Ellin Lolis Consulting

2024-2025 Wharton MBA Essay Tips and Example Essays

Jun 17, 2024

wharton essay analysis mbamission

  • Who is Wharton looking for?
  • How should I answer Wharton essay questions?
  • Get into the Wharton MBA
  • Wharton Deadlines

UPDATE : This article was originally posted on July 10, 2018. It has been updated with new information and tips below.

In 1881, Joseph Wharton started the world’s first collegiate business school. In the more than 100 years since, Wharton has maintained its position as one of the world’s top destinations for talented business professionals. 

With numerous opportunities (many of them overseas) to develop your leadership skills and build relationships with fellow students, Wharton offers a highly challenging yet highly collaborative approach to business education. 

However, with increasing competition to join this innovative, collaboratively-minded university, it’s more difficult than ever to successfully apply to Wharton. 

That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to help you use your Wharton admissions essays to stand out . We’ve rounded up our best tips and links to Wharton MBA sample essays to ensure you give your Haas application your best shot.

1. Who is Wharton looking for?

wharton essay analysis mbamission

“Our mission is to develop leaders who act with a deeper understanding of themselves, their organizations, and their communities, and contribute positively to the growth of each.” Wharton Admissions

As one of the most consistently top-ranked business schools, Wharton has become almost synonymous with elite business education. With a strong focus on innovation and their unique Lauder dual-degree program in international studies and Health Care Major , it’s no surprise that Wharton is at the top of many applicants’ lists of dream schools. 

Each year, Wharton selects just under 900 students from 70 countries to take part in its two-year program. Though there is no one “perfect” type of Wharton student, the university does favor high test scores. The median GMAT for the Class of 2025 was 728 (slightly down from 733 for last year’s class) and the average GRE score was 162 Quant, 162 Verbal.  

Though often called a “finance factory,” Wharton builds a diverse class each year by looking beyond traditional investment banking professionals to fill its class. In fact, the number of Wharton post-MBA graduates breaking into industries like tech has only increased over the past few years. With the launch of Tangen Hall last year, that number is only likely to continue growing. 

Beyond the numbers, Wharton tends to value students who demonstrate a collaborative personality, leadership potential, global mindset, and an ability to think outside the box and innovate. 

If this sounds like a community in which you’d be right at home, you’ll first have to prove you’ve got what it takes by successfully answering Wharton’s admissions essay questions. 

2. How should I answer Wharton essay questions?

2.1. essay 1.

Essay 1: How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)

Before starting, you might want to review the tips the Wharton admissions committee gives on how to approach the essays. 

In this essay, you have a big task. In around 500 words , you need to discuss:

  • Context for your goals
  • Your specific-post MBA goals and why you are pursuing them at this moment
  • Why you believe an MBA is necessary to reach these goals
  • How a Wharton MBA will help you reach these goals

Each of these elements must be included and must build off of each other. 

First of all, many candidates think they do not need to specifically state their goals, or that it’s better to leave “their options open.” If you are applying to elite business schools, however, you must have and present absolute clarity about your goals. 

TOP TIP : If you’re having trouble figuring out what your post-MBA goals are, we’ve prepared this post to help you decipher this essential part of the application process! 

However, goals without context can be a little confusing to decipher or understand (or they can just seem a bit lackluster). For this reason, we suggest starting your essay with context. 

For example, a client last year initially started his essay by saying: 

“I want to become a Business Development Director at a Brazilian company.”

While interesting, it’s better to give a little bit of context to help these goals come to life. Check out the final version of the same essay’s introduction:

“In the 1970s, the phrase “think global, act local” came into use, suggesting that to have global impact, one must be active locally. With this mindset, I focused my career on Brazilian multinational companies to start creating global change at home. While at Company 1, I led a diverse global team, which showed me that clear communication is essential. I later accepted a finance position at a real estate company where I learned how new technologies can impact traditional local industries and that leaders must adapt to these trends to maintain competitiveness. Most recently, I joined Company 2 to participate in its daring globalization plan. At Company 2, I have learned how challenging it is to formulate effective global strategies to thrive in diverse markets. I have also developed management skills since becoming Financial Coordinator, learning how important establishing a culture of collaboration is to providing stability for organizations.

I now seek to take the next step to becoming a “global” leader by becoming Business Development Director at a Brazilian company pursuing globalization, giving me the experience to assume my long-term goal of CEO of one such company.”

Second, you should clearly demonstrate why you need an MBA. 

An MBA is not a catch-all degree that serves a purpose for all career paths. As such, you need to demonstrate that the goals you have set for yourself require the additional training an MBA can provide. 

Be thoughtful about this particular section. If you don’t need to improve in any meaningful way, you might be presenting the argument the admissions committee needs for why you can’t actually benefit from an MBA. 

Furthermore, if you show fluffy or unsupported reasons you need to hone your skills, you’ll also likely see your application tossed aside in favor of an applicant who was able to clearly demonstrate how they plan to leverage their time at business school. 

Third, add how Kellogg can specifically help you grow in the areas you’ve identified. Mentioning that you want to go to Kellogg because of its ranking will not cut it here. 

Instead, show that you understand the unique offerings Wharton’s curriculum provides (I highly suggest you mention the pathway or major you’re interested in) and have done significant, thoughtful research into how the opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom can help you grow. If you have space, it’s also highly recommended that you mention how you can contribute to the community. 

End with a winning conclusion statement that reinforces your personal brand and ties the whole essay together. 

Need more guidance? 

Our MBA Resource Center has dozens of Wharton MBA essays that worked to get our clients admitted to help you plan out a winning Wharton essay. 

Our library also includes guides for all top global MBA programs, detailed essay brainstorms, interview tips and mocks, CV templates, and recommendation letter guides. Click to join ! 

2.2. Essay 2

Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

For this essay, we highly suggest that you focus on multiple examples. In our experience over the years, 3 ways you plan to contribute tends to work best, though we have seen essays with 2 examples and 4 examples work in very special circumstances.  

There are many different ways you can contribute to the Wharton community, so many different stories and “lessons” you can apply at Wharton are valid here.  

For example, if you have worked extensively as part of an international team, highlighting a specific experience where diversity was the key to “winning the day” and showing how you would promote diversity while at Wharton could work very well. 

Or, you might have a specific ability that has proven valuable in analyzing business challenges, might be an outstanding communicator, etc. There really are endless opportunities for this essay. 

When telling your stories, make sure to use the STAR method to ensure you clearly demonstrate what happened, your role in the events, and what you learned. Then, link this lesson to specific resources and opportunities at Wharton, showing how you will improve the overall community. 

To create an amazing essay, stay focused, do your research on Wharton, and choose your examples wisely. Showing you’re a leader and team player who fully understands the Wharton experience and who is prepared to contribute to the Wharton community is the key to success. 

2.3. Reapplicant Essay

Required Essay for All Reapplicants: Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected [on] and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)

We have written two extensive posts on how to approach reapplying to business school and on how to handle the reapplicant essay . Make sure to check them out!

2.4. Optional Essay

Optional Essay: Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider.

As with nearly all elite business schools, Wharton does not want to see a summary of your profile or a restatement of why you want to attend Wharton. 

However, if you have extenuating circumstances that merit additional explanation (a good overview of what kind of circumstances quality can be found here ), make sure to explain them clearly and directly. 

Looking for Wharton MBA essay examples? Check out our real sample essays that got our clients admitted here .

wharton essay analysis mbamission

3. Get into the Wharton MBA

One of the most common mistakes we see in MBA essays is that candidates fail to tell compelling stories . This is important because if your stories are not compelling, they will not be persuasive. At the same time, they must be backed by strong examples that establish a track record of success and prove to the admissions committees why you belong at their school. 

Striking this balance between content and creativity can be tough, however, as succeeding means not only choosing the right stories but ensuring they are told in an optimal manner. 

This is why our iterative developmental feedback process here at Ellin Lolis Consulting helps you mold your message through the application of our storytelling expertise until it reflects exactly what makes your profile stand out and show fit with your target program.   

Not only can you take advantage of our iterative feedback process through multiple edits – you can also benefit from it after a single review! If your budget is tight, our editors will be happy to help polish your text as much as possible and leave “bonus comments” so you can keep working on it on your own!

wharton essay analysis mbamission

No matter how long we work with you, we will always ensure your essays shine . Sign up to work with our team of storytelling experts and get accepted.

4. Wharton Deadlines

The deadlines below apply to the 2024-2025 application cycle. You can start your online application here . 

Wharton Round 1 Deadlines

Application Deadline : September 4, 2024

Interview Notification : October 24, 2024

Decisions Released : December 10, 2024

Wharton Round 2 Deadlines

Application Deadline : January 3, 2025

Interview Notification : February 19, 2025

Decisions Released : April 1, 2025

Wharton Round 3 Deadlines

Application Deadline : April 2, 2025

Interview Notification : April 18, 2025

Decisions Released : May 13, 2025

Wharton Deferred Admissions Deadlines

Application Deadline : April 23, 2025

Interview Notification : May 29, 2025

Decisions Released : July 1, 2025

Real MBA Essays That Got People In

School-specific sample essays that got our clients accepted

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2024-2025 Wharton MBA Essay Tips + An Example

wharton essay analysis mbamission

Originally published on July 13, 2023. Updated on July 3, 2024.

The Wharton MBA essay prompts are confirmed for 2024-2025 and they remain unchanged from last year. The questions are direct and allow enough word count to paint a robust picture of who you are and why Wharton is right for you (and vice versa). As such, this application can be a good one to tackle early in the process. The deadlines are also early in each round, which lends additional credence to this approach.

To help you get started, we’re sharing a Wharton MBA essay example as well as some tips to use while crafting your own. 

Wharton MBA Essay Questions

  • How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)
  • Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

Wharton MBA Essay Advice

While the Wharton essay questions read as fairly straightforward, don’t let them lead you down the path of writing bland essays.  Run of the mill essays do nothing to help you stand out from the sea of applications Wharton receives. Additionally, despite the generous word count, you will absolutely need to be strategic about what you include – and don’t.

Your Career Goals Are the ‘Anchor’ For Essay One

When it comes to the first essay, the critical thing to keep in mind is that all of your content should be ‘anchored’ by your short – and long-term career goals . If you haven’t given robust thought to these and done your due diligence to ensure they are sound, now is the time to do so.

Once you have defined and refined your career goals, you need to think backwards and forwards.

By thinking backwards, we’re encouraging you to think about the formative experiences that led you to your post-MBA career goals. Perhaps in your work as a consultant you were staffed on a healthcare project that opened your eyes to how complex yet exciting the healthcare industry can be. This sparked your interest in shifting to a strategy role within a healthcare company where you can make a lasting impact on the industry and those it touches. Tell the story of that case, focusing on why it was so eye-opening, so the adcom can really feel your passion and the authenticity behind your goals.

By thinking forwards, we’re recommending that you think very specifically about the skills you need to build to be successful in your target career. Then, research and describe the unique elements of Wharton’s program that will help you to build them. If the examples you cite are offered by other business schools, they are not specific enough to make a compelling argument as to why Wharton will best position you for success. Getting this part right takes work and that is exactly why it matters.

Focus Essay Two on Being a ‘Giver’ Not a ‘Taker’

When it comes to the second essay, take a cue from what Wharton professor extraordinaire Adam Grant’s concept of ‘ givers and takers ’. Whereas the ‘why Wharton’ section of the first essay can cover what you will ‘take’ from the experience, this essay should focus on the ways in which you will be a ‘giver’ while at Wharton and even after graduation. A giver ‘…[looks] to help others by making an introduction, giving advice, providing mentoring, or sharing knowledge, without any strings attached.’

To be in a position to ‘give’, you need to have a unique knowledge base, personality trait, or past experience from which others will benefit. This is the crux of the essay. It is, first and foremost, the place to share what distinguishes you from other applicants. Because the first essay is so career focused, we urge clients to write about something personal here.

For example, a past client discussed how she would use the determination that had helped her overcome personal challenges to motivate her peers in Wharton Women in Business. She went on to describe a specific area of programming she would bring to the club that tied in with some of the personal challenges she had conquered.  The essay was strategic, specific, and thoughtful (and it was successful in earning her an acceptance with full scholarship).

Wharton MBA Essay Example

Because it’s often hard to put theory into practice, below is a Wharton MBA essay example from one of our clients who was accepted (with scholarship!).

Wharton MBA Essay Example – Essay 1

My experience advising consumer products companies at [company x] and driving strategic go-to-market decisions at [company y] have sparked a fascination with strategy at the intersection of consumer and technology. Coupled with a Wharton MBA and a post-MBA role at a consumer technology startup, I plan to leverage these experiences to, one day, lead the strategy function of a company that disrupts a previously-established market by understanding and changing consumer behavior, like Airbnb or StitchFix.

In my work to date, I have seen both ends of the innovation spectrum, which has driven home the importance of responding to quickly evolving customer needs. At [company x], while interviewing company executives on a project for a multinational food manufacturer, I was surprised to find that they were focusing investment on legacy products that, while historically lucrative, would not position the company for future success in the face of changing consumer trends. In contrast, [company y] makes every strategic play based on customer needs. When customers became increasingly segmented by industry, we reorganized the sales team into industry verticals. When COVID-19 struck, we released [product], a product that helps customers evaluate how to safely restart operations. Combining my [company x] and [company y] experiences, I see an opportunity to leverage a deep understanding of consumer trends, based in data and analytics, to disrupt a consumer market with technology.

To succeed in this journey, I need to build the core business principles that were not a part of my liberal arts undergraduate education and develop my personal leadership style. At Wharton, a double major in Business Analytics and Strategic Management will provide a deep understanding of business fundamentals while teaching me to be an innovative strategic leader. Classes like Managing the Emerging Enterprise with Exequiel Hernandez will provide hands-on experience analyzing high-growth organizations, teaching me the fundamental principles of managing a disruptive consumer technology firm, from early competitive positioning to organizational structure and the strategic and operational art of expansion.

Further, understanding and developing my personal leadership style will be paramount to my future career. By taking part in the McNulty Leadership Program’s Leadership Ventures, such as the Quantico Intensive, I will apply my existing teamwork skills to a fast-paced problem-solving exercise. As someone who has always found growth in situations outside my comfort zone, I am excited to explore my personal leadership traits in this intense, hands-on environment, which will prepare me for the dynamic pace of the consumer technology industry.

Lastly, a leadership position in the Technology Club will provide access to Wharton’s broad industry resources and alumni base, preparing me to hit the ground running in a post-MBA role at a consumer technology start-up. Joining an existing but early stage company will expose me to the ins and outs of my target industry and, as is the nature with start-ups, provide experience playing multiple roles in a dynamic format. This breadth of experience will provide a holistic perspective on a consumer technology company’s growth levers and industry dynamics, solidifying my preparation to serve as a strategic leader.

Wharton MBA Essay Example – Essay 2

My parents nicknamed me “the quiet giant” because I was always the underdog whose determination surprised those who underestimated me. I grew up smaller than my peers, so when my softball coach told me that my size would prevent me from being competitive, I was crushed by his quick judgment of my size. Rather than letting this criticism deter me, I became resolved to prove him wrong. I persistently practiced my pitching technique and, two years later, was the best pitcher in the league, going on to win the all-star championship. In this pivotal moment, I was overcome with pride and realized that success was possible if I kept my will to persevere and pushed past my ‘limits’.

Throughout my life, I have leveraged this determination to benefit the communities and teams of which I have been a part. At [company y], I led a team of ten to create an automated headcount dataset that saved the strategy organization hundreds of hours of manual work each quarter. While this project required strategic alignment and technical creativity, my biggest contribution was my ability to motivate the team. We hit many roadblocks, but I took on every challenge with an open mind, encouraging my team to think creatively and listening receptively to each person’s perspective. As a result, our solution transformed the way the organization reports on headcount growth.

These same motivating principles and teamwork skills will allow me to make valuable contributions to the Wharton community. I look forward to using my determination to help motivate my learning team when coursework is challenging or the demands of recruiting wear on us. Through core classes like Corporate Finance, the difficulty of which has been emphasized by current students, I will work closely with my learning team and encourage my peers to persevere.

As a leader of WWIB, I look forward to working alongside my female peers to build our confidence in business settings and otherwise. As a woman in the male-dominated field of consulting, I have unfortunately felt the impact of being overlooked. After joining [company y], I attended courses on public speaking for women and was encouraged to voice my opinions. As a result of my determination to grow in this way, my confidence and presentation skills improved, which enabled my promotion to Manager. I look forward to continuing to develop these skills within WWIB alongside my diverse and talented female peers.

We hope you found this Wharton MBA essay example helpful and can apply our essay writing tips to your own personal narrative. We’re here to help if you’re struggling. Click here to request a free consultation . 

Katie McQuarrie

Katie is a passionate mentor and coach, helping her clients craft a unique, compelling story by leveraging her experience as a corporate executive, alumni interviewer, and campus recruiter. Before completing her MBA at Kellogg, Katie spent five years in banking where she learned practical finance skills as well as how to operate in a demanding, high pressure environment. She pursued an MBA in order to transition to an industry role where she could utilize her finance knowledge to drive change within an organization. Post-MBA, she worked in finance and strategy for a leading CPG firm, progressing to an executive role leading the finance function for a $2B business segment. Her experience managing diverse teams led to a passion for developing others. In addition to her day-to-day responsibilities, she led her firm’s MBA recruiting efforts and served as an alumni admissions interviewer for Kellogg.

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2024-2025 Wharton MBA Essay Analysis and Tips

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  • July 23, 2024

The Wharton School is the business school of the University of Pennsylvania, a private Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1881 through a donation from businessman and philanthropist Joseph Wharton, the school is the world’s oldest collegiate business school. It consistently ranks among the top business schools in the United States. With a global alumni network of over 94,000 graduates, the Wharton School offers its students unparalleled networking and career advancement opportunities. If you are looking for a top-ranked business school that can provide you with an excellent education and great career prospects, the Wharton School is the right choice for you.

wharton mba essay

What stands between you and a place in the Wharton class is the rigorous application process. In this process, essays are the most crucial aspect and in this article, we’ll provide helpful tips to make sure you write the best possible responses to the Wharton MBA essay prompts.

Wharton MBA essay

Your essays have a significant impact on how Wharton’s admissions committee views your MBA candidacy by allowing a deeper look into your values, experiences, and motivations. This information may make the writing process appear extremely intimidating, but don’t worry. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about Wharton MBA essays.

For the 2025 application season, Wharton will once again require applicants to submit the same two essays as last year. The word limit for all essays remains the same. However, while Wharton maintains its previous pattern of two required essays for its full-time MBA application process, applicants must exercise extreme caution when responding to these essays.

Because, even with strong profiles and 750+ GMAT scores, the school rejects several candidates every year, primarily due to their cookie-cutter approach and attempts to fit in too much in the limited space.

Candidates have 900 words to introduce themselves to the Wharton MBA program. Candidates may also submit an optional essay in order to provide additional information or explain extenuating circumstances. Reapplicants must submit an additional required essay.

Wharton MBA essay propmts for 2025 intake

  • Essay 1: How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)
  • Essay 2: Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)
  • Required Essay for all Reapplicants: Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)
  • Optional Essay: Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. (500 words)

General tips for the Wharton Essay

Before you worry about word count, write everything out..

“How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals?” is a lofty question. The Admission Committee is asking you to write a 500-word essay bridging the last 4-10 years of your life to the goals of your next 30 years.

You’re probably thinking “How can I possibly convey everything important about myself and my career choices in only 500 words?”. Well, you can’t. However, you can cut it down to show only the highlights.

Connect the “Three Career Dots”

What have you done to date, what unique things do you already know, and what do you have still to learn? How can Wharton help you and how can you help the Wharton community? How does that all connect to your goals post-MBA?

This tip will also help you for Essay 2, “Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community?”

Remember that you’re writing your essay for Wharton, not just any other MBA program. It is fairly simple to determine if you spend some time researching why the school is the right fit for you, how you can leverage its resources, and how it will transform you as a business leader. Wharton is distinctive, and your essay should reflect this.

MBA application deadlines 2024-2025

Round 1September 4, 2024October 24, 2024December 10, 2024
Round 2January 3, 2025February 19, 2025April 1, 2025
Round 3April 2, 2025April 18, 2025May 13, 2025

Wharton MBA essay analysis

How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)

The fundamental requirement of Essay 1 is that you have a clear idea of your career objectives. You should be aware of what you want to achieve and be able to describe in detail how Wharton will assist you in doing so. Listing numerous classes is a horrible strategy because it does not provide the admissions committee with enough information about your familiarity with the institution. Anyone can seek up a list of classes, and many universities offer parallel courses that might just as easily help you achieve your objectives.

Although your work history is not specifically requested in the essay, it is nevertheless important to give a succinct overview of the key professional events that have sparked your desires and helped you to clearly define your aims. Describe the talents you have acquired so far in your career and the professional goals you have for the near and long term. After that, describe your current perspective and why getting an MBA at this point in your career will help you achieve your objectives. Here, you should show that you are aware of yourself and the talents you lack.

To properly answer this question, you must have professional direction and understand which of Wharton’s numerous resources make it the ideal next stop on your professional journey.

You could compose your response in a variety of ways. You may begin by describing a crucial experience that either exemplifies what you hope to achieve or affects your short- and long-term ambitions. Afterward, explain why this event, which was ideally a success, is significant to you and how it relates to the issue. 

Include relevant details from your Wharton research and make sure to connect them to your objectives and core principles. For instance, you ought to discuss how Wharton’s distinctive educational possibilities, culture, extracurricular activities, clubs, and groups, rich and flexible curriculum, and experienced faculty may help you achieve your objectives. Be extremely clear about how a certain class or student organization relates to your desired job. Making your case for Wharton is what matters most.

Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

When this essay prompt was newly introduced, Wharton Director of Admissions, Blair Mannix , said, “Our main goal is to get to know you the best that we can, and the change to our second prompt was largely motivated by that desire. We hope to give applicants room to reflect on their unique backgrounds and think about what their value-add will be to the Wharton community. Applicants should remember that the admissions committee is looking for candidates who will contribute to all aspects of Wharton life.”

The admissions committee seeks candidates who will make an impact both while at Wharton and as alumni. This essay allows applicants to choose experiences from their personal, professional, and academic lives. As a result, this essay is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm and the impact you have had in these areas.

You can choose two or three most important instances from the past in which you created a significant impact on your organization or community. After that, describe how these encounters have equipped you to contribute to the Wharton community. Describe the difficulties you encountered and the solutions you came up with to have an impact. Additionally, you must discuss the lessons you took away from the event and then explain how the Wharton community might profit from your knowledge. Please be aware that any contribution should be based on your own professional, academic, and personal experiences. You can participate in a variety of ways, such as in the group project, in the classroom, or in any clubs or student organizations.

In essence, in this essay, you should consider how you can use your expertise and pertinent lessons to get involved in the Wharton community. You can provide a consistent and coherent image of your candidacy, as well as your professional and personal interests, by making a connection between your history and your projected future in the program. You’ll provide the adcom more justification for admitting you if you can be more specific about how you would contribute (by taking on a specific role in planning a specific annual event, for example).

Reapplicant essay

Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)

Reapplicants will want to provide a straightforward account of the particular efforts they’ve done to strengthen their applications since they last applied to Wharton given the limited word limit for this response.

Share information in this essay if you have improved your GMAT, received promotions, gained more clarity on your goals this time, taken new quantitative classes or certifications, or been involved in volunteer activities.

In short, Growth and Improvement is the name of the MBA reapplicant game. Wharton expects introspection, which you must provide, but you must also demonstrate how that reflection led to action and improvement. Demonstrate to Wharton that you are a stronger candidate this time around.

Optional Essay

Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. (500 words)

“Addressing extenuating circumstances” implies that you should describe those circumstances clearly. Provide context to the admissions committee. Make no excuses or complaints. If possible, provide proof that those circumstances no longer exist and/or will not have an impact on your performance.

For example, you can explain a lower-than-average GMAT score, any grades below a C on your transcript, academic probation, or significant employment or education gap in this essay. Make sure your reason for providing context for a weakness in your profile is genuine in order to persuade the Ad Com that your low grades or employment gap occurred due to unforeseen circumstances beyond your control. Your response should be positive, direct, and fact-based, and should not sound as if you are making excuses for a flaw in your profile. Also, please explain in the optional statement if you are unable to obtain a recommendation letter from your current supervisor. Your flaws may also highlight a positive aspect of your personality.

For example, if you’re talking about your job gap, you could say that you did something productive during that time, such as traveling, volunteering, or dealing with a family medical emergency.

The opportunity to address any application-related irregularities, such as subpar academic achievement, gaps in your resume, or low test scores, is provided via the optional essay prompt. Use this essay to answer any remaining concerns a committee member may have about your application.

Essay Prompts 1 and 2 as well as a special reapplicant-only prompt must be answered by reapplicants at Wharton. Your past submissions might no longer be totally applicable because the writing prompts are subject to change every year. Reassessing the caliber of your previous writings is still an excellent idea even if the prompts haven’t changed.

Applicants to the Francis J. & William Polk Carey/JD MBA program “are strongly encouraged to answer the application essay questions in relation to the Carey JD/MBA Program rather than just the Wharton MBA Program.” Applicants to the Wharton/Lauder Institute Joint-Degree Program must answer one additional Lauder prompt.

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Wharton MBA Application Deadlines and Wharton MBA Essay Tips: 2024-2025

Wharton MBA Program Deadlines and Essay Tips

The Wharton School has confirmed the 2024-2025 MBA application essays. Again, Wharton has decided to keep its first and second essay questions the same as the previous application cycles. Wharton has an additional required application essay for reapplicants along with an optional essay.

Below, please find this year’s deadlines along with Personal MBA Coach’s analysis of the Wharton MBA application essays.

The Upcoming Wharton MBA Application Deadlines Are As Follows:

Round 1:  September 4, 2024

Round 2:  January 3, 2025

Round 3: April 2, 2025

2024-2025 Wharton MBA Essays:

Founded by a  Wharton MBA graduate, Personal MBA Coach is intimately familiar with the Wharton MBA program and the culture at Wharton. We advise candidates to think about each question differently, ensuring answers complement each other AND show readers multiple aspects of their candidacy. Watch this testimonial from a Wharton admit to find out how Personal MBA Coach can help you with your Wharton applications.

Wharton MBA Essay 1:  How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton.  (500 words)

This is a fairly traditional goals essay (to find out more about MBA application essay types, read How to Write Winning MBA Essays ). With this first Wharton MBA essay question, you should discuss your specific short-term goals, but also think more broadly. Essay 1 allows you to reflect at a higher level on your aspirations. Think about where you see yourself in 10, 20 or even 30 years. Consider the path you will take to get there.

It is also expected that you touch upon your past successes, explaining how they are relevant to your future objectives. This question does  not  require you to walk through your entire resume, and candidates are advised not to do so. Instead, focus only on your past to establish what your key skills are as well as how and why you will succeed in the future.

Discuss classes you are particularly interested in or perhaps professors you are looking to study with, etc. Do not include a laundry list. Instead, carefully think through how each offering will allow you to fill in your skill and/or experience gaps. Be sure to show an understanding of Wharton’s culture here. Avoid writing vague statements and copying and pasting content from other MBA application essays.

Wharton MBA Essay 2:  Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community?  (400 words)

Essay 2 gives candidates the opportunity to share past accomplishments and detail potential contributions to the Wharton community. Think about what you have done beyond what is in your resume. Consider items you wish you had space within your resume to elaborate on. Ask yourself what makes you special.

This question gives you the freedom to consider talents, impressive extracurricular accomplishments and/or unique professional skills. We advise candidates to think broadly here about what makes them unique and how they have succeeded both professionally and personally in the past.

Then, consider how you might share these passions, experiences, and successes with your future peers. Tell the reader how you will improve and enrich the Wharton campus. Be sure to do your research on all that Wharton has to offer and to be specific on the contributions you will make. Is there a club you want to join? Perhaps there is a talent you want to share?

As with essay 1, avoid listing items. Instead, select a few unique areas where you will contribute and discuss the mark you hope to leave. Then, as you discuss the specific contributions you will make, tie these to the past experiences you have just brainstormed. A strong essay will cover multiple contributions that flow naturally from your personal story, your passions and your career goals.

Required Essay for all Reapplicants:  Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements).  (250 words)

Reapplicants should use the required additional essay to demonstrate growth. We advise candidates to review  our tips for reapplicants  before tackling this essay.

wharton-mba-essays

Optional Essay:  Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider.

Looking for more information on Wharton’s MBA program? Check out our Wharton guide to find out what sets the program apart, get the latest class profile information, and more.

Ready to apply to Wharton MBA? Reach out to Personal MBA Coach and find out how we can help you today!

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Tuesday Tips: Wharton MBA Essay Tips 2024-2025

Wharton MBA essay tips

The Wharton School seeks to understand who you are and what motivates you in this set of essays. The SBC consultant team includes former Admissions Officers from the Wharton School, who shared that the program looks for solid applicants across all dimensions, with an emphasis on strong GMAT performance and professional experience.

SBC consultant Anthony, a former Wharton MBA Admissions Officer, notes that Wharton is looking for an “exceptional career trajectory and demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.” Above all, Wharton seeks a class that will work well with each other and wants to admit passionate learners. SBC’s Wharton MBA essay tips will help you prepare your best possible application package.

You can get to know the Wharton community through networking and reading. Wharton has a specific culture, and learning more about it will pay off in your application. Resources on the Wharton website, such as Wharton Stories , are a great place to start. Likewise, Sample Wharton essays from successful SBC admits are also highly instructive to applicants.

Curious about your chances of getting into Wharton? Contact us to talk strategy with a free 15-minute advising session  with an SBC Principal Consultant. 

wharton MBA essay tips

Wharton MBA Essay Tips

Essay 1: how do you plan to use the wharton mba program to help you achieve your future professional goals you might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at wharton. (500 words).

This essay prompt reflects that Wharton has always been very career-goal-oriented. “They are acutely interested in what your short-term and long-term career plans are,” says a recent SBC client who was admitted to Wharton. This career goals question focuses on why Wharton is the right fit for you.

However, it’s also a question about your personality and potential success in the program. Meghan, a former Wharton Admissions Officer who works on our SBC team, reveals that “Wharton will turn down interesting/unique candidates who lack clarity of goals or the ability to succeed in recruiting.”

Wharton MBA graduate Jordan Mock wrote an evergreen blog post with three excellent tips for this essay, saying, “Wharton is unique and your essay should reflect that.”

Focus on the question of how a Wharton MBA will help you “connect the three career dots” that Jordan discusses.  Also, consider your past experiences. Think about the critical moments of your professional life that led to your goals. Focus on telling the story of those decision points. Remember, anything unique in your background is always worth describing.

Check out SBC’s Inside Scoop for Wharton Applicants

Finally, one of our best Wharton MBA essay tips is to include exactly how you fit with the program and describe what Wharton will do for you. That will also help you navigate interactions with the Wharton admissions committee. Consider including specific information from your Wharton research in this essay.

For example, mention the faculty you want to study with or the unique classes offered at Wharton. Consider what it might be like to live in Philadelphia. Think about the many clubs and student activities. Also, research the unique leadership development opportunities, such as traveling to Antarctica with your classmates.

wharton essay analysis mbamission

Essay 2: Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

Wharton is an intense academic environment, but it also has a strong community focused on teamwork and learning from each other. SBC consultant Meghan notes that “Wharton looks for applicants who will be active and engaged on campus and who will take on a leadership role within a club and activity that they are passionate about. Wharton generally wants to see past extracurricular involvement.”

As you select a topic for this essay, think about your particular background. What have you done in the past that can show how you will contribute?

Your contribution to the Wharton community could be in the classroom, in clubs, or within small group projects. You might bring your experiences launching a new product to your marketing case studies. Maybe you will lend creative ideas to your learning team as you prepare a research project because you have demonstrated creativity in your past accomplishments.

Perhaps you have shown a tendency to teach and mentor others, and you plan to help your learning teammates with skills that they may not have learned in their past work.

For example, you might contribute to the Media and Entertainment Club by leading a career trek or bringing a new speaker to campus because you have connections from prior career experience. Brainstorm anything learned in your career or undergrad that could help your classmates at Wharton.

wharton mba essay tips

Required Essay for all Reapplicants: Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)

All re-applicants are required to provide information that supports their renewed candidacy. The most successful version of the re-applicant essay will provide tangible evidence that you have improved the overall package you are submitting this year.

Improvements such as GMAT scores or new quantitative classes are particularly relevant and convincing. But a promotion, an increase in responsibility at work, a job change, or even a change of goals and mission can serve as reasonable updates.

A rejection or waitlist last year is a form of feedback and may have led to soul searching for you. When you describe your changes, make sure to reflect on your ability to take feedback and improve. Describe how you approached the reapplication process after assessing your strengths and weaknesses. It is also helpful to describe your efforts to improve.

wharton essay analysis mbamission

Optional Essay: Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee.

You may use this space to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider.

The optional essay is a great place to cover any areas of concern in your application. Wharton looks for solid academics and quant skills.  So, your essay could address a low GPA or GMAT, gaps in your resume, or grades under a C in any quantitative course. Another relevant issue could be disciplinary action in undergrad.

Start by explaining the issue clearly and succinctly. Then, use evidence to show how you have improved and addressed any concerns. Finally, discuss how you plan to maintain positive momentum.

Listen to B-Schooled Podcast Episode #80 : Spotlight on Wharton

Here is a recent client admit announcement:

Dreaming of just one admission to an M7 school. I applied to 6 of them and received acceptances to 4! I am so grateful to SBC and excited to say that I will be matriculating at The Wharton School this fall!

And another one:

With the SBC team’s support, I was accepted to two M7 schools, Wharton and Sloan with significant scholarship offerings from both schools. I would strongly recommend the SBC team for anyone with the goal of being admitted to a top business school!

Now that you’ve seen our Wharton MBA essay tips, get in touch to learn how we can help with your Wharton application. We offer multiple services to meet your MBA application needs, from our All-In Partnership to hourly help reviewing your MBA essays, resume, and more! Contact us today for a free 15-minute advising session  to talk strategy with a Principal SBC consultant.

Here’s a snapshot of the caliber of expertise on our SBC team .

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School HBS MBA

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School Kellogg MBA

Director HBS Admissions at Harvard Business School MBA, the Wharton School

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School

Director HBS Admissions at Harvard Business School HBS MBA

Admissions Officer at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) MBA, Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB)

Asst Director MBA Admissions at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) Director MBA Admissions at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business

MBA, Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) Minority Admissions, the GSB Diversity Programs, the GSB

Associate Director MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania

Associate Director MBA Admissions and Marketing at the Wharton MBA’s Lauder Institute

Director, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania Professional Writer

Assistant Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS) NYU Admissions

Assistant Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS) M.S.Ed, Higher Education, U of Pennsylvania

Associate Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS)

Ashley is a former MBA Admissions Board Member for Harvard Business School (HBS), where she interviewed and evaluated thousands of business school applicants for over a six year tenure.  Ashley  holds an MBA from HBS. During her HBS years,  Ashley  was the Sports Editor for the Harbus and a member of the B-School Blades Ice Hockey Team. After HBS, she worked in Marketing at the Gillette Company on Male and Female shaving ...

Kerry is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS). During her 5+ year tenure at HBS, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a wide range of backgrounds across the globe. She also led marketing and outreach efforts focused on increasing diversity and inclusion, ran the Summer Venture in Management Program (SVMP), and launched the 2+2 Program during her time in Admissions. Kerry holds a B.A. from Bates College and  ...

A former associate director of admissions at Harvard Business School, Pauline served on the HBS MBA Admissions Board full-time for four years. She evaluated and interviewed HBS applicants, both on-campus and globally.  Pauline's career has included sales and marketing management roles with Coca-Cola, Gillette, Procter & Gamble, and IBM.  For over 10 years, Pauline has expertly guided MBA applicants, and her clients h ...

Geri is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS).  In her 7 year tenure in HBS Admissions, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a diverse set of academic, geographic, and employment backgrounds.  Geri also traveled globally representing the school at outreach events in order to raise awareness for women and international students.  In additio ...

Laura comes from the MBA Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS) and is an HBS MBA alumnus. In her HBS Admissions role, she evaluated and interviewed hundreds of business school candidates, including internationals, women, military and other applicant pools, for five years.  Prior to her time as a student at HBS, Laura began her career in advertising and marketing in Chicago at Leo Burnett where she worked on th ...

Andrea served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at Harvard Business School (HBS) for over five years.  In this role, she provided strategic direction for student yield-management activities and also served as a full member of the admissions committee. In 2007, Andrea launched the new 2+2 Program at Harvard Business School – a program targeted at college junior applicants to Harvard Business School.  Andrea has also served as a Career Coach for Harvard Business School for both cu ...

Jennifer served as Admissions Officer at the Stanford (GSB) for five years. She holds an MBA from Stanford (GSB) and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Jennifer has over 15 years experience in guiding applicants through the increasingly competitive admissions process into top MBA programs. Having read thousands and thousands of essays and applications while at Stanford (GSB) Admiss ...

Erin served in key roles in MBA Admissions--as Director at Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and Assistant Director at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB). Erin served on the admissions committee at each school and has read thousands of applications in her career. At Haas, she served for seven years in roles that encompassed evaluation, outreach, and diversity and inclusion. During her tenure in Admissions at GSB, she was responsible for candidate evaluation, applicant outreach, ...

Susie comes from the Admissions Office of the Stanford Graduate School of Business where she reviewed and evaluated hundreds of prospective students’ applications.  She holds an MBA from Stanford’s GSB and a BA from Stanford in Economics. Prior to advising MBA applicants, Susie held a variety of roles over a 15-year period in capital markets, finance, and real estate, including as partner in one of the nation’s most innovative finance and real estate investment organizations. In that r ...

Dione holds an MBA degree from Stanford Business School (GSB) and a BA degree from Stanford University, where she double majored in Economics and Communication with concentrations in journalism and sociology. Dione has served as an Admissions reader and member of the Minority Admissions Advisory Committee at Stanford.   Dione is an accomplished and respected advocate and thought leader on education and diversity. She is ...

Anthony served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he dedicated over 10 years of expertise. During his time as a Wharton Admissions Officer, he read and reviewed thousands of applications and helped bring in a class of 800+ students a year.   Anthony has traveled both domestically and internationally to recruit a ...

Meghan served as the Associate Director of Admissions and Marketing at the Wharton MBA’s Lauder Institute, a joint degree program combining the Wharton MBA with an MA in International Studies. In her role on the Wharton MBA admissions committee, Meghan advised domestic and international applicants; conducted interviews and information sessions domestically and overseas in Asia, Central and South America, and Europe; and evaluated applicants for admission to the program. Meghan also managed ...

Amy comes from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where she was Associate Director. Amy devoted 12 years at the Wharton School, working closely with MBA students and supporting the admissions team.  During her tenure at Wharton, Amy served as a trusted adviser to prospective applicants as well as admitted and matriculated students.  She conducted admissions chats with applicants early in the admissions ...

Ally brings six years of admissions experience to the SBC team, most recently as an Assistant Director of Admission for the full-time MBA program at Columbia Business School (CBS).  During her time at Columbia, Ally was responsible for reviewing applications, planning recruitment events, and interviewing candidates for both the full-time MBA program and the Executive MBA program. She traveled both internationally and dome ...

Erin has over seven years of experience working across major institutions, including University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School, and NYU's Stern School of Business. At Columbia Business School, Erin was an Assistant Director of Admissions where she evaluated applications for both the full time and executive MBA programs, sat on the admissions and merit scholarship committees and advised applicants on which program might be the best fit for them based on their work experience and pro ...

Emma comes from the MBA Admissions Office at Columbia Business School (CBS), where she was Associate Director.  Emma conducted dozens of interviews each cycle for the MBA and EMBA programs, as well as coordinating the alumni ambassador interview program. She read and evaluated hundreds of applications each cycle, delivered information sessions to audiences across the globe, and advised countless waitlisted applicants.

wharton essay analysis mbamission

SBC’s star-studded consultant team is unparalleled. Our clients benefit from current intelligence that we receive from the former MBA Admissions Officers from Harvard HBS, Wharton and every elite business program in the US and Europe.  These MBA Admissions Officers have chosen to work exclusively with SBC.

Just two of the many superstars on the SBC team: Meet Anthony , who served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he dedicated over 10 years of expertise.

Meet Andrea , who served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions Marketing at Harvard Business School (HBS) for over five years.

Tap into this inside knowledge for your MBA applications by requesting a consultation .

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Wharton Essay Questions and Strategic Guidance, 2024-2025

When you hear “Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania,” the first thought that pops into your head might be “Finance!”—and understandably so, given the Wharton MBA program has been a leading institution in the subject of finance since the school was founded in 1881. But what you may not realize is how much of a powerhouse UPenn Wharton is in other business domains. Its marketing and customer analytics courses are cutting edge, while aspiring entrepreneurs will find loads of resources in Wharton’s new Tangen Hall, the largest student entrepreneurship hub in the world.

UPenn Wharton asks candidates to submit two essays as part of its application. As you will see once you examine the essay prompts (as we do in detail below), Wharton really wants to know two things: What can Wharton do for you, and what can you do for Wharton? To compose an effective response, you will need a strong grasp of Wharton’s offerings as well as which of those offerings will be most valuable for you. Though you should demonstrate in these essays that you have done your homework on the program, remember that the admissions committee ultimately uses the essays to learn more about you.

Essay 1: How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)

Wharton does us by favor sharing exactly what we would recommend for a career-oriented essay. In short, one of the easiest ways to approach this question is to present a brief overview of your relevant past experiences, share what you hope to do after business school, and then explain how Wharton will help get you from where you are now to where you want to go.

  • Your past: Do you have a defining professional experience from your past that you can share, perhaps something that clarifies how you became interested in your target career or reveals what motivated you to apply to business school? You might even highlight a story or vignette that relates to one or more of Wharton’s key values.
  • Your goals: Give the schools a sense of where hope to head after graduating from Wharton. Contrary to what you might hear from others, you do not need to be overly specific (though if you have clearly defined goals in mind, by all means, communicate them!). What is more important is that you have at least a general sense of where you are headed and that your plans make sense in the context of your past experiences.
  • Why Wharton: You should dedicate approximately one-half of the allotted word count to the “Why Wharton?” element.  Before you begin working on your essays, do some in-depth research on the Wharton MBA experience and identify specific reasons the program appeals to you. For example, which classes are you excited to take? What will you major in? Which skills and experiences do you need to have to be able to achieve your career goals, and which offerings at Wharton will provide them? Which clubs will you join, and what role(s) will you play in them?  Remember, Wharton wants to know specifically what you hope to gain professionally from the Wharton MBA (not just any MBA program in general). Give Wharton every confidence that you can clearly imagine yourself on campus and that you fully understand why it is the right MBA program to help you advance toward your professional goals.
  • When researching Wharton, go beyond the school’s materials and website and also sign up for virtual classes and contact and speak with students and alumni. As you do your research, your goal is not to find the most unique or little-known classes or resources; instead, you want to identify several offerings that will enable you to close the gap between where you are now and where you want to go after business school.

Essay 2: Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

While the school’s first question is about how Wharton can help you, this second one is about how you can help Wharton.

  • To start, let us share a potentially uncomfortable truth, but one you need to keep in mind with respect to this essay. All of the following contributions are incredibly valuable, but you should assume that many—even most—other Wharton applicants can offer them as well: analytical skills to help classmates who might struggle with some of the initial coursework (this scenario is actually extremely rare), a robust network, a willingness to help (other) international/LGBTQAI+/minority/etc. classmates get settled, and an interest in being an alumni mentor and/or interviewer. Does that mean that under no circumstances should you mention any of these? Of course not! But if you do, you absolutely must offer clear stories and reasons that substantiate why you are (or will be) especially adept at what you propose.
  • Regardless of what you choose to highlight, your essay should not end up being just a laundry list, in part because you do not have enough space to enumerate a large number of ideas, but more importantly, because this is about quality , not quantity. In your mere 400 words, you want to highlight two or three examples (not referenced in Essay 1) of how you will participate in the community—the Wharton community, the Penn community, and/or the Philadelphia community more broadly. How can you make an impact? Have you identified a gap in the school’s offerings that you could help fill or a way of improving something that is already available (innovation!)? Can you offer something relatively unique based on your personal experiences and background? What would you do, and what role would you take?
  • A key part of this essay question that applicants often overlook is the intro phrase: “Taking into consideration your background.” Wharton is asking not just about what you expect to do, but why . What is motivating you to participate in the activity you mention? How does it connect with your life experiences, good or bad? Of all the many things you could choose to be involved in at Wharton, what has prompted you to focus on this one?
  • And to set the record straight, you do not have to avoid getting personal or worry about being “basic.” The main thing is to be authentic. For example, if you are an expert skier or a wine connoisseur, stating that you plan to join the ski club or wine club is perfectly acceptable, but you need to then go a step further and explain what you specifically can bring to the table.

To summarize, the key with this essay is not just telling the admissions committee how you anticipate being involved as a Wharton student but also why doing so is important to you and what impact you will have.

More about Wharton:

We have added this section because too often, we hear candidates dismiss Wharton because they assume Wharton is either too competitive or too focused on finance. While Wharton is full of driven, ambitious students, so is every top business school; collaboration on campus is still pervasive. Likewise, Wharton’s finance curriculum is top-notch, but so is its prowess in marketing, strategy, entrepreneurship and more. See below for more thoughts on what Wharton is really about and what it seeks in applicants. These notes can be helpful as you consider what to write about in your essays.

At Wharton, collaboration is crucial to success. From its team-based admissions interviews to the structure of its learning teams, Wharton demonstrates again and again that working with others to achieve a mutual goal is held in high regard. With respect to its essays, highlighting teamwork examples can therefore be useful, but note that a team involves people in many different roles, and various types of leadership are valued. Do not feel you must present an example of professional success or a team you “led” to be able to submit an effective essay; examples that demonstrate other types of leadership, or other roles on a team, can be equally or even more effective. (Note: If you are not familiar with the McNulty Leadership Program and what it offers, quickly reviewing it would be worth your time.)

Wharton has tried hard to break free of its former reputation as mostly a “finance school,” and one of the ways it has succeeded is by embracing innovation , through its courses, venture conferences and competitions, and student body. Demonstrating that you have an interest in being innovative, or in engineering change in any form, can help convince Wharton that you will be a good fit with its program.

Your analytical skills can be communicated through your GMAT/GRE scores and your undergrad coursework and GPA, but if your skills are lacking—and even if they are not—your essays (and/or your resume) can offer additional avenues through which to show the admissions committee your analytical prowess. Wharton wants to see quantitative proficiency, so make sure to show evidence of such. Note that we are using the word “show” here intentionally; you want to include examples that effectively “show” the admissions committee that you possess these skills, not just tell the schools that you have them.

In an effort to create future leaders with a global mindset , Wharton prides itself on the diverse makeup of its student body, with members hailing from around the globe. Describing the experiences you have had across different regions and cultures, and explaining what you learned/gained from those experiences, can reveal your ability strengthen the student body.

Topics in this resource:

MBA Essay Questions and Strategic Guidance

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Advice, tips and insights from the admissions dream team., table of contents, wharton mba essays: tips & strategy.

  • By Judith Silverman Hodara

The two Wharton MBA essay questions are designed to let the admissions committee get to know you on a personal and professional level.

First-time MBA applicants and re-applicants are required to complete both Wharton application essays. The Admissions Committee wants to get to know you on both a professional and personal level. We encourage you to be introspective, candid and succinct. Most importantly, we suggest you be yourself. Below is my advice on how to respond to each required Wharton admissions essay question, along with the overarching strategy to keep in mind for making a compelling case for your candidacy. (For a candid assessment of your chances of admission and to learn more about Fortuna’s  MBA coaching services and packages , sign up for a  free consultation .)

First, a bit of context. As Wharton’s former head of admissions, I can attest that Wharton is, without a doubt, team-based, but it’s also community-based. With more than 900 students in any incoming class, the Wharton MBA experience is about being part of a much larger organism than your learning team or your cohort. The admissions committee is interested in discerning how your unique experiences will shape the experiences of many of your fellow students, the program, and the institution writ large. Wharton’s two required essay questions explore these cultural values.

Decoding the Wharton MBA Essays

In essence, Wharton’s first essay question asks what you’ll get out of Wharton, while the second question asks what Wharton will get in return. This is a big bottom line for admissions: What are the forces that shape who you are, and how do they shape the kind of leader and community member you will be? Successful essays reflect self-awareness and a profound understanding of the community you’re hoping to join.

Wharton Essay 1

How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)

The first Wharton MBA essay question is straightforward. It asks you to connect a persuasive career vision to how a Wharton MBA will position you to achieve your greatest aspirations. Wharton admissions officers want assurance that you can create a viable path to follow. They understand that while actual industry and functions are variable, but want to be assured that you will enter the program with a sense of purpose.

The question also requires a deep understanding of Wharton’s values, culture and what makes it special. If you don’t convey a nuanced appreciation of its distinctive community and program offerings — gained by thorough research, thoughtful networking and, whenever possible, a campus visit — the admissions committee may not see you as a good fit. It’s key to acknowledge the specific things that stand out about the school and why they are important to you.

With the explicit reference to past experiences “you might consider,” Wharton is really looking to learn about skills you have gained in your career thus far and how these skills will propel you into your MBA program. Using the Wharton MBA degree, what are your short and long-term career goals? The important thing here is to clearly identify your long-term goal and describe how your short-term goal will help get you there. You want to create a cohesive story so Wharton understands where you’ve been, where you’re going, and how they fit into your story.

What do you want to do, and how will Wharton get you there? For a question like this, the “why” behind the goal is as important as the goal itself.

Chicago Booth’s first MBA essay poses a similar question, and my Fortuna colleague   Bill Kooser (former Chicago Booth Associate Dean) offers this perspective: “Think of your long-term goal in terms of impact — personal, organizational and social/community wide — not just in terms of a position or role. Why is this goal important to you? What led you to it?”

For a deeper dive and some great examples of short and long-term goals, view this article by Fortuna’s Heidi Hillis on How To Create MBA Goals: Long-Term Vs. Short Term-Career Vision .

Wharton Essay 2

Taking into consideration your background — personal, professional, and/or academic — how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

Your history is really important to Wharton in this question, especially how it relates to the next steps of a Wharton education. The admissions officers want to understand your ‘origin story’ and how it informs the next steps of your leadership journey. They want to know what you envision doing while a student in Philadelphia and then as an alumnus of the school as you continue to make an impact on your wider community.

The specificity of this question’s wording signals that you should connect the dots for the admissions committee between where you are coming from and where you are heading. There is little room for ambiguity but a lot of room for backstory. This essay question invites you to go deeper into clarifying how elements of your identity and background shape your awareness and why it matters going forward. Don’t just reinforce a link to how your background will “aid in my teamwork skills,” or how you’ve developed better communication skills. Rather, share specifics with your reader that go deeper into who you are, what makes you unique and what you stand to offer. The admissions committee wants specifics.

Do you have a background in community organizing that lends itself directly to such activities at Wharton? Does your choice of academic study, family background or culture influence what you have chosen to pursue professionally? In this question, Wharton is offering you a lot of leeway choosing which influences to focus on. Get introspective and be discerning about what historical threads you choose to share and their significance, both for you and the future community with whom you hope to engage.

Let’s Get You In

Fortuna Admissions is a dream team of former MBA admissions directors and officers from top business schools, including Wharton. With our unparalleled collective expertise, we can coach you to develop a clear vision of your goals for business school and beyond. We work closely with you throughout the application process and provide expert guidance at every stage to maximize your chances of admission to a top school.

Our free consultations are consistently rated as the best in the industry. To learn more about Fortuna and assess your chances of admission to Wharton and other top programs, book your free consultation session now .

Want More Advice?

Check out our team’s latest articles, videos, and analysis related to how to get into Wharton:

  • MBA Admissions Masterclass: How to get into Wharton
  • Acing the Wharton TBD  (blog w/ video)
  • What is Wharton Looking For? Key Criteria & Qualities of the Ideal Candidate (video)
  • Personal MBA Experience: Insider Advice on the Wharton Business School (video)

Judith Silverman Hodara Fortuna MBA Director

  • Posted on July 31, 2024

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Wharton Stories

3 tips for writing your mba admissions essay.

The Admissions Committee is looking to understand more about you and your unique personality and how that can ultimately contribute to the Wharton community. We are a student-driven campus and need each and every MBA to bring something to the table.

If you’re like me, you probably intended to start writing this thing way earlier. You probably intended to think long and hard about it. Complete two drafts. Show 10 friends for feedback. But, alas, life got in the way, as it tends to do. And now, you are stuck Googling, “How to write an MBA admissions essay.” Don’t worry, I got you.

1. Write Out Everything Before You Worry About Word Count

“What do you hope to gain both personally and professionally from the Wharton MBA?” is a lofty question. The Admission Committee is asking you to bridge the last 4-10 years of your life to the goals of your next 30 years, on paper, in under 500 words.

You’re probably thinking, “How can I possibly convey everything important about me and my career choices in only 500 words?!” The answer is, you can’t. But, you can edit it down to show the highlights.

2. Connect the “Three Career Dots”

What have you done to date, what unique things do you already know, and what do you have still to learn? How can Wharton help you and how can you help the Wharton community? How does that all connect to your goals post-MBA?

I was an engineer who discovered a passion for connecting with consumers and meeting their needs. I’m Hispanic and have a passion for bringing the importance and potential impact of minority groups to the forefront. Although I had good analytical skills, I didn’t know anything about marketing or strategy, and it just so happens that Wharton has the best marketing faculty in the world.

For me, the Marketing and Operations major played to my strengths and developed my weaknesses. And since I feel strongly that good communication makes for great leaders, I wanted a program that taught me how to be a better speaker and developed my soft skills as much as my quantitative ones. Wharton would not only help me learn how to connect with consumers, it would develop me into a strong brand manager who could lead multi-national businesses.

Keep in mind that you are writing your essay for Wharton, not just any MBA program. It is pretty easy to tell if you spent a little time looking into why the school is the right fit, how you can leverage its resources, and how it will transform you as a business leader. Wharton is unique and your essay should reflect that.

3. Be Yourself

The Admissions Committee is looking to understand more about you and your unique personality and how that can ultimately contribute to the Wharton community. We are a student-driven campus and need each and every MBA to bring something to the table. Tell them how you, specifically, will make an impact.

This tip is important for editing as well. Incorporate feedback up until the point that you feel like it diminishes your voice. Don’t let revisions scrub your personality out of your writing. This isn’t an  admissions essay, it’s your  admissions essay.

Now you’re officially out of excuses. And almost out of time. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Posted: January 2, 2016

  • Admissions and Applying
  • The Wharton School

MBA Program

Jordan mock, wg’16.

jordanmock

Currently Assistant Brand Manager – Gain Dish for Procter & Gamble

Major Marketing

Previous Education University of Florida, BS in Packaging Science

Summer Internship  Brand Management Intern – Consumer Relationship Marketing, Procter & Gamble

Before Wharton Packaging Design Engineer for Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Packaging Engineer and Procurement Specialist for Colgate Palmolive

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mbaMission’s The Wharton School Insider’s Guide

mbaMission’s The Wharton School Insider’s Guide

Updated for 2023-2024!

Wharton students we interviewed consistently reported that the one thing they would change about the program is that it has a reputation for excellence in finance only. Through team-based and experiential learning, the school provides its MBAs with experience and training across a variety of business areas and challenges. In addition to strengths in technology, consumer products and retail, and health care, Wharton possesses a consistently top-ranked real estate program and a strong focus on leadership development. Learn more about its “Field Application Project” course, Semester in San Francisco program, Lauder Institute, Dean Erika H. James , Wharton Entrepreneurship Program, Leadership Ventures, Wharton Customer Analytics Initiative, Wharton Social Impact Initiative, and opportunities to bond with classmates via Battle of the Bands, Beach Week, MBA Pub, Penn Fight Night, and Wharton Follies.

Interested in learning how to tackle Wharton's application essays? Watch the video below!

PDF Format • 62 pages

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2024-2025 Application Guide

Below you will find full details on prerequisites, application fees, essay topics, gre/gmat test scores, references and other details you’ll need to satisfy the wharton mba admission requirements. however, the most detailed instructions are included in the application itself. remember, you must complete the online application to be considered for the mba program., mba application checklist & requirements, transcripts.

To apply for the Wharton MBA program, applicants must have completed an undergraduate program in an accredited U.S. college or its equivalent in another country. You must upload transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate academic programs that you attended. You may upload unofficial transcripts or self-report grades using our transcript template. If you are admitted, you will be required to provide official transcripts.

International Student Transcript Information

If academic records and diplomas are not issued in English by the institution, submit both the official record and an authorized English translation. All translations should be complete and literal renditions of the original record. Records should show the date of enrollment, courses taken, units of credit or time allotted to each subject during each term or year, your marks or ratings in each subject, and, if available, your rank in the total class or group.

The institutional grading scale (or other standards of evaluation, including minimum passing and failing marks and the definitions of grades between them) should appear on official records, or you should provide them as an attachment.

wharton essay analysis mbamission

All applicants must submit results of either the Graduate Management Admission Test (older version or Focus Edition, both now referred to as GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). We accept scores from tests taken at a test center or at home/online. All at-home tests are monitored by a human proctor online. Scores may be self-reported; when self-reporting your score(s) in the application please list your highest score first. Should you receive an offer of admission, official scores will then be requested for verification.

Valid Testing Dates

Round 1 September 4, 2019 – September 4, 2024
Round 2 January 3, 2020 – January 3, 2025
Round 3 April 2, 2020 – April 2, 2025
Deferred Admissions Round April 23, 2020 – April 23, 2025

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

The Analytical Writing Assessment section (AWA) is not currently required to apply to the Wharton MBA Program. For the application cycle 2024-2025, the AWA section will be optional.

  • If you took the GMAT before November 7, 2023: The AWA section was included in your test and this section score will be reported.
  • If you took the legacy GMAT between November 7, 2023, and February 1, 2024: The AWA section was included in your test and this section score will be reported.
  • If you took the GMAT after February 1, 2024: The AWA section is not included in your test and no score is required.

If you would like to supplement your application with the AWA section, please refer to the GMAT for more details.

How to Submit Scores

Test codes for the Wharton MBA Program are:

  • GMAT: G56-97-73

wharton essay analysis mbamission

English Language Test

Results from the TOEFL iBT, PTE, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test are required if you did not attend an institution where English was the language of instruction. If you earned a degree from an institution where English was the language of instruction, the test may be waived.

Round 1 September 4, 2022 – September 4, 2024
Round 2 January 3, 2023 to January 3, 2025
Round 3 April 2, 2023 – April 2, 2025
Deferred Admissions Round April 23, 2023 – April 23, 2025
  • TOEFL: U se code D810-99
  • PTE: Report your scores directly to The Wharton MBA Program
  • DET: Select Wharton MBA Program as the institution to share your scores with

wharton essay analysis mbamission

Applicants should upload a current, one-page resume that highlights your functional job skills, breadth and depth of experience, leadership and management skills, and your potential for growth. Your resume should be uploaded as a PDF document with the proper 3-letter extension, and should not include a password protection or macros which will cause the upload to fail. Your file size should not exceed 10 MB.

⭐ Tips from the Admissions Committee

One-Page Format: We expect your resume to be one single page. A one-page resume is easier to read, allows you to narrow down and highlight your most important qualifications, and demonstrates your critical-thinking skills. If you’re struggling to edit your resume enough to fit into a single page, try reducing the page margins, inserting bullet points, or eliminating any objective or summary statements.

Bullet Points: The bullet points for each role should not read like a basic job description. We are looking at your resume to identify growth, progression of responsibilities, accomplishments, and proof of analytical skills, communication skills, teamwork, collaboration, leadership, and impact. Quantify the outcomes or impacts of key projects with metrics: team size, increased revenue, costs saved, valuations, project timelines and budgets, returns on investments, deals closed, etc.

Work Experience: There is no minimum required or maximum allowed years of work experience. When listing the employers you’ve worked for, don’t assume that we know every single company and what they do. If your employer is not a household name, please provide a brief 1-2 sentence company description.

wharton essay analysis mbamission

There are two essays that are required for all applicants. The Admissions Committee wants to get to know you on both a professional and personal level. We encourage you to be introspective, candid, succinct, and most importantly… be yourself!

Required Essays

Essay 1 : How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)

Essay 2 : Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

Reapplicant Essay (required for all reapplicants)

Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)

Optional Essay

Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. (500 words)

Essay 1: We recommend approaching this essay by addressing these three points:  (1) The Setup: This is who I am, what I’m doing, and what I’ve learned. (2) The Pivotal Moment: I realized I don’t know enough about X and need to gain skills in X to succeed. (3) The Future: These are my short-term and long-term goals, and why I need an MBA from Wharton to achieve them.

Essay 2: This essay provides you with a space to share how you can add value to our student-led community. When approaching this essay, it’s helpful to mention some of the extracurricular and/or co-curricular involvements you hope to participate in at Wharton and how your previous experiences might allow you to positively influence those spaces.

Optional Essay: You can format this as a paragraph or in bullet points. This essay is a good place to address information that you believe warrants any additional context. Acknowledging any part of your application that you might feel is “weaker” will not disadvantage you in any way.

wharton essay analysis mbamission

Two Letters of Recommendation

We require two letters of recommendations from individuals who are well acquainted with your performance in a work setting, preferably from a current or former supervisor. After you have selected and contacted your two recommenders, please complete the form on the Recommendations page which will trigger an email inviting them to submit their recommendations through the application system. If you or a recommender have questions, please reach out to  [email protected] .

What does my Recommender See?

List 1: Choose up to two traits from this list that you feel best represent the candidate you are recommending to the Wharton MBA Program. (Determined, Humble, Disciplined, Engaged, Intellectually Curious, Analytical, Flexible, Persistent, Conscientious, Results Oriented)

List 2: Choose up to two traits from this list that you feel best represent the candidate you are recommending to the Wharton MBA Program. (Collaborative, Persuasive, Innovative, Confident, Self-Aware, Professional, Resilient, Energetic, Emotionally Stable, Agreeable)

Question 1: Please provide example(s) that illustrate why you believe this candidate will find success in the Wharton MBA classroom. (300 words)

Question 2: Please provide example(s) that illustrate why you believe this candidate will find success throughout their career. (300 words)

How to Select a New Recommender

If you need to select a new recommender, you may delete them and assign another person.

Please note: Your new recommender will not appear on the recommendation page of your application, however we will see the new listing when you submit your application.

Choosing your recommenders: The title or position of the recommender is not as important as their ability to comment knowledgeably and specifically about you. A detailed recommendation from a current or former supervisor, colleague, or client will provide us more insight than someone with a prestigious title like CEO.

Preparing your recommenders: Provide your recommender with a copy of your resume, your essay answers, and a list of projects and responsibilities you’d like them to highlight. Provide reminders to your recommenders to make sure they submit by the application deadline, but you can still submit your application even if your recommendations are not completed yet.

Non-traditional recommenders:   If you’re an entrepreneur or working for a family business, consider asking your professional mentors, clients, or business partners to write your recommendations.

wharton essay analysis mbamission

Application Fee

The application fee for Wharton’s MBA program is $275 and non-refundable. It can be paid by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express), with your application.

Fee Waivers

Fee waivers are available for:

  • U.S. military active duty or veteran applicants: Follow the instructions in the application when asked about your military service.
  • Applicants whom the application fee would create an extreme financial hardship:  Once you have started your application, please e-mail  [email protected]  with information detailing their financial need. We will then follow up for supporting documentation. Requests must be submitted no later than 15 days prior to application submission, and no requests will be granted after the application deadline for the round in which you applied.

Our Process

As you begin to think about why you want an MBA, why now, and why Wharton, we want to provide you with a better understanding of our application process and what we’re looking for in your application.

Two independent reads: Every application to the full-time MBA Program is read by two people with no knowledge of what the other reader’s feedback is. This allows for us to reduce bias and noise and give everyone a fair and equal shot at being admitted.

What are we looking for? When reviewing your application we are asking ourselves 3 questions. What will you be able to achieve and contribute to the Wharton classroom, within the Wharton community, and throughout your post-MBA career?

Each component of your application provides some insight into all three of these questions. As a committee, we use the information you share to forecast your future success in Wharton’s highly collaborative and analytically focused environment where communication and teamwork are key.

Application Requirements for Joint Degrees and Interdisciplinary Programs

Carey jd/mba, lauder mba/ma, interdisciplinary programs.

Francis J. & William Polk Carey JD/MBA Program is a joint-degree program and therefore shares admissions requirements with the Wharton MBA Program. In addition to the elements of the full-time MBA application, the Carey JD/MBA application includes a Law School section that requests additional information specific to the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School JD program.

Note: You may not apply to the Carey JD/MBA Program and simultaneously apply individually to the Wharton MBA Program and/or the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School JD Program in the same application cycle. Once you have submitted an application for the Carey JD/MBA Program, you cannot switch to the other degree programs or vice versa.

For additional questions about the Carey JD/MBA Program, please contact [email protected]  or visit the Carey JD/MBA Program website .

Application Eligibility Requirements

All applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree to be eligible to enroll in the Juris Doctor (JD) program. Applicants who are admitted to the Carey JD/MBA Program are admitted for the fall semester on a full-time basis only. All applicants must take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is not required. If an applicant takes the LSAT, they must also take the GRE or the GMAT. Regardless of test format, all applicants must register with the LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and all test scores must be reported. (See Standardized Tests and LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS) information below.)

Regular Decision

If you submit and complete an application for Round 1 or Round 2, you will receive a decision according to the Wharton MBA Admissions decision release timeline. Regular Decision applicants who are taking the LSAT should take the LSAT no later than September of the application year for Round 1 and November of the application year for Round 2.

Early Decision (Binding)

The Carey JD/MBA Program’s Early Decision option is designed for applicants who have thoroughly researched their law school options and determined that the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School is their first choice. Our Early Decision program is binding. Applicants who wish to be considered for early decision must commit to matriculate in the Carey JD/MBA Program if admitted. If admitted, you must withdraw your applications from all other law schools and refrain from initiating new applications. You may not submit an early decision application to more than one law school.

Note: Applications must be submitted through Wharton no later than September 6, 2023, for Early Decision Round 1 and no later than January 4, 2024, for Early Decision Round 2. Early Decision applicants who are taking the LSAT should take the LSAT no later than September of the application year for Round 1 consideration and no later than November of the application year for Round 2 consideration.

How to Apply

As an applicant to the Carey JD/MBA Program, you are required to submit your application through Wharton Round 1 or Round 2. Please do not fill out nor submit the Fall 2025 – First Year JD application through the LSAC Electronic Application service. Once you have submitted your application through Wharton, the MBA application process is conducted independently by each school but the evaluation and decision-making are conducted jointly. The Law School will begin processing Carey JD/MBA applications in early October.

You are strongly encouraged to answer the application essay questions in relation to the Carey JD/MBA Program as opposed to only the Wharton MBA Program.

Standardized Tests and LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS)

All applicants to the Carey JD/MBA Program must take the GRE or the GMAT. We will accept at-home GRE, GMAT, and LSAT scores. The LSAT is not required. If an applicant takes the LSAT, they must also take the GRE or the GMAT. We will accept LSAT results from any exam taken from June 2018 or thereafter for the class entering fall 2024. GRE or GMAT test dates must align with the Wharton MBA test date requirements for the appropriate application round. If you take a test more than once or take more than one testing format, all scores will be considered and must be reported in the application form. All test scores should be submitted in the JD/MBA application as directed. In addition, you must request GRE and/or GMAT official score reports from ETS and/or GMAC to be sent directly to the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School’s school code is 4122 for GRE score reporting and G56-RV-81 for GMAT score reporting. The Law School will not accept test-taker score reports directly from the applicant nor can we accept score reports transferred from Wharton.

Regardless of the testing format you choose to use, each applicant must also register with the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and arrange to have all transcripts sent to LSAC from each college or university attended. When the Law School receives your application from Wharton, the Law School will request your CAS report, and LSAC will send it directly to the Law School. Please note that your CAS report will not be released by LSAC until all required transcripts have been received and processed by LSAC. In addition, if you have not or will not take the LSAT, please select the GRE/GMAT only checkbox in the LSAT section of the Test Information section.

The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School requires that any international transcripts be submitted through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service for applicants who completed any post-secondary work outside the US (including its territories) or Canada. You must use this service for the evaluation of your international transcripts. The one exception to this requirement is if you completed the international work through a study-abroad, consortium, or exchange program sponsored by a US or Canadian institution, and the work is clearly indicated as such on the home campus transcript. This service is included in the Credential Assembly Service registration fee.

Recommendation Forms and Letters

You must submit two recommendation letters through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service. If you have obtained two letters of recommendation to be used for the Carey JD/MBA application, these letters can satisfy the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School requirement but you must have your recommenders submit duplicate copies of these two letters to LSAC. Your CAS report will not be released to us until two letters of recommendation are on file with LSAC and assigned to the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. This service is included with your Credential Assembly Service registration. You and your recommender must use the letter of recommendation form available online through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service for each letter submitted to LSAC.  Please do not send letters directly to the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.

Carey JD/MBA Interview

Carey JD/MBA interviews are granted by invitation only. If you are invited to interview, you are required to complete the Wharton Team Based Discussion as well as a Carey JD/MBA interview.

Application Status/Questions

The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School Admissions Office is committed to serving our applicants as efficiently and effectively as we can during the MBA application process. Please be advised that it may take approximately two weeks from the date that we receive the Carey JD/MBA application from Wharton to process and complete the applicant file. We will notify you of the date upon which we receive your application from Wharton and inform you of any missing documents upon receipt of your Credential Assembly Service report. We will also notify you of the date upon which your application is complete.

You can check the status of your application at any time using Application Status, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School’s online status checker. To access the online status checker, please visit https://www.law.upenn.edu/admissions/jd/ .

For additional Law School application instructions, please visit  https://www.law.upenn.edu/admissions/jd/how-to-apply.php .

Tuition and Financial Aid

For detailed information on Law School tuition and financial aid, please visit https://www.law.upenn.edu/admissions/financing/ .

The Lauder MBA/MA Joint Degree in International Studies Program offers a joint-degree MA in International Studies in tandem with the Wharton MBA or JD programs at Penn. The Lauder Institute shares MBA program requirements with the Wharton MBA program, and the application is reviewed in its entirety by both the Lauder and Wharton Admissions committees. Accepted Lauder MBA/MA students are admitted jointly into both programs, not independently into each. Lauder applications are accepted in all 3 application rounds.

In addition to the Wharton MBA application, Lauder requires that you complete a language assessment called the Oral Proficiency Interview(s), Lauder essays, and answers to supplemental questions regarding international/cross-cultural experience. You will be prompted to submit these items in the online application.

For any questions you have about the Lauder/MBA application process, please contact the Lauder Admissions office at [email protected]

Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)

An Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) is required of all Lauder applicants and must be scheduled and completed with Language Testing International (LTI). To schedule an OPI, complete and submit LTI’s online application . When scheduling your OPI(s), please be sure to register as a Lauder applicant with LTI. There is no need to forward your scores to the Admissions Committee—Lauder OPI scores are available for the Admissions Committee to review through LTI’s online portal.

The OPI may be completed any time after July 1, 2024 to count for the current admissions cycle.  OPI ratings are valid for a single application cycle, and reapplicants to the Lauder program will need to retake the OPI(s). If you have any questions about scheduling the OPI please contact LTI by phone at +1-914-963-7110 (extension 115 or 127) or by email at [email protected] . Please consult with the Lauder admissions office if you have questions regarding the language requirements for Lauder.

For applicants to one of Lauder’s five Programs of Concentration : An OPI in the proposed language of study is required. The ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines for the OPI range from Novice to Distinguished, and an Advanced rating is the expected level for admission to Lauder.

Educated native speakers of Romance languages* [such as French, Italian, Spanish] will be considered for the Latin America/Portuguese program without prior knowledge of Portuguese. These applicants should test in their native language and are required to submit a Superior-level OPI rating for that language. In addition, educated native speaker applicants who speak some Portuguese should take an OPI in Portuguese even if the expected rating is at or below Advanced.

Educated native speakers in Romance languages* [such as French, Portuguese, Spanish] will be considered for the Europe/Italian program without prior knowledge of Italian. These applicants should test in their native language and are required to submit a Superior-level OPI rating for that language. In addition, educated native speaker applicants who speak some Italian should take an OPI in Italian even if the expected rating is at or below Advanced.

* a person who speaks that particular language as a first language AND whose formal education was delivered in that language through high school.

For applicants to Lauder’s Global program: One OPI in a language other than English is required of all applicants to the Global program. Applicants to the Global Program must test at the Superior level. Applicants may test in their native language provided it is not English.

For applicants to Lauder’s General Track Africa Program  of Concentration:  Candidates applying to the General track Africa Program must demonstrate Superior-level proficiency on the OPI in any language other than English. Applicants may test in their native language provided it is not English.

Lauder Essays

Essay 1: Discuss why you are applying to the Lauder Institute, detailing specific reasons, experiences, and background for choosing your Program of Concentration, as well as your interest in further study in that Program. Applicants to Programs of Concentration involving language study (Africa-French; East and Southeast Asia; Europe; Latin America; South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa) should also discuss what they hope to gain from advanced language and cultural education, as well as describe how they have learned the language they will study (e.g. undergraduate courses, undergraduate major, etc.).   Finally, please describe how you see yourself benefiting from, and contributing to, the Lauder community.   (800 words)

Essay 2: Describe a challenging intercultural or politically sensitive situation where you had to navigate a difference in perspective or opinion. Explain how you handled it and any lessons learned. (200 words)

Lauder Interview

Lauder interviews are granted by invitation-only, based upon a full review of your submitted application. Typically, the Lauder interview is conducted remotely or on-campus with a current Lauder student. If you are invited to interview, you are required to complete the Wharton team-based discussion as well as a Lauder interview.

The Lauder Institute is committed to supporting candidates who are admitted to the Lauder Institute. In fact, nearly all of our students receive some kind of financial support for the graduate degree in International Studies. Please visit our website for more information on Lauder fellowships, tuition and financial aid .

Lauder applicants may also apply for the University of Pennsylvania’s Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships program .

Interdisciplinary study is central to our curriculum, with a wide array of dual and joint-degree options. In general, a dual-degree requires one  less year than it would take to pursue the two degrees separately. Joint degrees are fully integrated with the Wharton MBA curriculum and use a shared application. We offer two joint-degree programs: The Lauder MBA/MA in International Studies and the Carey JD/MBA .

Two programs combine the Wharton MBA with graduate study at other institutions; others combine a Wharton MBA with University of Pennsylvania biotechnology, design, engineering, law, medicine, nursing, and social work masters degrees.

Applying for Interdisciplinary Programs

You must apply to both Wharton and the second school or program. This means that the appropriate standardized test scores (e.g., LSAT, GRE, or MCAT), a completed application form, your transcript(s), and your letters of recommendation must also be sent to the partner school.

Admission decisions are made independently by each school, and you may pursue a dual-degree program only if admitted to both schools. Unless otherwise indicated, you may apply to both programs simultaneously. However, if you are admitted to both programs and do not want to begin at Wharton, you will need to request a deferral and will be subject to our deferral policy.

If you are already enrolled in a program, you may apply to Wharton in the fall semester following commencement of study in the co-sponsoring school. If you are applying to a three-year program, you may apply in the fall of your second year. If you are enrolled in the MD, DMD, or VMD program, you may apply to Wharton to start during any August up to and including the August following the third year of enrollment in the medical program.

To satisfy the MBA program requirements of the dual-degree program, you must take at least 15 courses at Wharton. Courses taken at Wharton prior to admission and matriculation into the Wharton MBA program may not be applied toward the degree requirements of the MBA.

Applicants to the three-year Carey JD/MBA Program must apply via a shared application. Given the unique nature of the program, applicants may not, after receiving an offer of admission, decide to enroll in one school and not the other (i.e., an applicant may not choose to only attend Wharton and not Penn Law, or vice versa, after a joint decision has been rendered). Applicants are encouraged to apply prior to matriculation in the Law School. However, since the first year of the three-year JD/MBA program takes place at Penn Law, Penn Law students have the option of applying during their 1L year, during Round 1 or Round 2 of the Wharton MBA admissions timeline.

Also, the joint-degree Lauder Program application is reviewed in its entirety by both the Lauder and Wharton Admissions Committees, and you must apply via a shared application. Accepted MBA/MA students are admitted jointly into both programs, not independently into each.

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Wharton MBA Essay 2024-2025 Analysis, Tips, and Framework

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By admitStreet Team

16 July 2024

Crafting a compelling application for Wharton’s MBA program requires thoughtful consideration of their essay prompts. 

As one of the top business schools globally, Wharton seeks candidates who not only possess strong academic and professional backgrounds but also demonstrate a clear vision for contributing to their community. 

One of the critical components of the Wharton application is its essays. Each essay serves as a window into your experiences, ambitions, and potential contributions to the Wharton community. 

Understanding what the admissions committee seeks and how to effectively convey your unique story can significantly enhance your chances of admission. Here, we delve into a comprehensive analysis of Wharton MBA essay requirements and offer practical tips to help you navigate the application process with confidence.

Required Essay for all Reapplicants

Optional essay, final thoughts.

How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)

When tackling Wharton’s MBA essay prompt, your goal is not just to outline your career aspirations, but to craft a compelling narrative that demonstrates a deep understanding of how Wharton’s resources will help you achieve those goals. 

Let’s break down what the Wharton admissions committee expects from this essay, how you can structure a winning response, and some tips to help you shine.

What Wharton MBA Admissions Committee Seeks from This Essay

Wharton’s essay prompt for 2025 revolves around your future professional goals and how their MBA program fits into your career strategy. 

They want to see clarity, specificity, and a genuine connection between your past experiences, your ambitions, and what Wharton uniquely offers. It’s not enough to list courses or clubs; you need to articulate a strategic plan that aligns Wharton’s resources with your career trajectory.

Framework to Write a Winning Essay

1. setting context with your goals.

Begin your essay by providing context for your career goals. Avoid presenting generic aspirations; instead, narrate the evolution of your professional journey to date. For instance, recount pivotal experiences or challenges that have shaped your ambitions. This contextual backdrop helps the admissions committee understand the rationale behind your goals and how they align with your strengths, values, and professional development.

2. Articulating Specific Post-MBA Goals

Clearly outline your short-term and long-term career objectives. Describe why these goals are pivotal for your professional growth at this juncture. Use concrete examples or anecdotes that highlight your passion and commitment to these aspirations. This clarity not only showcases your vision but also demonstrates your preparedness to leverage Wharton’s MBA program.

3. Justifying the Need for an MBA

Explain why an MBA from Wharton is crucial for achieving your career goals. Identify specific skills, knowledge gaps, or industry insights that you aim to acquire through the program. Avoid vague statements about wanting to enhance your skills; instead, provide a reasoned argument supported by your career trajectory and industry trends. This shows that you’ve thought critically about your career path and how an MBA fits into it.

4. How Wharton MBA Will Bridge the Gap

Detail how Wharton’s resources, including its curriculum, faculty expertise, experiential learning opportunities, and alumni network, align with your career aspirations. Mention specific courses, clubs, or initiatives that resonate with your goals. Demonstrate that you’ve researched extensively by citing interactions with current students, alumni, attending webinars, or campus visits. This personalized approach underscores your genuine interest in Wharton and your strategic approach to leveraging its offerings.

5. Integrating Personal and Professional Narrative

Integrate personal anecdotes or experiences that reinforce your professional narrative. Show how your values, work ethic, and leadership style align with Wharton’s ethos of Purpose, Passion, and Principles (P3) . This holistic view provides a deeper understanding of your candidacy beyond academic and professional achievements.

6. Crafting a Compelling Conclusion

Conclude your essay by reaffirming your commitment to your career goals and how Wharton’s MBA program uniquely positions you for success. Reinforce your personal brand and the impact you envision making post-MBA. Avoid clichés and instead, leave a lasting impression that ties together your narrative cohesively.

Tips for Writing

  • Be Specific and Detailed: Avoid generic statements or lists of Wharton’s offerings. Instead, provide concrete examples and personal anecdotes that demonstrate your deep understanding of Wharton and how it will propel your career forward.
  • Demonstrate Passion and Commitment: Show genuine enthusiasm for your career goals and for Wharton’s program. Admissions committees are looking for candidates who are not only capable but also passionate about making an impact in their chosen fields.
  • Tailor Your Essay to Wharton: Customize your essay to reflect Wharton’s values and strengths. Showcase how Wharton’s culture and resources uniquely align with your professional aspirations and personal growth objectives.
  • Seek Feedback and Revise: After drafting your essay, seek feedback from mentors, or application experts who can provide constructive criticism. Revise your essay to ensure clarity, coherence, and compelling storytelling.

Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

When crafting your essay for Wharton’s MBA program, it’s crucial to understand what the admissions committee is looking for. 

According to Wharton’s Director of Admissions, Blair Mannix , the goal is to deeply understand you as an individual and to gauge how you will enrich the Wharton community. This prompt is designed not only to assess your past experiences but also to evaluate your potential impact at Wharton and beyond, as an alum.

Detailed Framework to Write a Winning Essay

To craft a compelling response to Wharton’s Essay 2, you should begin by setting the stage with a clear narrative that bridges your past experiences with your future aspirations at Wharton. 

Here’s how you can structure your essay effectively:

  • Start with Context : Begin by outlining a pivotal experience from your background—be it a personal challenge, a professional achievement, or an academic endeavor. This serves as the foundation upon which you will build your contributions to Wharton. Describe this experience in enough detail to provide context but remain focused on its relevance to your Wharton journey.
  • Connect the Dots : After establishing your backstory, articulate how this experience has shaped your perspective and equipped you with skills and insights that are directly applicable to Wharton’s community. Highlight specific attributes or lessons learned that demonstrate your potential to make a significant impact at Wharton.
  • Propose Specific Contributions : Outline at least three specific ways you intend to contribute to the Wharton community. These contributions should be informed by your past experiences and future goals. Whether you plan to lead initiatives, contribute to clubs, or enhance diversity and inclusion efforts, be concrete in your proposals. Each contribution should be backed by a clear rationale that ties back to your personal narrative.
  • Show, Don’t Just Tell : Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to vividly illustrate each of your proposed contributions. Detail the situation or challenge you aim to address, your specific role and actions, and the positive outcomes you anticipate for the Wharton community. This approach not only demonstrates your past achievements but also showcases your readiness to apply these skills at Wharton.
  • Demonstrate Alignment with Wharton Values : Make explicit connections between your contributions and Wharton’s core values and culture. Show how your proposed initiatives align with Wharton’s mission and how you plan to leverage Wharton’s resources to amplify your impact.
  • Conclude with Impact : Wrap up your essay by reinforcing the transformative impact you aim to have at Wharton and beyond. Emphasize how your contributions will leave a lasting impression on the community and how you envision contributing as an engaged alum.
  • Be Reflective and Strategic: Take time to reflect on your experiences and choose examples that best showcase your strengths and values. Prioritize depth over breadth to ensure a comprehensive yet concise narrative.
  • Show Alignment with Wharton: Demonstrate a clear understanding of Wharton’s culture, values, and opportunities. Tailor your contributions to fit seamlessly into the fabric of the Wharton community.
  • Use Specific Examples: Illustrate your points with concrete examples and quantify achievements whenever possible. This adds credibility and clarity to your narrative.
  • Demonstrate Impact: Highlight not just what you’ve done, but the impact of your actions. Show how your contributions have made a difference and how they can continue to do so at Wharton.
  • Edit and Refine: Given the word limit, every sentence counts. Ensure clarity, coherence, and conciseness in your writing. Edit rigorously to eliminate unnecessary details and strengthen your arguments.
Check out the application deadlines and essay topics of top business schools in the US, Europe, and Asia

Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)

This essay is pretty straightforward. Whether you’ve boosted your grades, earned a promotion, embarked on a new project, ramped up community engagement, or faced personal challenges head-on, the key here is showing a deliberate path of growth.

Wharton wants to see that you’ve actively worked to enhance yourself and your profile since your last application, demonstrating how crucial a Wharton MBA is to your goals. Every candidate’s journey is unique, so your response will naturally differ from others’. We’re here to offer personalized guidance to ensure your efforts shine through in the best possible light.

Given the tight word limit, reapplicants should focus on detailing the specific steps taken to strengthen their applications. This includes improvements in academic metrics, advancements in professional qualifications, efforts to deeply understand Wharton’s MBA program, and any other enhancements made this season to become a more competitive applicant.

Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. (500 words)

Wharton’s optional essay provides a crucial opportunity for candidates to address any aspects of their application that might raise questions. Whether it’s a lower than desired GRE or GMAT score, a gap in your resume, or even a disciplinary incident during your undergraduate years, this essay allows you to provide context and clarity.

It’s important to approach this essay thoughtfully. While Wharton encourages candidates to utilize this space if needed, it’s equally essential not to use it simply to fill space. Admissions officers are looking for concise, relevant information that adds value to your application.

Begin by clearly outlining the issue or circumstance you wish to address. Be straightforward and avoid unnecessary detail—focus on providing a clear explanation.

Next, demonstrate how you’ve taken steps to improve or mitigate the concern. Whether it’s through additional coursework, professional development, or personal reflection, show evidence of your growth and commitment.

Finally, outline your plan moving forward. Discuss how you intend to build on your improvements and maintain a positive trajectory at Wharton. This demonstrates your proactive approach and readiness for the challenges of an MBA program.

Remember, the goal of this essay is to reassure the admissions committee and strengthen your candidacy by addressing any potential concerns directly. Use this opportunity wisely to showcase your resilience, maturity, and readiness to excel at Wharton.

Crafting impactful essays for Wharton requires a blend of introspection, clarity, and strategic storytelling. AdmitStreet offers invaluable resources and personalized guidance to help you navigate this challenging journey. 

From essay brainstorming sessions to application strategy consultations, our expert mentors are dedicated to maximizing your chances of success at Wharton and beyond.

Drop us a line to receive candid insights on your profile and discover how we can assist you in achieving your MBA aspirations with confidence and clarity.

Let’s get you into the Wharton MBA Program

Are you aiming to secure a spot in the prestigious Wharton MBA program? With our personalized guidance, in-depth feedback, and proven strategies, we’ll help you highlight your unique strengths and align your story with Wharton’s values.

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Wharton Executive MBA Essay Tips 2024-2025

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Key insights from EMBA and MBA admissions Expert Dr. Shelle, MBAAdmit.com .

wharton essay analysis mbamission

The Wharton Executive MBA deadlines for the 2024-2025 admissions season are not far away. Unlike many other top EMBA programs, Wharton only has two EMBA application deadlines. The dates are in October 2024 and January 2025:

Application Deadline : Monday, October 14, 2024 Interview Invites : Monday, November 18, 2024 Decision Release : Thursday, December 19, 2024

Application Deadline : Tuesday, January 14, 2025 Interview Invites : Thursday, February 20, 2025 Decision Release : Thursday, March 27, 2025

Please note that Wharton offers its Executive MBA admissions interviews on an invitation-only basis, so try to prepare an application that will land you one of those coveted interviews!

Wharton is one of the most sought-after Executive MBA programs, given the school’s reputation for offering the gold standard in business training and its network of highly accomplished and influential alumni members.

This year, the Wharton Executive MBA (WEMBA) application has two required essays of 500 words and 400 words each. There is also a third optional essay where you can explain extenuating circumstances that might have caused some adverse effects, like lower-than-ideal grades or a gap in your work history.

With only 900 total words available in your two required WEMBA essays, maximizing the strategic relevance and quality of information you include is extremely important. The 900 words represent “prime real estate.” Such a small amount of essay content also means you should work with your recommendation writer to ensure they include detailed stories about your professional successes, simply because the recommendation offers an important additional way to get such information before the admissions committee. The recommendation has no word limit, so your rec writer has much more space to include those stories than you do (but don’t be tempted to have the recommender write a book!).

As for your essays, what are some great tips for presenting compelling, well-honed responses to the prompts? See some tips below.

Wharton Executive MBA Essays 2024-2025

Essay 1: What are your career objectives and how will the Wharton MBA Program for Executives contribute to your attainment of this objective?  (500-word limit)

Tips from Dr. Shelle and MBA Admit.com:

You should strive to convey to the admissions committee the importance of the work you are doing today and how that work impacts your company. Since you will attend the Wharton Executive MBA program while you continue to work full-time, you should also explain why the timing is right and how you can use what you learn in real time. Articulate your short-term and long-term goals clearly. Make sure your long-term goal helps you stand out.

You should also convey to the admissions committee how you have been preparing for your short-term and long-term career goals over time. What experiences, knowledge, and skills have you gained that lay a great foundation for your future? Conveying this effectively will also help you establish that you have much to contribute to the WEMBA environment and are ready to go to the next level in your career.

Finally, as a key component of this essay, you should explain in detail why Wharton is right for you. You don’t want to provide just general statements that you can cut and paste and send to many other business schools. Statements like, “You have a world-class faculty and talented students,” are okay as long as you go beyond that to show you have researched Wharton in particular and know what it offers. What are some courses that will meet your needs? Mention them. Also, reference other things that attract you, such as the core curriculum, teaching method, and range of students.

Five hundred words will go fast when trying to include so much information. You will need to “pack a punch” into what you write, expressing your ideas powerfully yet concisely to maximize the words available.

Essay 2:  Taking i nto consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? ( 400-word limit)

This essay prompt invites you to explain how different aspects of your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – will help you be an outstanding contributor to the Wharton EMBA program. You are free to interpret “personal” to include both your personal story/journey and extracurricular activities.

You should avoid making this essay unidimensional, focused only on professional things that make you a stand-out applicant. Rather, you should present a layered response that demonstrates you have multiple types of ways you can contribute. For example, if you are the head of an impactful nonprofit you run outside of work, how can you draw on that work to enrich the Wharton environment? If you helped build a company from the ground up, and it is now receiving Series D funding, how will that experience enable you to enrich learning? If you excelled in college and enhanced debates in class, how will that allow you to be a valued presence in the Wharton classroom? Ideally, use varied types of experiences to convince the admissions committee that you can be a unique and outstanding addition to their WEMBA cohort.

Optional Essay: If necessary, you may use this optional essay to explain any extenuating circumstances of which the Admissions Committee should be aware. ( 300-word limit)

Unlike the full-time MBA Wharton optional essay, the Executive MBA optional essay indicates you should only address extenuating circumstances. It does not invite you to add other information except that it helps to address extenuating circumstances.

For those candidates who need to use this essay, things you might want to explain can include a gap in your work history or undergraduate education, leaving a job after a short tenure, low grades, a low standardized test score, etc. This essay only allows 300 words, which is very short. That is your hint that you should get straight to the point, acknowledge the area of concern, and then provide information that might help the admissions committee give you some leeway as they consider the area of concern.

For candidates addressing a low GPA, we have provided in this separate blog some factors the admissions committee often finds reasonable for explaining a poor GPA:

New Video Short Release: "How To Overcome a Low GPA:

Extenuating circumstances, part 1 of 4".

New Release: "Is an Executive MBA Worth It? ROI: Skills"

Do you need assistance with your applications? Feel free to reach out to Dr. Shelle at [email protected].

Enjoy our popular executive mba webinars, "emba return on investment" webinar , presented in the gmat club youtube channel -- 8500+ views.

"Applying for an EMBA: 8 Mistakes to Avoid" Webinar , presented in the GMAT Club YouTube Channel -- 8000+ views!

About Dr. Shelle and MBA Admit.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/drshelle

MBA Admit.com was established in 2001 by Dr. Shelle Leanne, a graduate of Harvard and Oxford who has experience with Harvard admissions and served in Stanford University’s Office of the President. Dr. Shelle, who has over 30 years of admissions advising experience, works one-to-one with clients. She is an accomplished writer whose works have been translated into 25 languages worldwide, and she has previous work experience with McKinsey & Company and Morgan Stanley. Her clients rave about her services and impact. Each year, nearly 95% of her clients receive scholarships, totaling over $10 million last year.

More about Dr. Shelle here:

https://mbaadmit.com/about/about-dr-shel/

Dr. Shelle (Shelly Leanne) President, MBA Admit.com http:// www.mbaadmit.com Email: [email protected] ­ ­­

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Published in Mobile , MBA , Current , Other , MBA Admit , Applications , Blog and Top Stories

  • Executive MBA
  • Executive MBA admissions
  • Wharton EMBA
  • Wharton EMBA Admissions
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IMAGES

  1. Wharton Essay Questions and Strategic Guidance, 2024-2025

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  2. 2024-2025 Wharton MBA Essay Analysis and Tips

    wharton essay analysis mbamission

  3. Wharton School of Business MBA Essay Examples for 2023

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  4. Wharton MBA Essays & Analysis 2024-2025

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  5. Wharton Essay Analysis and Tips

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  6. Wharton MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines: 2021-22

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VIDEO

  1. Top Tips on Writing the Wharton MBA Essays 2023-2024

  2. How to write Wharton MBA reapplicant Essay From Former Director of #mbaadmissions at #wharton

  3. Personal MBA Coach's Wharton Essay 2 Advice

  4. Insider Look: Wharton Professor's Boston Real Estate Predictions

  5. Wharton MBA Goals Essay

  6. Analysis of Coalition Loyalty Program

COMMENTS

  1. Wharton Essay Examples & Tips, 2024-2025

    The Wharton School Essay Tips and Examples. As a pair, the prompts for the two required application essays for the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania essentially ask candidates to describe a kind of give-and-take with respect to their engagement with the MBA program. For Essay 1, you must discuss what Wharton can do for you, and ...

  2. Wharton MBA Essays & Analysis 2024-2025

    Clear Admit LiveWire: admissions updates submitted in real time by applicants to Wharton. Clear Admit DecisionWire: school selections in real-time by admits to Wharton. Last updated June 3, 2024. Clear Admit's Essay Topic Analysis provides detailed advice on how to tackle the Wharton MBA essays for the 2024-2025 admissions season.

  3. 2024-2025 MBA Essay Tips and Example Essays

    To create an amazing essay, stay focused, do your research on Wharton, and choose your examples wisely. Showing you're a leader and team player who fully understands the Wharton experience and who is prepared to contribute to the Wharton community is the key to success. 2.3. Reapplicant Essay.

  4. MBA Essay Analysis

    August 19, 2024. The University of Southern California (USC) Marshall School of Business takes a somewhat traditional approach to its application essays. For the first required essay, applicants must detail their short-term and long-term career goals and explain Marshall's role in achieving them—though without much elaboration, given the ...

  5. The Wharton School

    Wharton Essay Analysis, 2023-2024 As a pair, the prompts for two application essays the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania requires essentially ask applicants to describe a kind of give-and-take with respect to their engagement with its MBA program.

  6. Wharton MBA Essay Example & Tips

    2024-2025 Wharton MBA Essay Tips + An Example. Originally published on July 13, 2023. Updated on July 3, 2024. The Wharton MBA essay prompts are confirmed for 2024-2025 and they remain unchanged from last year. The questions are direct and allow enough word count to paint a robust picture of who you are and why Wharton is right for you (and ...

  7. Wharton MBA Essay Examples

    Wharton MBA Essay Samples. Wharton looks for exceptional career trajectory, quantitative chops, and demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal skills. In recent years, they have worked to deemphasize the GMAT so it's not quite as rigid as it once was as in order to diversify class. With less emphasis on stats, the Wharton essays are ...

  8. 2024-2025 Wharton MBA Essay Analysis and Tips

    For the 2025 application season, Wharton will once again require applicants to submit the same two essays as last year. The word limit for all essays remains the same. However, while Wharton maintains its previous pattern of two required essays for its full-time MBA application process, applicants must exercise extreme caution when responding ...

  9. Wharton MBA Application Deadlines & Essay Tips: 2024-2025

    Below, please find this year's deadlines along with Personal MBA Coach's analysis of the Wharton MBA application essays. The Upcoming Wharton MBA Application Deadlines Are As Follows: Round 1: September 4, 2024. Round 2: January 3, 2025. Round 3: April 2, 2025. 2024-2025 Wharton MBA Essays: Founded by a Wharton MBA graduate, Personal MBA ...

  10. University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)

    June 12, 2024. As a pair, the prompts for the two required application essays for the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania essentially ask candidates to describe a kind of give-and-take with respect to their engagement with the MBA program. For Essay 1, you must discuss what Wharton can do for you, and for Essay 2, the ….

  11. Tuesday Tips: Wharton MBA Essay Tips 2024-2025

    Wharton MBA graduate Jordan Mock wrote an evergreen blog post with three excellent tips for this essay, saying, "Wharton is unique and your essay should reflect that." Focus on the question of how a Wharton MBA will help you "connect the three career dots" that Jordan discusses. Also, consider your past experiences.

  12. Wharton Essay Questions and Strategic Guidance, 2024-2025

    Wharton Essay Questions and Strategic Guidance, 2024-2025. When you hear "Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania," the first thought that pops into your head might be "Finance!"—and understandably so, given the Wharton MBA program has been a leading institution in the subject of finance since the school was founded in 1881. ...

  13. Wharton MBA Essays: Tips & Strategy

    Wharton MBA Essays: Tips & Strategy. By Judith Silverman Hodara. The two Wharton MBA essay questions are designed to let the admissions committee get to know you on a personal and professional level. First-time MBA applicants and re-applicants are required to complete both Wharton application essays. The Admissions Committee wants to get to ...

  14. Wharton MBA Application Essay Tips Analysis Deadlines [20212022]

    The second episode is dedicated to Wharton's application components in which Paul will provide guidance on Wharton Essay question, Recommendation letter, Resume, and other factors of the Wharton application. ... Here, please find Personal MBA Coach's analysis of the Wharton MBA application essays. G. mbaMissionJenK mbaMission Admissions ...

  15. 3 Tips for Writing Your MBA Admissions Essay

    1. Write Out Everything Before You Worry About Word Count. "What do you hope to gain both personally and professionally from the Wharton MBA?" is a lofty question. The Admission Committee is asking you to bridge the last 4-10 years of your life to the goals of your next 30 years, on paper, in under 500 words.

  16. Wharton MBA Essay Analysis

    Wharton MBA Essay Analysis. In this article we will review the Wharton MBA essay questions for the 2020-2021 admissions cycle. We will share the most common pitfalls you should avoid and a few tips to craft a solid essay that truly highlights your strengths and uniqueness. Make sure you review essay analysis for other top programs on the blog!

  17. mbaMission's The Wharton School Insider's Guide

    Updated for 2023-2024! Wharton students we interviewed consistently reported that the one thing they would change about the program is that it has a reputation for excellence in finance only. Through team-based and experiential learning, the school provides its MBAs with experience and training across a variety of business areas and challenges.

  18. MBA Application Requirements: How to Apply

    To apply for the Wharton MBA program, applicants must have completed an undergraduate program in an accredited U.S. college or its equivalent in another country. You must upload transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate academic programs that you attended. You may upload unofficial transcripts or self-report grades using our transcript ...

  19. Wharton MBA Essay 2024-2025 Analysis, Tips, and Framework

    Wharton MBA Essay 2024-2025 Analysis, Tips, and Framework. By admitStreet Team. 16 July 2024. Crafting a compelling application for Wharton's MBA program requires thoughtful consideration of their essay prompts. As one of the top business schools globally, Wharton seeks candidates who not only possess strong academic and professional ...

  20. Getting Into the MBA Program: mbaMission's 2014-2015 UPenn Wharton

    The post Getting Into the MBA Program: mbaMission's 2014-2015 UPenn Wharton Essay Analysis appeared first on Kaplan GMAT Blog. Published in GMAT, Kaplan, Blog and GMAT Prep. The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania has decreased its number of application essays to just two this year and is giving candidates a whopping 900 words ...

  21. MBA Essay Analysis

    The MBA admissions consultants at mbaMission analyze the essay prompts from the top business schools, as they are released. Who We Are. ... Wharton's essay prompts for this application season may seem a bit perplexing. At first glance, the two questions seem rather similar. ... (Wharton) Essay Analysis, 2013-2014. New York University (Stern ...

  22. Chicago (GSB) Essay Analysis

    Many candidates regard writing this 1500 word essay as a "monster" of a task. While it is true that this essay is 500 words longer than similar essays from Wharton or Columbia, this should be seen as an opportunity to allow the Admissions Committee to get to know you, your goals, your sense of purpose and need to attend Chicago in greater ...

  23. Wharton Executive MBA Essay Tips 2024-2025

    Optional Essay: If necessary, you may use this optional essay to explain any extenuating circumstances of which the Admissions Committee should be aware. (300-word limit) Tips from Dr. Shelle and MBA Admit.com: Unlike the full-time MBA Wharton optional essay, the Executive MBA optional essay indicates you should only address extenuating ...