Last year, Wharton didn’t change its essays after years of shrinking its application. However, Wharton has made significant changes to its recommendations. It asks recommenders to choose from two lists of positive adjectives the three that best describe the applicant. In addition, Wharton asks recommenders for two examples – one demonstrating fit with Wharton and one showing the candidate’s career potential.
In discussion at the AIGAC conference, Frank DeVecchis acknowledged that on some level “recommendation” or “evaluation” are misnomers for what Wharton is looking for from the people asked to provide “recommendation.” They are looking for insight into your character. Not a recommendation or an evaluation.
My tips for completing the Wharton application essays are in blue below.
Essay 1.
What do you hope to gain professionally from the Wharton MBA? (500 words maximum)
This question is exclusively “professional.” What do you want to do professionally that you can’t do now and that a Wharton MBA will help you do? What “soft” and “hard” skills do you hope to acquire at Wharton? How will a Wharton MBA – the education, the credential, and the experience – help you achieve your dreams?
As with most MBA goals questions, Wharton wants to see how you plan to connect your Wharton education to your future. Keep in mind that Wharton has an incredibly rich curriculum. How will you take advantage of its premier offerings to prepare yourself to achieve your vision for the future?
To answer this question well, you need to have professional direction and you need to know which of Wharton’s myriad resources make it perfect as the next stop on your professional journey.
Essay 2.
Describe an impactful experience or accomplishment that is not reflected elsewhere in your application. How will you use what you learned through that experience to contribute to the Wharton community? (400 words maximum)
Additional Question (required for all Reapplicants):
Explain how you have reflected on the previous decision about your application, and discuss any updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)*
The name of the MBA reapplicant game is Growth and Improvement. Wharton is asking for reflection and you need to provide it, but also show how that reflection led to action and improvement. You need to be a better candidate this time than last.
*First-time applicants may also use this section to address any extenuating circumstances. (250 words)
“Addressing extenuating circumstances” means that you should describe those circumstances in a straight-forward way. Give the admissions committee context. Avoid excuses and whining.
If you would like professional guidance with your Wharton MBA application, please consider Accepted’s MBA essay editing and MBA admissions consulting or our MBA Application Packages, which include advising, editing, interview coaching, and a resume edit for the Wharton MBA application.
Wharton 2017-18 Application Deadlines:
| Application Deadline | |
| Round 1 | September 18, 2018 |
| Round 2 | January 3, 2019 |
| Round 3 | April 2, 2019 |
*To be considered for a round, you must submit a complete application by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of the deadline.
***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***
Related Resources:
• Meet Dr. Akshat Kumar, Wharton MBA ‘19, a podcast episode
• Wharton MBA Program Announces Establishment of Moelis Advance Access Program
• How to Ace Your Team Based Interview [4 Tips for the Big Day]
The post Wharton MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog.
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