Update: This article was originally published on May 10, 2024. It has been updated with new information and tips below.
If you’re feeling nervous as you navigate the process of applying to Wharton, that’s totally normal. Securing a spot in this prestigious MBA program is no easy feat.
But no worries—with the right approach and a strong game plan, you can position yourself for success. The reward? Securing a spot at one of the world’s best business schools and taking your career to new heights.
What does it take to impress the discerning eyes at Wharton? Here’s a comprehensive run-through of what Wharton is looking for and how you can showcase exactly those traits that will earn you a spot in their incoming class.
Show Analytical Aptitude
Wharton’s high academic standards are second to none. Before you embark on your journey to become a top-tier business leader, you have to prove you’re ready for the challenge.
Academic Excellence
For most hopefuls, the academic road to Wharton begins in college. A standout candidate will have a track record of achievement—think great grades from a rigorous curriculum. While not required, if you’ve continued your education or are transitioning from another field, a Master’s can be an additional signal of commitment and capability.
Standardized Tests
While your GPA may demonstrate your academic track record thus far, your GMAT (or GRE) score really showcases your quantitative and verbal mettle. Aim high—Wharton’s average scores for admitted students hovers in the stratosphere, and yours should, too, if you expect to be considered.
Practical Application
Transcripts and test scores only get you so far. Admissions committees love to see how you put theory into practice. Whether it’s through starting your own business or grinding out impressive results as a consultant, former experiences are the real-world evidence of your academic strengths.
Collaboration and Teamwork
Conquering the world of business is not something you can do alone. Teamwork is more than a buzzword at Wharton—it’s a core value woven into the fabric of academic life.
Proven Record of Team Success
If you want to get into Wharton, showcasing your ability to thrive within a team is key. The adcom looks for candidates who can prove that they are strong collaborators through successful teamwork experiences. This means sharing stories where you worked hand-in-hand with others to conquer challenges and bring about positive outcomes.
Imagine leading a team to success in a work project or being part of a group effort that solved a tough problem—these are the stories that make your application shine. Highlight specific instances where your collaborative spirit made a real difference, showing how your teamwork skills influenced the final results. By painting a vivid picture of your teamwork prowess, you’ll emphasize your potential to enrich the Wharton community.
When you share examples of how you excelled within a team, be careful not to overuse “we” in your stories. This is a common mistake applicants make, and it makes it very hard to understand what your role in the achievement was or what types of skills and positive attributes you were able to demonstrate.
For example, if you’re talking about a difficult project for a client and you say, “We had difficulty communicating so we decided to hold 1:1 sessions because it provided a setting where we could discuss the project progress” you will not be the protagonist of this example at all.
Instead, you can say: “We had a client who was difficult to communicate with, so I decided to start holding weekly 1:1 meetings where we could discuss my team’s progress on the project and their concerns, as well as get their input. By providing a low-stakes setting to communicate, I was able to recruit the client as a collaborator in the project, and we ultimately delivered $40 million in annual cost savings for their organization.”
By framing it this way – and striking a great balance between we and I – you can show that you’re still part of a team while also clearly demonstrating what your role was in team’s success.
Leadership Insights
Apart from being a team player, Wharton values individuals who embody strong leadership qualities and a spirit of fellowship. They seek candidates who have displayed leadership potential and a drive to make a positive impact in their communities.
Think about times when you took charge of extracurricular activities, volunteered for community service initiatives, or spearheaded innovative projects within an organization. These instances where you showed initiative, motivated others, and achieved meaningful outcomes are gold for your application.
Additionally, Wharton looks for applicants who excel in building relationships, fostering community spirit, and supporting the growth of those around them.
By illustrating your leadership traits, you’ll demonstrate to the admissions team that you possess the attributes needed not only to thrive in the Wharton environment but also to enrich your peers’ experience.
The Wharton Interview Experience
The interview experience is a micro-representation of what Wharton stands for. Its team-based discussion format is all about working together as a team to solve problems, giving you a chance to show your skills in a unique way.
To do well in this setting, remember to share your thoughts in a thoughtful and inclusive manner. Don’t be too quiet and fade into the background, but don’t dominate the conversation and overpower others. Finding that middle ground of speaking up while respecting others’ ideas is key to making a good impression during the discussion.
By actively participating, listening well, and bringing valuable ideas to the table, you not only demonstrate your smarts but also show that you can work effectively in a team. Remember, the Wharton interview isn’t just about showing off your achievements; it’s about showing how well you can collaborate with others and have constructive conversations.
Embrace the challenge, work together with the group, and let your unique voice blend in with everyone else’s to create something great. In this lively setting, success isn’t just about you shining but about everyone working together toward shared goals and growing together.
Show Your Unique Personal Brand
Wharton doesn’t want students who simply fit the mold. They want pioneers, innovators, and renegades.
Professional Contributions
It’s not enough to simply excel at your job—your application should be peppered with stories of how you brought about positive change. From streamlining internal processes to crafting a new marketing strategy, you should show how you have been a force for progress.
Cultural and Social Contributions
Your essays should illustrate a well-rounded individual who isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty in the pursuit of making a meaningful difference in the world. This can take the form of leading diversity initiatives within your workplace or contributing to social or environmental causes.
Articulating Your Value
Be clear and precise about what you bring to the table. At Wharton, you’ll be asked to shape and contribute to various classroom experiences. What can you say about your own uniqueness that will show you’re a perfect fit for the Wharton experience?
Crafting Compelling MBA Essays for Wharton
This is your chance to tell your unique story and reveal the essence of who you are beyond the data. Let’s delve deeper into how you can make your personal essay shine and resonate with the HBS admissions team.
Reflect on Impactful Experiences
Begin by reflecting on key experiences that define your journey. Consider moments where you navigated complex work scenarios, initiated change, or demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity. These instances, whether professional or personal, provide a window into your character and values.
Embrace Authenticity and Vulnerability
Authenticity is key to crafting a compelling personal essay. Don’t shy away from sharing personal anecdotes that reveal your vulnerabilities and growth areas. Admissions committees value candidates who demonstrate self-awareness and a willingness to learn from their experiences.
Showcase Your Uniqueness
Aim to articulate the guiding principles that drive your decision-making and leadership style. Share insights into the values that underpin your actions and the vision that propels you forward.
Make Sure You Get Into Wharton
Our expert consultants will work with you to develop a strategy tailored to your goals, ensuring every part of yourYou’ve built an impressive career and worked hard to get to this point, but now you’re facing the daunting task of pulling together a compelling MBA application. The pressure to choose which stories best sell your profile, write essays that reflect your achievements, prepare for interviews, and manage multiple deadlines can feel overwhelming. Are you doing enough to be noticed by admissions committees at top business schools?
At Ellin Lolis Consulting, we understand the stakes. With a 98.9% success rate, we’ve helped countless applicants just like you secure spots at their dream schools. application—from essays to interviews—tells a cohesive, compelling story that gets you in.
That’s the approach we took with Mariama, who was admitted to Wharton Lauder. In her words:
Don’t leave your future to chance. Learn more about working with us and take the first step toward a successful MBA application journey.
Real MBA Essays That Got People In
School-specific sample essays that got our clients accepted
