Executive MBA Blog
RSS MBA Application Tips from Students
Wharton students were asked to give advice to applicants, and here's what they had to say.
Know What You Want
Know what you want and what you are looking to get out of the program. And always think about that as a compass when you are in the program itself. Always know where your priorities are and where school falls in that. Once you are in the program, take advantage of the opportunities. And those opportunities are the people in the program — the friendships.
Tran Hang, WG'10
Head of Travel Industry Operations, North America
Google
San Francisco
Get Buy In
I recommend making your coworkers aware of how your involvement [in the program] will affect your performance in the short term. There will be times when your coworkers help fill the gaps when you are out of the loop. Also make sure your family is aware of how demanding the program is — let them know that you won’t be able to do as many things with them as you did before. It’s important to have alignment from all of the stakeholders involved. When the program starts and your time commitment changes, make sure everyone is aware and ready for it.
Travis Nichols, WG'10
Regional Planner
ExxonMobil
Houston, TX
Experience Wharton First
Make sure you experience the campus before making your decision. Go down on a Friday and hang out with students. Go to lunch with them and join them for coffee during class breaks. Go to classes and experience the faculty in action. And make sure you can carve out in the necessary amount of time to really engage in the program. It’s easy to think that since it’s just on weekends it’s highly manageable, but it’s really something you are working on every day.
Jessica Wirth, WG'10
AVP, Equity Analyst
Putnam Investments
Boston, MA
Eyes Wide Open
I’d say go in eyes wide open. This is a challenge; it’s going to be a sacrifice. But sacrifice brings blessings. Do not underestimate the commitment required to get what you want out of the program. And make the decision with all of the stakeholders in your life — family, work, community — because it is pervasive in its impact on your life. That said, the sacrifice is absolutely worth it.
Ben Titera, WG'10
General Manager, Video Games
Real Networks
San Francisco, CA
Be Prepared for the Workload
The folks who’ve struggled with the program are the ones who went in thinking they did well in undergrad, had a great GMAT score and therefore could breeze through. The minimal level of work that you have to do tends to be a lot of hours every week.
Jack Purcell, WG'10
Private Equity Investor
BAML Capital Partners
Charlotte, NC
