UPDATE: This article was originally posted on August 17, 2020. It has been updated with new information and tips below.
As one of the most highly-coveted MBA dual degree programs anywhere in the world, the Lauder program at Wharton offers globally-minded professionals the chance to add a Master’s in International Studies to their MBAs.
Given its tight-knit network, envy-inducing travel schedule, and access to top thought leaders around the world, landing a spot in the Lauder program is no small feat.
That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to help you use your Lauder admissions interview to stand out. We’ve rounded up our best tips and links to Wharton Lauder MBA sample essays to ensure you give your Haas application your best shot.
1. Who is Lauder Looking for?
(Photo courtesy of @lauderinstitute on Instagram)
Lauder looks for globally-minded professionals who are poised to become future global business leaders.
In general, Lauder admits can clearly demonstrate and articulate an understanding of current events, especially those related to their target region. Furthermore, our most successful applicants have had an extensive track record of living, working, and/or volunteering abroad. As such, when applying to Lauder, you want to make sure you highlight the full picture of your global experience!
Finally, keep in mind that all Lauder applicants must complete the OPI language exam to prove proficiency in a language other than English. Each track within the program has specific requirements, so make sure to review those before scheduling your exam!
2. How should I answer Wharton Lauder essay question?
2.1. Lauder Essay Tips
Discuss why you are applying to the Lauder Institute, detailing specific reasons, experiences, and background for choosing your Program of Concentration, as well as your interest in further study in that Program. Applicants to Programs of Concentration involving language study (Africa-French; East and Southeast Asia; Europe; Latin America; South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa) should also discuss what they hope to gain from advanced language and cultural education, as well as describe how they have learned the language they will study (e.g. undergraduate courses, undergraduate major, etc.). Finally, please describe how you see yourself benefiting from, and contributing to, the Lauder community. (800 words)
Like many other dual-degree programs, the Lauder essay essentially asks you to create a personal statement that outlines three key aspects: your relevant previous experiences, your goals and motivations for these goals, and how you plan to use the Lauder program to help you reach your goals.
Each of these elements must be included and must build off of each other.
First of all, many candidates think they do not need to specifically state their goals, or that it’s better to leave “their options open.” If you are applying to elite business schools, however, you must have and present absolute clarity about your goals.
However, goals without context can be a little confusing to decipher or understand (or they can just seem a bit lackluster), especially in the context of the Lauder application, where your global experience thus far is highly relevant to the plans you share for the future. For this reason, we suggest starting your essay with context.
For example, a client last year initially started his essay by saying:
“I want to participate in Lauder’s Global Track because I want to expand my professional horizons.”
However, by first going into several STAR-format examples that demonstrate how he built his previous global experience, then stating his clarified short-term and long-term goals, he was able to build a much more compelling case for admissions.
When choosing your stories, here, be careful to make sure each is in some way relevant to the goals you intend to present. Stories that are totally disconnected from your goals will lead to a very confusing essay.
Need more guidance?
Our MBA Resource Center has numerous Wharton Lauder essays that worked to get our clients admitted to help you plan out a winning Wharton Lauder essay.
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Second, you should clearly demonstrate why you need to complete the Lauder dual-degree program (not just an MBA) in order to reach your goals.
The Lauder program is not a “travel” program or a degree option that serves a purpose for all career paths. As such, you need to demonstrate that the goals you have set for yourself require the additional training and global access offered by the Lauder program. You should explicitly state the concentration you are applying for (Global, Spanish, Africa, etc.) and why you are motivated to apply for this track in light of your specific career goals.
Be thoughtful about this particular section. If you don’t need a rich, in-depth global experience (which may be focused on a particular region or language) to reach your goals, you might be presenting the argument the admissions committee needs for why you can’t actually benefit from this dual degree program.
Furthermore, if you show fluffy or unsupported reasons you need to hone your skills, or, worse, mention you really like to travel as your reason for wanting to attend Lauder, you’ll also likely see your application tossed aside in favor of an applicant who was able to clearly demonstrate how they plan to leverage their time at business school.
Keep in mind that the Lauder admissions committee will also have access to your Wharton essays. So, while you should make sure your arguments are consistent, you should focus on how Lauder will be an essential complement to your MBA education in this essay, rather than rehashing all the reasons you need an MBA.
Third, add how Lauder can specifically help you grow in the areas you’ve identified. Mentioning that you want to go to Lauder because you get to visit many different countries during the program will simply not cut it.
Instead, show that you understand the Lauder curriculum and have done significant, thoughtful research into how the opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom can help you grow. It’s also highly recommended that you mention how you can contribute to the community.
End with a winning conclusion statement that reinforces your extensive global experience and passions to tie the whole essay together.
TOP TIP: If you have a second option track (for example, you’re applying for the Global track but would also be interested in the Europe track), you can leave a brief explanation at the bottom of your essay about why you would be open to being considered for your second choice option. If you do this, make sure the reason this track is a good second option for your goals is clearly yet concisely stated.
2.2. Lauder Essay 2 Tips
Describe a challenging intercultural or politically sensitive situation where you had to navigate a difference in perspective or opinion. Explain how you handled it and any lessons learned. (200 words)
Lauder is a Master’s in International Studies, NOT a cool way to get more stamps on your passport during the MBA.
As such, this essay allows the Lauder admissions committee to see beyond what you’ve written about your motivations in Essay 1 and determine whether or not you have the right mindset for their program and for the field of international studies in general.
To start, I suggest that you brainstorm a list of experiences here where you had to navigate a difference in perspectives or opinions. Then, narrow down the list, leaving only experiences where you had to overcome some sort of challenge, as this is going to yield the best results in this essay.
Once you’ve got this list, further narrow it down by thinking about the rest of your application and what side of your profile you have yet to demonstrate to the admissions committee. I highly suggest that you choose an experience where you worked either abroad or with international teams to show you have the global profile Lauder tends to prefer.
Finally, you want to choose a story that can easily be told in STAR format. Considering your limited word count, the fact that you have to show how you handled the situation, and what you learned, stories that fit this format are going to yield the best results.
Once you’ve chosen your best example, it’s time to start writing your essay.
After drafting an opening that clearly sets out the context (make sure the intercultural or politically sensitive elements of the story are clear hereI), make sure you dedicate enough space to describing what challenge you were facing. For example, perhaps you were part of a multicultural team where your different approaches to problem-solving was leading to conflicts that prevented your team from making any progress. If you don’t set up a clear conflict or challenge here, the rest of the essay will lack impact.
Then, focus on how you effectively managed the situation. Highlight any strategies you used to bridge the cultural or political divide, such as open communication, empathy, and finding common ground.
End your essay by reflecting on what you learned from the experience. Discuss how the situation helped you grow personally and professionally, and how it has prepared you for future challenges in a global business environment.
TOP TIP: Avoid stereotypes and generalizations. Demonstrate your respect for different cultures and perspectives. Show how you engaged with the other party respectfully and sought to understand their viewpoint.
Looking for Wharton Lauder essay examples? Check out our real sample essays that got our clients admitted here.
3. Worried you won’t get into your dream school?
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.
Don’t leave your future to chance. Learn more about working with us and take the first step toward a successful MBA application journey.
4. Wharton Lauder Deadlines
The deadlines for the 2024-2025 season are below. You can access the Lauder application as part of the Wharton application.
Wharton Round 1 Deadlines
Application Deadline: September 4, 2024
Interview Notification: October 24, 2024
Decisions Released: December 10, 2024
Wharton Round 2 Deadlines
Application Deadline: January 3, 2025
Interview Notification: February 19, 2025
Decisions Released: April 1, 2025
Wharton Round 3 Deadlines
Application Deadline: April 2, 2025
Interview Notification: April 18, 2025
Decisions Released: May 13, 2025
Wharton Deferred Admissions Deadlines
Application Deadline: April 23, 2025
Interview Notification: May 29, 2025
Decisions Released: July 1, 2025
Real MBA Essays That Got People In
School-specific sample essays that got our clients accepted
