Northwestern Kellogg
Why Kellogg?
At Kellogg School of Management, collaboration is more than a buzzword; it's the foundation of how people learn and lead. From your first group project to your last case competition, you're surrounded by peers who want to succeed with you, not just next to you. Kellogg's culture is all about building leaders who can think critically, lead with empathy, and bring diverse perspectives to the table. The flexible curriculum lets you tailor your MBA experience to your goals, whether you're exploring marketing, entrepreneurship, or social impact.
Kellogg is the kind of place where relationships matter, where professors know your name and classmates become lifelong friends. If you're looking for a school where leadership is collaborative, where ideas are shaped in conversation, and where you're encouraged to challenge yourself without losing your sense of self, Kellogg might be the right place for you.
🎓 MBA Class Profile (Class of 2026)
Key Demographics
- Enrolled Students: 524
- Acceptance Rate: 28.6%
- Yield Rate: 35.1%
- Women: 50%
- International Students: 40%
Academic Profile
- Average GMAT Score: 733
- GRE Verbal: 162
- GRE Quant: 163
- Average Undergraduate GPA: 3.7
- Average Work Experience: 5.2 years
💼 Employment Statistics (Class of 2024)
Job Placement
- Median Base Salary: $170,000
- Median Signing Bonus: $30,000
- Received Offers (within 3 months): 90%
*Not all offers included a signing bonus
Top Industries
- Consulting: 35%
- Technology: 20%
- Financial Services: 19%
- CPG / Retail: 10%
- Healthcare: 9%
🎤 Interview Tips
Unique Interview Feature
Kellogg stands out because it's one of the only top MBA programs that interviews nearly every applicant. That means the interview isn't a gatekeeping tool, it's a core part of how they evaluate fit. You're not being grilled as a final check; you're being given a real opportunity to shape how they see your candidacy. The interview carries weight, and because almost everyone gets one, Kellogg expects you to come in prepared, polished, and self-aware. Many interviews are conducted by alumni, so the tone tends to be conversational. But don't mistake that for casual. Interviewers are often assessing how clearly you understand yourself, how well you communicate, and whether you'd thrive in Kellogg's highly collaborative, student-driven culture. Show up ready to lead with substance, not spin.
Unique Questions Common to Kellogg
| Question | Preparation Tips |
|---|---|
| What's your Plan B if your post-MBA goals (or the MBA itself) don't work out? | Show that you're adaptable without sounding unsure. Kellogg values people who think ahead and can pivot with purpose; frame your Plan B as aligned with your long-term vision, not a backup out of fear (e.g., "If I'm not able to transition directly into VC, I'd aim for a strategy role at a high-growth startup where I can build operational experience that still aligns with my investing ambitions"). |
| Tell me about a time you had to make a quick decision. | Choose a moment that highlights your judgment under pressure and your ability to stay composed, ideally in a professional or high-stakes setting (e.g., "When a client presentation derailed minutes before the meeting, I quickly realigned our team's focus, reassigned slides, and preserved the relationship by transparently owning the mistake and delivering clear next steps"). |
Note: For more Kellogg interview questions and detailed preparation strategies, check out our comprehensive MBA interview guide.
📅 Application Deadlines
| Round | Application Deadline | Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | September 14, 2024 | December 11, 2024 |
| Round 2 | January 10, 2025 | March 24, 2025 |
| Round 3 | April 2, 2025 | May 15, 2025 |
Note: All deadlines are at 5:00 PM Central Time. Kellogg offers both on-campus and virtual interviews, with many applicants receiving interview invitations.