Wharton Business School – University of Pennsylvania

go to live chat (20:00 – 21:00)

Representative: Danielle Fox | Admissions Representative | [email protected]

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Q&A with admissions: click to open

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The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is the business school of the University of Pennsylvania, a private Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Wharton was established in 1881 and has campuses in Philadelphia and San Francisco. The school offers a full-time MBA program which is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world, as well as EMBA, several joint programs (MBA/MA, JD/MBA, MBA/MPA) and doctoral programs.

Full-time and in-person MBA program

2 years

First-year budget, 2024-2025

Tuition $84,830
University Fees $4,670
Living Expenses $33,804
Health Insurance $4,412
Total $127,716

Wharton provides a broad range of fellowship opportunities for many exceptional students, thanks to the generosity of individuals, corporate and foundation donors, and the Wharton School.

All admitted students are considered for Wharton Fellowship support based on the application for admission. Criteria for fellowship selection includes unique personal qualities and background, academic achievement, exceptional professional development, and community involvement.

For more information and a select list of special fellowships offered at Wharton, please visit https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/tuition-financial-aid/

21 Majors, 9 are STEM Certified

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

35% international students

Active Israel Club & Jewish Association of MBAs

Chat Transcript:

06-30-2024
11:32:40 pm
User avatar Jaaber "Jay" Saidi Thanks for your time Danielle!
06-30-2024
11:29:21 pm
User avatar 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/
06-30-2024
11:29:10 pm
User avatar Wharton The new application will be avail by mid-July.
06-30-2024
11:28:24 pm
User avatar Wharton Visit https://www.mba.com/ for more writing tips!
06-30-2024
11:27:55 pm
User avatar 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.
06-30-2024
11:25:36 pm
User avatar Wharton Of course! Thank you everyone for attending this chat! We have five mins remaining!
06-30-2024
11:25:22 pm
User avatar 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!
06-30-2024
11:25:03 pm
User avatar Noam Thank you for your response
06-30-2024
11:24:44 pm
User avatar Wharton More alumni info can be found at https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/alumni-network/
06-30-2024
11:23:25 pm
User avatar 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.
06-30-2024
11:22:05 pm
User avatar 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/
06-30-2024
11:21:54 pm
User avatar Noam Hi, how extensive and active is the Wharton alumni network?
06-30-2024
11:16:52 pm
User avatar 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.
06-30-2024
11:15:41 pm
User avatar 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.
06-30-2024
11:15:40 pm
User avatar Noa Which GMAT result do you consider to be competitive?
06-30-2024
11:14:37 pm
User avatar 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.
06-30-2024
11:14:18 pm
User avatar Danielle Can I do an exchange with other schools?
06-30-2024
11:13:01 pm
User avatar Tal What type of achievements and experience do you expect to see in a candidate's profile from a non-quantitative industry, like media?
06-30-2024
11:10:19 pm
User avatar 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.
06-30-2024
11:09:07 pm
User avatar Harel Hi! Can I do part-time job while studying at Wharton?
06-30-2024
11:07:09 pm
User avatar 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
06-30-2024
11:03:48 pm
User avatar 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.
06-30-2024
11:03:45 pm
User avatar 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?
06-30-2024
11:01:56 pm
User avatar 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.
06-30-2024
11:01:51 pm
User avatar Jaaber "Jay" Saidi Is there a possibility to attend class visits this summer? If yes, when exactly? Thank you!
06-30-2024
11:01:17 pm
User avatar Noa Do you have a preferences between the GMAT and the GRE test?
06-30-2024
11:00:27 pm
User avatar 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.
06-30-2024
10:59:50 pm
User avatar 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/
06-30-2024
10:58:15 pm
User avatar Ohana Are there any tips or advice you can offer for prospective applicants preparing to apply to Wharton?
06-30-2024
10:57:58 pm
User avatar 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.
06-30-2024
10:56:49 pm
User avatar Wharton https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/mba-application-requirements/
06-30-2024
10:56:39 pm
User avatar 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?
06-30-2024
10:56:32 pm
User avatar 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.
06-30-2024
10:56:04 pm
User avatar 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/.
06-30-2024
10:52:52 pm
User avatar 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
06-30-2024
10:51:26 pm
User avatar Wharton Hi Noam,
06-30-2024
10:51:15 pm
User avatar 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/
06-30-2024
10:50:09 pm
User avatar Wharton Hi Gil, for more detailed info on the curriculum and electives please go to https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/mba-curriculum/
06-30-2024
10:49:23 pm
User avatar 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
06-30-2024
10:47:16 pm
User avatar Noam Are current students finding it difficult to secure jobs post their MBA?
06-30-2024
10:47:14 pm
User avatar Wharton Hi Chen, Great question. Please do not choose a family member, but a client, vendor, colleague, etc. instead
06-30-2024
10:46:38 pm
User avatar 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
06-30-2024
10:46:32 pm
User avatar Moti Do you have special activities for students' spouses?
06-30-2024
10:46:23 pm
User avatar Alon So in fact you are looking in to a certain character, that one of a king leader. Am i right?
06-30-2024
10:46:22 pm
User avatar Gil hi, how do the elective course / specilizations work?
06-30-2024
10:44:42 pm
User avatar 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
06-30-2024
10:44:08 pm
User avatar Chen My experience is with family business. Who should I choose as recommender?
06-30-2024
10:43:26 pm
User avatar Wharton Hi Alon, Not at all! Again it's really about what you did with your time in undergrad, not where you went.
06-30-2024
10:42:50 pm
User avatar 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
06-30-2024
10:42:47 pm
User avatar 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.
06-30-2024
10:41:58 pm
User avatar 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.
06-30-2024
10:41:12 pm
User avatar Wharton Hi Noam, Yes there are! For more information on int'l study click here: https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/international-study/
06-30-2024
10:40:37 pm
User avatar Alon Does it matter which university I’m studying my BA?
06-30-2024
10:40:33 pm
User avatar 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.
06-30-2024
10:39:36 pm
User avatar 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/
06-30-2024
10:39:16 pm
User avatar Jaaber "Jay" Saidi Thanks Danielle!
06-30-2024
10:38:19 pm
User avatar Wharton Hi Jay, I would summarize the culture in two words: Leadership and Community
06-30-2024
10:38:18 pm
User avatar Itai How can I connect with current students/alumni?
06-30-2024
10:37:49 pm
User avatar Alon Do you recommend to stay in one job and focus on it, get progress and climb up to management roles?
06-30-2024
10:37:41 pm
User avatar Wharton 9. https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/mba-career-services/ for Career repot
06-30-2024
10:37:37 pm
User avatar 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?
06-30-2024
10:37:18 pm
User avatar Wharton 8. Unfortunately we do not review resumes.
06-30-2024
10:36:43 pm
User avatar Wharton 5. Wharton only has the MBA or EMBA program, both require either the GMAT or GRE.
06-30-2024
10:36:24 pm
User avatar Noam Hello, are there opportunities for global exposure or international study trips within the MBA program?
06-30-2024
10:36:01 pm
User avatar 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.
06-30-2024
10:35:11 pm
User avatar 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/
06-30-2024
10:35:03 pm
User avatar Alon What is the importance of management skills?
06-30-2024
10:33:44 pm
User avatar Itai What is the most important part of the application? What is the importance of the GMAT score in the MBA application?
06-30-2024
10:33:29 pm
User avatar 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?
06-30-2024
10:30:38 pm
User avatar Alon Hi
06-30-2024
10:08:12 pm
User avatar 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?