MBA Admissions Blog

Hello, 2017!

Happy New Year! The Wharton campus has come back to life following the holiday break, and while the weather has turned colder this winter season, activity in the MBA Admissions and Financial Aid office is certainly heating up. The Round 2 application deadline has passed, and campus visit dates are…Read More

Time for Team Based Discussions!

A small group of people in business attire are seated around a wooden conference table in a meeting room, engaged in discussion. One person is standing with a clipboard. The room has a large window and framed pictures on the walls.

Invitations for Round 1 applicants to interview were sent November 2, and if you were invited, you will participate in a Team Based Discussion (TBD) and a one-on-one interview in the next few days — either on campus in Philadelphia, or in one of several major cities around the world,…Read More

Round 1 Complete – Now What Happens?

A small group of people listens attentively in a classroom or seminar setting, with a focus on a smiling individual in the foreground.

The Round 1 written application deadline for the Class of 2019 is in the books, and congratulations and best wishes to those who applied during this cycle. We can hear your sigh of relief from our offices in Vance Hall! With November right in front of us, here’s what will…Read More

A Salute to our Veterans

Headshot of a person with short hair, wearing a yellow top, softly smiling, in front of a blurred background with natural light.

Last week we welcomed the Class of 2018 to Wharton and the city of Philadelphia. Our 851 new students are working their way through an action-packed schedule of Pre-Term activities including academics, sports and social activities, networking, career events, and numerous orientations. The Admissions team’s sights now turn to the…Read More

Updates to the 2016-17 Application

A person with short hair is smiling in a headshot. The background is softly blurred with hints of greenery, suggesting an outdoor or window view.

School is out for summer!  Things might be quiet here on campus, but the Admissions department has already begun hitting the road to connect with applicants for the Class of 2019.  Check out our events calendar to see when we’ll be in your area. In early August the application for…Read More

The End of Another School Year

A person with short hair is smiling in a headshot. The background is softly blurred with hints of greenery, suggesting an outdoor or window view.

Graduation week is here! This one special week marks so many things to celebrate – the Class of 2017 have completed their first year of the program and are now heading off to their awesome summer internships, alumni of all ages from across the globe return to campus this weekend…Read More

The Home Stretch

A person with short hair is smiling in a headshot. The background is softly blurred with hints of greenery, suggesting an outdoor or window view.

We’re in the home stretch here on campus – classes are wrapping up at the end of April and graduation is on the horizon. Now is the time when we all take a moment to reflect on how the academic year went and ask students for their feedback on their…Read More

Wharton Team-Based Discussions: San Francisco

Sign for Wharton University of Pennsylvania in front of palm trees and a large suspension bridge.

The contrast of Wharton SF to Wharton Philadelphia is stark. The University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia campus, the first university in the United States, still very much embodies what you think of the time in which Benjamin Franklin founded it; cobblestone streets, gothic pathways, and a muted array of grays, blues…Read More

Wharton Team-Based Discussions: Mumbai

A person taking a selfie inside a building with concrete steps and other people in the background.

As one of the new members of the Wharton MBA Admissions and Financial Aid Office I am both elated and passionate to be on the team that is working in partnership with so many talented people to continue to keep Wharton renowned and strong. In my short tenure I have…Read More

Wharton Team-Based Discussions: São Paulo

A nighttime cityscape image showcasing a densely packed urban area filled with tall buildings and illuminated windows against a dark sky. Bright streetlights and a few scattered trees are visible in the foreground.

Olá a partir de São Paulo! As we wrap up four days of Team-Based Discussions I am happy to share some reflections on my short time here. First, the Wharton alumni network is stronger than ever in South America. The overwhelming majority of TBD participants had interacted with and drawn…Read More

2016: Off to Great Start

A person with short hair is smiling in a headshot. The background is softly blurred with hints of greenery, suggesting an outdoor or window view.

Happy New Year! Our office is back to buzzing with activity after a short time away for the holidays. We’re in the midst of preparing for Winter Welcome Weekend for admitted students at the end of January, and we are looking forward to tackling a whole new collection of applications…Read More

Try, try again…

Headshot of a person with short hair, wearing a yellow top, softly smiling, in front of a blurred background with natural light.

Yesterday, our office released our Round 1 decisions. While this day comes with excitement and positivity, it is often bittersweet since there are many applicants that are not receiving happy news. Building a new MBA class and making admissions decisions is not easy – these are choices that take careful…Read More

Early Start to an Exciting Day

A person with short hair is smiling in a headshot. The background is softly blurred with hints of greenery, suggesting an outdoor or window view.

This morning at 6 am, coffee and donuts on hand, the Admissions Team began calling Round 1 admits to congratulate them on the good news. I cannot tell you how much we enjoy doing this and hearing the shouts of excitement and happiness on the other end of the line.…Read More

The Class of 2017

Headshot of a person with short hair, wearing a yellow sweater, smiling slightly, against a softly blurred background.

August brings two new things: a fresh application process and the arrival of the Class of 2017 to Wharton and Philadelphia! Welcoming the new class always brings a certain exhilarating energy to campus and we get pumped up and ready for another great year at Wharton. Pre-Term is underway and…Read More

2015-16 Application is Live!

A couple of people are seated on comfortable chairs with open laptops in a modern office setting, engaged in a conversation with smiles.

For all candidates looking to join the Wharton MBA Class of 2018, the application is now live on our website! Last year we streamlined the process and we’re pleased to be sticking with this format moving into this application cycle. Be sure to refer to the application requirements and deadlines…Read More

Update on Summer Recruitment

A modern brick building with large reflective windows, surrounded by trees. There is an outdoor seating area with umbrellas and people sitting at tables.

With our incoming MBAs arriving on campus in a few weeks, it’s hard to believe that our office is in full recruitment mode for the Class of 2018! We’re excited to hit the road again later this month and we look forward to meeting more of you around various parts…Read More

As Summer Approaches

Headshot of a person with short hair, wearing a yellow sweater, smiling slightly, against a softly blurred background. Two remarkable years have flown by and the Class of 2015 will graduate on May 17th and then disperse around the globe to begin the next chapter in their lives. Although we will miss having them on campus, we know that they will always be a part of the Wharton…Read More

2014-15 Campus Visit Program

A couple of people sitting and talking on a stone ledge in an outdoor area with grass and a modern architectural structure. Other individuals are in the background.

The excitement on campus is especially evident these days – students are finishing classes and studying for exams, preparations for graduation are well under way, and we are in the process of finalizing the incoming class of MBAs! With the semester coming to a close this week, we will be…Read More

Spring Has Sprung

Headshot of a person with short hair, wearing a yellow sweater, smiling slightly, against a softly blurred background. Last week, students returned from spring break and our faculty and staff flew back from the Global Forum in Bangkok. Campus is now abuzz again and all of Wharton is settled in for the final stretch of the academic year. As spring (and hopefully warmer weather) begins, we mark another…Read More

Mid-Round Update

A snow-covered pathway lined with trees, where several people are walking. The trees'' branches are heavy with snow, creating a tunnel-like effect.

Like that old Pennsylvania saying, March definitely came roaring in like a lion. With extra cold temperatures and plenty of snow, the Wharton community is very excited that Spring Break has arrived. More importantly, we are quickly wrapping up our Round 2 Team-Based Discussions, both on campus and abroad, and…Read More

Visiting Campus During the Spring Semester

A snow-covered pathway lined with trees, where several people are walking. The trees'' branches are heavy with snow, creating a tunnel-like effect.

We look forward to resuming our campus visit program on Monday, January 26th. For more information on what we offer and how to register, please check out our website. Aside from the regular on-campus visits, we are gearing up for some of our special-interest Spring visit days as well. Follow…Read More

Walking in a Wharton Wonderland

Headshot of a person with short hair, wearing a light-colored blazer and necklace, smiling in front of a blue background.

Today was a good day for us here at Wharton MBA Admissions! We placed calls to our Round 1 admitted students this morning to congratulate them. It is incredibly exciting for us to begin building and welcoming the MBA Class of 2017. The excitement and enthusiasm on the other end…Read More

Round 1 Invitations to Interview

Headshot of a person with short hair, wearing a light-colored blazer and necklace, smiling in front of a blue background.

Last Friday we notified all Round 1 applicants about their interview status.  I want to thank everyone who applied as our team knows how much time, energy, and focus it takes to apply to B-School.  I’d also like to acknowledge and apologize for the technical difficulties that arose during the…Read More

Round 1 Update

A group of people walking through a lobby with large glass doors. The floor mat has "Wharton" written on it, indicating a university or business school setting.

As the leaves change color in Philadelphia, the Admissions Team continues to hunker down and read through your Round 1 applications. We have thoroughly enjoyed learning more about each of you through your personal stories and experiences. With November quickly approaching, we wanted to update you on where the team will be traveling for…Read More

Opportunities to Visit Wharton

A tree-lined street in autumn with colorful leaves. People are walking under the canopy, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere.

As you are wrapping up your Round 1 applications, we wanted to highlight that our campus visit program will start up again on Monday, September, 29th. The visit program takes place on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays throughout the academic year, and provides a wonderful opportunity for candidates to experience the…Read More

Wrapping Up Summer Travel

A sign for Wharton School, part of the University of Pennsylvania, with palm trees and a building in the background.

Now that we are mid-way through September, the Class of 2016 has officially started to settle in to life at Wharton. The past few weeks have been busy on campus between Pre-Term events, Convocation and ramping up for another academic year. On the admissions front, the team has been scattered…Read More

Highlights from Penn’s JD/MBA Program

A person standing at a podium, speaking in a formal setting with elegant decor, including a plant and striped wallpaper.

It’s been a busy summer for the JD/MBA Program here at Penn. While the majority of Penn Law and Wharton MBA students spent the past few months working at their summer internships, our rising 2L JD/MBAs were busy in the classroom completing a 14 credit semester’s worth of work in…Read More

A New Cycle, A New Academic Year

Maryellen Lamb, Wharton Deputy Vice Dean

And so it begins! The 2014-15 application is now live! As mentioned in previous posts, we have streamlined the application process and made some key changes to the application itself. If you are a first time applicant or reapplicant, know that the Admissions team is here to assist you if you have…Read More

Around the Globe

A colorful, ornate cathedral with onion-shaped domes under a cloudy sky, with several people walking in the foreground.

Planning is well underway and excitement is building as we prepare for the Class of 2016’s arrival for Pre-Term in August! The MBA Admissions team is in full recruitment mode for the Class of 2017 and we have enjoyed meeting many of you on the road throughout parts of Asia,…Read More

Holiday Office Closing

A lush, tree-lined walkway with a few people walking or sitting, creating a serene and shaded urban park scene.

The Office of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid will be closed starting at 2:00 pm on Thursday, July 3rd through 8:30 am on Monday, July 7th in honor of Independence Day. Please contact us at mba-admiss@wharton.upenn.edu should any questions arise during this time. Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday weekend!…Read More

Summer Travel Continues

A group of children in school uniforms smiling and making peace signs, gathered around two adults outdoors near a tree.

A quiet week on campus is always a sign that travel season has begun and the Admissions team is scattered around the world. The Wharton Global Forum Beijing was held last week, bringing together faculty, staff, students, alumni and industry leaders to network and speak to the theme of “Growth…Read More

On the Road Again…

A joyful group of graduates in caps and gowns, walking and celebrating together, with two individuals in the foreground shaking hands and smiling.

Congratulations, again, to the MBA Class of 2014! It has been exciting to see all of the photos that have hit Facebook, Flickr, and Twitter over the past couple of weeks, and we wish you well as you embark upon this next journey. Now that campus has started to settle…Read More

As one round closes another begins…

Aerial view of an urban landscape featuring a prominent red-brick building with a rounded roof in the foreground, surrounded by trees. The cityscape extends into the background with numerous high-rise buildings under a clear blue sky.

Happy April! Spring has finally arrived here, in Philadelphia, and it’s so nice to see people outside enjoying the slightly warmer weather. Last week was an exciting time in the MBA Admissions Office, as we released Round 2 decisions on March 25th and officially closed the 2013-2014 application process with…Read More

Looking Ahead

A group of people walking through an entrance lobby with large glass doors. The floor displays the text "Wharton" and "University of Pennsylvania."

Happy March! As Round 2 interviews wrap up in the coming days, we wanted to provide a quick update in advance of the decision release date and the Round 3 application deadline at the end of the month. Over the past couple of weeks, the Admissions team has thoroughly enjoyed…Read More

Campus Visit Program Update

A lush, tree-lined walkway with a few people walking or sitting, creating a serene and shaded urban park scene.

The formal campus visit program will not be running during the week of March 10, 2014 due to spring break, but the MBA Admissions and Financial Aid Office will be open as usual during this time. The campus visit program will start back up again on Monday, March 17th. For more…Read More

University Closing

A snowy park pathway with a large, red abstract sculpture and several people walking. Bare trees line the path, and buildings are visible in the background.

The University will be closed on Thursday, February 13, 2014 due to impending inclement weather. Our office will re-open on Friday, February 14th at 8:30 am. Please e-mail us directly at mba-admiss@wharton.upenn.edu should you have any immediate questions. Thank you all for your patience as we make our way through the winter…Read More

Closing Early Due to Weather

A snow-covered walkway lined with trees and lamp posts, where several people dressed in winter clothing are walking.

The MBA Admissions & Financial Aid Office will be closing at 2:30 pm today, February 3, 2014, due to inclement weather. Our office will re-open on Tuesday, February 4th at 8:30 am. Please e-mail our office directly at mba-admiss@wharton.upenn.edu should you have any immediate questions.

Round 2 Update

A snowy urban scene with several people walking down a tree-lined path. Streetlights and bare trees frame the street, and snow is falling steadily.

Campus is in full swing again with all of our students back from their winter break travels and our first year MBAs in the midst of the Focused Recruiting Period (FRP). As for the MBA Admissions team, we have been thoroughly enjoying reading your Round 2 applications and getting to…Read More

Closed Due to Weather

A snowy park pathway with a large, red abstract sculpture and several people walking. Bare trees line the path, and buildings are visible in the background.

The University is closed today, January 22, 2014, due to inclement weather. Our office will re-open on Thursday, January 23rd at 8:30 am. Please e-mail our office directly at mba-admiss@wharton.upenn.edu should you have any immediate questions. We also look forward to our campus visit program starting back up on Monday, January 27th.…Read More

MBA Admissions & Financial Aid Closing Early

A group of people walking through an entrance lobby with large glass doors. The floor displays the text "Wharton" and "University of Pennsylvania."

The University will be closing early today, January 21, 2014, due to inclement weather. Our office will re-open on Wednesday, January 22nd at 8:30 am. Please e-mail our office directly at mba-admiss@wharton.upenn.edu should you have any immediate questions. We hope that everyone stays safe and warm! The Wharton MBA Admissions…Read More

MBA Admissions & Financial Aid Closed on Monday, January 20th

A snowy park pathway with a large, red abstract sculpture and several people walking. Bare trees line the path, and buildings are visible in the background.

The University will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2014 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Our office will reopen on Tuesday, January 21st at 8:30 am. For any immediate questions, please contact us directly at mba-admiss@wharton.upenn.edu. Have a great weekend, The MBA Admissions & Financial Aid Team

Holiday Closing

A snowy park pathway with a large, red abstract sculpture and several people walking. Bare trees line the path, and buildings are visible in the background.

The MBA Admissions and Financial Aid Office will be closed for the University-wide winter break from Tuesday, December 24, 2013 to Wednesday, January 1, 2014. Round 2 applications are due the following week, on January 7. For Round 2 applicants and other prospective students interested in visiting Wharton in 2014:…Read More

Campus Visit Program Update

A small group of people walking on a sidewalk surrounded by trees and buildings, some carrying backpacks and bags, suggesting a lively campus or urban setting.

The last day for the Wharton campus visit program for the fall semester will be Friday, December 6th, 2013 . The visit program will start back up again on Monday, January 27th, 2014 . For full information about program availability and details, please click here.

Holiday Closing

A group of people walking through an entrance lobby with large glass doors. The floor displays the text "Wharton" and "University of Pennsylvania."

The MBA Admissions & Financial Aid Office will be closed for the holiday starting at 2 pm on Wednesday, November 27th. The office will re-open with its regular hours at 8:30 AM on Monday, December 2nd. For any immediate questions, please contact the MBA Admissions & Financial Aid Office directly at 215-898-6183…Read More

Round 1 Interview Locations

A group of people walking through an entrance lobby with large glass doors. The floor displays the text "Wharton" and "University of Pennsylvania."

Brisk fall weather has (finally!) arrived in Philadelphia and it couldn’t be better timing, as the Admissions team is hunkered down reading your Round 1 applications. We are thoroughly enjoying getting to know each of you through your personal stories and experiences! As November approaches and we begin to look…Read More

Campus Visit Program to start back up…

A group of people walking through an entrance lobby with large glass doors. The floor displays the text "Wharton" and "University of Pennsylvania."

  The Campus Visit Program will start back up on Monday, September 23, 2013. The visit program provides a wonderful opportunity for prospective candidates to experience the Wharton community in-person – by attending classes, touring campus, interacting with students, and learning more about the admissions process. The visit program takes…Read More

MBA Admissions and Financial Aid Closed for Labor Day

The Office of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid will be closed starting at 3 PM on Friday, August 30th through Monday, September 2, 2013. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, September 3rd at 8:30 AM. We hope that everyone enjoys the holiday weekend! -The MBA Admissions and Financial Aid Team

Explore Wharton: Diversity in Action 2013

A tree-lined pedestrian walkway in a park with people walking along the path. The scene is shaded by leafy trees and flanked by street lamps and benches.

Register today for Explore Wharton: Diversity in Action and learn more about the uniquely collaborative environment within the Wharton MBA program. This two-day event will provide the opportunity for candidates from under represented backgrounds to visit our Philadelphia campus, network with current students, attend classes, and receive helpful information about…Read More

MBA Admissions on the road…

A large, red sculpture spelling "LOVE" in an urban park setting, with buildings and trees in the background.

The month of June kicked off summer marketing travel for the MBA Admissions Team. While we still have more trips ahead in the coming months, we wanted to take a second and share some pictures of our adventures on the road. So far we have had the pleasure of meeting…Read More

Wharton Essay Questions 2014 Posted

A person writing on a piece of paper with a silver pen, showing a close-up of the hand and pen, against a wooden surface.

The Wharton MBA 2013-2014 application will be posted in early August, but we are pleased to announce that the essay questions are now available on our website. Please see the questions below or click here for more information. 1. What do you aspire to achieve, personally and professionally, through the…Read More

Meet Wharton in your city this summer!

Skyline of a city at dusk with illuminated skyscrapers, including a prominent building with a pointed spire, under a purple-tinted sky.

Now that the 2012-2013 application cycle has come to a close, we wanted to provide you with the dates and deadlines for the 2013-2014 application process. With these dates in mind, please note that our 2013-2014 application will become available on our website in early August. • Round 1: October…Read More

Round 3 Update and Spring Welcome Weekend

A group of people energetically high-fiving and celebrating, possibly at an outdoor event or gathering.

We are excited to announce that our Round 3 interview invitations were released on Friday, April 5th. If you have not done so already, please check your application status through your myWhartonMBA account and be sure to register for an interview if you have been invited. We look forward to…Read More