How to get into the Wharton School of Business University of Pennsylvania MBA Program?

Wharton School of Business gets 6000-7000 applications each year, out of which only about 1000 students get into their MBA and EMBA programs. In 2021, Wharton received 7,338 applications out of which only 897 students were finally enrolled on their MBA program. At around 12.2%, the Wharton MBA acceptance rate is low but quite similar to other top B-schools in the world.

But why? Why would an applicant not take the chance to possibly get into one of the best business schools in the world? Why is the Wharton MBA program so elite that some applicants decide they aren’t good enough before even getting their profiles evaluated by the school’s admission committee?

Because Indian students are led to believe that an A+ academic performance is the only thing good enough to get them into the top schools in any field. But in the case of the Wharton School’s MBA program, that statement might not be the whole truth (We’ll discuss this later in the blog).

The Wharton School of Business, under the University of Pennsylvania (popularly known as UPenn), is one of the few B-schools that is part of both the Ivy League and M7 business schools list.

The M7 business schools are a group of 7 of the most elite business schools in the world. While these schools don’t have an official collaborative program, they do collaborate on their knowledge. Titleholders from these schools, Dean, Vice Dean, etc., meet twice a year to share their experiences and knowledge. Thus, promising the best educational convention from the top business schools to the students at each of the 7 schools.

Wharton School of Business ranking

Returning to our original discussion of the dilemma of whether to apply to The Wharton School’s MBA program or not, let’s dig a little deeper into the program itself. We will then go back to discussing how to get into Wharton MBA.

Wharton School of Business MBA Programs

While most business schools have a few MBA programs, like full-time two-year MBA, Executive MBA, or Online MBA, Wharton School of Business has a plethora of MBA programs available for applicants. With programs ranging from Wharton degree programs and joint degree programs with other University of Pennsylvania institutes, Wharton has it all. Here are the options that Wharton gives to its applicants who wish to pursue an MBA.

MBA Program

The MBA Program at Wharton School of Business is a 20-month full-time program including a recommended 3-month summer internship. The program is offered at Wharton’s Philadelphia campus, with the students being allowed to apply for a semester at the San Francisco campus.

Wharton MBA Program for Executives (EMBA)

The Executive MBA Program at Wharton, or the EMBA Program, is available to students at both, the Philadelphia and San Francisco campuses. This is a weekend MBA program provided by the Wharton School of Business which promises the same degree as the full-time MBA program. The biggest difference between the two is that the students of the EMBA program are allowed to work during the week, and attend classes on the weekend. Other joint MBA degrees that Wharton School of Business provides are:

1. Joseph H. Lauder Institute of Management and International Studies (MBA/MA)
2. Francis J. & Wm. Polk Carey JD/MBA Program (JD/MBA)
3. Wharton/School of Advanced International Studies (MBA/MA)
4. Wharton/Engineering (MBA/SEAS)
5. Wharton/Kennedy School of Government (MBA/MPA, MBA/MPA/ID, MBA/MPP)

Wharton MBA Cost

Before we delve deeper into how to get into Wharton MBA, it’s crucial to find out the details about Wharton MBA cost. For now, we will be focusing only on the MBA Program and the Executive MBA Program at Wharton School of Business since most others are joint degrees. The price tag that a Wharton education comes with, as you may have guessed, is high.

While the EMBA program at Wharton costs the same for both the years, the MBA Program’s cost fluctuates. The number provided here is an estimate given by The Wharton School itself. The Wharton MBA fees include theentire cost of housing, meals, and books and supplies for the entire year. The EMBA, on the other hand, covers the housing, meals, and a chunk of the books and supplies required for the program. While Wharton MBA fees for Indian students can seem to be quite high, students can opt for the numerous fellowships and financial aid options to reduce their costs.

Top business schools like Wharton do not focus on their student population as a means of income. They rely highly on grants, donations, and gifts from their alumni network and other influential members of their community.

Thus, students are given the options of fellowships like:

1. Joseph Wharton Fellowships
2. Howard E. Mitchell Fellowships
3. Forté Fellowships
4. Romba Fellowships
5. Social Impact Fellowships
6. Corporate and Foundation Fellowships
7. Wharton Fellowships for Current Students

To make the applicants’ lives easier, the business school considers all applicants for the various fellowships automatically.

When you apply to Wharton, your application is, by default, reviewed for the fellowships, and the decision of the Wharton MBA Financial Aids office is considered binding, i.e. cannot be brought up for a second reviewing.

The school offers complete support to students who are making decisions regarding their tuition. The Wharton Financial Aids office also helps students in understanding the details of any loans that they take out, in addition to the Wharton scholarships. For the EMBA program at Wharton, Sponsorship by the student’s current firm is also encouraged. Students who have paid their way through Wharton by the help of scholarships and loans, pretty much every student, highly recommend leveraging the resources that the school’s Financial Aids Office provides.

Wharton MBA Class Profile

To know what it takes to get into Wharton School of Business, or any other business school for that matter, the best tool that an applicant has is the class profile. Looking at what a typical Wharton MBA student looks like on paper, could definitely give an applicant a good idea of what their Wharton MBA profile should closely resemble. Here is the Wharton MBA Class Profile.

While this Wharton MBA Class profile will help you understand what the typical Wharton MBA student looks like, it can only get you so far. There is a lot of meat that your profile will be required to have other than a competitive GMAT score or a few years of work experience. Before we get into details about those, let’s look at a crucial reason why one should want to go to Wharton, for boosting their career.

Post Wharton MBA Salary

Although an increase in your pay scale isn’t the only mark of a career boost, it is a solid representation for the same. The biggest role that a school plays in your career isn’t the brand name, as most people would think. It is the job support that a school provides a fresh graduate. Wharton’s MBA Career Management team is known for its success in creating job and internship opportunities for students. From fortune 500 companies to social and non-profit organizations, more than 650+ recruiters offer Wharton MBAs jobs every year. The MBA Career Management Team at Wharton provides the students with guidance and support for both their summer internship and their first post-MBA job. “Students in the EMBA program at Wharton are, however, expected to find their own opportunities. They can still use the MBA Career Management Team’s guidance and resources, but, only eligible students are given the chance to participate in on-campus recruitment along with the Full-time MBA program class.”

Now that you have a fair idea of how to get into the Wharton MBA, take a look at the average starting salaries of Wharton School of Business graduates.

According to the latest data adhering to MBA CSEA Standards, the median annual base salary for Wharton MBA graduates stands at an impressive $175,000. In addition to this substantial base salary, graduates often receive a median sign-on bonus of $30,000, and a median guaranteed bonus of another $30,000. These figures collectively highlight the significant financial return on investment that a Wharton MBA offers, making the wharton mba salary one of the most attractive aspects of the program.

While a Wharton education comes with a hefty price tag, taking into consideration the fellowship options, the average starting salaries of Wharton graduates even out the playing field.

Wharton MBA application process

The Wharton MBA application process is similar to what you must have gone through or read for most other business schools. However, the process of applying to the full-time MBA program at Wharton and the EMBA program is vastly different from one another.

Wharton MBA Deadline

Unlike most schools, that offer a fall and a spring intake, Wharton offers three rounds of application for its full-time MBA program.

The Wharton MBA deadline for the 1st round is mostly in September, while Round2 and 3 have deadlines in January and March-April respectively. For the EMBA program, only two rounds of applications are provided with deadlines in December for round 1 and February for round 2.

Disclaimer: The dates mentioned here have been retrieved from the official website of the business school. However, applicants are advised to check the school’s website before applying as they may be subject to last-minute changes. All applications must be submitted by 5 PM ET on the deadline date or before.

Wharton MBA Application Process

Since the full-time MBA program and the EMBA program applications differ, let’s look at a table to better understand the application process.

How to make the perfect Wharton MBA Class Profile

There is no precise recipe for a successful Wharton MBA application. As far as Wharton MBA requirements are concerned, even though we have an average GMAT score and work experience for the incoming class of Wharton, the combination of the two cannot promise you guaranteed admission to the school’s MBA program. If a Wharton admissions committee member took a pen and marked random country on a globe, they will still be able to find a 700 GMAT score holder or someone with a 6-year work experience, who would drop everything to enroll into the school’s MBA program. But they still end up admitting students with no work experience or a 500 GMAT score. Ever wonder why? The admissions committee at Wharton is one that truly applies the ‘wholesome student’ concept to its application process. They aren’t aiming at the perfect academic candidate. They often pick profiles that have a well-rounded aspect. Here are a few things that admissions committee members have told applicants time and again in regards to what a good Wharton MBA class profile looks like.

1. Clarity of goals

   Applicants are often told about how an interesting candidate can win over an admissions committee even with a couple of drawbacks in their profile. While that is true, the drawbacks should be a significant part of your Wharton MBA application.

   Your goals, whether long-term or short-term, are seen as true motivators for you to do well during and post MBA, thus adding to the goodwill of the school.

   Wharton admissions committee members have been known to reject applicants that had exceptional profiles but lacked clarity in regard to their post-MBA goals.

   Figuring out your post-MBA goals isn’t an easy task. Make sure you don’t select a goal just to rush through your application. Your goal should be driven by personal experiences. The admissions committee can easily determine which post-MBA goal was written to complete the application, and which one was born through deep introspection.

2. Own your narrative

   Almost every blog about MBA admissions tells you how important your narrative throughout your essays is. Storytelling is an important aspect of your Wharton MBA application essay. Look at it as your moment to introduce yourself.

   The admissions committee members have no clue about who you are. What you tell them about yourself is what will help them decide whether you’re fit for Wharton’s MBA program or not.

   They are looking for someone who can add value to their course, maybe bring in different experiences to broaden the exposure that the rest of the class gets. Don’t try to curate an essay for the school. Try to write an authentic account of what your life experiences have been and how they affect your decisions. When you read your essay, you should feel proud of the person you have become. If your story can’t even move you, it will hardly make an impact on an admissions committee member.

3. Don’t compare notes

   One can get into the habit of frequenting forums and comparing their profiles with other applicants. Or even worse, getting their profile evaluated by people on these forums. Don’t do this! No one can tell you for sure what a Wharton profile looks like. All you need to do is try to make the best possible profile that you can make. Comparing your profile with others will only draw you to edit your profile to fit a certain mold. The one thing that admissions committee members seem to dislike most is a profile created just for the school. They do not want to see an essay that you think they want. They want to know the possible Wharton student. In the incoming class of the Wharton MBA program 2020, a student with a GMAT score of 500 was accepted. Had this student gone to an online forum for advice, no one would have suggested applying to Wharton.

   In the class of Wharton MBA program 2020, a student with a GMAT score of 500 was accepted. Had this student gone to an online forum for advice, no one would have suggested applying to Wharton.

   So rather than taking unprofessional help from online forums, focus on your own story, and how to best present it on paper.

4. A high quant score

   While GMAT scores and GPAs won’t take you all the way to the finish line, they will help you quite a bit, if you are wondering how to get into Wharton MBA. An MBA is a Quant-based course in many ways. So, while other aspects of your profile might be important, having a high GMAT or GPA, especially in the Quant section, could sway the decision in your favor.

5. Fill in the blanks

   Every applicant starts with gaps in their profiles. So, have gaps in academics, others have them in extra-curricular. No matter which area you have a gap in, try to fill it before going for the Wharton MBA application. The competition at Wharton is much more than you would expect. The student pool you are competing with has an average of 700 GMAT score and has probably participated in national-level sports events. Keeping that in mind, unless you have climbed Mt. Everest at 14 years old, or won an Olympic gold medal, you should work on filling in the blank spaces, if any, in your MBA profile for Wharton.

   For example, if you have a low GPA, try taking up courses, or certifications that can prove your quant prowess, in addition to scoring a high GMAT score.

6. Know Why Wharton School of Business is a Good Fit For You

   It’s not just about answering the essay question, ‘What do you hope to gain professionally from the Wharton MBA?’. You must know exactly why Wharton is important to your career and personal growth. Your research shouldn’t be limited to your computer screens and the Google tab. Wharton has much more than just its brand name to offer. This is why I suggest pre-MBA networking. Reach out to Wharton alumni or current students and network hard. Once you have the reason why Wharton School of Business is a good fit for you, you will automatically have the answer to how Wharton will help you achieve your career goals, and thus a stronger case to why you should be accepted to the Wharton School of Business MBA Program.

7. Excel at something outside of academics

   Take this point literally. Pick up any activity you like and become the best at it.

   A good MBA profile will always have a few skills, leadership, team-work, problem-solving, quick thinking, ethical responsibility, and passion. While you can demonstrate most of these skills through your work experience, passion can be a difficult trait to put down on paper.

   Apart from a good student, and employee, who are you? The answer to this question is also a good way to make your profile more wholistic. Are you a sportsman, a traveler, a social media influencer, a poet, or anything else that you wish to be when you have time away from work and other responsibilities? Having a passion outside of your career will portray you as a balanced candidate.

FAQS related to Wharton MBA

1. What is the minimum requirement to get into Wharton MBA?

To be considered for the Wharton MBA program, applicants must meet several minimum requirements. These include holding a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. Applicants must also submit a complete application which includes GMAT or GRE scores, TOEFL or PTE scores (if applicable), transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended, two letters of recommendation, essays, and a completed application form. It’s important to note that meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as the Wharton MBA acceptance rate is highly competitive, at around 14.1%.

2. What is needed to get into Wharton MBA?

To gain admission into the Wharton MBA program, candidates need to fulfill specific Wharton mba application requirements. These include a strong academic background, competitive GMAT or GRE scores, and compelling essays that showcase leadership potential, professional accomplishments, and personal qualities. Additionally, applicants should provide two letters of recommendation that speak to their professional skills and potential. Demonstrating significant work experience and clear career goals aligned with what the MBA can offer is also crucial. Each component of the application is critical in a highly selective process where every detail counts.

3. What is the average salary of INSEAD and Wharton MBA graduates?

The average salary of MBA graduates from INSEAD and Wharton is notably high, reflecting the prestigious nature of these programs. Wharton MBA salary (median annual base salary) is reported at $175,000, along with additional compensation like a median sign-on bonus of $30,000 and a median guaranteed bonus of $30,000. INSEAD’s MBA graduates also command competitive salaries, although the exact figures vary by year and location of employment. Generally, both schools are renowned for yielding high returns on investment in terms of post-MBA salaries.

4. Does Wharton MBA require Work Experience

Yes, work experience is a critical component for admission into the Wharton MBA program. While there is no minimum Work experience required for Wharton mba, most admitted students have significant professional experience that demonstrates their leadership potential, professional achievements, and ability to contribute to the Wharton community. The admissions committee evaluates the quality of work experience more than the quantity, looking for evidence of career progression, impact, and professional maturity. Work experience is essential for contextualizing academic and extracurricular achievements within a real-world business setting.

Watch Video – Wharton MBA require Work Experience

5. How can I get admission to Wharton for MBA in India?

Start by appearing for GMAT or GRE. Once you have the scores which you think can help you get into the school, start the process as laid down above. Most successful applicants choose to work with a professional MBA consultant such as us to help them smoothen their application and admission journey into their dream B-school.

6. Is it hard to get into Wharton MBA?

With an acceptance rate ranging between 10-13%, getting into Wharton is not extremely tough but it isn’t easy either. While the average GMAT score for successful admits is 700+, Wharton does take applicants with sub-600 or even around 500 GMAT score. As long as your overall profile is good and you have a compelling story, you stand a chance to get into the Wharton School of Business MBA program.

7. What GMAT score do you need to get into Wharton?

The average GMAT score of a Wharton MBA applicant is 700+. However, this does not mean you can’t get admission if your score is below 700. Wharton clearly states that there are no minimum GMAT and GRE score requirements for getting admission into their MBA program.

8. Does Wharton MBA give scholarships?

Yes. Wharton School of Business offers up to 100% scholarships for their MBA-degree programs to deserving students. Wharton scholarships can be availed through many fellowship programs such as

• • JOSEPH WHARTON FELLOWSHIPS
  • EMERGING ECONOMY FELLOWSHIPS
  • HOWARD E. MITCHELL FELLOWSHIPS
  • ROMBA FELLOWSHIP
  • PRISM FELLOWSHIP

These are awarded to students based on their application and profile. They are not subject to be reconsidered.

Also Read

• Common Interview Questions at Wharton
• Wharton MBA Applications Questions & Tips 
• Best MBA College and Rankings