wharton mba mission statement

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The Wharton School

In 1881, American entrepreneur and industrialist Joseph Wharton established the world’s first collegiate school of business at the University of Pennsylvania.

Wharton’s pioneering vision was to produce graduates who would become “pillars of the state, whether in private or in public life.” The Wharton School maintains a long tradition of educating visionary business leaders in academia, business, government, and not-for-profit organizations.

Today, Wharton has expanded the scope of this vision to become the most comprehensive source of business knowledge in the world - with a faculty of more than 235 renowned professors, Wharton has 5,000+ undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA and doctoral students. Each year 18,000 professionals from around the world advance their careers through Wharton Executive Education’s individual, company-customized, and online programs. More than 100,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day.

Learn more about our history :  https://www.wharton.upenn.edu/about-wharton/

Learn more about our school leadership :  https://www.wharton.upenn.edu/senior-leadership/

Mission and Philosophy

Founded in 1881 as the first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is recognized globally for intellectual leadership and ongoing innovation across every major discipline of business education. With a broad global community and one of the most published business school faculties, Wharton creates economic and social value around the world. The School has 5,000+  undergraduate , MBA , executive MBA , and doctoral students; more than 18,000 participants in executive education programs annually and a powerful alumni network of 100,000 graduates.

Wharton Doctoral Programs train students to become academic thought leaders.  As leading research scholars, students will develop the ideas that advance academic knowledge and generate innovations in business theory and practice. Students will work closely with Wharton faculty to learn the practice of rigorous research and use the unparalleled resources of the School and University to define their impact as a scholar.

Research Environment

Wharton is part of the University of Pennsylvania, an R1 research institution with deep commitment and broad resources to support student and faculty research.

Research That Matters

Our faculty will tell you that producing high-quality research is critical to your success. It’s the core of the doctoral experience and academic life. The best way to understand what our students do is to browse their research on each program of study site , learn about the awards and honors they receive, and read about their career placements at top universities and institutions.

Centers for Knowledge

Through Wharton’s 10 departments and 20 research centers and initiatives , students have access to faculty within a deep and broad environment that fosters their intellectual growth. As students’ ideas take shape and even change, they can build on their foundational knowledge base with areas such as entrepreneurship and leadership to health care economics and business ethics.

Explore Wharton Faculty

Cross-Disciplinary Research

The faculty’s diverse research agendas encourage students to follow new ideas that go across boundaries — not just at Wharton but also at Penn’s other globally renowned graduate and professional schools. At Penn, students find unparalleled opportunities to work with leading faculty in such disciplines as law, engineering, medicine, economics, sociology, psychology, and mathematics.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Wharton Doctoral Programs is committed to the belief that a diverse range of perspectives is essential to fostering breadth of thought and knowledge.  The environment is meant to provide equal opportunity and equal treatment for all students, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and marital or parental status.  We take seriously our responsibility to promote responsible conduct by all students and to make institutional arrangements that create an environment of tolerance and that supports participation and advancement by individuals from diverse backgrounds.

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MBA Program

The Management Department offers five MBA majors that develop the knowledge and expertise to manage complex, established enterprises or guide start-up enterprises in their formative years. Content encompasses strategic and entrepreneurial management, as well as the management of people and organizations across national and cultural borders. Four specialized majors – Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Organizational Effectiveness, Multinational Management, and Strategic Management – provide depth in one key domain of management, while the general major of Management provides breadth by offering the flexibility of choosing courses across these domains. Each major requires four credit units of coursework beyond the required Wharton core; the majors in Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Multinational Management, and Strategic Management allow some course options outside the Management Department to count toward this requirement. Pass/Fail credits may not be applied to management majors.

Detailed information about each major:

• Entrepreneurship and Innovation 
• Multinational Management
• Organizational Effectiveness
• Strategic Management

To apply, or for additional information, visit the Wharton MBA website  .

Program Information

• Management Major ( General )
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Major
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation Major
• Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Major
• Multinational Management Major
• Organizational Effectiveness Major
• Strategic Management Major

Course Information

• Course Descriptions
• Course Preview Videos
• Course Schedule
• Flex-Core: 6110 or 6120?

Additional Information

• MBA Academic Calendars
• Academic Forms
• MBA ISP Registration Form
• Instructions for Non-MBA Students Registration

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The Wharton MBA Program for Executives: FAQs

From admissions and financial aid to academics and student experience, find answers to your questions about Wharton’s MBA Program for Executives below.

Executive MBA Admission Process & Qualifications

Student experience, curriculum and academics, financial aid and sponsorship, evaluating embas.

FAQs Tailored to Wharton’s Global Cohort

When do I need my official transcript(s) sent?

Official transcripts are required upon matriculation to the Wharton MBA Program for Executives. When requesting official transcripts from your previous institutions, you can choose electronic or standard mail delivery.

For Philadelphia , San Francisco , and Global cohorts :

Electronic transcripts can be sent from the institutions to [email protected] .

Hard-copy transcripts can be sent from the institutions to:

MBA Program for Executives The Wharton School University of Pennsylvania 111 Vance Hall 3733 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19104

What if something has changed after submitting my application?

If there has been a significant change in your profile after submitting your application, please e-mail the Wharton EMBA Admission office at [email protected] t o discuss how best to reflect the change. Examples of a significant change would be a move to a new company or a promotion.

How do I know if I am a Fellows Candidate?

For a complete explanation of the difference between applying as a Fellow or traditional applicant, see Candidate Qualifications. Please send an e-mail to [email protected] if you are unsure about the level of financial support you are required to have from your employer.

When are your information sessions?

For information on current in-person and virtual events, go to Admissions Events . Please check back from time to time, as we add events regularly. 

How do I reapply if I am denied admission?

Applicants can reapply to the Wharton EMBA program, but not during the same academic year. If you applied and were not admitted and would like to reapply to the program, please follow these procedures. The most important thing is that you demonstrate through essays, subsequent career growth, and/or academic preparation that you are a stronger candidate. We recommend you review the EMBA application requirements before submitting your new application to ensure they have not changed since you last applied.

1) Complete entire application

2) Include with your essays the following:

Reapplicant Essay

Required; 300 word limit

What have you been doing since you previously applied for admission and what impact have your activities had on the clarification of your goals? Include any steps you have taken to enhance your preparation for admission to Wharton.

May I apply to both Wharton MBA Programs?

Wharton accepts simultaneous applications to its executive and traditional MBA programs. In order to apply to both programs during the same admissions cycle, applicants must submit separate and complete applications, following the instructions and deadlines required by each program. Dual applicants must also indicate within both applications that they are applying to the other program and whether a decision has been rendered by the other program and, if so, what that decision is. Admitted students may only matriculate in one program.

If I am denied admission to the Wharton MBA Program for Executives in Philadelphia, can I then apply to the program in San Francisco or Global (or vice versa)?

Applicants may apply to one MBA Program for Executives cohort per academic year. The Wharton MBA Program for Executives has a single Admissions Committee which reviews all applications for  Philadelphia ,  San Francisco , and  Global cohorts . As such, the Admissions Committee would not change its decision if an applicant reapplied to a different cohort or the existing cohort within the same academic year.

Where should I stay when I visit?

There are many hotels in both Philadelphia and San Francisco that are convenient for visiting Wharton. In Philadelphia, we recommend the Inn at Penn , which is on the University of Pennsylvania campus. In San Francisco, we recommend the Hyatt Regency . 

Do you require interviews for admission?

Interviews are by invitation only. If selected for an interview, we will contact you to arrange the interview as part of the application process.

When during the year does the program start and when are the admissions deadlines?

The program begins in May each year. Please refer to the Timeline and Deadlines page for exact dates and admissions deadlines.

I haven’t had a math course in 10 years. Would I have difficulty with the Wharton curriculum?

A number of our classes assume basic math literacy. If you took your last math class a while ago, it is probably worthwhile to brush up before coming to the program. You’ll do some of this when you prepare for the GMAT exam. If you have not completed a math course at the basic calculus level, you should try to enroll in a “Math for Business” course at a local college. Please focus on the basics (algebra, graphing functions, very basic calculus).

I have many years of work experience and have taken other standardized tests in the past. Why must I take the GMAT/GRE/EA to apply to Wharton?

Wharton’s EMBA program requires one test score from the GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment (EA). We do not waive the test requirement, but do allow students to choose which test they prefer.

We require these test scores because the executive MBA curriculum is the same curriculum required in the traditional MBA program, and it’s very rigorous. As applicants attend universities and colleges from around the world with different grading systems, the GMAT, GRE, and EA are uniform assessment tools designed to predict academic potential for success in many of the core courses that Wharton requires.

We have found that students who don’t do well on these tests generally have difficulty with some of the courses that Wharton feels our graduates should master. If you think you may have trouble preparing for these tests, we recommend you study one of the review guides available or enroll in a formal preparation course.

I already have an MBA. Can I apply to Wharton?

Yes, you can apply. We do not exclude candidates who have an MBA or any other graduate degree. You should, however, explain your reasons for desiring a second MBA in your application and during your interview.

I’ve taken business courses at another university. Can I use this background to shorten my time at Wharton?

You must complete 19 course units at Wharton to earn your degree from our program. If your previous coursework was recently completed, you may be able to waive core courses in the relevant disciplines and thereby increase the number of electives in your curriculum. You will still be required to spend two calendar years at Wharton.

Does the Wharton EMBA program provide student visas?

Executive MBA students are required to maintain full-time employment throughout the duration of the program. Students who are not U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents must secure their visas through their employers.  Penn Global’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) can offer more specific information.

I live within a short commuting distance. Can I go home on Friday nights?

Your tuition fee includes the cost of staying over on Friday night during program weekends. The program is designed to be fully immersive — this time commitment allows students to form personal and professional bonds that last long after graduation. In fact, students say they learn nearly as much from each other as they do during formal class hours. Much of this interaction takes place on Friday evenings when the study groups get together to master course material. In addition, many course review sessions and special events for families and partners also happen on Friday evenings.

Where can I stay if I have to fly in on Thursday nights to be on time for Friday morning classes?

You may make arrangements directly with local hotels to reserve rooms as needed for Thursday or Saturday nights. Whenever possible, they will try to accommodate your requests at the special rate reserved for students in the Wharton MBA Program for Executives. Contact us in Philadelphia or San Francisco to find out more.

Are there opportunities to network outside of class and with Wharton alumni?

The residential component of the program ensures that there are ample opportunities for you to network with your fellow classmates, as well as with the faculty, during program weekends. Eating meals together, meeting with study groups, and getting together for informal sports and recreation outside of class are all ways that students bond beyond the classroom. You will meet alumni as class guests and through occasional program-sponsored events. And as Wharton students, you can also begin to take part in the activities of Wharton alumni clubs located in or near your own city.

Can my partner (or family) stay with me during a program weekend?

Yes. Please contact your hotel or conference center to alert them to any special needs. A surcharge may apply for meals or special arrangements.

How does the Wharton MBA Program for Executives differ from Wharton’s full-time MBA program?

There is no difference in the degree earned by executive and full-time MBA students. The primary difference is the every-other-weekend residential format of the program for Philadelphia and San Francisco cohort members, which allows for a different on-campus experience, as well as the kind of career services we provide, which are more suited to a working professional. Members of the Global cohort have the same access to these resources, and meet remotely during synchronous classes throughout the week.

In the executive program, students have about six years more experience, on average, than traditional full-time MBAs. Therefore, they are usually farther along in their careers. While the required courses are essentially identical to those in the traditional program, coursework has been adapted by the faculty to take advantage of the additional experience brought to the classroom. For more information comparing the two programs, see Compare the Wharton MBA/EMBA Programs .

Can I do a semester on a different campus, or with the Global cohort?

Yes, in the second year of the program, WEMBA students have the option to take courses or terms in other WEMBA cohorts, pending the availability of space and advanced faculty approval.

I am a member of the Philadelphia or San Francisco cohort and live in the area. Can I spend my Friday nights at home rather than at the hotel?

When you join the Wharton MBA Program for Executives, you agree to immerse yourself in the school environment for two days every other week, including spending Friday nights at the hotel with classmates. Students confirm our view that they learn nearly as much from each other as they learn during formal class hours. Much of this interaction takes place on Friday evenings when the study groups get together to master course material. This time commitment also allows students to form personal and professional bonds which last long after graduation.

I would like to concentrate in a specific major. Is this possible?

This program is designed for people who have already made significant progress in their careers. Specific majors are not typically necessary as these concentrations by the full-time students are generally viewed as a way for business students to prepare themselves for entry-level positions. Instead, the program’s mission is to offer those already in management positions the coursework and shared experience to enter upper-level management and leadership ranks. The training is therefore geared more toward understanding broad management skills, though students may use second-year electives to build depth in particular fields. That said, some of the more general majors, such as finance, management, and marketing, can be earned by executive students as a result of pursuing their area of interest.

How do students complete the program in just two years while working full time?

Wharton MBA for Executives students generally carry 3.5 course units per semester, as opposed to the 5 course units per semester taken by traditional MBAs, and they attend class during both summer terms. Executive students must attend classes for six terms (over 2 years) in order to complete all the required courses while carrying a reduced load each semester. This pace allows students to complete the same requirements while working full time.

What happens if my employment situation changes during the program (for example, if I get transferred or there’s a merger or corporate layoffs)?

Wharton makes every effort to work with students to determine a way for them to complete their degree programs at Wharton. Some students who have been transferred by their employer have either continued commuting to the program or switched cohorts. This option is available only after the first-year core courses are completed. For others, an unexpected job development may require a deferral or leave of absence for a semester or a year. All of these options for our three cohorts are approved on a case-by-case basis and offered on a space-available basis.

I work for a not-for-profit organization, and the possibilities for financial sponsorship are limited. Will that jeopardize my application, and are there any other sources of financial aid?

Wharton welcomes applications from employees of public and not-for-profit organizations. The ability of your organization to support you financially will not have a negative impact on your application. You may want to explore grants and scholarships from independent foundations and organizations.

Wharton offers the Bendheim Loan Forgiveness Fund for alumni who remain with a not-for-profit organization. Learn more about this fund and the application process:  Bendheim Loan Forgiveness Fund

What should be included in the letter of sponsorship?

The Sponsorship Letter should include a clear statement that your organization supports your interest in pursuing the MBA degree at Wharton, and that it understands and agrees to the time commitment that will be required to complete the classwork and study demands of the two-year program. It should also indicate whether financial support will be provided.

If you have less than eight years of work experience, you will apply as a Fellows Candidate. Please see the financial commitment that is required and must be acknowledged in the Letter of Sponsorship for Fellows candidates . Please note that Global applicants must have at least eight (8) years of work experience and therefore cannot apply as Fellows applicants.

If you are an independent professional or consultant, or the head of your own firm, you can write your own sponsorship letter. In this case, the letter should outline your ability to make the time commitments needed to participate fully in the program, including making arrangements with clients and/or others within your organization, and your ability to finance the program.

How can I strengthen my chances for getting sponsored by my organization?

Policies within each organization vary, but in general: start early, understand your organization, and have a clear plan for how the program can benefit both you and your sponsoring organization. Visit our sponsorship page for more tips and resources.

Can I sponsor myself?

Yes. If you are a self-employed professional or consultant, or the head of your own firm, you can write your own letter of endorsement, outlining your ability to make the time commitments needed to participate fully in the program and make arrangements with clients and/or others within your organization so that you will be able to attend all classes and required program activities. If you are employed by an organization that can endorse your candidacy but not support you financially, you may self-sponsor the financial requirements. In this case, your organization must still provide a letter of endorsement stating that you will be able to have the time away from work required to attend all classes and required program activities.

Does the level of financial sponsorship affect the admissions decision?

Full financial support shows a strong commitment on the part of the organization and a strong endorsement of the applicant. To this degree, it is part of the total picture of an individual’s candidacy. Wharton realizes, however, that not every organization has the resources or policies to be able to fully support an applicant. Recommendations and a letter of endorsement – that is, the assurance that a sponsoring organization sees the value of participation in the program and will support the time commitments of the program – are more important than the level of financial sponsorship.

What can a sponsor do to get the most value out of the program for both the organization and the applicant?

Each organization is different, but the single most valuable tool we can recommend is to have a clear career plan in place that identifies how this program is expected to prepare a candidate for new or expanded responsibilities within the organization. Such a plan can help reap the benefits of the program on a day-to-day basis, and ensure that new leadership capabilities will have a place to grow within the organization.

Can my sponsor visit or talk to somebody during the admissions process?

Yes. We welcome the opportunity to talk or meet with your sponsor at any time to discuss any aspect of the program or your candidacy. Please feel free to contact us by phone or e-mail.

Is an employer required to provide financial support for me to be considered for the program?

While financial support by your firm is encouraged, it is not required unless you are nominated as a Fellows candidate. Fellows candidates are somewhat younger and have less work experience than the traditional student profile; therefore, their organizations must nominate them, demonstrate their high management potential, and provide substantial program support. Please note that Global applicants must have at least 10 years of work experience and therefore cannot apply as Fellows applicants. For traditional candidates, some employers sponsor the program in full and others offer partial support. Some students are also self-sponsored. All organizations must provide a letter of endorsement that assures that time away from work will be provided for all program classes and required activities.

I am active duty military or a veteran, may I waive the application fee?

Yes, the application fee can be waived for military and veteran applicants who indicate their military affiliation on the application. 

I qualify as a Fellows candidate. May I take out a loan to sponsor myself?

If you are a Fellows candidate , your company must be substantially financially responsible for the cost of the program. Please contact the program office to which you are applying if you need to discuss whether an exception can be made due to special circumstances. Global applicants must have at least 10 years of work experience and therefore cannot apply as Fellows applicants.

Are there scholarships for students in the program?

The Wharton MBA Program for Executives awards several fellowships to incoming students. These funds are based on the individual and the applicant pool as a whole. No application is necessary and awardees will be notified at the time of admission.

How do I learn about my financing options?

You can find ample information regarding financing options here: https://executivemba.wharton.upenn.edu/emba-tuition-financial-aid/#tuition

Do you accept credit cards for application fee payments?

The Online Application System requires payment by credit card for your application fee.

What is the cost of the program and when are payments due?

Tuition for the class graduating in 2025 is $223,500. This cost includes tuition, fees, some course materials, and program-related housing and meals. Due dates for each semester are listed on https://srfs.upenn.edu/billing-payment/billing-schedule .    

How do you get a sense of the quality of an EMBA class?

The selectivity of the school is one factor in determining the skills, abilities, and experience of the peer group you’ll work with throughout your studies. Also, at Wharton we find that diversity is key to dynamic class discussion. Make sure that there are a lot of viewpoints represented. What industries are the students coming from? What geographical areas are they coming from?

What kinds of things should you be looking at when deciding whether to apply to a particular EMBA program?

I’d advise you to look at several factors. First, what is the equivalence of the program to a full-time MBA? How does the curriculum compare? Do you want a very rigorous program or one that is less demanding?

Second, how selective is the school? Does the program require all applicants to take a standardized tests? Many executive MBA programs waive that requirement; at Wharton, we hold our executive and full-time MBA applicants to the same high standards.

Third, what about the program’s schedule and overall learning environment? How well does it fit with your career needs at this time and your personal learning style?

Also, how big is the alumni network and what do the alumni do? That’s a gauge of the opportunities that your MBA will open for you and a measure of the value of the degree in the marketplace.

What about the class schedule?

Ask yourself whether the program fits your lifestyle and your schedule. Is it offered one day per week, every other weekend, during week-long sessions, or a combination? What kind of support structures are available during residency periods? What kind of group study and individual work are required and supported between class sessions? Are you looking for a local degree, or are you willing to travel farther for a program with a wide geographic reach, broad industry scope, and/or international reputation?

Be sure you consider your learning style as well. Some students find that if classes are too concentrated, it’s difficult for them to absorb the coursework or that they lose momentum if the gaps between sessions are very long. At Wharton, we’ve found that Friday and Saturday classes work best since it is more feasible for students to take the time out to attend. There’s less disruption and they can they see the impact of learning on their ongoing work, creating a better value for the student and employer.

What differentiates the curriculum of various EMBA programs?

Many are “lockstep” programs, in which all students take the same classes, at the same time, throughout the duration of the program. That’s fine when the entire class has exactly the same interests, but otherwise be sure that the electives you need are offered and that courses can be tailored to your career advancement goals. At Wharton, 45 percent of the classes are electives, and each class has the opportunity during the first year to select the electives offered to them in the second year.

If you are interested in senior management roles, make sure the program you choose focuses on helping you improve your leadership style. What kinds of leadership courses does it offer, and how effective are they?

And don’t forget the basics – how many hours will be spent in class? Who teaches the courses? What is the core curriculum and how is it structured?

What other qualities add value to an EMBA?

Many executive programs have differentiators, but be sure what is unique about a program is both relevant to your goals and integrated within the program’s philosophy. Make sure that the international aspect of the program you choose is substantive and carried out in the rest of the curriculum. Ask whether the class has an opportunity to choose the location for the overseas project or residency. Team projects and experiential learning opportunities can also add value, giving students a chance to learn organizational dynamics and leadership while putting the lessons they learn into immediate play.

What about funding?

Funding is often a critical part of the decision-making process, and you will have to weigh your goals for your career, the value of the degree in the job market, and the availability of financial resources, including sponsorship and loans. Many employers are willing to sponsor students in executive MBA programs either fully or partially, and many schools offer loan programs to support students who are not fully sponsored.

Check to see whether the school requires sponsorship, whether admission is contingent upon a student’s receiving employer funding, and what loan opportunities are available for EMBA students. The Wharton MBA Program for Executives does not require financial sponsorship, except for Fellows candidates . Loans are available for qualified self-sponsored students.

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MBA Code of Ethics

Members of the Wharton community are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards. The MBA student body has articulated the following guidelines, approved by vote in the Spring of 1989, amended by vote in the Spring of 2005.

The mission of the Wharton School Graduate Division Code of Ethics (“Code”) is to promote the growth of ethically responsible business managers at the Graduate Division of the Wharton School (“Wharton”) through adherence to the highest standards of academic integrity and overall ethical conduct, to develop a sense of individual responsibility on the part of each member of the Wharton community to participate actively in maintaining such standards, to foster an environment of honor and trust within the Wharton community, and to engender respect for the ethical standards of the Wharton graduate. Fulfilling this mission is a collective responsibility of the members of the Wharton community.

While representing oneself as a member of the Wharton community, the Wharton student will maintain the highest standards of honesty and integrity. The student will strive for these standards in representations, academic pursuits, and respect for the property and individual rights of others; will uphold the specific principles described in the Code; and will actively support the Code. Standing in the Wharton community will be subject to adherence to these basic principles of ethics.

The Code will be administered and maintained by a Wharton Graduate Division Ethics Committee (“Ethics Committee”), comprised of students chosen to represent their colleagues. Administration of the Code is subject to review by the Graduate Division Administrators and the Wharton Faculty according to the procedures indicated below.

I. Specific Standards

A. Representations The Wharton student is expected to represent oneself honestly in all oral or written statements. The student will not misrepresent any material fact to other students, faculty, staff, prospective employer, or anyone else while representing oneself as a member of the Wharton community, especially through, but not limited to:

• Lying to prospective employers, either directly through oral or written statements or indirectly through misrepresentation of background in resume;
• Misrepresenting any material fact on a Wharton application, financial aid form, or other official document;
• Lying to a fellow student, a faculty member, or an administrator in order to gain preferential treatment; or
• Misrepresenting the originality of one’s work, including failure to cite the contributions of another (plagiarism)

B. Academic Pursuits The Wharton student is expected to represent one’s academic product honestly and fairly. The student will not use any dishonest method to gain an unfair advantage over other students in academic pursuits, especially through, but not limited to:

• Giving or receiving any unauthorized aid on an assignment or exam, including working in groups on any assignment that has been designated as individual by the professor;
• Failure to comply with the academic guidelines established by the instructor for assignments;
• Continuing to write after time has been called on an exam; or
• Submitting for credit substantially the same work done for another assignment either academic or professional, except with prior approval from the instructor. In the absence of clear guidelines regarding an assignment, presentation, examination, or other academic submission, the Wharton MBA student is expected to seek any and all necessary clarification from the instructor.

C. Property The Wharton student is expected to respect the materials, data, and property of other members of the Wharton community and visitors to the Wharton School. The student will not misuse or misappropriate the materials, data, or other property of another, especially through, but not limited to:

• Accessing, removing, or destroying any information, materials, or other property from another student’s or student organization’s premises, locker, computer files or mail folder without prior permission;
• Accessing or removing without prior permission, or hiding or destroying any corporate records, files, job postings, or academic materials from the library, the Career Management Office, or any other administrative office;
• Divulging or distributing proprietary or confidentially provided information obtained for class assignments; or
• Utilizing for commercial gain any material provided to Wharton specifically and restrictively for educational purposes without prior permission of the provider.

D. Individual Rights The Wharton community is committed to an environment free from discrimination and harassment of any kind. The Wharton student is expected to respect the individual rights of others. Specifically, Wharton students will observe the University of Pennsylvania policies against harassment and discrimination. Any complaint of a violation of these policies brought to the attention of the Ethics Committee will be referred to the appropriate body of original jurisdiction within the University.

II. Standing in the Community

A student who accepts and adheres to the standards discussed above will remain in good ethical standing within the Wharton community. If a student fails to adhere to the Code, the student may be sanctioned only with respect to one’s relationship with the Graduate Division of the Wharton School. Any sanction will be enacted upon the recommendation of the Ethics Committee at the discretion and action of the Vice Dean of the Wharton Graduate Division (“Vice Dean”) or Vice Dean’s designate (“designate”). Any sanction must bear a reasonable relationship to the severity of the breach involved. Appropriate sanctions include, but are not limited to, the following: Letter of Reprimand, Probation, Suspension, and Expulsion; in addition, the Ethics Committee may also recommend grade modification or exclusion from specified extracurricular activities.

If the final determination in a hearing under the Code is in favor of the accused, no record of the complaint or of the related hearing will be made in the official file of the student as maintained by the Wharton Graduate Division. The Vice Dean or designate will render a written decision on the recommendations of the committee in a timely fashion.

III. Administration of the Code

A. Composition of the Ethics Committee The Ethics Committee will comprise no fewer than nine and no more than eighteen Wharton MBA students elected by the Wharton MBA student body. Nominations for these positions will be accepted from MBA students in the form of a statement of intent submitted to the Ethics Committee. The sitting Ethics Committee will determine the rules for the election, and reserves the right to reject any statement of intent that fails to meet their established requirements. Candidates who receive the most votes in a vote open to all Wharton MBA students will constitute the new Ethics Committee. The Ethics Committee will select an appropriate number of Ethics Liaisons (“liaisons”) from the matriculating first-year class during their first semester. These liaisons will assist the Ethics Committee in fulfilling its responsibilities including: fostering awareness of ethical issues in the marketplace; promoting education about the Code, the Ethics Committee, and the Ethics curriculum to the greater Wharton community; and performing other roles designated by the Ethics Committee as appropriate. The liaisons are not members of the committee and shall not sit for hearings under any circumstances.

The Ethics Committee shall also elect from among its members two co-Chairpersons, a minimum of one Code Advocate, and any other officers the Committee deems necessary to carry out its responsibilities. These officers of the Committee shall execute the responsibilities articulated by the Procedures of the MBA Code of Ethics (“Procedures”), and any other duties delegated to them by the Committee at large.

B. Responsibilities of the Ethics Committee The Ethics Committee will be responsible for hearing complaints under the Code. Five members of the Ethics Committee will sit for a hearing, with the Code Advocate serving to investigate the complaint and present any evidence. Hearings will be conducted according to procedures maintained by the Ethics Committee and available to all students upon request.

The Ethics Committee is also responsible for promulgating the standards specified in the Code, for encouraging responsible conduct by Wharton students, for acting as liaison to the Wharton Faculty and Administration on matters related to the Code, and for developing any necessary modifications of the Code. Any changes to the Code must be approved by a majority of those voting in a special referendum open to all Wharton MBA students. Hearings are not intended to be juridical in nature. The committee will determine how and where intent and state-of-mind fit into the proceedings at its discretion.

C. Complaints Any member of the Wharton community wishing to complain of a breach of the Code may submit their complaint in writing to:

• Any member of the Ethics Committee, or
• The Wharton School’s Graduate Division. Complaints may be filed anonymously. All contacts between the complainant(s) and the Ethics Committee will be held in confidence according to the procedures of the Ethics Committee.

D. Appeals Any student sanctioned under the Code by the Vice Dean or designate at the recommendation of the Ethic Committee may appeal to the MBA Executive Committee. A request for the hearing of an appeal must be made to the Chairman of the MBA Executive Committee within seven days of the Vice Dean’s decision; if the MBA Executive Committee refuses to hear the appeal, then the decision of the Vice Dean will stand. The MBA Executive Committee will conduct all hearings according to its own procedures.

All students matriculating in the Graduate Division must comply with the standards set forth in the MBA Code of Ethics and the Policies on Conduct of the University of Pennsylvania. Cases involving issues related to academic integrity and educational pursuits of MBA students, where the incident relates to the activity of the Graduate Division, are to be resolved pursuant to the provisions of the MBA Code of Ethics. Complaints involving the conduct of any MBA candidate from the Wharton School may be considered by the committee. Other cases involving issues related to conduct are to be resolved pursuant to the published University of Pennsylvania policies and procedures. If the MBA Ethics Committee feels a case is beyond its jurisdiction, it will refer the matter to the University Office of Student Conduct. Procedures used in cases related to conduct are set forth in the Charter of the University of Pennsylvania Student Disciplinary System.

Wharton MBA Essay Examples

Read these Wharton MBA essay examples for some inspiration when writing your own! The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania is considered one of the best MBA programs in the world , and getting accepted is tough. The Wharton MBA admissions essays are one way for you to give your application a boost and stand out. In this blog, we’ll look at how to write an MBA essay for Wharton School of Business, what the requirements are and some samples to help guide you.

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Article Contents 6 min read

How important is the mba essay for wharton.

Wharton School of Business is a part of the HSW trinity, along with Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business , and is considered one of the best MBA programs in the US and globally. Wharton’s reputation as a top business school and its relatively competitive admissions means it is challenging to get accepted. The acceptance rate at Wharton is around 12%, which is quite selective for an MBA program. Wharton also receives thousands of applications every admissions cycle. This means successful applicants need to not only have a strong application, but they also need to stand out from a pool of competitive applicants.

The Wharton MBA essays are one way to help distinguish your application, strengthen your candidacy and personalize your application. Wharton is looking for more than a high GPA, impressive GMAT scores and a stellar MBA resume . You need to make a lasting impression on the admissions committee. You need to share why you want to pursue an MBA and how you will contribute to the MBA program at Wharton.

As you’re preparing to write your Wharton MBA essays, keep in mind the school’s mission and values. Your aim should be to demonstrate as much as possible how Wharton’s specific MBA program will contribute to your achieving your goals, how your experience and background will contribute to Wharton and why you have chosen Wharton, in particular, over other MBA programs. Wharton’s mission statement is:

“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 .”

As you can tell, leadership and self-awareness are important at Wharton. The admissions committee also wants to hear your genuine voice and perspective. Wharton highlights these three tips when it comes to writing your admissions essay:

• Don’t worry about word count at first
• Be yourself
• Connect your ideas

For the first two tips, it’s a reminder to dig deep and self-reflect on your personal and professional decisions. Let your genuine voice shine through your essay. And as for the word count, worry about editing your essay later, or ask someone to proofread your work for you.

As for connecting your ideas, your essay should seamlessly connect ideas about where you are coming from or what you have already done, what you hope to learn or accomplish after your MBA, and lastly, why Wharton is the program that will help you do those things. It’s important to have a strong answer to the question “why Wharton?” and share which specific aspects or values of the school drew you in.

If you’re not sure where to start with writing your MBA essay, check out our Wharton MBA essay samples below, or look into an MBA essay writing service or MBA essay consultant to help you craft a stellar admissions essay.

An MBA personal statement is one of the common MBA requirements and acing the Wharton MBA essay questions is an important step. For the traditional MBA program at Wharton, there are 2 required essays, an optional essay, and a required essay for any reapplicants. Your essays are written in response to specific prompts set by the school. These questions ask you to share your motivations, experiences and career goals, beyond what can be found in your MBA extracurriculars or work experience.

The Wharton MBA essay prompts are:

This optional essay can be useful for applicants who have a gap or weakness in their application. For instance, if you need to know how to explain a low GPA in an MBA application or how to explain gaps in your MBA resume. Other applicants might use this optional essay to explain a period of unemployment if they are applying to an MBA while unemployed or have a major career change. ","label":"Optional Essay","title":"Optional Essay"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

Want more tips for writing an MBA personal statement?

Check out these Wharton MBA essay examples to help spark some ideas for writing your own! Or read some Harvard MBA personal statements or Stanford MBA personal statement examples if you’re applying to the HWS trinity of MBA programs.

Wharton MBA Essay Example #1

Prompt: 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 max)

Having worked in a dynamic corporate environment for several years, I have developed a solid foundation in strategy and leadership. However, to achieve my entrepreneurial goals of becoming an app developer serving international travelers and students abroad, I recognize the need for a more comprehensive skill set and a deeper understanding of global business practices. The Wharton MBA program provides the perfect platform to bridge these gaps and take my career to new heights.

The Wharton MBA program's commitment to social impact and entrepreneurship perfectly aligns with my aspirations. The access to the Wharton Social Impact Initiative and the extensive entrepreneurship resources will empower me to develop sustainable business models and effectively tackle social issues. The program's emphasis on ethical leadership and corporate social responsibility will further shape my understanding of the intersection between business and social impact, enabling me to drive change as a responsible leader in the corporate world. Furthermore, Wharton’s emphasis on experiential learning through real-world projects and case studies will enable me to develop practical problem-solving skills and a strategic mindset, which are crucial for effective decision-making in complex business scenarios.

Wharton’s extensive courses covering technology, analytics and finance will be essential for developing my understanding of the industry and provide me with practical, real-world skills I will need to achieve my goals. I am especially intrigued by the program’s courses on Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation, and Digital Marketing and e-Commerce, which is an area of my professional skillset I am keen to develop further.

Lastly, Wharton's strong network of alumni and industry connections will offer unparalleled opportunities for internships and networking, allowing me to gain hands-on experience and forge valuable relationships. As an aspiring entrepreneur, fostering these partnerships and collaborations are essential to my success and continued learning as I find new career paths.

By leveraging the Wharton resources, I am confident that I will emerge from the Wharton MBA program as a transformative leader, ready to make a positive impact and contribute meaningfully to both the business community and society at large.

Prompt: 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 max)

Drawing upon my diverse background encompassing personal, professional, and academic experiences, I am eager to contribute to the vibrant and dynamic Wharton community. The program has many unique and enticing student clubs and activities which have piqued my interest. By actively engaging in traditions such as Follies and student clubs like the Brewmasters' Guild, I aim to foster a sense of camaraderie, creativity, and innovation, while also leveraging my skills to enhance the Wharton experience for my fellow students.

I have cultivated a passion for performing arts throughout my life, and I believe that my background in theater and comedy will bring a unique perspective to the Wharton community. I plan to contribute to the Wharton Follies by utilizing my creative talents in writing, acting, and directing. I am a long-time participant of the Wildfire Improv Troupe in [city] and I have participated in the [city] Fringe Festival as a comedic actor, director and playwright for the past 6 years. By participating in Follies, I hope to entertain and engage my peers, creating a space for laughter and lightheartedness amidst the demanding academic environment. Through collaborations with fellow students, I aim to create memorable performances that celebrate the diverse talents within the Wharton community.

My professional experiences have fostered strong skills in event planning, organization, and team leadership. As a member of the Brewmasters' Guild at Wharton, I intend to utilize these skills to contribute to the community in a distinct way. By organizing and hosting beer tastings, workshops, and networking events, I seek to create a platform for students to explore the art and science of brewing while cultivating a sense of community. As Philadelphia is a hotspot for microbrewing and craft beer making, I am excited at the prospect of exploring what Wharton and the city have to offer my taste buds.

I am eager to see how my passions will blossom and add to the student community at Wharton, and how I might use my professional and extracurricular skillsets to enhance an already vibrant and exciting community.

Your Wharton MBA essay should share the highlights of your professional experience so far, why you want to pursue a Wharton MBA, what your future career goals are and why Wharton’s MBA program will help you achieve them. Your essay should be no more than 500 words.

To stand out in an MBA essay, it’s important to be genuine and allow your natural voice to come through. You should answer the prompt as directly and fully as you can, while remaining succinct and within the word count. Share specific career goals you have and concrete reasons why you chose the school you are applying to.

Wharton MBA has one of the lowest MBA acceptance rates in the US , as it is also considered one of the best MBA programs in the world and is highly selective. So, getting into Wharton MBA is quite challenging.

The Wharton MBA essays have a word count limit of 500 and 400 words for the required essays. The optional essay prompt has a word count limit of 500 words.

The Wharton MBA essays have fairly straightforward essay topics. They ask you to explain why you chose Wharton and what your future career goals are, and they want to know how you will meaningfully contribute to the Wharton MBA program.

Some of the biggest things Wharton looks for in its applicants is professional maturity and demonstrated leadership. This means no matter your career background, you should show a progression of professional development, responsibility and a variety of contributions to the workplace. What you’ve done for work or how many years of experience you have is less important than how and how much you contributed to your field.

Wharton has 2 required essays. The prompts are: “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” and “Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community?”

Yes. Wharton receives thousands of applications every year, and your MBA personal statement or admissions essay is one of the best ways to distinguish yourself from all the other applicants. Your MBA essay also reveals important information about you and your goals that the Wharton admissions committee will want to know.

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MBA Personal Statement Tips and a Sample Essay

December 7, 2023

Jeremy Shinewald

“What are your goals, and why do you need an MBA from our school?” Virtually all MBA programs ask some version of this question, which is typically referred to as a personal statement. And you must answer this question thoughtfully and with detail. So, what should you write to achieve this?

Why Do So Many MBA Programs Require a Personal Statement?

Let’s start with why business schools ask this type of question of its applicants. Simply put, MBA admissions committees want to know, without a doubt, that you have a clear plan for your future and that their school can get you there. Revealing that “fit” with your target MBA program is absolutely critical. Admissions committees want to protect their yield – the number of acceptances divided by the number of offers they give out. In other words, how confident are they that you will accept their offer if it is given? You need to show the admissions committee that you really fit with their program through your personal statement—or they just might give your place to someone else who is able to prove that fit!

What Are The Components of an MBA Personal Statement?

While every MBA personal statement will vary slightly, the general components will be the same across the board. In a way, each personal statement will include something about your past, present, and future, which we’ll dive deeper into later in this post.

First, you need to include some context. Even if a business school does not ask about your professional or personal history, you still need to explain where you are coming from in order to explain where you are going…this is your past. Next, your goals are a key element of a personal statement. You need to share your plan for the future. In some personal statement prompts, you will be asked specifically about short AND long-term goals, and some will only ask for “goals” generally. What is important is that your goals be well thought-out and ambitious but attainable. Lastly, you will need to include why that school can help you reach those goals. This is where you connect your context and goals to reveal how your MBA from that school is what will make those goals happen…your present (or hopeful present, at least!).

How To Write About Your Post-MBA Career Goals

While your short-term post-MBA goals may be clear to you, the long-term often trips applicants up. How do you know what you really want to do so far in the future? As someone who has helped countless applicants perfect their MBA personal statement, I can tell you that admissions committees know your actual goals may change during your time at business school, and that is OK! However, what is important is that your short-term goals are clear AND that your overall goals are plausible. You need to share goals that you can reasonably achieve – there must be a path between where you have been and where you are going. Unclear or improbable goals are a major reason MBA applicants get dinged, so do your homework and make sure that path is crystal clear in your personal statement.

As an example, if you are an operations analyst and would like to move into consulting, you can share how you want to join a rotational management program, or how you plan to launch a search fund focused on operationally challenged businesses. Both of those paths seem plausible.

An important note: MBA admissions committees actually have no preference for one path over another. They just want to learn that you are passionate about your chosen path, that their MBA program can help you on that path, and that you will be successful after your MBA is over. 

When it comes specifically to long-term post-MBA goals, you only need to consider an ideal. If everything works out, this is where I would like to be. These goals should not be wildly ambitious or out of reach – again, you need to prove to the admissions committee that your goals are attainable – but they do need to be exciting.

Conducting Research On Your MBA Programs

In order to write about why a particular MBA program will help you attain your goals, you must conduct extensive research on your target schools. If a school asks “why us” you MUST be able to answer thoughtfully and specifically.

Here are a few ways you can learn more about your target MBA programs:

• Spend a day touring your target program’s campus , attending a class, speaking with professors, and conversing over lunch with students.
• If visiting in-person is not possible, you can learn a lot through attending webinars and online information sessions.
• Reach out to colleagues and/or local alumni. Spend some time on LinkedIn to see if you have colleagues who have attended your target programs or if there are any alumni clubs in your area. Schedule a chat to learn more about classes, clubs, career opportunities, and school culture.
• Follow your target MBA programs on social media. Schools regularly post on all major channels and can really share a lot of great and helpful information.
• Download mbaMission’s Insider’s Guides. This is not a shameless plug – our suite of guides to top MBA programs is extensively researched and informed by direct input from students, alumni and school representatives. We update them yearly and they are free to download.

Every top MBA program offers a variety of in-person and online opportunities to connect and learn more. Check out this blog post for a list of events and programs.

Doing this research will help you write a personal statement that is authentic and specific. Being vague and generic here is NOT the way to go. Consider the following example:

“During my experience at Cornell, I was struck by the easygoing classroom discussion, the warmth of the professors and the time spent by the first-year student who not only toured the facilities with me, but also took me for coffee and asked several of his colleagues to join us.”

While these statements may in fact be true, the text contains no Cornell-specific language. If Yale, Michigan or the name of any other school were substituted for Cornell here, the statement would otherwise not change at all. This statement could be applicable to any other school—and this is not good. In contrast, the following statement could refer only to Darden:

“While on Grounds, I was impressed by Professor Robert Carraway’s easygoing and humorous style, as he facilitated a fast-paced discussion of the ‘George’s T-Shirts’ case. Although I admittedly felt dizzied by the class’s pace, I was comforted when I encountered several students reviewing the finer points of the case later at First Coffee. I was impressed when my first-year guide stopped mid-tour to check in with her learning teammate and reinforce the case’s central point. It was then I recognized that this was the right environment for me.”

If you were to substitute the Darden name and even the professor’s name with those of another school and professor, the paragraph would no longer work. The Darden-specific information regarding the day’s case, First Coffee and learning teams ensures that these sentences have a sincere and personal feel—showing that the candidate truly understands what the school is about, and necessary for a compelling personal statement that will catch the attention of the admissions committee. 

MBA Personal Statement Example and Analysis

Now it is time to put all these tips into practice. Here I will dissect an actual successful personal statement essay from a past applicant so you can learn some of the “dos” and “don’ts” in revealing your fit with your target MBA program. One quick note—this sample essay is not meant to be used as a template. I suggest that you use it as a resource, but do not copy it! Everyone has their own stories and nuances, and you need to focus on sharing yours in your own personal voice and style.

The essay I analyze here is in answer to the following question from Wharton’s 2022–2023 application, but the advice I give is applicable to any school’s required personal or goal statement:

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 has our three key personal statement elements: past, present, and future. Let us unveil and examine each one.

The writer starts, logically, with the past, which is discussed in the first part of the paragraph.

Transitioning from banking to private equity, I initially found the faster pace and expanded scope startling, but ultimately, it was invigorating. Shifting from agent to principal, I joined the VP Product at a Japanese industrial firm in repricing one hundred, long-ignored products, and shepherded the acquisition of the rotational-molding division from a Korean chaebol. While I had neither pricing nor manufacturing experience, all that mattered was that I could learn, adapt, and contribute. At KJIP, I came to appreciate the “messiness” of investing and the opportunities to create value via ingenuity and collaboration.

No matter what the word limit is for the essay you are writing, you must give the admissions committee some indication of where you have been to provide context for where you want to go. The author here could not have just written, “I plan to accelerate my development at Wharton before returning to investing….” He needed to give the admissions reader a sense of his experiences and background before introducing his goals. While he will not be the only private equity (PE) associate to apply to Wharton, he offers a window into how his time in PE was his own—he invested in Asia, gained experience working with portfolio firms on a repricing project, completed an industrial acquisition, and so on. And beyond his discussion of his actual work, he gives an honest view into what he enjoys about the experience—the “messiness,” as he calls it. He discusses the challenge of adjusting and the rewards of creating opportunity. He demonstrates that he is authentic and capable and does so in just 90 or so words. He has not shared anything earth-shattering, but he has created an identity for himself and done enough to grab the reader’s attention and distinguish himself ever so slightly from other, similar candidates. He has also set the stage for the next section of his essay.

In the next roughly 90 words, the writer tells us that he plans to return to investing back home in America, sticking with industrials. He even names firms.

Now, I plan to accelerate my development at Wharton before returning to investing to drive change on a greater scale. While I had a tremendous experience in Asia, I am eager to return home and would seek to join a middle-market, PE firm, like BZPD or PowerStrat, which focus on industrial innovation to the benefit of all stakeholders. Longer term, as I develop my leadership skills and breadth of industrial experience, I aspire to become a partner at a PE firm or to a CEO position with a larger industrial firm, where I can truly lead change. 

The author does not need to “save the whales” or shift into tech to excite the admissions committee. He just needs to show that he has clear goals and that those aspirations make sense for him—and that ultimately, his MBA will be the bridge to get him there.

He can go from PE pre-MBA to PE post-MBA, no problem, or he could suggest that he wants to transition into industry right away. He could probably find ways to shift into other careers as well. What is important is the logic behind the career goals, not the target industry. And in this case, this applicant’s path makes sense. In addition, his long-term goals naturally extend from his short-term goals. His logic continues, and his objectives, while unrevolutionary, are, importantly, significant, ambitious, and prestigious. In short, the admissions committee can see a credible path for him to be a successful alumnus. Of course, all this logic and “pathing” is critical. For the applicant to say that he wants to go from industrial PE into sports management or into leadership of a consumer marketing business would sound strange with the information we have, so again, the focus is on being logical, credible, and ambitious.

If I were to critique this portion of the essay, I would say that he might give another sentence of depth here. His goals are possibly a little thin. Maybe he could elaborate on the work he would seek at his post-MBA firm or offer an intermediary goal that would lend more credibility to his long-term aspiration of landing that C-suite position. Of course, if he did so, he would need to find space to do so elsewhere in his essay, because Wharton has a hard limit of 500 words. You literally cannot enter even one word more into the space allotted for this essay on the school’s application. Not a word! At some other programs, you do not need to worry so much about being a few words over, though we always recommend that applicants not exceed an MBA program’s stated word count by more than 5%, tops.

The Present

Finally, the bulk of his essay is on Wharton—approximately 60% of it. The admissions committee wants to know that you have done your homework on their school because they have thousands of applicants and do not need to accept anyone who lacks a complete understanding of what their program has to offer. To be a successful applicant, you really need to prove that you have done your homework. 

Assessing areas for development, I recognize that I need to grow beyond the financial plain and will pursue Wharton’s Strategic Management major, both to expand my ability to advance my future firm’s strategic rationale and to quickly grasp the challenges faced by management at portfolio firms. After taking core courses like “Operations, Information, and Decisions” and “Foundations of Teamwork and Leadership” to deepen my managerial point of view, I would specialize via electives like “Managing Organizational Change,” “Corporate Diplomacy,” and “Advanced Global Strategy.” Of course, beyond Wharton’s course options, I find the opportunities to unify theory and practice to be incredibly compelling. In particular, I would pursue the Advanced Management Practicum, so that I could collaborate with classmates by providing actionable solutions for a specific management problem, while gaining the enduring benefit of a consultant’s perspective. And a Global Modular Course, like “Supply Chain Management in Mexico,” will introduce me to our most vexing global business issue, while expanding my network within industry and with classmates. 

I feel fortunate to have already witnessed the role my diverse and dynamic Wharton classmates will play in my education; I recently visited my cousin, Tarek Masoud (W ’22) and observed his “Managerial Decision Making” class, also attending that week’s Pub. Both class and Pub revealed a community that comes together to share ideas— and even laughs together amid the intensity of the experience. Indeed, this reflective aspect is deeply appealing; by pursuing a Leadership Venture, I would work with peers to better understand myself and hone my leadership style. Meantime, through my Learning Team experience, I will be constantly adapting as I seek to contribute to a unit that Tarek described as his “lifeline.” I would come to Wharton ready to listen, absorb, and share, knowing that by bringing the entirety of my energy, I will confidently embark on the next phase of my career.

Has our applicant proven that he has done his research on the school? Unequivocally, yes! He has visited the program, sat in on a class, selected an appropriate major, reasoned through the courses he wants to take, noted experiential opportunities, and familiarized himself with the school’s Learning Team model. And he does not just present a list—he is able to show how these resources will help shape his experience.

I want to highlight a few specific details. The writer does not just say that he visited his cousin at Wharton and had a great time; he visited his cousin with a sense of purpose and absorbed the experience both academically and socially. He has takeaways about the Learning Team experience. If I were to critique this section, I would focus on the Leadership Venture element. Which one would he want to pursue? Why? Would any Leadership Venture work to help him gain what he needs? Small details like this add to the sincerity of the essay, thereby making it more convincing.

The brevity of this essay—at a mere 500 words—could always leave us second-guessing the writer. In this case, though, the applicant delivers a fairly straightforward story, identifies some nuances within his experience, offers clear and connected goals, and is able to identify with Wharton as his target. He does a very solid job and generally makes the most of his space. Again, do not just try to copy this sample essay. Use the tips in this post to make your essay truly your own. I hope this has helped you understand the depth that is necessary in your writing and the logical connections you need to make. This should launch you on your journey.

If you have questions about your application essays or wonder which schools you would be competitive at, sign up for a free 30-minute consultation with an mbaMission consultant.

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