Kellogg MBA Essays: Complete Guide (Intentionality + Optional + Video)

Kellogg's MBA application includes a required essay, an optional essay, and a video essay component that give you the opportunity to showcase your intentionality, authenticity, and fit with Kellogg's collaborative culture. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down each component, provide strategic insights, and offer sample responses to help you craft compelling essays that demonstrate your potential as a Kellogg MBA student.

Understanding the Components

Required Essay (450 words)

"Intentionality: motivations, goals, why now, why Kellogg, 450 words"

Optional Essay (250 words)

"Optional essay (explain inconsistencies, 250 words)"

Video Essay

"Video essay: personality & experiences"

What Kellogg is Looking For

1. Intentionality

Kellogg values candidates who have thought deeply about their motivations, goals, and timing for pursuing an MBA.

2. Authenticity

Kellogg seeks genuine individuals who can articulate their true motivations and experiences.

3. Collaboration

Kellogg emphasizes teamwork and community contribution. They want students who will thrive in a collaborative environment.

4. Self-Awareness

Demonstrate understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, and growth areas.

Strategic Approach to the Intentionality Essay

Understanding the Components

The intentionality essay requires you to address:

• Motivations: What drives you to pursue an MBA
• Goals: Your career aspirations and vision
• Why now: The timing of your MBA pursuit
• Why Kellogg: Your fit with Kellogg's culture and offerings

Structure for Intentionality Essay (450 words)

Introduction (75 words):

• Hook with a compelling opening
• Briefly introduce your motivations
• Show understanding of intentionality

Motivations and Background (125 words):

• What drives your career aspirations
• Key experiences that shaped your goals
• Personal and professional motivations

Career Goals (100 words):

• Specific short-term and long-term goals
• Timeline and progression
• Why these goals matter to you

Why Now (75 words):

• Why this is the right time for an MBA
• What you've accomplished and learned
• What you need to learn next

Why Kellogg (75 words):

• Specific Kellogg programs and opportunities
• Connection to Kellogg's culture and values
• How Kellogg will help you achieve your goals

Sample Intentionality Essay Draft

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"My motivation to pursue an MBA stems from a fundamental belief that business can be a powerful force for positive change. At Epic Systems, I witnessed how technology could transform healthcare delivery, but I also saw how limited access to capital prevented innovative solutions from reaching patients who needed them most. This experience revealed my passion for the intersection of healthcare and finance.

My goal is to become a healthcare investment banker, focusing on biotech and digital health companies that are developing breakthrough treatments and technologies. I want to help these companies access the capital they need to bring life-saving innovations to market. Long-term, I aim to lead a healthcare investment banking division, driving increased capital flow to innovative healthcare companies.

Now is the right time for an MBA because I've developed a strong foundation in healthcare technology and gained valuable experience in investment banking. I've learned the technical skills and industry knowledge needed to evaluate healthcare investments, but I need the strategic thinking and leadership skills that an MBA will provide to advance to senior roles.

Kellogg is the perfect fit for my goals because of its collaborative culture and strong healthcare focus. Kellogg's Healthcare Club and Healthcare at Kellogg (HCAK) program will provide specialized knowledge and networking opportunities in healthcare finance. The school's emphasis on teamwork and collaboration aligns with my belief that the best investment decisions come from diverse perspectives and collaborative analysis.

Additionally, Kellogg's location in Chicago provides access to major healthcare companies and investment firms, while the school's strong alumni network in healthcare finance will be invaluable for building relationships and identifying opportunities. The combination of Kellogg's rigorous academic preparation, collaborative culture, and healthcare focus will position me uniquely to bridge the gap between healthcare innovation and capital markets."

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Strategic Approach to the Optional Essay

When to Write the Optional Essay

Only write this essay if you have:

• Gaps in employment
• Low GPA or GMAT scores
• Unusual career transitions
• Academic or professional setbacks
• Unique circumstances that need explanation

Structure for Optional Essay (250 words)

Context (50 words):

• Briefly explain the situation

Circumstances (100 words):

• Provide specific details
• Show what you learned
• Demonstrate growth

Current Status (75 words):

• How you've addressed the issue
• Evidence of improvement
• Future plans

Conclusion (25 words):

• Reinforce your readiness for Kellogg

Sample Optional Essay Draft

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"After graduating with a 3.8 GPA in engineering, I struggled to find my professional direction. I took a gap year to travel and reflect, which resulted in a 15-month employment gap before joining my current role.

During this period, I backpacked through Southeast Asia, working with local NGOs on clean water projects. This experience clarified my passion for social impact and revealed my interest in business as a tool for positive change. I also used this time to prepare for the GMAT, ultimately scoring 720.

Since joining my current role at a social enterprise, I've demonstrated consistent performance and leadership. I've been promoted twice in three years, now managing a team of five and overseeing $2M in projects. My GMAT score and current professional success demonstrate my academic and professional capabilities.

The gap year was a period of self-discovery that ultimately led me to my current career path and my decision to pursue an MBA at Kellogg."

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Strategic Approach to the Video Essay

Understanding the Video Essay

Kellogg's video essay is designed to assess:

• Your communication skills
• Your personality and authenticity
• Your ability to think on your feet
• Your fit with Kellogg's culture

Preparation Tips

1. Practice Speaking Clearly

• Record yourself answering practice questions
• Focus on clear, confident delivery
• Maintain good eye contact with the camera

2. Prepare Key Stories

• Have 2-3 compelling stories ready
• Practice articulating your motivations
• Be ready to discuss your background and goals

3. Show Authenticity

• Be genuine and natural
• Don't try to be someone you're not
• Let your personality shine through

4. Demonstrate Fit

• Show enthusiasm for Kellogg
• Demonstrate collaborative mindset
• Connect to Kellogg's values

Common Video Essay Questions

Personal Questions:

• Tell us about yourself
• What motivates you?
• What makes you unique?

Experience Questions:

• Describe a challenging situation
• Tell us about a time you led a team
• What's your greatest achievement?

Kellogg-Specific Questions:

• Why Kellogg?
• How will you contribute to the community?
• What are your career goals?

Sample Video Essay Responses

"Tell us about yourself": "I'm a healthcare technology professional with a passion for using business to drive positive social impact. At Epic Systems, I implemented electronic health records for rural hospitals, witnessing how technology could transform patient care. This experience revealed my interest in the intersection of healthcare and finance, leading me to pursue investment banking focused on healthcare companies."

"Why Kellogg": "I chose Kellogg because of its collaborative culture and strong healthcare focus. I'm excited about the Healthcare Club and the opportunity to work with diverse teams on real healthcare challenges. Kellogg's emphasis on teamwork aligns with my belief that the best solutions come from collaborative effort."

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Key Tips for Success

1. Research Kellogg Thoroughly

• Understand specific programs and opportunities
• Know Kellogg's values and culture
• Connect to unique offerings like the Healthcare Club

2. Be Authentic and Intentional

• Show genuine motivations and goals
• Demonstrate thoughtful planning
• Connect experiences to future aspirations

3. Emphasize Collaboration

• Show how you work with others
• Demonstrate team-oriented mindset
• Connect to Kellogg's collaborative culture

4. Prepare for Video Essay

• Practice speaking clearly and confidently
• Prepare compelling stories
• Show enthusiasm and authenticity

5. Stay Within Word Limits

• Every word counts in these concise essays
• Edit ruthlessly for clarity and impact
• Ensure smooth flow and transitions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Vague Motivations

❌ "I want to get an MBA to advance my career" ✅ "My experience in healthcare technology revealed my passion for healthcare finance"

2. Generic Kellogg References

❌ "Kellogg is a great school" ✅ "Kellogg's Healthcare Club will provide specialized networking opportunities"

3. Weak Intentionality

❌ Not explaining why now is the right time ✅ Showing clear progression and timing for MBA pursuit

4. Poor Video Preparation

❌ Reading from a script ✅ Speaking naturally and authentically

5. Ignoring Collaboration

❌ Focusing only on individual achievements ✅ Emphasizing teamwork and community contribution

Final Checklist

Before submitting your application, ensure:

• [ ] Intentionality essay addresses all four components
• [ ] Optional essay (if written) explains rather than excuses
• [ ] Video essay preparation is complete
• [ ] All essays stay within word limits
• [ ] Essays complement rather than repeat each other
• [ ] You've shown research about Kellogg
• [ ] Essays are authentic and specific
• [ ] You've proofread for errors

Conclusion

Kellogg's application components are your opportunity to demonstrate your intentionality, authenticity, and fit with Kellogg's collaborative culture. By crafting specific, authentic responses that show your thoughtful approach to your MBA journey and your potential to contribute to the Kellogg community, you can create compelling essays that showcase your readiness for the Kellogg experience.

Remember, Kellogg values students who are intentional about their goals, authentic in their expression, and ready to collaborate with others. Your essays should reflect these qualities while telling your unique story and demonstrating your potential to thrive in Kellogg's collaborative environment.

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Looking for more guidance on Kellogg's application? Check out our guides on Kellogg's interview process and application timeline.