New members of the MBA Class of 2023 at Northwestern Kellogg are here to share their insights into admissions, what they love about the Kellogg community and more in this edition of Real Humans: MBA Students.
508 students matriculated in the Kellogg MBA Class of 2023. Nearly half, 49 percent, are women and 36 percent are international. Twenty-three percent of the new class identify as U.S. underrepresented minorities. Kellogg also shares the racial and ethnic identities of its domestic students in two ways. Federal reporting guidelines allow each individual student to be represented in a single race or ethnic group, and Kellogg also employs multidimensional reporting, allowing students to be counted in each group they identify with. Out of domestic students and permanent U.S. residents, when counted according to Federal guidelines, 17 percent are Asian American, seven percent are Black or African American, 14 percent are Hispanic /Latinx, and 5 percent identify as multiracial. Multi-dimensional reporting indicates that 21 percent of students identify as Asian American, nine percent are Black or African American, and 14 percent identify as Hispanic or Latinx. This method also reveals that 73 percent identify themselves as white as opposed to 57 percent under Federal reporting guidelines.
During their undergraduate years, the Kellogg MBA Class of 2023 averaged a 3.7 GPA. Forty-nine percent earned degrees in business/commerce, followed by 35 percent who pursued STEM majors. Humanities rounded out undergrad degrees at 21 percent.
Kellogg students arrived on campus with an average of five years of work experience. Twenty-nine percent had worked in financial services, closely followed by consulting at 28 percent. Twelve percent came from the technology industry. Five percent had been employed in the health/bio sector followed by four percent each in government/education/non-profit and consumer goods.
When it came time to take the GMAT, Kellogg MBA students landed an average score of 727. Scores overall ranged from 630 to 780. For those who chose to take the GRE, the median Verbal score came in at 162 and the median Quant score was 165.
Click through the next pages to get to know some students behind these stats and learn more about the Kellogg MBA program.
Maclean Calihan, Northwestern Kellogg’s MBA Class of 2023
Age: 26
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Dartmouth College; majored in Economics and minored in Public Policy
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 4 years, Markets Group at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I really enjoyed my time at the Fed, but wanted to broaden my skillset, and an MBA is a great way to do so. One of the great things about business school is the diversity of work experiences and the cross-pollination between people with different backgrounds!
Why did you choose Kellogg? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
In addition to an academic and professional experience, choosing a business school is choosing to buy into a school’s culture. One of the culture-defining qualities that Kellogg looks for in applicants is “high impact, low ego,” and every conversation I had while applying and during Kellogg’s admitted students weekend (DAK) confirmed that to be true.
Additionally, I want to end up in Chicago after graduation; picking a school that I know has a strong network in the area was a huge plus.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
I think that coming from the public sector allows me to look at problems from a different angle than my classmates, whose work was primarily driven by profit and loss. Of course, this means that I’m learning a lot from them, too.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
I moved out to Utah and Colorado during the pandemic, where I pursued two of my passions: skiing and hiking.
Post-MBA career interests:
I really liked the analytical, intellectual environment at the New York Fed, and my work felt consequential. While I could see myself returning to the public sector eventually, I want to gain some private sector experience and have not yet pinned down exactly what that will be.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
– What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I enlisted my sister to listen to my brainstorming for the essays. I think bringing in someone who knows you really well and can push back on or emphasize certain aspects of your stories was incredibly helpful in focusing my essays. It was also a great excuse to spend a lot of time talking to my sister.
– What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Start early — really early! I thought I had given myself lots of time but still ended up rushing to meet deadlines.
– What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
There is no one part of the application in particular that I would have skipped. More generally, putting together the application took a lot of my free time. I got through it by believing that the time I was putting in – be it on introspection for the essays or sharpening my resume – would pay dividends in different contexts in the future.
What is your initial impression of Kellogg’s students/culture/community?
I’ve been really impressed by the willingness of my classmates to go all-in, right away. One of the traditions on Kellogg’s pre-orientation trips (KWEST) is to not disclose details about your background for the first few days so that you don’t form relationships based on pedigree. It sounded a little bit silly to me when I first heard about it, but we were all willing to trust the process, and as a result, KWEST delivered an incredible experience.
What is one thing you have learned about Kellogg that has surprised you?
We don’t have classes on Wednesday. I may have learned this during one of my conversations and thought it was unimportant, but I realize now that it is actually quite important. Our Wednesday break means we have class on Fridays. This keeps people in the Chicago area most weekends and contributes to a more cohesive campus culture.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
The inability to visit schools kept me from feeling attached to one school based on superficial first impressions. Setting up Zoom calls and writing down a list of questions to ask current students about their experience was, in retrospect, a much richer entry point into a school’s culture than touring the facilities would have been.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
There is a lot going on at business school at any given time – it’s exhilarating, but it’s also hard to decide what to prioritize. Being intentional about what my focus is and when and where to shift that focus is a challenge. I think most first years struggle with that.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to continue to meet more of my classmates and get to know everyone better. The people are great, and it’s a big part of why we are all here.
Michael Manzano, Northwestern Kellogg’s MBA Class of 2023
Age: 32
Hometown: Sarasota, FL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: The United States Military Academy, Comparative Politics Major
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 9 years, U.S. Army Special Forces Officer
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I joined the military to lead diverse groups of people and make a difference in the world. As I watched Covid-19 uproot our way of life, I saw how organizations with strong leaders fared much better than those without. I realized my leadership experiences in the military could provide value in the private sector, but I knew I needed to further my business education if I wanted to make an impact outside of uniform. I saw business school as the best way to sharpen my analytical skills, gain perspective on new industries, and further develop my leadership abilities. It was the perfect decision for me.
Why did you choose Kellogg? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Coming from a non-traditional background, I knew I wanted to attend a school rooted in academic excellence and experiential opportunities where I could apply what I was learning in the classroom to real life problems. There is no doubt Kellogg provides both. Most importantly, though, I wanted to join a community that embraces diversity and believes in the importance of collaboration. Kellogg’s culture is driven by those tenets, and it became clear after a handful of conversations with student and alumni that the entire Kellogg community is bought into that culture. I knew this is where I wanted to be.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
I think my leadership experience provides a source of value to the Kellogg community. The military has quite literally entrusted me with peoples’ lives for over ten years. I’ve developed and led teams throughout the United States, Afghanistan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Mongolia. No classroom can replicate the pressure and stakes of decisions I’ve had to make while leading teams of 100+ people in combat. While I certainly have a lot of room to grow as a leader, I hope to share some of the lessons I have learned along the way with my classmates here at Kellogg.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
I have played the cello since I was ten years old. I am not expecting an invitation to Carnegie Hall anytime soon, but I have my cello here with me and still enjoy playing.
Post-MBA career interests:
I plan on recruiting for technology and general management rotational roles in the Seattle area. Many of the companies in the Pacific Northwest are solving the world’s most challenging problems, and I want to work with cross-functional teams to be a part of those solutions.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
– What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I spent a lot of time before the application process reflecting on what I value and why I was applying to MBA programs. I attended a few career transition workshops, I journaled, and I spoke with family members and professionals across a wide range of career fields to hear their perspectives on why they chose the paths they did. Developing a firm grasp on my values helped me immensely since those questions repeatedly came up throughout the application process and continue to play a prominent role in my decision making as I prepare for recruiting.
– What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have been nicer to myself. It sounds silly, but applying to MBA programs while working a full-time job and maintaining relationships is a stressful process. There will be days when your test studying feels futile or you don’t think you stack up to other applicants. When those thoughts pop into your head go get some ice cream or take a walk. Thousands of people every year feel the exact same way. You’ll get through it. Just cut yourself some slack.
– What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I absolutely would have skipped the GMAT if I could, but building and sticking to a defined schedule is what got me through it. At the end of the day, there are no shortcuts when preparing for the standardized tests. You simply have to put your head down and work hard.
What is your initial impression of Kellogg’s students/culture/community?
Incredibly diverse, welcoming, collaborative, and humble. Kellogg is known for its team-oriented culture, and it absolutely shows in every conversation I’ve had with professors, faculty, and other students. No one here is ever alone. If you are struggling with a class or personal issue, you will find a group of people lined up to help you. It is a testament to Kellogg’s culture and the type of people it attracts.
What is one thing you have learned about Kellogg that has surprised you?
I have been pleasantly surprised with how involved partners can be at Kellogg. My partner is already involved in multiple clubs, and I am pretty sure she has more friends than I do. Neither of us have any roots in the Chicago area, so it is really special that the two of us can attend Kellogg events and make new friends together.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
I think in a lot of ways the Covid-19 pandemic made the entire admissions process more accessible. With in-person visits suspended during my class’s application cycle, MBA programs across the board did a great job of hosting numerous virtual events for prospective students. I conducted virtual tours of the facilities, had video chats with current students, and even attended mock classes. While I am thrilled we are attending classes in person this year (with safety measures), I do not think applicants should feel pressured to visit each campus they are applying to if it is cost or time prohibitive. We are all happy to connect with you virtually and help you through the process.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Not being able to do it all. There are so many unique opportunities here at Kellogg – professional and social clubs, leadership development programs, community service – you really have to be deliberate in what you choose to be involved in.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
The chance to explore! I have been wearing a military uniform my entire adult life. I would not trade my experiences for the world, but I am incredibly grateful to start my transition in a place that values my past contributions and is willing to provide me with every resource I need to find my next path.
Shobhit Gupta, Northwestern Kellogg’s MBA Class of 2023
Age: 29
Hometown: Lucknow, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Instrumentation Engineering
Pre-MBA: Management Consultant, Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
Work Experience (years, industry): 6 years in consulting
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I had been thinking about the decision to go to business school for the longest time. After an engineering undergraduate program, I realized that while I had been exposed to opportunities that shaped my critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, my business knowledge was limited to what I had learned via my engagements at BCG. The idea of returning to school was daunting, but the need to take a step back to introspect and focus on long-term goals while being in the vicinity of an incredibly talented community made business school an important step in my journey. Learning about my own self and diversifying my repertoire – in terms of communication, leadership, and managerial styles – have been an important part of my decision-making process. At the end of it, despite all the logic I outlined, the only question that mattered was – Would I regret not doing it? It was an easy yes.
Why did you choose Kellogg? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I had been fortunate enough to be a part of an incredible firm, which had a strong emphasis on people and culture. As I thought through where I would like to spend my time in graduate school, I was looking for a strong parallel between BCG and the school’s culture. In that, I realized Kellogg was a great fit. I know that I speak for my entire class when I say this, but Kellogg, at the heart of it, is a community-oriented school. You would realize it from the very first conversations here, be it with the admissions team, students, alumni, or the professors. The spirit of belongingness I felt with the community during my interactions, coupled with a strong sense of collaboration and interpersonal dynamics, all the while holding on to one’s humility – drew me most towards Kellogg. In addition to this, the fact that you don’t need to choose a major at Kellogg allows you a lot of freedom to chart your own academic path, which means you can take the classes you want, not the ones you need.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
I consider myself to be a seasoned generalist with a lot of curiosity and affinity for people. I like connecting people to each other, to opportunities and paths they might not have been exposed to before, to broaden our collective perspectives. During the days leading to Kellogg, I promised myself that I would use my time in graduate school to invest in relationships and bring a lot of myself to every engagement. I decided to leverage my experiences and perspectives to actively try to have a pulse on how I can contribute. To that effect, I joined Kellogg’s student administration to represent the voice of my peers and help make a difference.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
I love open waters and scuba diving – 10+ dives and counting across 4 continents.
Post-MBA career interests:
Return to consulting and then pivot to a growth-focused role for a small/medium sized organization.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
– What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Start early! I know you’ve probably heard this before, but I cannot emphasize it enough. Take the time to connect with people, understand the school’s “vibe” and think through the match. Business school is a big commitment, and it is important that there is a personality match between who you are and where you want to spend your time. On the applications, be bold while being authentic – it is not only admired, but it gives the school a true feel of who you are.
– What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Get more people involved in my application. Business school application is an intense process and just like any project – it is important to have a set of stakeholders (mentors/peers) as well as deadlines, which you can hold yourself accountable to. I spent a lot of time self-analyzing my past life. I think it would have been more efficient to ask people around me – family, friends, coworkers – for genuine feedback about what makes me different from others.
– What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
People have differing opinions on this one and I understand the merit of it, but it would have been nice to skip the video essay.
What is your initial impression of Kellogg’s students/culture/community?
Incredible! It has been a few weeks here, but the place and the people make you feel that you have been here for a long time. While I could go on and on about my impression of the amazing community that Kellogg is, one thing that really stands out to me is how easy it is to connect with people. By this point, I have had innumerable conversations with people that started with a casual hello and took a path of its own. Above all, the camaraderie of the 1Y cohort of goes beyond words – it is a family that makes Kellogg home!
What is one thing you have learned about Kellogg that has surprised you?
Diversity of talent that you see around yourself every day! It is a humbling experience to be around folks that have such varying experiences you can draw into – teachers, athletes, doctors, ex-military, entrepreneurs … and the list goes on. For someone who comes from a background where academics is equated to simply gaining knowledge from books, the amount you learn just by sharing perspectives and connecting with people has been a pleasant surprise.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
I had to delay my application by a year. This period really made me think why (and if) I wanted an MBA. The whole idea of returning to school after so many years was daunting anyway, and adding an extra delay year further complicated things in my head. However, I’m glad I took the plunge as in hindsight, I’d have really regretted it otherwise!
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Time management! There is a lot happening around you (all the time!) from clubs, social events, academics, sports, and such – the key is to actively prioritize and avoid things that don’t get you excited enough. Simply “going with the flow” may not be such a great idea with the diversity of activities around you. I guess B-school does a good job at teaching the science (or art?) of trade-offs in decision making.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Just about everything! There is so much to do and learn that superlatives don’t do justice here. If I had to choose a couple, it would be forming meaningful relationships with peers and learning from their diverse experiences. To that effect, a big part of it is travel and networking. For example, a large portion of the incoming Kellogg class went to an annual trip, KWEST, last month. During KWEST, students have the opportunity to interact closely as a team and plant the seeds for meaningful connections. Looking forward to more such experiences in the time to come!
Taylor Baker, Northwestern Kellogg’s MBAi Class of 2023
Age: 29
Hometown: Orem, UT
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Brigham Young University, Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 4 years, Healthcare Consulting (2) and Tech Strategy (2)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
During undergrad I had the opportunity to spend a month in India attempting to develop a low-cost CPAP device to address neonatal mortality rates. I went in naively with what I believed to be a thoughtful business strategy and left with my eyes opened to the overwhelming complexities of entrepreneurship. Ever since, I have been drawn to roles and experiences that will provide the right project management and technical skills necessary to facilitate future entrepreneurship. Attending business school now is a way for me to further develop both skillsets, network with prospective entrepreneurs, and become a more well-rounded leader.
Why did you choose Kellogg? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I spent one year of my consulting career in Evanston, IL, a 10-minute walk from campus. I was confident I would love Kellogg after speaking with alumni and current students, all of whom spoke extremely highly of Kellogg’s collaborative culture, impressive faculty, and support for entrepreneurs. When Kellogg announced its new MBAi program (a joint Business, AI and Machine Learning program between Kellogg and the McCormick School of Engineering), I knew this was the best program and place for me to become a successful health-tech entrepreneur.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
Having prior experience in two core post-MBA target industries (consulting and tech) has allowed me to provide context and advice to students as they explore career options. Although we all have stories and goals that we clearly communicate in our MBA application essays, the reality is that a lot of us are still trying to figure out our priorities, and it’s been a joy to hear about a diverse range of experiences from fellow classmates.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
I broke my nose mountain biking the day before my wedding engagement photos! We still got married and were able to rush our wedding invitations out on time (with a little help from photoshop).
Post-MBA career interests:
Short-term, I want to work in Product Management at a health-tech startup where I can develop and scale software tailored to patient needs. My goal is to return to entrepreneurship long-term and found a health-tech firm, where I can build on prior experience and leverage my Kellogg network to create lasting impact.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
– What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would have people who know me best (family, my spouse) review and provide feedback on my application. They were able to say, “this doesn’t sound like you” and help me be more introspective instead of my natural tendency to communicate an idealized version of myself that I thought admissions committees were looking for.
– What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I probably would have started earlier. I ended up having to apply Round 2, after spending Round 1 studying for the GRE.
– What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Definitely the GRE. Three months of studying at night and on weekends was not fun to say the least, and the real test seemed even longer than the practice tests somehow. Going on bike rides with my kids to decompress after practice tests helped me get through the stress.
What is your initial impression of Kellogg’s students/culture/community?
I have absolutely loved Kellogg so far, even more than expected. My section is a ton of fun, and the MBAi group is extremely supportive and collaborative. After only a few weeks, I can see how people say they make lifelong friends during business school.
What is one thing you have learned about Kellogg that has surprised you?
Section pride and involvement has been surprising and fun. Throwing a random group of students together into a section and deeming us “the Poets” creates an unexpectedly high level of engagement and loyalty. The smaller “pods” within sections were also a welcome surprise and additional opportunity to bond quickly with classmates.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
Unfortunately, it kept me from doing campus visits, which I was really looking forward to while applying. Luckily, since I had lived in Evanston previously, I had at least briefly visited campus and seen the beautiful global hub. The “Day at Kellogg” virtual admit weekend was engaging and helpful, but I know it would have been even easier for me to commit to Kellogg had I visited in person and met prospective students.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Balancing the demands of school and recruiting while also prioritizing my wife and kids. My wife has been extremely supportive going into school, and we’ve made a lot of sacrifices to be here, so I am going to do my best to take advantage of the opportunity. I just need to make sure to help them feel engaged throughout. Luckily, Kellogg offers great resources for Joint Ventures and families (e.g. Kellogg Kids).
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I get a lot of energy from meeting and learning from new people, so I am very excited to further build my network within my section, the MBAi program, and clubs with like-minded prospective social entrepreneurs (e.g. KTech, Net Impact). I am also excited to apply my new technical and leadership knowledge from class in case competitions and interviews.
