Wharton MBA Review

Key Takeaways

Program Overview: Wharton MBA is known for its rigorous curriculum, leadership development, and extensive alumni network. The program offers a mix of core courses and nearly 200 electives, allowing students to tailor their education to their professional goals.

Class Profile: The Wharton MBA Class of 2025 includes 50% women, 31% international students, and representatives from 70 different countries. The average GMAT score is 733, and students typically have about 5 years of work experience​ ​.

Tuition Fees: The annual tuition fee for the Wharton MBA program is approximately $84,830, with additional costs for living expenses, health insurance, and other fees, bringing the total annual cost to around $127,716​ ​.

Average Salary and Employment: Wharton MBA graduates have a high earning potential, with an average starting salary of $175,000 and a signing bonus of $30,000. Graduates are often placed in top industries such as consulting, finance, and technology, with 92.3% of students receiving job offers within three months of graduation​

Introduction

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania stands out as a top-tier choice for those aiming to delve deeply into business administration and management.

Globally recognized, Wharton consistently secures a position among the world's top business schools, drawing a varied group of international students. The program prides itself on a robust curriculum that not only imparts essential knowledge but also hones the practical skills vital for career excellence.

Wharton’s MBA program merges academic rigor with real-world relevance, offering a transformative educational journey. It prepares ambitious professionals to propel their careers forward and achieve outstanding success in the business world.

Class Profile of Wharton MBA

The Wharton MBA class profile of 2023 is made up of students from 83 different nations, with 36% of the total student body being non-American. The program's international diversity has nearly doubled since last year, when it was only 19%, and has fully recovered from the year before when it was only about one-third. 

The Wharton MBA Class Profile

Wharton MBA Acceptance Rate

The Wharton MBA program has an acceptance rate of about 23% to 25%. While this rate is higher compared to some other top schools, it still requires a strong application. To improve your chances, focus on showcasing your achievements, leadership experience, and how you can contribute to the Wharton community.

Wharton MBA Ranking

The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania has achieved a prestigious ranking as the number one business school for MBA programs according to the Financial Times' 2024 global rankings. This marks a significant comeback for Wharton, which wasn't listed in the previous year's ranking. Their high position is supported by strong alumni outcomes, international diversity, and the quality of its academic offerings​

Eligibility and Requirements for Wharton MBA

Applying to the Wharton MBA program requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and submitting several documents, including academic transcripts from all previously attended universities, and proof of English language proficiency. Notably, applicants must submit their Wharton MBA GMAT or GRE score, which can be from tests taken at a test center or online. The Wharton School evaluates applicants holistically, considering academic achievements, work experience, leadership potential, and personal qualities. Additionally, non-EEA nationals must secure a visa, and applicants are required to pay an application fee

Application Components:

Applying for an MBA at The Wharton School requires several fundamental elements. Applicants must provide their academic transcripts, standardized test scores, and necessary documentation as part of the basic admissions criteria.

• Background Information
• Two Essays
• Transcripts (unofficial or official)
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• GMAT or GRE Score
• English Language Test Score
• Resume
• Application Fee ($225)

You can refer to this Wharton official page to learn more on: What you need to apply

Program and Curriculum of Wharton MBA

The structure of the Wharton MBA curriculum is distinctive and combines rigor with flexibility. Business fundamentals, as well as the leadership, communication, and analytical skills that are essential to your success, are taught in the rigorous, cross-functional core curriculum. By choosing major and supplementary electives, you can specialize in one or more areas. Although each MBA course has a different instructor and learning environment, the core course options (listed below) are the same for the duration of the program.

• PRE-TERM: Wharton MBA is a foundational period that prepares you for academic and personal challenges, helping you adjust to Philadelphia, balance various demands, and engage in core courses like MGMT 6100: Foundations of Leadership and Teamwork, often recalled fondly by students and alumni.
• YEAR ONE: Wharton's first year combines intense coursework with your learning team, elective selection, and related extracurricular activities.
• SUMMER: MBA summer internships enhance real-world skills, advance education through experience, and offer networking opportunities, with most students opting for internships or working on startups.
• YEAR TWO: You'll complete the remaining core requirements, deepen elective studies, develop expertise, and collaborate on customized projects with faculty and businesses.

The MBA Core classes include 9.5 credit units, distributed in two parts:

• Fixed Core: 3.25 credit units fixed in the first semester
• Flexible Core: 6.25 credit units in the first semester or anytime thereafter

Electives

Wharton MBA elective options are Select your preferred areas of study from an expansive list of nearly 200 courses spread across 10 academic departments, along with numerous options available through Penn’s 11 other prestigious schools. This wide range of choices allows you to customize the curriculum according to your personal and professional objectives.

• Operations, Information, and Decisions
• Marketing
• Communication
• Accounting
• Corporate Finance

Experiential Learning Programs

The McNulty Leadership Program and Wharton’s Center for Leadership and Change Management offer a range of hands-on learning opportunities. Additionally, the Wharton Leadership Ventures program allows students to choose between outdoor treks and short-term workshops ranging from one to three days.

Research Centers

Wharton has over 20 research centers and initiatives focusing on various topics like behavioral economics, entrepreneurship, finance, risk management, and social impact. You can find the full list on the Wharton Research Centers page.

Fees, Financing & Scholarships at Wharton MBA

Starting on an MBA journey is a significant investment in your personal and professional growth. Wharton also assists you in navigating your financing options to ensure you make well-informed decisions. To discover more about the advantages of investing in a Wharton MBA, visit our 'Value of a Wharton MBA' page.

Wharton offers specific scholarships and loans for Indian students pursuing their MBA, aimed at supporting those with excellent academic records and leadership potential. These financial aids are designed to make the MBA program more accessible by alleviating the financial challenges and recognizing outstanding achievements. This initiative helps foster the development of future business leaders by easing the economic burden of advanced education.

Note: The Cost of Attendance covers educational expenses and advises extra budgeting for non-covered extracurriculars like club fees and networking eventsTo know more, check out: The Wharton School MBA Fees 

Employment Upon Graduation

The most significant employment statistics about Wharton MBA career services include the top industries, job locations, post-MBA employers, and The Wharton School MBA salary. Career Management helps students leverage and build upon previous professional accomplishments and provides personalized support on the journey to achieve internship and full-time success.

Know more at: Career Report 2023 | The Wharton School

Wharton MBA Application: Essays & Interview

The Wharton MBA Application Process is quite competitive, it looks for candidates with an outstanding career trajectory, strong quantitative skills, and proven interpersonal, leadership, and teamwork abilities. To diversify the class, they have worked to lessen the emphasis on the GMAT in recent years. The Wharton essays are crucial for showcasing character and experiences while placing less emphasis on statistics.

Essays

The two mandatory Wharton School MBA essays for the 2023-2024 application cycle essentially prompt candidates to discuss their reciprocal engagement with the MBA program.

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)

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).

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)

The Admissions Committee would like to learn about you, both as a worker and as a person. We suggest you think deeply about yourself, be honest, and keep it short. The most important thing is to be who you really are. Also, for more help with writing essays, check out the 3 Tips for Writing Your MBA Admissions Essay.

Wharton MBA Application Tips 2022

Interview Questions

To participate in the Wharton MBA interview program, applicants who have successfully passed the initial application review are invited to attend. The interview process at Wharton consists of two primary components: a Team-Based Discussion (TBD) and a one-on-one personal interview​ 

One of the most hesitant parts of the application for the students is the Interview round. Here are some of the Wharton MBA Interview Questions for you to rehearse: 

What Wharton Looks for in it's top MBA Candidate

• You should be collaborate effectively with others during the Team-Based Discussion (TBD)
• You should be an analyzer and discuss the case study provided, using it to showcase your analytical skills.
• You should be clearly articulate your personal motivations for pursuing an MBA at Wharton during the one-on-one interview.
• You should highlight your experiences and leadership roles, emphasizing lessons learned and personal growth.
• Be genuine and self-aware, presenting your true self rather than projecting what you think is expected.

Why The Wharton School is Unique?

Is Wharton MBA worth it? Having an understanding of the Wharton MBA program, it is also essential to know what makes it so unique.  

• Expanding your business leadership skills: Driving productivity, growth, and social progress are the main objectives of Wharton's research and academic programs.
• Putting the power of data to use: The title of "the finance school" that Wharton holds is well deserved. The entire School is governed by the exacting and pertinent data analysis that underpins Wharton Finance. 
• Fueling your entrepreneurship: Wharton faculty, students, and alumni transform great ideas into scalable and sustainable businesses. 
• Achieving a global reach: Wharton's influence and footprint are expanding on a global scale, offering immersive learning opportunities on six continents, establishing three business schools in Asia, and launching the Penn Wharton China Center in Beijing.
• Participating in the future of business education: The dedication of Wharton goes far beyond your time on campus. You can access the knowledge and network you need throughout your career if you pursue lifelong learning.
• Flexible Curriculum: Wharton offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to customize their MBA experience. Students can choose from a wide range of electives and concentrations to tailor their education based on their interests, career goals, and desired expertise.

Useful Links

Conclusion

The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is recognized as one of the top MBA colleges in USA, offering a premier education in graduate business studies. The Wharton MBA program is distinguished for its rigorous curriculum that not only enhances leadership and management skills but also provides a deeply enriching educational experience.

This program uniquely combines practical learning with real-world applications and global immersion experiences, effectively strengthening its students' international perspectives. Supported by a vast and active alumni network, the Wharton MBA is celebrated for its enduring excellence and significant impact in the business world.