EMBA Program Admissions FAQ
Admissions Process
- When during the year does the program begin, and when should I apply?
- Do you require interviews for admission?
- Where should I stay when I visit?
- 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 vice versa)?
- May I apply to both Wharton MBA Programs?
- How do I reapply if I am denied admission?
- How do I schedule an interview and attend a class?
- What times are your information sessions?
Qualifications
- I've taken business courses at another university. Can I use this background to shorten my time at Wharton?
- I already have an MBA. Can I apply to Wharton?
- I have many years of work experience and have taken other standardized tests in the past. Why must I take the Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) to apply to Wharton?
- I haven't had a math course in 10 years. Would I have difficulty with the Wharton curriculum?
- How much weight does the interview have in the application process?
Tuition and Financial Aid
- What is the cost of the program and when are payments due?
- Do you accept credit cards for application fee payments?
- Where do I get information about financial aid?
- Are there scholarships for students in the program?
- I qualify as a Fellows candidate. May I take out a loan to sponsor myself?
Admissions Process
When during the year does the program begin, and when should I apply?
The program in San Francisco begins April 26, 2009; completed applications are due by January 15, 2009. The program in Philadelphia begins May 24, 2009; completed applications are due by February 1, 2009. We do not have "rolling admissions." One admissions committe makes all admissions decisions. We notify all applicants no later than March 6 (San Francisco) or April 15 (Philadelphia). If you need to request an early decision, please contact the admissions office of the program to which you are applying.
Do you require interviews for admission?
We do require that Fellows candidates (applicants under 30 years old) come to campus for a personal interview. We recommend that all applicants come to visit the program to observe classes and meet current students, if at all possible. You can visit us without scheduling an interview if you wish, but an interview is strongly recommended for all candidates. For a related question about interviews, see How Much Weight Does the Interview Have in the Application Process?.
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 hotel at which students stay during the program (please call the Wharton West campus for more information).
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 vice versa)?
The requirements for admissions to both East and West programs are identical; therefore, Admissions Committees in the East and West would not change a decision made by their counterparts.
May I apply to both Wharton MBA Programs?
Wharton does not accept simultaneous applications to the executive and traditional MBA programs. Any questions regarding eligibility and requests for exception to this policy should be directed to both Directors (see below for contact information). We reserve the right to withdraw offers of admission to any candidate who does not obtain written permission to apply to both programs, or who does not disclose a prior application to any other Wharton program. Admitted students may only matriculate in one program. Acceptance of one admission offer will automatically negate all other offers.
Wharton MBA Program for Executives
Catherine Molony
molony@wharton.upenn.edu
215.898.5887
Director of Admissions
Wharton MBA Program
mba.admissions@wharton.upenn.edu
215.898.6183
How do I reapply if I am denied admission?
It is not necessary to go through the entire process again. Please view reapplication procedures for detailed information. The procedures are also outlined in the online application.
How do I schedule an interview and attend class?
Call 215-898-5887 for Philadelphia, or 866-WHARTON for San Francisco, and the staff will make an appointment with an Admissions Officer for you. Interviews are generally held on Fridays and Saturdays when classes are in session, so you may come beforehand and/or stay afterwards to observe classes, have lunch with students, and get a good picture of what the program entails.
What times are your information sessions?
Wharton information receptions are typically held in the evenings during the fall and winter months at cities around the country. For information on current schedules, go to Admissions Events. We also invite you to contact us to schedule a personal visit to the campus.
Qualifications
I've taken business courses at another university. Can I use this background to shorten my time at Wharton?
You must complete 19.25 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.
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 have many years of work experience and have taken other standardized tests in the past. Why must I take the Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) to apply to Wharton?
When you complete your two years in the Wharton MBA for Executives, you are awarded the same Wharton MBA degree received by those who complete Wharton's traditional full-time program. The curriculum is the same rigorous curriculum required in the traditional MBA program. Because students attend universities and colleges around the world with different grading systems, the GMAT is the one uniform assessment tool we have 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 the GMAT generally have difficulty with some of the courses that Wharton feels our graduates should master. If you think you may have trouble with the GMAT, we recommend you study one of the review texts available in many bookstores or enroll in a formal GMAT preparation course.
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. Also, we offer a week-long math review course during the first week of the program. 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).
How much weight does the interview have in the application process?
There is no set formula that the Admissions Committee uses to weigh the different strengths and weaknesses of applicants. In such a competitive applicant pool, it is often the intangible issues that tend to come up during interviews that will distinguish you from your competition. An interview should be viewed as your opportunity to share more about your background and your interest in the program in a way that adds greater perspective and personality to your application.
Tuition & Financial Aid
What is the cost of the program and when are payments due?
Tuition for the class entering in May 2009 will be announced in January 2009. For the cost of the two-year program for the class that entered in May 2008 (including tuition, books, and program-related housing and meals), see Tuition Fee.
Do you accept credit cards for application fee payments?
The Online Application System requires payment by credit card for your application fee. Credit card payments are not accepted for tuition fees, however, which should be made by check or electronic fund transfer.
Where do I get information about financial aid?
All students admitted to Wharton's MBA program are eligible for a competitively priced loan offered through Citibank, known as the Wharton Loan Program. For information, see the Financial Aid section. If you are a U.S. resident or permanent resident, you need to first apply for federal student aid through the Stafford Loan program. Information is available at University of Pennsylvania's Student Financial Services. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us.
Are there scholarships for students in the program?
There are no Wharton scholarships for which students can apply. In addition to the Wharton Loan Program, you may wish to research possible grants or scholarships from other sources.
I qualify as a Fellows candidate. May I take out a loan to sponsor myself?
No, if you are a Fellows candidate, your company must be financially responsible for the cost of the program.