Applying to Kellogg? Read advice from current students to perfect your app

Embarking on the MBA journey is a significant decision and one that can be tricky to navigate, so we spoke with eight first year Full-Time MBA students at Kellogg to gather insights and tips. They share invaluable advice ranging from external factors like engaging with the Kellogg community and getting familiarized with the school’s culture to internal aspects such as the process of looking inward and self-reflection.  

They all coincide on a major takeaway: understanding one's unique story and using it to craft a compelling narrative is crucial to submitting a strong MBA application. Their guiding principles are a roadmap to help you prepare for Kellogg and thrive once here. 

Connect with the Kellogg community  

“Visit the campus and engage with the Kellogg community, especially the program to which you plan to apply. I visited the Global Hub last November during a Kellogg admissions event. Since I was in town for work, I ended up being late and remember chatting with a member of the admissions team while we walked to the auditorium where the event was already underway. When I came back to Kellogg for the admitted students’ day, he remembered my name and went out of his way to have a quick conversation with me. Kellogg is a unique community and a trip to campus is the best way to experience that for yourself!” — James Griffin ’25 Two-Year MBA  

“Don’t hesitate to reach out! The Kellogg community is incredibly welcoming. Both students and alumni are more than willing to assist with any inquiries you may have. In fact, during my decision-making process, I had the privilege of engaging in in-depth conversations with numerous alumni who approached our discussions with the same level of thoroughness and consideration as if they were making the decision themselves. I recall some of these conversations lasting well over an hour! However, it's vital to approach these interactions with respect and gratitude, recognizing that alumni are generously offering their time as a favor. The most valuable questions to ask are typically related to their experiences throughout the admissions process and their overall journey at Kellogg.” — Jen (Joo Young) Park, ’26 JD-MBA  

“Spend as much time as possible learning about the school by talking to current students and alumni. The best advice I got during the application process was to prioritize the school where you identified most closely with the people. For me, that was Kellogg. But the only way to know is to put yourself out there! If possible, visiting the school in person is also advantageous because it gives you a sense of the culture and energy beyond what you can gain from the website.” — Zach Queen, ’25 Two-Year MBA 

“Reach out to Kellogg students, alumni and faculty to learn as much as you can about the program and experience. It’s important to be very explicit about why you are perfect for Kellogg and why Kellogg is perfect for you. I was able to get a very accurate sense of the Kellogg culture and lifestyle by having conversations with people in my network. Everyone is open to telling you their unbiased opinion and connecting you with others who may be helpful resources as well. “ — Brandon Fazal, ’24 MBAi Program

 

The importance of introspection  

“When you’re starting your MBA application journey, take the time to really reflect on your academic, professional and personal experiences. Understand how each part of your life and ambitions connect and how they have led you to the decision to get an MBA. Make sure to keep in mind that Kellogg lives by the motto ‘high impact, low ego.’Kellogg Leaders take initiative and enact change in their community and worlds around them, but they are also humble about it. And that’s evidently seen here throughout the Kellogg community.  

“Most importantly, don’t be afraid to showcase your uniqueness. During the application process, I felt worried that as an engineer, I wouldn’t fit with the typical applicant that schools were looking for. I soon realized that from chatting with current students and alumni it was actually the complete opposite. Diversity in interests, background and experiences are not only celebrated but desired in applicants.” — Phillip Cox, ’25 Two-Year MBA 

“Gain a strong understanding of where you have been and how those experiences have crafted your story to date. In reflecting on that understanding, identify and communicate why Kellogg is the best and only place to help elevate and take you to your next destination. Be sure that each point of your resume and application (e.g., essay responses) follow a cohesive story that can inform an application reader of one’s vision. Investing in that level of intentionality will allow one to precisely understand how they define success at Kellogg and the resources and people to utilize to attain such success once on campus.” — Chibuzo Ikonte, ’25 Two-Year MBA 

“My biggest advice for Kellogg applicants is to be crystal clear about your ‘Why MBA’ and ‘Why Kellogg’ story. The school’s admission process is designed to dig deep into your past experiences, your career goals, your values and being able to articulate how a Kellogg MBA ties into your overall career narrative. This can differentiate you from other candidates. In building my story, I mapped out pivotal inflection points in my career and personal journey to identify key themes in my professional narrative. I also thought about how a Kellogg MBA could play into living out these values and passions in the future.” — Catherine Malloy, ’25 Two-Year MBA 

“Kellogg values applicants willing to participate in self-reflection and introspection. Take the time to reflect on your experiences — both professional and personal — and understand how these experiences have helped shape you into who you are today. Every story is worth telling, so don't be afraid to show what makes you, well, you!” — Alejandra Rodriguez, ’25 Two-Year MBA  

Read next: Five MBA students share why Kellogg was the right match