wharton essays

2024-2025 Wharton MBA Essay Tips and Example Essays

Jun 17, 2024

• Who is Wharton looking for?
• How should I answer Wharton essay questions?
• Feeling Overwhelmed with the MBA Application Process?
• Wharton Deadlines

UPDATE : This article was originally posted on July 10, 2018. It has been updated with new information and tips below.

In 1881, Joseph Wharton started the world’s first collegiate business school. In the more than 100 years since, Wharton has maintained its position as one of the world’s top destinations for talented business professionals. 

With numerous opportunities (many of them overseas) to develop your leadership skills and build relationships with fellow students, Wharton offers a highly challenging yet highly collaborative approach to business education. 

However, with increasing competition to join this innovative, collaboratively-minded university, it’s more difficult than ever to successfully apply to Wharton. 

That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to help you use your Wharton admissions essays to stand out . We’ve rounded up our best tips and links to Wharton MBA sample essays to ensure you give your Haas application your best shot.

1. Who is Wharton looking for?

“Our mission is to develop leaders who act with a deeper understanding of themselves, their organizations, and their communities, and contribute positively to the growth of each.” Wharton Admissions

As one of the most consistently top-ranked business schools, Wharton has become almost synonymous with elite business education. With a strong focus on innovation and their unique Lauder dual-degree program in international studies and Health Care Major , it’s no surprise that Wharton is at the top of many applicants’ lists of dream schools. 

Each year, Wharton selects just under 900 students from 70 countries to take part in its two-year program. Though there is no one “perfect” type of Wharton student, the university does favor high test scores. The median GMAT for the Class of 2025 was 728 (slightly down from 733 for last year’s class) and the average GRE score was 162 Quant, 162 Verbal.  

Though often called a “finance factory,” Wharton builds a diverse class each year by looking beyond traditional investment banking professionals to fill its class. In fact, the number of Wharton post-MBA graduates breaking into industries like tech has only increased over the past few years. With the launch of Tangen Hall last year, that number is only likely to continue growing. 

Beyond the numbers, Wharton tends to value students who demonstrate a collaborative personality, leadership potential, global mindset, and an ability to think outside the box and innovate. 

If this sounds like a community in which you’d be right at home, you’ll first have to prove you’ve got what it takes by successfully answering Wharton’s admissions essay questions. 

2. How should I answer Wharton essay questions?

2.1. essay 1.

Essay 1: How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)

Before starting, you might want to review the tips the Wharton admissions committee gives on how to approach the essays. 

In this essay, you have a big task. In around 500 words , you need to discuss:

• Context for your goals
• Your specific-post MBA goals and why you are pursuing them at this moment
• Why you believe an MBA is necessary to reach these goals
• How a Wharton MBA will help you reach these 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. 

TOP TIP : If you’re having trouble figuring out what your post-MBA goals are, we’ve prepared this post to help you decipher this essential part of the application process! 

However, goals without context can be a little confusing to decipher or understand (or they can just seem a bit lackluster). 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 become a Business Development Director at a Brazilian company.”

While interesting, it’s better to give a little bit of context to help these goals come to life. Check out the final version of the same essay’s introduction:

“In the 1970s, the phrase “think global, act local” came into use, suggesting that to have global impact, one must be active locally. With this mindset, I focused my career on Brazilian multinational companies to start creating global change at home. While at Company 1, I led a diverse global team, which showed me that clear communication is essential. I later accepted a finance position at a real estate company where I learned how new technologies can impact traditional local industries and that leaders must adapt to these trends to maintain competitiveness. Most recently, I joined Company 2 to participate in its daring globalization plan. At Company 2, I have learned how challenging it is to formulate effective global strategies to thrive in diverse markets. I have also developed management skills since becoming Financial Coordinator, learning how important establishing a culture of collaboration is to providing stability for organizations.

I now seek to take the next step to becoming a “global” leader by becoming Business Development Director at a Brazilian company pursuing globalization, giving me the experience to assume my long-term goal of CEO of one such company.”

Second, you should clearly demonstrate why you need an MBA. 

An MBA is not a catch-all degree 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 an MBA can provide. 

Be thoughtful about this particular section. If you don’t need to improve in any meaningful way, you might be presenting the argument the admissions committee needs for why you can’t actually benefit from an MBA. 

Furthermore, if you show fluffy or unsupported reasons you need to hone your skills, 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. 

Third, add how Kellogg can specifically help you grow in the areas you’ve identified. Mentioning that you want to go to Kellogg because of its ranking will not cut it here. 

Instead, show that you understand the unique offerings Wharton’s curriculum provides (I highly suggest you mention the pathway or major you’re interested in) and have done significant, thoughtful research into how the opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom can help you grow. If you have space, it’s also highly recommended that you mention how you can contribute to the community. 

End with a winning conclusion statement that reinforces your personal brand and ties the whole essay together. 

Need more guidance? 

Our MBA Resource Center has dozens of Wharton MBA essays that worked to get our clients admitted to help you plan out a winning Wharton essay. 

Our library also includes guides for all top global MBA programs, detailed essay brainstorms, interview tips and mocks, CV templates, and recommendation letter guides. Click to join ! 

2.2. Essay 2

Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

For this essay, we highly suggest that you focus on multiple examples. In our experience over the years, 3 ways you plan to contribute tends to work best, though we have seen essays with 2 examples and 4 examples work in very special circumstances.  

There are many different ways you can contribute to the Wharton community, so many different stories and “lessons” you can apply at Wharton are valid here.  

For example, if you have worked extensively as part of an international team, highlighting a specific experience where diversity was the key to “winning the day” and showing how you would promote diversity while at Wharton could work very well. 

Or, you might have a specific ability that has proven valuable in analyzing business challenges, might be an outstanding communicator, etc. There really are endless opportunities for this essay. 

When telling your stories, make sure to use the STAR method to ensure you clearly demonstrate what happened, your role in the events, and what you learned. Then, link this lesson to specific resources and opportunities at Wharton, showing how you will improve the overall community. 

To create an amazing essay, stay focused, do your research on Wharton, and choose your examples wisely. Showing you’re a leader and team player who fully understands the Wharton experience and who is prepared to contribute to the Wharton community is the key to success. 

2.3. Reapplicant Essay

Required Essay for All Reapplicants: Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected [on] and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)

We have written two extensive posts on how to approach reapplying to business school and on how to handle the reapplicant essay . Make sure to check them out!

2.4. Optional Essay

Optional Essay: Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider.

As with nearly all elite business schools, Wharton does not want to see a summary of your profile or a restatement of why you want to attend Wharton. 

However, if you have extenuating circumstances that merit additional explanation (a good overview of what kind of circumstances quality can be found here ), make sure to explain them clearly and directly. 

Looking for Wharton MBA 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 Deadlines

The deadlines below apply to the 2024-2025 application cycle. You can start your online application here . 

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

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Wharton MBA Essays 2024-2025: Writing Your “Give & Take” Story

If you are reading this article, you probably already understand the absolute necessity of presenting a compelling case for your candidacy in the prompt for your MBA essay. If you are pursuing a University of Pennsylvania Wharton MBA , this is a great opportunity to think about  what you can give back to the business school community. As part of your MBA application to Wharton, you’ll have to answer a couple of questions that go something like this:

• What do you hope to gain professionally from the Wharton MBA? (500 words max)
• Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words max)

These two current Wharton essay prompts are deeply interlinked and must be tackled together. Below, we’ll give one perspective on how to think about these essays during the MBA admissions process, using some wisdom of one of the Wharton School of Business’ luminary professors.

Adam Grant on Givers and Takers

Adam Grant is a professor of organizational psychology at the Wharton School of Business and the author of a number of bestselling books. One of those books, 2013’s Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success , deals with the phenomenon of what Adam Grant labels “givers” and “takers.” In a nutshell, a giver is someone who approaches interactions hoping to contribute something to someone else; a taker is someone who has the opposite approach: every interaction is a chance to get something from someone else. Additionally, Grant identifies a third category which he calls “matchers:” people who balance give and take, living by a sort of de facto quid pro quo.

In brief, his conclusions are as follows: givers account for both the most and least productive people in a work environment. Some givers end up trying too hard to please clients and co-workers and end up either burning out or falling behind. But other givers are able to contribute to the work environment in small, vital ways over time, e.g. providing helpful feedback or making an introduction between two people who could benefit from knowing one another. 

Agreeable and Disagreeable People

Grant also goes on to create a second axis of interaction: agreeable and disagreeable people. This makes a two-by-two matrix where you have disagreeable and agreeable givers as well as disagreeable and agreeable takers. Grant insists that the most dangerous kind of individual in any work environment is the agreeable taker, who gives nothing in return, but is so friendly and pleasant about it that they often go unnoticed. He also makes an important point about the need for disagreeable givers, those individuals who may not have the most tact or personal skills but who, nevertheless, are interested in contributing to their community. He gives the example of the gruff but concerned employee whose feedback is harsh but valuable. 

You can get a more complete understanding of Adam Grant’s ideas about givers, takers, and matchers by watching his famous TED Talk on the subject.

Grant’s ultimate argument is that creating a work environment where givers don’t burn out and where people are not afraid to ask for help, lets the giver mindset be more pervasive, which is to the advantage and success of everyone involved. So, with that understanding, let’s return to the essays you’ll have to write for the Wharton MBA program.

Wharton MBA Essay 1: Takers

If you review the language of the first Wharton MBA essay, you’ll find that it is centered around Grant’s concept of taking:

“What do you hope to gain professionally from the Wharton MBA?”

While this may be a more benign form of taking (after all, no one pursues an education without the hope that it will benefit them), it is important to remember that it still presents something of a trap for those applicants who address it in a purely selfish way. 

What do you want to gain from attending Wharton?

At its core, Essay 1 requires you to have a firm understanding of your career goals. You should be familiar with what you want to accomplish and also be able to specifically refer to the ways in which Wharton will help you achieve it. Listing a bunch of classes is a terrible way to approach this as it does not give the admissions committee sufficient insight into your understanding of the school. Anyone can look up a list of courses, and many institutions will have parallel classes that might fulfill your goals just as easily. 

Therein lies the taker trap: The first Wharton essay is really about understanding Wharton in such a way that your applied knowledge flatters and enhances the admissions committee’s understanding of what it has to offer. What you are doing–to paraphrase Grant–is allowing Wharton to be a giver in such a way that they don’t burn out. You are matching your career goals to what the Wharton MBA has to offer. You are letting them be an agreeable giver whose strengths are being recognized and rewarded.

Wharton Essay 2: Givers

You knew this was coming! If Essay 1 is a prompt that asks you to consider your status as taker, then Essay 2 must be one that encourages you to think of yourself as a giver. If you look at the language of the second prompt, this is made clear:

“Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community?”

Those “specific, meaningful contributions” are what you can give to Wharton. And let’s be clear, you need to be able to give back to your MBA program. Part of an AdCom’s consideration in reviewing candidates is looking at those who can provide great ROI by becoming important members of the alumni network or building innovative clubs. 

It is important to consider the perspective of the school, the community, and the other students when discussing your contribution. Your contribution might be in joining or creating on campus clubs. It might be something about your background that contributes positively to your study group or a team-oriented project. Part of being a giver, however, means understanding what the school wants to receive. This requires a decent amount of research into Wharton student life and the existing campus centers . You don’t want to suggest creating an existing club or organizing a conference that they just had. That kind of misstep will not just fail to mark you as a candidate with something to contribute, it will also mark you as a taker: someone so concerned with what they are getting out of the bargain that they can’t be bothered to figure out what Wharton actually needs.

What will you give back to the school?

So what should you actually propose to give? It is important to pay attention to skills you possess that are in high demand for the MBA program. Without bragging about that skill, you can demonstrate your value as an MBA student while also reinforcing that you want to put your abilities at the disposal of the program that will undoubtedly be giving you a leg up. Similarly, you may want to propose some kind of collaborative effort that brings together two or more clubs, or involves a number of different available resources. Provided that the proposal is something that makes sense for you to put out there, this can be a great way to show Wharton that you are interested in working with others and that you want to enrich their already rich experience. 

One way to brainstorm about what you have to give to Wharton–and more broadly, the University of Pennsylvania –is to think about the help you received in putting together the application for the Wharton MBA program in the first place. What individuals or clubs were instrumental in giving you a hand? What did they offer and what did you learn from them? How might you pass on something similar to the students, organizations, and general community of Wharton Business School?

In the end, realigning your mindset to that of a giver is a valuable part of writing a Wharton essay that both reinforces what you have to offer the institution and also, subtly, shows your familiarity with its star professor and the philosophy behind the institution. 

Gain valuable insights into the Wharton AdCom’s preferences with the help of our experienced MBA admission consulting professionals , guided by professor Adam Grant’s theory.

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Wharton Stories

Application tips from the mba admissions committee, “we have a read to admit philosophy, which means that in every application we are looking for reasons to admit you and not reasons to deny you. we are looking for your best day and not your worst.” – blair mannix, director of admissions.

At Wharton, we’re committed to taking the overwhelm out of the MBA Application process. We want to provide you with a better understanding of our application process, and what we’re looking for when we read your application.

We asked members of our Admissions Committee for their best tips to keep in mind when completing your application.

Alix, Senior Associate Director of Admissions

“Here are some common small errors I see when reading applications. Don’t forget to proofread a few times and get someone else’s eyes on your application before you submit!

• Make sure the date ranges of your degrees and professional experiences on your resume match what you’re adding into your application. • Be careful when copy/pasting essays from Word or Notepad. Sometimes the formatting can get wonky when pasting into the application, so double check that your essays are easy on the eyes before you submit. • If you’re applying to more than one school, take extra care to make sure the correct school’s name is in your essays.”

Jake, Director of the Moelis Advance Access Program

“An unfortunate spillover effect from the undergraduate admissions processes is that so many candidates (incorrectly) feel the need to craft some compelling reason(s) for admission. In reality, business school applications contain so much more of a candidate’s history – entire collegiate career, full-time work experience, and other lived experiences – every candidate will naturally be unique in the pool and the best way to find success in the process is to help us forecast their ability to thrive at Wharton and in their future career.”

Jeb, Director of Operations

“Be strategic when crafting your essays – a lot of candidates fall into the trap of reiterating their resumes. We can easily scroll to your resume in the application, so take the opportunity to present new information in your narrative. Feel free to use elements of your other application components as connecting points but avoid a direct rehashing of something you’ve already shared.”

Quinton, Senior Associate Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

“Your short-term and long-term goals are important, but so is your personal narrative of how you’ve arrived at this point in your life. Don’t neglect the story of your journey! It’s made you stronger and an important part of who you are.”

Blair, Director of Admissions

“When you craft your resume, think about who is reading it. The Wharton MBA Admissions Committee is looking to see your development as a professional and we know that does not always reflect in job titles. Think about writing your resume highlighting the skills you have gained and what you have learned as a professional during your career.

A lot of people worry about differentiating themselves in the application process but one thing that I think is important to understand about our side of the table is that applications feel so vastly different so quickly. Every applicant is different, different educational histories, different backgrounds, different career paths and goals for the program.”

The Admissions Committee has created a comprehensive Application Guide available for download to provide insight and advice on submitting a successful application that puts your academic accomplishments, leadership potential, and your personal and community contributions on display.

— Abby Behrends, Associate Director of Marketing and Communication, MBA Admissions

Posted: August 31, 2022

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Ready to Apply? This guide will provide insight and advice on submitting a successful application that puts your academic accomplishments, leadership potential, and your personal and community contributions on display.

Download Application Guide

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2023-2024 Wharton MBA Essay Analysis: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Applicants

The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, one of the most prestigious business schools in the world, offers a highly sought-after MBA program. If you’re aspiring to join this elite institution, it’s crucial to understand the intricacies of their application process, particularly the essay section. In this article, we will delve into the Wharton MBA essay analysis for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, offering valuable insights and tips to help you stand out in this competitive landscape.

If you want to read more about the admission process check  this blog out !

Understanding the Wharton MBA Application

Your Gateway to Excellence

Wharton’s MBA application process is renowned for its rigorous selection criteria. Here are the key elements of the application:

1. Personal Essay

• Your Story Matters : The personal essay is your canvas to paint a picture of your unique journey, experiences, and aspirations. Be authentic and let your voice shine through.

2. Professional Essay

• Showcase Your Achievements : The professional essay is where you can highlight your career accomplishments. Focus on your achievements, leadership roles, and impact.

3. Recommender Questions

• Choose Wisely : Select recommenders who can provide meaningful insights into your abilities and character.

4. Academic Transcripts

• Highlight Your Academic Prowess : Ensure your transcripts reflect your dedication to academic excellence.

The Wharton MBA Essays: Deconstructed

Essay 1: How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)

Introduction (1-2 paragraphs):

• Start with a strong hook or a brief personal anecdote that connects to your career and educational journey.
• Clearly state your short and long-term professional goals.
• Mention your intention to use the Wharton MBA program as a pivotal step in achieving those goals.

Body (3-4 paragraphs):  In this section, elaborate on your plans and how the Wharton MBA program aligns with them. Be sure to consider the following:

• Past Experience : Discuss your relevant work experience and how it has shaped your career aspirations. Highlight specific achievements and skills you’ve gained.
• Short-Term Goals : Clearly define your immediate post-MBA goals. Explain how these goals relate to your past experience and how they fit into your overall career plan.
• Long-Term Goals : Describe your long-term career vision. Explain how your short-term goals are stepping stones towards your long-term objectives. This should demonstrate a logical and coherent career progression.
• Wharton Resources : Discuss specific resources, programs, or opportunities at Wharton that will help you achieve your goals. Mention professors, courses, clubs, or any unique features of the Wharton program that align with your ambitions.
• Why Wharton : Explain why you believe Wharton is the ideal place to pursue your MBA. Mention the school’s strengths, culture, or values that resonate with your goals and values. Show that you’ve done your research and are genuinely enthusiastic about the school.

Conclusion (1 paragraph):  Sum up your essay by reiterating your commitment to achieving your goals and emphasizing how Wharton’s MBA program will be the catalyst for your success.

General Tips:

• Be concise. You only have 500 words, so every sentence should serve a purpose.
• Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points.
• Make sure your essay flows logically and coherently.
• Proofread for grammar, spelling, and clarity.
• Connect your narrative, goals, and reasons for choosing Wharton in a cohesive manner.
• Tailor your essay to Wharton’s unique offerings and culture to show you’ve put thought into your application.

Remember that this essay is an opportunity to not only convey your career plans but also to demonstrate how Wharton’s program is an essential part of realizing those plans. 

Essay 2: Essay 2: Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

The Wharton School’s Essay 2 prompt is a critical part of your application, as it asks you to reflect on your background (personal, professional, and academic) and outline your plan for making meaningful contributions to the Wharton community. This prompt is designed to assess not only your fit with Wharton but also your understanding of how you can contribute to the school’s culture and values.

Here’s how you can approach this essay:

• Understanding Your Background:  To respond effectively, you need to start by reflecting on your life experiences. Consider your personal, professional, and academic journey. What unique experiences, skills, or perspectives have you gained along the way? This is your opportunity to showcase what makes you stand out.
• Research on Wharton:  It’s crucial to understand Wharton’s values, culture, and community. What specific programs, clubs, or opportunities at Wharton align with your background and interests? Doing your homework on Wharton’s offerings will help you tailor your response.
• Your Contribution Plan:  In the essay, you should clearly outline how you plan to contribute to the Wharton community. This should be specific and realistic. What clubs or organizations will you join? How will you actively participate and add value? Are there particular academic or extracurricular initiatives you plan to lead or support?
• Fit with Wharton:  Demonstrate that you’ve thought deeply about why Wharton is the right place for you. Highlight the aspects of the program that align with your background and your goals. This helps the admissions committee see that you’re genuinely interested in their program.
• Be Genuine and Personal:  This essay is an opportunity to showcase your authentic self. Don’t just list achievements or generic qualities; share stories and personal anecdotes that highlight your unique qualities and experiences.
• Conciseness and Clarity:  Remember that you’re limited to 400 words. Make every word count. Avoid being too broad or too verbose. Instead, focus on a few key points that illustrate your potential impact on the Wharton community.
• Proofread and Edit:  Like any essay, it’s essential to proofread your response for grammar, spelling, and clarity. Sloppy writing can detract from the impact of your essay.

Here’s a sample structure for your response:

Introduction:  Briefly introduce yourself and your background.

Body:  Discuss your personal, professional, and academic experiences that have prepared you for a role in the Wharton community. Link these experiences to specific Wharton offerings and explain how they align with your goals.

Contribution Plan:  Describe in detail how you plan to contribute to the Wharton community. Be specific about the clubs, programs, or initiatives you want to be a part of.

Conclusion:  Summarize your key points, reiterate your enthusiasm for Wharton, and express your commitment to making meaningful contributions.

Remember that the goal is to create a well-rounded and authentic portrayal of yourself and your fit with Wharton. Be sure to tailor your response to the specific resources and opportunities that Wharton offers to its MBA students.

Required Essay for all Reapplicants: Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)

The Wharton School’s MBA reapplicant essay prompt is an opportunity for you to demonstrate self-awareness, growth, and your commitment to the MBA program. In a limited 250-word space, you should aim to address the following key points:

• Acknowledge the Past Application:  Begin by acknowledging that you are a reapplicant. Briefly mention the previous application to set the context for your growth and reflection.
• Self-Reflection:  Discuss how you have reflected on your previous application and the feedback you received, if any. Highlight any specific areas or weaknesses you’ve identified, and explain how you’ve taken steps to address them.
• Personal and Professional Growth:  Share the ways in which you have grown since your last application. This could include professional achievements, promotions, new responsibilities, or personal development.
• Academic and Extracurricular Updates:  If you have pursued additional coursework or taken part in new extracurricular or volunteer activities, mention these here. Explain how these experiences have added value to your candidacy and helped you develop relevant skills.
• Why Wharton:  Conclude by reaffirming your interest in the Wharton School and how the changes and growth you’ve undergone make you an even stronger candidate for their program.

Here’s a sample response within the 250-word limit:

“Since my last application to the Wharton School, I have embarked on a journey of profound self-reflection and growth. The feedback I received from my previous application served as a catalyst for self-improvement, and I have taken significant steps to enhance my candidacy.

Professionally, I have been promoted to a senior management position at my current organization, leading a cross-functional team that has achieved record-breaking results in revenue growth. These experiences have not only bolstered my leadership skills but have also deepened my understanding of the dynamic business landscape.

In terms of academics, I pursued additional coursework in [abc] and data analytics, which I believe has better equipped me to thrive in Wharton’s rigorous academic environment. Moreover, I took on a leadership role in a non-profit organization, where I helped to [work done] to giving back to the community.

My journey of growth and self-discovery has reaffirmed my strong desire to be a part of Wharton’s transformative MBA program. I am excited to apply again and confident that the experiences and self-improvement I’ve undergone make me an even stronger candidate for Wharton.”

This is only a sample cue.

Optional Essay: Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. (500 words)

The optional essay for the Wharton School is a valuable opportunity to provide additional context, share personal insights, or address any aspects of your application that may require clarification or elaboration. Here’s a suggested structure and approach for your optional essay, keeping it within the 500-word limit:

Introduction (1-2 sentences):

• Start with a clear and concise introduction that states your purpose for writing the optional essay.

Additional Information (2-3 paragraphs):

• Use this section to share information about yourself that is not covered elsewhere in your application. This could include personal experiences, hobbies, passions, or unique qualities that make you stand out.
• Explain why this information is important for the Admissions Committee to know. How does it add value to your application or provide a more complete picture of who you are as a candidate?

Extenuating Circumstances (if applicable, 2-3 paragraphs):

• If you need to address any extenuating circumstances, such as gaps in work experience, a dip in academic performance, or concerns about your choice of recommenders, this is the place to do it.
• Be honest and transparent about the situation. Explain the circumstances and the steps you’ve taken to address or overcome them.
• Highlight any lessons learned or personal growth that resulted from these challenges.

Why Wharton (if relevant, 1-2 paragraphs):

• If you have specific reasons for choosing Wharton and they haven’t been adequately covered in your main essay, you can briefly touch on them here. Be concise and clear about why Wharton is the right fit for your goals.

Conclusion (1-2 sentences):

• Conclude your essay with a brief summary of the key points you’ve addressed in the optional essay.

Tips for Writing the Optional Essay:

• Be concise: Stick to the word limit and keep your writing clear and to the point.
• Focus on the positive: Even when addressing extenuating circumstances, emphasize how you’ve grown or what you’ve learned from the experience.
• Be honest and authentic: The Admissions Committee values genuine self-reflection and authenticity.
• Use this space wisely: Avoid repeating information from other parts of your application, and only share what adds value.
• Proofread: Carefully review your essay for grammar and spelling errors to ensure it’s well-written and polished.

Remember, the optional essay is a valuable opportunity to strengthen your application or address any concerns, so use it thoughtfully to present yourself in the best possible light to the Admissions Committee at the Wharton School.

Crafting Compelling Essays

Your Path to Success

Now that we’ve outlined the components, let’s discuss how to craft compelling essays:

• Be Authentic : Use your own voice and be honest in your storytelling. The admissions committee appreciates authenticity.
• Show Impact : Demonstrate the impact you’ve made in your professional and personal life. Use real examples.
• Research Wharton : Understand the unique features of Wharton and explain why you’re a great fit.
• Edit and Proofread : Ensure your essays are free of errors and well-structured.

In conclusion, the Wharton MBA essay analysis for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle reveals that being true to yourself and effectively showcasing your achievements and aspirations is the key to a successful application. Take the time to create well-crafted essays that reflect your unique journey and ambitions. Incase you need any help with crafting your essays – Contact us at [email protected] or via phone at (+91) 8766202047 and (+91) 9990493487.

1. What are the key elements of a successful Wharton MBA application in 2023-2024?

• Providing an overview of the application components and what Wharton looks for can be a valuable resource for applicants.

2. How can I make my Wharton MBA essays stand out in the competitive admissions process?

• Offering practical tips on creating compelling essays that resonate with the admissions committee can help applicants set themselves apart.

3. What are the common mistakes to avoid when crafting Wharton MBA essays?

• Discussing errors to steer clear of can guide applicants in refining their essays for better chances of success.

4. Is it advisable to hire a professional editor for my Wharton MBA essays?

• Exploring the pros and cons of seeking professional editing services can be informative for candidates considering this option.

5. How does Wharton assess the fit of an applicant with their program, and why is it important to address in the essays?

• Explaining how demonstrating a genuine connection with Wharton can enhance an application’s competitiveness is crucial information for prospective students.

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