Wharton Stories: Clusters and Cohorts

“Being at Wharton is actually a great time to start a family. It certainly takes a village – but you have so much support here. Wharton gave me more decision-making power and flexibility in becoming a mother than I would have ever imagined.” — Nancy Yuan, WG’24

How Wharton’s “New Parents Accommodation Policy” Supports Young Families

“I applied to Wharton as an international student, so I understand that it’s always more helpful talking to someone that’s been in your shoes. I think having this programming is a great way for prospective students from Africa or of African descent to engage with other Africans at Wharton and ask specific questions about our MBA experience.” — Aramide Akinkugbe, WG24

Celebrating 30 Years of the Wharton Africa Business Forum

“At Wharton, you can truly customize your experience and tailor it to your goals. I realized there were so many things I could do and consider, but having my top priorities in mind at all times helped prevent analysis paralysis and maximize my time effectively.” – Sara Ganz, WG’24 and MBA Leadership Fellow

Back-to-School Wisdom From a Wharton MBA Leadership Fellow

“You are going to meet people at Pre-Term who are going to be in your life for the rest of your life, so take time to get to know everyone around you.” — Kristen Auch, Director of External Strategy, MBA Admissions

Wharton MBA Pre-Term: An Unforgettable Orientation Experience

All around the world, MBA students are connecting virtually with alumni in their own cities through the new Wharton Alumni Welcome program.

Community Away from Campus

Students sit in tiered Wharton classroom listening to a teacher.
Between inspiring young students to study STEM and interning at Procter & Gamble, Ben Onukwube, WG’20, is doing his best to help others be theirs.

Why This Computer Engineer is Working Towards His Best Self at Wharton

Students in matching green shirts dance, facing away from the camera and towards the crowd of divided green and red.
The Cluster experience begins during Pre-Term, continues with Cluster suppers and events, and caps the first year with the Cluster Cup. Spanning the entire year, it incorporates advising, academic achievement, and social responsibility.

How Wharton Clusters Build Connections From Pre-Term and On

MBA Clusters walking down Locust Walk
Each Cluster has built a lasting legacy in five short years — complete with mottos, cheers, costumes, and signature events they’ve passed on from class to class.

What Makes Each Wharton Cluster Unique

The Cluster and Cohort system was designed with the hope that it takes a group of 864 and allows it to feel like a smaller community.

How a Wharton MBA Cluster Is Built

Orientation in Irvine
Think of Convocation as a bookend to Commencement — you walk together as a class for the first time through the doors of Irvine Auditorium and in two years, you’ll process out of the Palestra as Wharton graduates.

The Story Behind Wharton Convocation and 7 Pieces of Advice to Begin Your Academic Journey