Application Requirements
Admission to the Wharton MBA Program requires the completion of our online application. A complete application includes the following components, each of which is explained in greater detail in the application:
- Background information
- Application fee
- Three essays
- Transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- GMAT/GRE
- TOEFL (for non-native English speakers)
- Interview (if invited)
- Additional requirements for joint MBA/MA-Lauder applications
- Resume
Background Information
Background information includes: contact information (e.g., mailing address and phone number), date of birth, academic degrees earned, professional experience, and family information.
Application Fee
A nonrefundable application fee of $265 is required for the MBA and MBA/MA-Lauder programs. For details on how to submit the fee, please visit our online application.
Essays
- First-time applicants and reapplicants are required to complete the same set of essay questions.
REQUIRED QUESTION:
How will Wharton MBA help you achieve your professional objectives? (400 words)
RESPOND TO 2 OF THE FOLLOWING 3 QUESTIONS:
1. Select a Wharton MBA course, co-curricular opportunity or extra-curricular engagement that you are interested in. Tell us why you chose this activity and how it connects to your interests. (500 words)
2. Imagine your work obligations for the afternoon were cancelled and you found yourself "work free" for three hours, what would you do? (500 words)
3. "Knowledge for Action draws upon the great qualities that have always been evident at Wharton: rigorous research, dynamic thinking, and thoughtful leadership." - Thomas S. Robertson, Dean, The Wharton School
Tell us about a time when you put knowledge into action. (500 words)
ADDITIONAL QUESTION FOR REAPPLICANTS:
All reapplicants to Wharton are required to complete the Optional Essay. Please use this space to explain how you have reflected on the previous decision on your application and to discuss any updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, extracurricular/volunteer engagements). You may also use this section to address any extenuating circumstances. (250 words)
OPTIONAL SECTION FOR ALL APPLICANTS:
If you feel there are extenuating circumstances of which the Committee should be aware, please explain them here (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, or questionable academic performance, significant weaknesses in your application). (250 words)
Transcripts
Transcripts of all academic work completed at the baccalaureate/undergraduate level and beyond, whether or not for credit or a degree, are required. Grades or marks may be self-reported on our online transcript template, with official documents required upon admissions and matriculation.
Letters of Recommendation
The Admissions Committee requires two recommendation letters, preferably from supervisors.
GMAT/GRE
All applicants must submit results of a Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) that are no more than 5 years old, based on the start date of the program. For the fall 2013 entering class tests taken between August 1, 2008 and March 5, 2013 will be accepted. Scores may be self-reported.
TOEFL
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for non-native English speakers with limited exposure to English. The test may be waived by candidates who earned a baccalaureate or master's degree from an institution at which English is the language of instruction.
Interviews
Interviews are by invitation only, following a thorough review of the completed application. Instructions are provided at the time of invitation.
Additional Requirements for Joint MBA/MA–Lauder Program
Joint MBA/MA–Lauder applicants must take a 20-minute Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) on the telephone to assess their language skills. For more information about the OPI and to schedule an interview, please visit the Lauder website.
Resume
Please upload a one-page resume in Microsoft Word. We are more concerned with what you have learned than in your length of time in the workplace. We consider functional job skills, breadth and depth of experience, demonstrated leadership and management skills, as well as potential for growth.
