Kellogg Business School
Executive MBA Essays and Deadlines 2026-2027
Kellogg Executive MBA Essays
Kellogg EMBA Essay 1:
Intentionality is a key aspect of what makes our graduates successful Kellogg leaders. Help us understand your journey by articulating your motivations for pursuing an MBA, the specific goals you aim to achieve, and why you believe now is the right moment. Moreover, share why you feel Kellogg is best suited to serve as a catalyst for your career aspirations and what you will contribute to our community of lifelong learners during your time here. (450 word maximum)
Kellogg EMBA Essay 2:
Kellogg leaders are primed to tackle challenges everywhere, from the boardroom to their neighborhoods. Describe a specific professional experience where you had to make a difficult decision. Reflecting on this experience, identify the values that guided your decision-making process and how it impacted your leadership style. (450 word maximum)
Optional Essay:
If needed, use this section to briefly describe any extenuating circumstances (e.g. unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, etc.).
Kellogg EMBA Deadlines 2026-2027
August 12, 2026
October 7, 2026
February 3, 2027
April 7, 2027
June 2, 2027
Candidates may apply to either term (Fall or Winter) on either campus (Chicago or Miami).
Deadlines are provided for planning purposes, but you may apply at any time and receive a decision on a rolling basis.
The last deadline to apply for the Winter 2027 start is October 7.
The last deadline to apply for the Fall 2027 start is June 2.
If you are interested in an upcoming term but the final deadline has passed,
please reach out to emba-admissions@kellogg.northwestern.edu to see if we are still accepting applications.