Northwestern Kellogg School of Management
Where collaboration creates leaders. The world's premier marketing school with a culture that develops humble, team-focused leaders who inspire organizations and communities.
Key Information
Application Deadlines 2025-26:
What Makes Kellogg Unique
A collaborative culture that develops confident, humble leaders who put team success first
Marketing Excellence
Undisputed #1 marketing program globally. From Philip Kotler to today's faculty, Kellogg defines modern marketing and brand management education.
Team-Based Culture
Pioneered team-based learning in business education. Learning teams, study groups, and collaborative projects build lifelong bonds and leadership skills.
Collaborative Leadership
Develops leaders who succeed by elevating others. Focus on emotional intelligence, empathy, and building consensus to drive organizational change.
1-Year MMM Program
Unique Master of Management program for experienced executives. Accelerated learning for leaders who can't take two years away from their careers.
Multiple Campuses
Study in Evanston, downtown Chicago, or Miami. Global opportunities in Asia and Europe through exchange and study abroad programs.
Strong Alumni Network
Exceptionally loyal alumni network known for helping each other. "Kellogg Mafia" placement power in consulting, tech, and consumer goods.
Kellogg Requirements & Class Profile
Understanding what Kellogg looks for in collaborative team leaders
GMAT Range
640-770
Median: 731
GRE Range
V155-170, Q155-169
Median: V161/Q162
GPA Range
3.1-3.9
Median: 3.70
Work Experience
2-12 years
Median: 5 years
International Students
36%
Women
47%
What Kellogg Really Looks For
Based on insights from former admissions officers and successful admits
Core Evaluation Criteria
Team Leadership
Evidence of leading through collaboration, not authority
Intellectual Curiosity
Genuine interest in learning and growth
Values Alignment
Commitment to integrity and community service
The "Kellogg Type"
Humble Achievers
High performers who share credit and lift others
Team Players
Natural collaborators who thrive in group settings
Community Builders
Invest time in relationships and helping others succeed
Pre-MBA Industries
Post-MBA Career Placement
Consulting
39% of class
$190,000
Technology
22% of class
$165,000
Financial Services
14% of class
$160,000
Consumer Goods
10% of class
$155,000
Healthcare
8% of class
$150,000
Other
7% of class
$155,000
The World's #1 Marketing Program
Where modern marketing was born and continues to evolve
Kellogg Marketing Legacy
Marketing Pioneers
- • Philip Kotler: "Father of Modern Marketing"
- • Customer-centric approach development
- • Brand management methodology
- • Consumer behavior research leadership
Current Excellence
- • 20+ marketing faculty members
- • Digital marketing innovation
- • Analytics and data science integration
- • Global marketing perspectives
Industry Connections
- • P&G, Unilever, J&J partnerships
- • Tech company collaborations
- • CMO Advisory Board
- • Marketing leadership pipeline
Marketing Curriculum Highlights
- Consumer Insights: Advanced behavior analysis and research methods
- Brand Management: Building and managing global brands
- Digital Marketing: Social media, influencer, and content strategy
- Marketing Analytics: Data-driven decision making and measurement
- Pricing Strategy: Revenue optimization and psychological pricing
Marketing Career Outcomes
Top Recruiting Companies
Amazon, Google, Microsoft, P&G, McKinsey, BCG, Bain
Common Roles
Brand Manager, Marketing Director, Product Manager, CMO Track
Alumni Success
CMOs at Fortune 500 companies, startup founders, VC partners
How to Get Into Kellogg
Demonstrate your collaborative leadership and team-first mentality
Essay Strategy: Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Essay 1: Kellogg's purpose is to educate, equip and inspire brave leaders who create lasting value. Provide a recent example where you have demonstrated leadership and created lasting value. What challenges did you face and what did you learn? (450 words)
- Focus on team leadership, not individual achievement
- Show how you elevated others and shared success
- Demonstrate lasting impact beyond immediate results
- Avoid: Ego-driven stories or individual heroics
Essay 2: Values are what guide us in our life and career. Describe your values and how they have influenced a recent professional or personal decision. (450 words)
- Connect your values to Kellogg's collaborative culture
- Show how values influenced difficult decisions
- Demonstrate consistency between words and actions
Essay 3: What have been the most significant factors in your personal development? How will continuing your development contribute to the lives of others? (450 words)
- Show vulnerability and genuine self-reflection
- Connect personal growth to helping others grow
- Explain how Kellogg fits your development journey
Essay 4: Describe your career progress to date and your future short-term and long-term career goals. How do you expect a Kellogg MBA to help you achieve them? (600 words)
- Show clear career progression and rationale
- Be specific about Kellogg resources you'll use
- Connect goals to making positive impact
Interview Strategy
Interview Format
- • 45-60 minutes with alumni or staff
- • Conversational and relationship-focused
- • Virtual or on-campus options
- • Emphasis on cultural fit
Key Topics to Prepare
- • Teamwork and collaboration examples
- • How you've helped others succeed
- • Why Kellogg's culture appeals to you
- • Questions about specific programs/clubs
Pro Tip: Kellogg interviews feel like conversations with future classmates. Be genuine, warm, and show interest in learning about the interviewer's experience.
Common Kellogg Application Mistakes
Focusing too much on individual achievements
Kellogg wants team players, not lone wolves
Being too polished or perfect
Show vulnerability and areas for growth
Generic "Why Kellogg" responses
Show specific knowledge of programs and culture
Underestimating essay word limits
Use the full space to tell compelling stories
Life at Kellogg
Where friendships are forged and leaders are made
Evanston Campus
Beautiful lakefront campus 30 minutes from downtown Chicago
Study Groups
5-6 person groups create lasting bonds throughout the program
CIM & KWEST
Pre-term bonding experiences that create lifelong friendships
120+ Clubs
Professional, cultural, and social clubs for every interest
The Kellogg Experience
Academic Traditions
- CIM pre-orientation program
- Study group assignments
- Team-based projects
- Global Initiatives in Management
Social Culture
- KWEST outdoor adventure trips
- Dance Marathon charity event
- Winter Formal and Spring Fling
- Thursday night at The Keg
Career Support
- Strong alumni mentorship
- Industry-specific career treks
- Marketing career conference
- Consulting case competitions
Ready to Join the Kellogg Family?
Navigate Kellogg's team-focused application with former admissions officers who understand how to showcase your collaborative leadership and values alignment.