School guides · 2026-27

Northwestern Kellogg

The essay prompts, word limits and deadlines for 2026-27, and what Northwestern Kellogg says it looks for. Always check the official site before you submit.

Essays

Pivotal moments and contribution

550 words

Part I: An MBA is a significant investment of time, energy and resources, and the decision to pursue one deserves serious reflection. Tell us about the pivotal experiences and decisions that have brought you to this moment in your career, how they have shaped your ambitions, and why now is the right time to take this next step. Part II: Now turn the lens outward: beyond what you hope to gain, what do you hope to contribute to the students who will learn alongside you? (550 words total for both parts)

Video essay

Video

Answer five short video questions, each in up to one minute after a brief moment to think. Plan about 30 minutes including setup. The video is due 96 hours after the application deadline. Practice questions can be repeated; the official answers cannot be re-done.

Reapplicant essay

250 words · optional

How have you grown or changed personally and professionally since you previously applied and what steps have you taken to become the strongest candidate you can be?

Deadlines

R1September 9, 2026
R2January 6, 2027
R3March 31, 2027

Get feedback against Northwestern Kellogg's criteria

Storylode reviews your essays the way the committee reads them. Join the waitlist to hear when it launches.

Join the waitlist

Sources

Last checked November 7, 2026. Storylode is not affiliated with Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.