David Padrino, WG'07
“I want to serve the public in government and do it more effectively. The people I saw around me who did that all had MBAs. I've worked in both the private and public sectors and have non-profit experience. I want to build skills that I couldn't get working in the public sector.”
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If you think that Wharton is the right place for you, we encourage you to apply. A successful application combines substance, presentation, and good timing. It should tell your own story and make each element of your application as strong as possible.
Use our online application system to apply and to check your status. The system walks you through the required steps, including electronically submitted transcripts, recommendations, and essays.
Fall 2007 application deadlines and decision release dates:
MBA Program
| Application Deadline | Decision Release Date | |
| Round 1 | October 11, 2007 | December 20, 2007 |
| Round 2 | January 3, 2008 | March 27, 2008 |
| Round 3 | February 28, 2008 | May 15, 2008 |
MBA/MA–Lauder Program
| Application Deadline | Decision Release Date | |
| Round 1 | October 11, 2007 | December 20, 2007 |
| Round 2 | January 3, 2008 | March 27, 2008 |
All deadlines are 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Fall 2008 Essay Questions
The Admissions Committee is interested in getting to know you on both a professional and personal level. We encourage you to be introspective, candid, and succinct. Most importantly, we suggest you be yourself
First Time Applicant Essays
All first-time applicants are required to complete four essays, with the option of a fifth essay that may be used to address extenuating circumstances. Reapplicants who applied for the Entering Fall 2006 or 2007 Class are to complete the re-applicant essays. All other reapplicants are to complete the first-time applicant essays.
Essay 1 (Required)
Describe your career progress to date and your future short-term and long-term career goals. How do you expect a Wharton MBA to help you achieve these goals, and why is now the best time for you to join our program? (1,000 words)
Essay 2 (Required)
Describe a failure or setback that you have experienced. What role did you play and what did you learn about yourself? (500 words)
Essay 3 (Required)
Tell us about a situation in which you were an outsider. What did you learn from the experience? (500 words)
Essay 4 (Required)
Please Complete One Of The Following Two Questions:
- Where in your background would we find evidence of your leadership capacity and/or potential? (500 words)
- Is there anything about your background or experience that you feel you have not had the opportunity to share with the Admissions Committee in your application? If yes, please explain. (500 words)
Essay 5 (Optional)
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, TOEFL waiver request, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, significant weaknesses in your application). (250 words)
Additional Joint Wharton MBA/MA–Lauder Applicant Essays
(required for all Lauder applicants in addition to the appropriate set of essay questions above)
- Describe a cross-cultural experience in your adult life that was challenging to you. How did you meet this challenge and what did you learn from the experience? (1,000 words)
- Please explain why you are currently applying to Lauder. How do you expect the Wharton/Lauder joint-degree experience to benefit you on both a professional and personal level? (1,000 words)