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 1 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. (500 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.
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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
Imagine you’re in a classroom and a fellow student makes a statement you find offensive or problematic. How would you respond? You may use a real experience you have had or outline how you would approach the situation. What principles would guide you, and what would you hope the outcome would be? (200 words)
Lauder is asking not just how you handle conflict, but how you behave as a peer in a learning environment where power dynamics are flat.
That’s an important distinction.
In a classroom, you’re not the manager or leader in a formal sense. You’re part of a community where everyone is meant to learn from each other, including through disagreement. Your answer should reflect that balance, showing both the courage to address a problematic comment and the emotional intelligence to handle it in a way that strengthens group dynamics rather than shutting dialogue down.
To write a strong response, begin by framing the situation in a clear, specific way. Whether you choose a real experience or outline a hypothetical one, make sure it fits naturally in a classroom setting.
Think about the types of conversations that happen in Lauder or Wharton classes: debates around global business, cultural differences, ethics, or politics. Avoid examples that feel too corporate or managerial in tone.
Then, focus on your thought process in that moment. Lauder isn’t just looking for a simple “I would speak up.” They want to see how you would navigate the tension thoughtfully. Would you pause and collect yourself before responding? Would you ask a clarifying question to open a more productive dialogue?
The goal is to show that you’re someone who can hold firm to your values while also fostering a respectful, inclusive learning space.
A key part of this essay is articulating the principles that guide your approach.
You don’t want to just describe your actions; you want to show why you would choose that path. Effective answers might mention values like empathy, intellectual humility, commitment to diversity and inclusion, or respect for freedom of speech. Frame these not as abstract ideals, but as real factors influencing your decisions in the moment.
Finally, be specific about what outcome you’d hope to achieve. This isn’t about “winning” the argument; it’s about helping a peer see a different perspective or creating an environment where everyone feels safe contributing.
The most effective essays strike that balance between personal conviction and openness to dialogue, showing Lauder you’re the kind of classmate who can make difficult conversations constructive rather than divisive.
Looking for Wharton Lauder essay examples?
Check out our real sample essays that got our clients admitted here.
3. Feeling Overwhelmed with the MBA Application Process?
Navigating the complexities of MBA applications can leave you feeling overwhelmed, especially when each program requires unique essays, resumes, and recommendation letters. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to fall into the trap of submitting a generic application that gets you dinged.
That’s where we come in. With a 98.9% success rate, our team of expert MBA consultants at Ellin Lolis Consulting has a proven track record of transforming applications into success stories. Through our personalized consultation process, we dive deep into your profile, helping you tell your story in a way that resonates with admissions committees and gets you into top business schools. From interview preparation to essay edits, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process.
If you’re ready to stand out in the admissions pool, learn more about working with us today. Let’s make your MBA dreams a reality!
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
