Wharton MBA Essays and Application Tips


Wharton – University of Pennsylvania
Average GMAT Score 732 GMAT Range 530-790
Total Applicants 6,692 Acceptance Rate  
Class Size 840 Average Work Experience 60 Months
Applicant Deadlines R1: 06 Sept 2023
R2: 04 Jan 2024
R3: 02 Apr 2024
Decision Dates R1: 14 Dec 2023
R2: 26 Mar 2024
R3: 19 Apr 2024
Length of Program 24 Months Placement Information  

The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (also known as the Wharton School, the Wharton School of Business, or Wharton) is the business school of the University of Pennsylvania, a private Ivy League university located in Philadelphia. Wharton was established in 1881 through a donation from Joseph Wharton. And was the world’s first business school affiliated with an institution of higher learning.
The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania was the U.S.’s first business school. And now has the largest alumni network in the country. The school has campuses in Philadelphia and San Francisco.

Key Points for Wharton Business School:

  • The Wharton business school has the largest network of alumni, from diverse community with over 93,000 who shapes business practice.
  • Wharton provides leadership style by sharing in leadership and entrepreneurship activities, trying new roles, inspire others. And collaborate with colleagues to shape your experience.
  • Wharton prepares students for an interconnected world from global modular to consulting projects. And gives students an opportunity to merge yourself in cultural and business language.
  • It have flexible options for students to provide individual goals and that can impact the world
  • Wharton has collaborative community that inspire the best from others.

Wharton MBA Essays (For the class of 2023-2024):

Essay 1

How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)

Essay 2

Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

Optional/Reapplicant Essay

Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. (500 words)

Reapplicant Essay

Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your rofessional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)

Wharton MBA Essays (For the class of 2022-2023):

First-time MBA applicants and re-applicants must complete both essays.

Essay 1: How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)

Essay 2: Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

Required Essay for all Reapplicants: Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)

Optional Essay: Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. (500 words)



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FAQs to Wharton MBA Application

How much work experience is required to apply for Wharton MBA Program?

The average work experience for Wharton MBA is 5- 6 years between graduating from college and entering the MBA program. The program also accepts candidates with limited or no experience who show strong managerial and professional potential. In other words, work experience is evaluated not in terms of years. But by the depth and breadth of an individual’s position and the impact of their work.

What is average GMAT score for Wharton MBA?

The average GMAT score for Wharton MBA Class of 2020 was 732 with the range from 500-790.

What is the acceptance rate for Wharton MBA program?

6,245 applicants applied for the Wharton MBA Class of 2020. And 832 admitted. Hence, the acceptance rate was 13.8 %.

What is the average GRE score for Wharton MBA?

For Wharton MBA Class of 2020, the mean GRE score was 163 (verbal), 162 (Quant) and 4.6 (Writing). Hence, overall mean GRE score was 330.

How can I get help in the Wharton MBA application preparation?

General Education’s consulting panel of top Global B-School Alumni and Admission Experts can help evaluate your profile. And address your application and essays in a way which highlight your strengths and overcome your shortcomings. With 12 years of experience in admission consulting, you will get an admit.

What is the application process for a Wharton MBA?

You can apply to the Wharton MBA Program online on Wharton’s official website. The application process is divided into 3 Rounds. Decision is made within a month after the deadline. Following this, you may be invited for an Interview or Team-based Discussion (TBD).
The Wharton TBD is 35 minutes in length. And provides an opportunity for you to interact with 4-5 fellow MBA applicants in an interactive team setting.

What are the requirements to apply for Wharton MBA Program?

The minimum requirements to apply to the Wharton MBA program include:

  • Undergraduate degree from an accredited U.S. college or its equivalent in another country.
  • Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score.
  • Completion of Wharton online application.
  • Results of an English Language Test (TOEFL or PTE). Unless you have earned an undergraduate or Master’s degree in an English-speaking country. Or from an institution in which English is the language of instruction. To waive an English language test, you need to include
    a letter requesting the waiver in your application.