Wharton Business School – University of Pennsylvania
The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is one of the world’s most prestigious and influential business schools, recognized for its rigorous analytical approach and leadership in finance, entrepreneurship, and management education. Founded in 1881 as the first collegiate business school in the United States, Wharton is located on Penn’s historic campus in Philadelphia. The school offers a wide range of programs including the Full Time MBA, Executive MBA, and PhD, as well as specialized master’s degrees. With its global research centers, renowned faculty, and extensive alumni network, Wharton prepares students to lead in complex, data driven business environments.
Representative:
- Shai Kivity | MBA 2019
- Beny Rubinstein | MBA 2001
- Dveer Ofer | MBA 2026
School brochure: click to open
Q&A with admissions: click to open
2024 Chat Transcript:
Jaaber "Jay" Saidi
Thanks for your time Danielle!
Wharton
It was great meeting everyone! If you have any other questions please contact us at MBA: [email protected] or 215-898-6183; https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/.
- https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/mba-application-requirements/
- https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/application-timeline-deadlines/
- https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/view-virtual-events/
Wharton
The new application will be avail by mid-July.
Wharton
Visit https://www.mba.com/ for more writing tips!
Wharton
Hi Dubi, I highly recommend taking a look at the app and filling out the sections now that won't change to save you time in the future. All your info saves and rolls over into the next admissions cycle. Please do not write the essay in advance as the questions may change. Tips: Be clear, succinct, and genuine and please follow the prompt. If you can replace Wharton with any other MBA program in your essay, it is NOT a good essay.
Wharton
Of course! Thank you everyone for attending this chat! We have five mins remaining!
Dubi
hi, I am only going to apply in 2-3 years (need to finish my degree, work 1-2 years, and do the GMAT) any winning tips for future aspirants anything helps!
Noam
Thank you for your response
Wharton
More alumni info can be found at https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/alumni-network/
Wharton
Hi Noam, extremely active. The alumni stay incredibly involved in the school and often come back to host panel sessions, lead workshops, guest lecture, mentor, etc.
Wharton
As we have only ten minutes left I want to leave our direct contact with everyone in case you have any further questions. Please contact us at MBA: [email protected] or 215-898-6183; https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/.
- https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/mba-application-requirements/
- https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/application-timeline-deadlines/
- https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/view-virtual-events/
Noam
Hi, how extensive and active is the Wharton alumni network?
Wharton
Hi Noa, could you explain your question a little more? You mean btw the old exam and new exam? If so, either exam is completely fine, we do not consider either test as more competitive than the other.
Wharton
Hi Danielle, Yes you can! Please go to https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/international-study/ for more info on int'l study programs and exchanges.
Noa
Which GMAT result do you consider to be competitive?
Wharton
The majority of our applicants come from a humanities bkgd, so it is very common to see non-quant bkgds. Any transferable skills really, such as leadership roles, advising/supervising others, projects you contributed to and oversaw, etc.
Danielle
Can I do an exchange with other schools?
Tal
What type of achievements and experience do you expect to see in a candidate's profile from a non-quantitative industry, like media?
Wharton
While is not forbidden, the academic and social commitments can be quite intense and many students find it hard to attend Wharton and work part-time. Again, you may, but it may put a heavy strain on other commitments.
Harel
Hi! Can I do part-time job while studying at Wharton?
Wharton
Hi Yuval: 1. While you may apply to any Round, please be aware it is statistically much more difficult to be admitted in Round 3 as we have selected a majority of our class. There is no difference between Round 1 and Round 2.
2. Yes, they are a bit but you can also double major if you wish. The nine majors that are recognized as a STEM degree are: Business Analytics, Business, Economics & Public Policy (BEPP), Business, Energy, Environment & Sustainability (BEES), Environmental, Social and Governance Factors for Business (ESGB), Finance, Operations, Information & Decisions (OID), Quantitative Finance, Social and Governance Factors for Business (SOGO), and Statistics. Our STEM majors offer another benefit for international students, who can obtain a STEM OPT extension for their F-1 visa after graduation. The extension allows students to apply the skills they learned in their STEM degree studies in full-time employment in the U.S. If you choose one of these majors, you will be eligible for 36 months of post-completion OPT (compared to 12 months for a non-STEM major).
3. Completely up to you! Over half the students double major so it is pretty common, but it is NOT a requirement! I recommend speaking to more of the current students in STEM and asking them more about their day to day schedules. https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/admissions-fellows/#t=All
Wharton
Hey Jay, great ques. Unfortunately, all our campus visit activities are entirely student-run, and during the summer all our students are gone attending to their summer internships. The CV program returns by late Sept - early Dec, then there is the winter break, and then the visits start up again in January and go until mid-April.
Yuval Weiss
Hi,
1. Is there a difference in the acceptance rates between Round A and Round B?
2. Are STEM majors more demanding in terms of time and complexity compared to non-STEM majors?
3. Do you recommend pursuing a double major?
Wharton
Hi Noa: Wharton requires all candidates to submit a GMAT or GRE score without exception. Scores are valid for 5 years after you take them. There are no minimum requirements for scores, but you can learn more about our GMAT/GRE averages through our Class Profile. We accept both the GMAT and GRE without bias and all exams taken remotely.
Jaaber "Jay" Saidi
Is there a possibility to attend class visits this summer? If yes, when exactly? Thank you!
Noa
Do you have a preferences between the GMAT and the GRE test?
Wharton
You can join a live event as well, but if you are unable to make the time for a live session please feel free to watch the recording.
Wharton
Yes! I highly recommend visiting our webinar page and clicking on the Application Tips webinar. An Adcomm member goes thro the entire app step by step and even does some resume reviews. It answers many questions about the app and demystifies the entire process. They can be found at: https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/view-virtual-events/
Ohana
Are there any tips or advice you can offer for prospective applicants preparing to apply to Wharton?
Wharton
Hi Sofer, Absolutely. Our full-time MBA program does not have an age limit. The average student age is 28-35 years old, but the range of Wharton student ages and professional experience is actually much larger. Many students are pivoting to new industries and none of our majors require prerequisites except Healthcare Mgmt.
Wharton
https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/mba-application-requirements/
Sofer
have 11 years of experience. My post-MBA goal is to switch careers. Is it recommended to apply to Wharton's two-yearr MBA program?
Wharton
Wharton offers three rounds of admissions. To determine which the best round is for you, please visit the Application Deadlines page. For more information on the application process, please visit the Admissions Process page.
Wharton
General Information:
Our full-time MBA program only allows students to matriculate in the fall semester of their first year due to the curriculum structure of the program. It is a 2 year program and students need to graduate with at least 19 credits (but may graduate with up to 21 credits). Unfortunately Wharton does not have a distant or a part-time program. Please keep in mind that many applicants are able to prepare successful applications every year and we provide ample guidance on our website. We also recommend that applicants take advantage of our Application Tips Webinars to solicit further information about the application process. The tuition and the application requirements are the same for both our international and domestic applicants. If you need clarification please feel free to contact us at 215-898-6183.
Wharton only offers a Master’s in Business Administration. Within the degree, we offer majors in 21 different areas. You can also utilize our website at: https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/mba-majors/ as that explains individualized majors. There are no prerequisite classes necessary for any of our majors (except healthcare management) and it is possible to double major as well. Wharton's elective list can be found via the website through: https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/elective-course-list/.
Wharton
Hi Noam, we do have a high success rate of students gaining a job before graduation (and many students receive offers from their internships) but I would recommend talking to the AF's (current students) directly for their own exps and point of view. https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/admissions-fellows/#t=All
Wharton
Hi Noam,
Wharton
Hi Moti, yes we do! It's called the Partners club and there are special programming/resources just for partners! https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/extracurricular-activities-3/
Wharton
Hi Gil, for more detailed info on the curriculum and electives please go to https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/mba-curriculum/
Wharton
Hi Noam, there are no differences in scholarship distribution R1 vs. R2 and unfortunately while we do not have the exact % of parents attending there are many clubs and resources to help assist such as Kids Club, Family club, Partners club, etc. https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/extracurricular-activities-3/#k
Noam
Are current students finding it difficult to secure jobs post their MBA?
Wharton
Hi Chen, Great question. Please do not choose a family member, but a client, vendor, colleague, etc. instead
Wharton
Hi Noam, for more information on social clubs/activities please visit: https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/extracurricular-activities-3/ or https://esg.wharton.upenn.edu/ for more information on Social Impact
Moti
Do you have special activities for students' spouses?
Alon
So in fact you are looking in to a certain character, that one of a king leader. Am i right?
Gil
hi, how do the elective course / specilizations work?
Wharton
Hi Noam, please visit our Career Report located: https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/mba-career-services/ or speak with the current students for more information on opportunities after graduation : https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/admissions-fellows/#t=All
Chen
My experience is with family business. Who should I choose as recommender?
Wharton
Hi Alon, Not at all! Again it's really about what you did with your time in undergrad, not where you went.
Noam Finestone
Hi Wharton Team,
I have reviewed Wharton's website and have a few questions:
1. Coming from a fintech background, I am interested in learning about post-MBA career placement in this industry.
2. One of the main reasons Wharton interests me is the summer internship and the opportunity to learn from industry leaders. What types of roles are typically available for these internships?
3. As making a social impact is highly important to me, I would like to know what kind of on-campus activities you have that support this goal.
4. Is there any difference in the chances of receiving a full scholarship between Round 1 and Round 2 of applications?
5. I would appreciate learning more about the percentage of parents in your full two-year programs.
Thank you!
Noam Finestone
Wharton
Hi Itai, Please visit https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/admissions-fellows/#t=All for more information on how to connect with our 55 Second Year students.
Wharton
Hi Alon, Completely up to you and your interests. It's really more about what you are doing with your time and position, and not exactly where you work and how long.
Wharton
Hi Noam, Yes there are! For more information on int'l study click here: https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/international-study/
Alon
Does it matter which university I’m studying my BA?
Wharton
Hi Harel: Our full-time MBA program does not have an age limit. The average student age is 28-35 years old, but the range of Wharton student ages and professional experience is actually much larger.
Wharton
Hi Itai, there is no one section that is most important. All areas of the application are equally weighted. I highly recommend viewing our Application Tips webinar located here for more insights on applying. https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/view-virtual-events/
Jaaber "Jay" Saidi
Thanks Danielle!
Wharton
Hi Jay, I would summarize the culture in two words: Leadership and Community
Itai
How can I connect with current students/alumni?
Alon
Do you recommend to stay in one job and focus on it, get progress and climb up to management roles?
Wharton
9. https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/mba-career-services/ for Career repot
Harel
Hi wharton - I am an army guy, with 13 years of experience, just completing my BA in law. can I still get accepted to Wharton at 36? or will i be too old?
Wharton
8. Unfortunately we do not review resumes.
Wharton
5. Wharton only has the MBA or EMBA program, both require either the GMAT or GRE.
Noam
Hello, are there opportunities for global exposure or international study trips within the MBA program?
Wharton
4. Work exp: Work is considered full time experience if you worked more than 30 hours/week, if it was your primary source of income, and you were not concurrently a fulltime student. However, both internships and part-time experience are important to the committee and we encourage you to include them within your application and resume.
Wharton
Hi KK,
While our average student has 5 years of experience prior to joining the program, there is no minimum requirement for work experience. We are interested in your functional job skills, breadth and depth of experience, demonstrated leadership and management skills, as well as your potential for growth. We are more concerned with what you have learned in your positions than in your length of time in the workplace.
2. No it does not.
Moelis: https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/deferred-admissions/moelis-advance-access-program/
Alon
What is the importance of management skills?
Itai
What is the most important part of the application? What is the importance of the GMAT score in the MBA application?
Jaaber "Jay" Saidi
Hello Danielle! Thanks for your time and for hosting this event! If you could summarize the Wharton culture with one word, which one would it be and why?
Alon
Hi
kk
Hi, good evening!!
Please help me with these questions
1. I have a work-ex of 2 years in different organizations. is this accepted? what is the Minimum work years required to get into MBA program?
2. I have work ex in Bank of America but I left it to come back to my hometown and currently working at Charted Accountant firm, while preparing for exams, Do this impact negatively?
3.Do you have option of deferred MBA if work ex is less than what is required?
4.Is leadership positions at undergraduate college counts as work ex (professional experience) or not?
5.Is there any other masters degree related to finance, management, accounting or entrepreneurship Which do not require GMAT/GRE. only standardized tests TOEFL/IELTS
6. GMAT / GRE a must to get into MBA program?
7.If I scored less in GMAT- Quant section. Will any other quantitative skills value in place of that?
8. Is there any way I can send CV for scrutinizing if before applying so that I can improve and meet college requirements yes can you please share?
9. will you please share emplyoment report?