Kellogg(Northwestern) 2006 MBA Application Toolbox

Kellogg

Official website
http://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/admissions/programs/2yearmba.htm

Click to download Entering Students Profile

Class Size:
Approximately 620

Application   
We encourage applications from all qualified persons interested in the study of management. Individuals holding a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university are eligible for consideration. Prior study in business or economics is not a requirement for admission. It is highly recommended, however, that students complete courses in calculus and statistics prior to entrance.

The following are required for application:

• Data form, essays, and resume


• Academic transcripts from all colleges, universities, and professional schools attended


• Official results from the GMAT and TOEFL, if applicable.


• 2 Career Progress Survey reports from individuals able to evaluate job performance, one preferably your manager


• Honor Code


• $210 application fee


• Interview request, made by submitting Part I of the Kellogg application for off-campus interviews; OR by calling the Office of Admissions to schedule an on-campus interview. Chicago area applicants must interview off-campus, unless applying to the JD-MBA program.

Criteria  
In the selection process, the Admissions Committee evaluates the applicant’s scholastic ability, personal character, motivation, leadership ability, interpersonal skills, career performance and management potential. The Committee reviews the personal essays, academic record, GMAT score, TOEFL score (if applicable), Career Progress Survey, resume and evaluative interview report to assess each applicant’s candidacy compared to the overall pool of applicants. The Committee highly values full-time professional experience. Work experience adds to maturity and career- and self-awareness, which contribute to a student’s success. The Committee seeks to evaluate an applicant’s potential through careful review of experience and accomplishments in work settings, including military service, and extracurricular activities.

For more detailed information concerning the individual components of the application, please refer to the Kellogg application, which you may view online. (PDF 237K/ 24 pages)

The Kellogg School's admissions process is a multi-step, team approach. Typically, a file will be reviewed first by a student member of the Admissions Committee, then forwarded for additional review by staff members, including the Director of Admissions. If there is a lack of consensus among the readers, the application will be evaluated a fourth time by a student reader. The readers then meet to make a final decision by consensus.

All applications are forwarded to the Admissions Committee; there are no "cuts" made on test scores, years of experience, nationality, gender, ethnicity or other factors. This process allows the committee to select those candidates most likely to be successful at Kellogg.

General Questions About the Kellogg School of Management Programs   
What type of MBA programs does the Kellogg School of Management offer?
The Kellogg School of Management offers several degree and non-degree program options for professionals in various stages of their career. In addition to the full-time MBA program, Kellogg offers a Part-time MBA, Executive MBA, International Executive MBA, Doctoral programs (PhD) and non-degree Executive Education programs. Kellogg does not offer distance-learning programs. For more information on any of these programs, click here.

What full-time options are available at Kellogg?
Kellogg offers several options for pursuing a full-time MBA, including a One-Year (1Y) program, a traditional Two-Year (2Y) MBA program, a fully integrated two-year MBA/MEM dual-degree program through the Master of Management and Manufacturing Program (MMM) and joint-degree programs including a JD-MBA and MD-MBA. Transfer credits are not accepted in any of the full-time programs. Click here to see a full description of the Kellogg School's full-time programs.

What is the One-Year (1Y) Program?
The Kellogg School's One-Year (1Y) Program is an accelerated MBA program designed for students who have earned an undergraduate business degree within the last seven years or completed an equivalent amount of related courses, training and experience. This program also allows students to return to the work force quickly while minimizing the amount of repetitive coursework. A section of students take courses designed to complement their undergraduate business studies in the summer and join the second-year class in September for three quarters of electives. Like Two-Year students, One-Year students may complete multiple majors; the majority of One-Years choose two or three concentrations. The One-Year Program does not include an internship and is best suited for those with clear and consistent career goals.

What are the requirements for the One-Year Program?
The 1Y Program is open to those who have graduated from an undergraduate business program within the last seven years. For non-business majors who feel they have completed a comparable curriculum, seven key courses are recommended for 1Y eligibility: accounting, finance, marketing, operations, statistics, economics and organizational behavior. Applicants must have completed accounting and five of the remaining six courses. The seventh course may be completed upon enrollment. Otherwise, the Admissions Office will determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis by reviewing transcripts and work experience. Candidates should submit supporting information to the Admissions Office to determine eligibility prior to applying and include the phrase “1Y eligibility” prominently in the subject line of the correspondence. Candidates who have graduated from an undergraduate business program more than seven years ago may inquire with the Admissions Office regarding eligibility.

How can I learn more about the Kellogg School's full-time MBA programs?
In addition to reviewing our FAQ site, we invite you to do the following:

• Download or request a Kellogg Viewbook - The Kellogg School's Viewbook explains in greater detail Kellogg programs, academics, faculty and student life. Click here.


• Review our class profile – For more information on class characteristics, GMAT, undergraduate profile and geographic representation of our current students, click here.


• Meet alumni in your local area – We invite you to meet our alumni by attending our off-campus receptions hosted in various cities throughout the United States and worldwide. Most events allow candidates to meet with both an admissions representative and Kellogg alumni. Reservations may be required for some events. For a list of upcoming events, click here.


• Visit our campus – We welcome and encourage prospective candidates to visit the school. Visitors can observe classes, attend an information session conducted by an admissions officer, participate in a student-led tour and meet current students. No appointments are necessary. For more information, click here.

What is the cost of the full-time MBA program? Is financial aid available?
Tuition for the 2004-2005 academic year for the Two-Year (2Y) and MMM Programs is $36,372. Tuition for the 2004-2005 academic year for the One-Year (1Y) Program is $48,496. Past increases have ranged from 5 percent to 8 percent each year. Kellogg is committed to enrolling the most qualified students, regardless of their ability to pay. Approximately 75 percent of the students currently enrolled receive financial aid. For more information on program costs and financial aid, click here.

Application Requirements  
What are the minimum requirements for the GMAT, GPA and number of years of work experience?
Kellogg has no minimum requirements for the GMAT or GPA. The average GMAT is 700, with approximately 75 percent of our enrolled students scoring between 650 and 740. The GMAT is just one criterion in the admissions process and is not the only indicator for success in business school. GMAT scores are valid for five years from the testing date to the application deadline to which you are applying.

Although we have no minimum requirements for work experience, the average number of years of work experience is approximately five years. Because the Admissions Committee believes previous work experience greatly enriches one’s experience in the classroom, we recommend that candidates have at least two years of full-time work experience to be able to participate fully in classroom discussions and group projects.

How does the interview process work?
All applicants are required to request an on-campus or off-campus interview, both of which carry equal weight in the evaluation process. The interview allows applicants to present their candidacy in a more personal manner and to learn more about the Kellogg School. All interviews are conducted from the resume only. We view the interview as an independent assessment; therefore, the application is not reviewed by the interviewer. Although Kellogg makes every attempt to interview all applicants, heavy demand in certain locations may require that we waive the interview so as not to delay the review of the application. Candidates whose interviews are waived should not feel at a disadvantage. Their application will receive the same consideration as the applications of those who were granted an interview.

To schedule an on-campus interview, call the Admissions Office at 847-491-3308. During our peak season, appointments may fill four to six weeks in advance. You are not required to submit an application prior to scheduling an interview. On-campus interviews last approximately 30 minutes. Candidates should dress in professional attire and bring a current resume. Local candidates should request an off-campus interview. Because local candidates may likely have more flexibility and opportunities to visit campus, we reserve on-campus interviews to better serve candidates who must travel to visit the school.

To schedule an off-campus interview, please complete and submit Part I of the Kellogg application. Submitting Part I of your application prior to the official deadline is preferred and allows for your interview request to be processed in a timely manner. Please be aware that your alumni interview request may take up to six weeks to process if submitted after the date provided on the application deadlines chart. However, you are still able to submit Part I up to the completed application deadline date. Be sure to check the box requesting an off-campus interview. In approximately two to six weeks upon receipt of Part I by the Admissions Office, applicants will be notified of their interview assignment by email. We will provide the name and contact information of a Kellogg Alumni Interviewer or invite you to attend a Kellogg Interview Day, an event at which a number of local area alumni interviewers conduct interviews on a designated date. Please note that applicants must receive notification directly from our office to contact an interviewer or attend a Kellogg Interview Day. We ask candidates to send an email to ksm-aao@kellogg.northwestern.edu confirming completion of off-campus interviews only.

I received an email informing me that my interview was waived. What does this mean, and am I at a disadvantage?
There are times when interviews are waived due to unusually heavy demand or remote location. Interview waivers have no bearing on admission decisions. They are based purely on geographic availability of alumni interviewers. If we feel an interview would be helpful in further assessing a candidate or would significantly aid in rendering a decision, we will contact the applicant to schedule a telephone interview. Applicants may not request a telephone interview; we will invite waived candidates for telephone interviewers throughout each application round. Many of our admitted students initially received an interview waiver and were subsequently contacted for a telephone interview.

Who should write my letters of recommendation?
Ideally, one of your letters of reccomendation, or Career Progress Surveys (CPS), should be written by your current supervisor or manager. The second letter of recommendation also should be from someone who can objectively evaluate your professional performance as well as managerial and leadership potential, such as a former supervisor, previous employer, client, etc. If you are unable to ask a current supervisor or manager for a letter of recommendation, please include a brief statement regarding your choice in the Additional Information section of Part 2 of the application.

Based on my work experience, academic performance and test scores, am I a competitive candidate for your program? Can you describe what you're looking for in a candidate?
Because our process is holistic and takes into consideration many factors beyond data points, we cannot surmise one’s chances for acceptance based on test scores and work experience alone. Applications receive a thoughtful and thorough review by a committee of staff and trained students. Although we do evaluate test scores, scholastic ability and work experience, we are also interested in learning more about one’s values and motivations. We also assess other characteristics such as maturity, leadership, personal character and potential contribution to the Kellogg community. The Admissions Office can assist with questions regarding the full-time programs and the application process, but we are unable to offer prescriptive advice or recommendations regarding one’s candidacy. For more information on the class characteristics for our entering class, please review the class profile here.

Applying to Kellogg  
What are The Kellogg School's application and interview deadlines for Fall 2006?

If any of the deadlines are not met for the application, campus interview or alumni interview request, the application will be placed in the next round. Please note that although there is no deadline by which the alumni interview must be conducted, candidates should contact the alumni interviewer as soon as possible upon receiving the assignment. In the event the alumni interview is scheduled to be conducted within two weeks of the decision deadline date, please inform our office by sending an email. We recognize and expect that extenuating circumstances and/or scheduling conflicts may require that some interviews be conducted in the latter part of an application round.

Is there any advantage to applying in Round 1, 2 or 3?
International and 1Y applicants applying in Round 3 are at a disadvantage because we typically admit all international and 1Y students from Round 1 and 2. For other candidates there is no evaluative advantage, however, to applying in Round 1 versus Round 2, but we do recommend that candidates apply in the first two periods. Admitted students from Round 1 and 2 can take advantage of our admitted student weekend - Day at Kellogg (DAK). Also, they may receive preference for certain grants and scholarships, as well as registration preference for the Kellogg School's on-campus housing at the McManus Living-Learning Center.

Does Kellogg accept paper applications, and will I be at a disadvantage for not applying online?
We strongly encourage applicants to submit an online application, but a PDF version of our application is available to those who cannot apply electronically. Paper-based applications are not at a disadvantage from an evaluative perspective; however, more time may be needed to process the application. The application and all required materials must be submitted in one package to receive a decision by the designated date for that particular round.

What is the difference between Part I and Part II of the application?
Part I of the application consists of the Data Form and $210 application fee. Off-campus interview requests can be made by checking the appropriate box on the Data Form and submitting Part I.
Part II of the online application includes the essays, resume, Career Progress Survey and Kellogg Honor Code.

(In addition to submitting Part I and Part II of the online application, candidates must submit transcripts from all colleges, universities and professional schools previously or currently attended to complete the application.)

We have divided our application into two parts to allow candidates to request an off-campus interview prior to completing and submitting the entire application (Part I and Part II). We encourage candidates who would like to request an off-campus interview to submit Part I of the application in advance of the application deadline to allow sufficient time to arrange and conduct the interview. Submitting Part I of your application prior to the application deadline ensures your interview will be processed in a timely manner. The preferred off-campus request dates are October 7, December 23, February 24. However, you may still submit Part I of the application up to the completed application deadline, (October 21, January 6, March 10.) Alumni interview assignments take two to six weeks on receipt of Part I from the Admissions Office. Those who submit their request at or near the application deadline should expect a longer wait due to the heavier volume. Candidates are encouraged to submit Part I, with the alumni interview request, as soon as they feel ready to conduct the personal interview. Candidates who have an on-campus interview, do not need to submit Part I well in advance of submitting Part II. (However, if submitting Part I and Part II online on the same day, candidates must submit Part I before Part II.)

How and when are decisions released?
The Kellogg School's status check, located on our website, will reflect all decisions: admit, waitlist or deny. Upon posting your decision online, we will send an email informing you that a decision has been rendered. Although the vast majority of decisions are released at or near the decision deadline date, we do review and release decisions on an ongoing basis. We historically have released decisions beginning approximately one month after the application deadline. Please note that applications are not necessarily reviewed in the order received, and the timing of one’s decision is not an indicator of a candidate’s strengths or weaknesses relative to others who applied in the same round.

Where and how do I check the status of my application?
You can check the status of your application here. An individual identification number will be emailed to you within four business days on receipt of Part II of your online application. If you do not receive your identification number after this time, please contact our office as we may have an incorrect email address. (The Admissions Office frequently uses email to communicate with candidates; therefore, we recommend that you check your filter settings to ensure that bulk messages are not routed to your trash bin.) All applicants will receive confirmation via status check when the application is complete. Missing application materials also will be listed. Depending on the volume, it may take approximately 3-5 weeks' processing time after the application deadline for one’s status to change to complete. All admissions decisions will be posted through the status check feature.

Does Kellogg accept corrections or supplemental materials to an application that already has been submitted?
The application that is originally submitted will become the official version. We request that candidates refrain from sending additional materials. We will make an exception for corrections to factual data (not essays) and for changes in employment or employment status. Although we also will accept new GMAT scores, TOEFL scores or grades for classes recently taken, there is no guarantee that this information will be considered prior to rendering a decision. New test scores or grades should be sent via fax to 847-491-4960. Submitting multiple versions of any part of the application will delay the processing and review of the application.

How do I notify Kellogg of changes to my contact or employment information?
Please send an email to MBAadmissions@kellogg.northwestern.edu. Be sure to include your name exactly as it appears on your application as well as your date of birth, which will be used for identification purposes only.

Does Kellogg grant deferrals?
Candidates should apply for the year in which they plan to enroll. Once admitted, applicants may send a deferral request in writing to the Director of Admissions. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis, and very few are granted. A detailed explanation of the request and appropriate documentation are required. Candidates requesting deferrals will be notified after all decisions from the three application rounds have been rendered.

In certain situations, the Admissions Committee may offer deferred admissions to candidates who would benefit from an additional year of work experience.

International Applicants  
I am an international student who graduated with an undergraduate degree from a 3-year program. Am I still eligible to apply?
We’re familiar with various international educational systems and recognize that 3-year undergraduate programs are the norm in some countries. Many of our applicants have also completed an additional year of education in a master's program, but this is not a requirement.

What is the minimum TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score required for an international applicant?
We do not have a minimum score requirement, though the average is 280 for the computerized test. We review various indicators of English ability, such as the GMAT scores, essays and interview performance.

Who is required to take the TOEFL?
A valid score for the TOEFL is required for international applicants whose native language is not English AND who have not received a university degree in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada (not including Quebec), England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa and Wales. Please note that TOEFL scores are valid for two years.

Does Kellogg offer TOEFL waivers?
Although we strongly encourage candidates to take the TOEFL based on the criteria listed in the previous question, we will grant exemptions for candidates who graduated with an undergraduate degree in which English was the only language of instruction AND who have worked three consecutive years within the last five years in an English speaking country (see previous question for list of countries) where business was conducted in English. Please note that the Admissions Office reserves the right to request a TOEFL score if additional information is required to assess one’s English skills.

Candidates who fulfill the requirements for a TOEFL exemption must indicate such in the Additional Information section of the application. Candidates also must submit documentation from the university that all courses were taught in English.

Does the Kellogg School offer financial aid to international students?
Kellogg offers financial assistance via the NU International Loan Program, a University loan that provides two loan options. The first option requires a credit-worthy U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident co-signer. There is no origination fee and a lower interest rate. The second option has no citizenship/residency requirement for the student or co-signer. However, a family member (parent, guardian or relative other than a spouse) must co-sign. This option charges a 4-percent origination fee and a half-percent-higher interest rate than the previous option. More details on financial aid and the financial aid process are provided upon acceptance to the program

Student Life, Diversity and Housing  
What do students do outside the classroom at the Kellogg School?
Maintaining a diverse multicultural community is important for enhancing student life in and out of the classroom. Students and faculty share knowledge and perspectives based on personal experiences gained from culture, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and nationality as well as from educational and professional experiences and goals. Classroom discussions and student life are greatly enriched by the distinctive backgrounds of our students. Students at Kellogg are very active in a wide range of extracurricular activities that represent the breadth and diversity of our students and their interests. There are approximately 80 clubs that facilitate involvement and a sense of community as well as provide opportunities to further develop leadership skills. For a complete list of our professional and special interest student clubs, please click here.

Each year students organize and host approximately twelve professional conferences, typically held in the winter and spring, that bring business leaders from throughout the world to the Kellogg School's campus. For more information about Kellogg conferences, please visit here.

Does Kellogg have clubs or groups for students' significant others/spouses and children?
Joint Ventures and Kellogg Kids were founded to recognize the specific needs of married/partnered students and students with children and to provide an informal support network. For more information about Joint Ventures and Kellogg Kids, please visit here.

What type of housing is available for Kellogg students?
Approximately 25 percent of all Kellogg students live in the McManus Living-Learning Center, an apartment complex for Kellogg students and their families. Located approximately three blocks from the Kellogg School, McManus offers several sizes and styles of apartments and is equipped with study rooms, a computer lab, exercise facilities, an underground parking garage and other amenities. The remaining 75 percent of Kellogg students choose to live off-campus in Evanston or nearby Chicago.

Career Management Center  

Where can I learn more about your employment statistics and companies that recruit at Kellogg?
Our renowned Career Management Center provides numerous services, workshops and individual counseling to partner with students in their employment search. Employment statistics for our graduating class and a list of companies that recruit at Kellogg are available here.

Essay Questions  
1. All applicants must complete A, B, or C as appropriate.

A. Master of Business Administration applicants only. Briefly assess your
career progress to date. Elaborate on your future career plans and your motivation for pursuing a graduate degree at the Kellogg School. (one to two pages double-spaced)

B. Master of Management and Manufacturing applicants only. Briefly assess your career progress to date. How does the MMM program meet your educational needs and career goals? (one to two pages double-spaced)

C. Joint-degree applicants only. Briefly assess your career progress to date. How does the joint program meet your educational needs and career goals? (one to two pages double-spaced)

2. Each of our applicants is unique. Describe how your background, values, academics, activities and/or leadership skills will enhance the experience of other Kellogg students. (one to two pages double-spaced)

3. You have been selected as a member of the Kellogg Admissions Committee. Please provide a brief evaluative assessment of your file. (one to two pages double-spaced)

4. Complete three of the following six questions or statements. (two to three double- spaced paragraphs each)

A. What have been your most significant leadership roles to date? What was
the most valuable lesson learned?

B. Describe an ethical dilemma that you faced and how it was resolved?

C. Outside of work I…

D. In your professional experience, what do you consider to be the area of
greatest growth?

E. I wish the Admissions Committee had asked me…

F. Since your previous application, what are the steps you have taken to strengthen your candidacy? **

** Question 4F must be answered by all re-applicants as one of the required three questions.

Interviews  
The Admissions Committee requires every applicant, both domestic and international, to request an evaluative personal interview. Interviews with a member of the Admissions staff, student Admissions counselors or the Kellogg School’s Alumni Admissions Organization (AAO) are conducted throughout the year. Interviews also allow candidates to learn more about Kellogg. The interview is an important element in evaluating an applicant’s level of maturity, interpersonal skills, career focus and motivation. However, the interview is only one criterion used in the admission decision. The interview is an independent assessment; therefore, the application is not reviewed by the interviewer. Applicants must bring a current résumé to the interview. All interviews will be conducted in English.

Alumni Interviews
Applicants requesting an off-campus interview will be notified of their assignment by email after Part 1 of the Kellogg application has been received by the Office of Admissions. If no email address is provided, candidates will be notified by post, which may take several weeks. During peak season (November to March), expect to receive the interview assignment two to six weeks after the Office of Admissions receives Part 1 of the application.

Members of the Kellogg School’s AAO are located in most metropolitan areas around the world. Candidates interviewing off-campus will be notified by the Office of Admissions whom to contact for their alumni interview. Applicants should not contact alumni directly to request an interview. The Office of Admissions will make every effort to assign an alumni interviewer to each candidate. However, in a few cases of unusually heavy demand or remote location, we may be unable to meet all requests. In these instances, candidates will be granted an interview waiver. Waivers have no negative impact on candidacy, and many applicants who receive waivers are admitted to Kellogg every year. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to contact candidates directly to seek additional information regarding their candidacy during the application process. Off-campus interviews are assigned on a first come, first served basis and after the Office of Admissions receives Part 1 of the application. Candidates will be notified of their assignment.

On-Campus Interviews
On-campus interviews are conducted Monday through Friday year-round, and also on Saturdays from late fall to early spring. On-campus interviews are typically 30 minutes. Chicago-area applicants must interview off-campus, but are encouraged to visit the Kellogg School.