a meaningful impact. With its rigorous curriculum and vibrant community, Kellogg offers a transformative MBA experience that equips students with the skills and networks needed to excel in today’s dynamic business landscape. Emphasizing your fit with Kellogg’s values and culture can significantly enhance your chances of acceptance and set you on a path toward achieving your career aspirations.
Northwestern Kellogg MBA Application Deadlines (2024–2025)
Round 1
September 11, 2024
Round 1 Decision
December 11, 2024
Round 2
January 8, 2025
Round 2 Decision
March 26, 2025
Round 3 Decision
April 2, 2025
Round 3 Decision
May 14, 2025