The Wharton School MBA Program
Where knowledge meets impact. The world's first business school continues to define the future of business education with unmatched breadth and academic rigor.
Key Information
Application Deadlines 2025-26:
What Makes Wharton Unique
The most comprehensive business education in the world with unmatched academic rigor
Finance Powerhouse
Undisputed #1 for finance with more investment banking and PE placements than any other school. Home to the world's top finance faculty.
Analytics Leadership
First school to require data analytics for all students. Leading programs in business analytics, statistics, and quantitative finance.
Flexible Curriculum
Most flexible top MBA with 19 majors, 200+ electives, and ability to take courses across Penn's 11 other schools.
Real Estate #1
The undisputed leader in real estate education with the Zell/Lurie Center and strongest industry connections globally.
Global Reach
Largest alumni network (99,000+) with the Wharton Global Forums in major cities worldwide. San Francisco campus for West Coast presence.
Academic Excellence
More business school faculty publications than any other school. Birthplace of modern finance theory and countless business innovations.
Wharton Requirements & Class Profile
Understanding what Wharton looks for in the largest top-tier MBA class
GMAT Range
620-790
Median: 733
GRE Range
V155-170, Q155-170
Median: V162/Q162
GPA Range
3.31-3.96
Median: 3.65
Work Experience
2-15 years
Median: 5 years
International Students
36%
Women
48%
What Wharton Really Looks For
Based on insights from former admissions officers and successful admits
Core Evaluation Criteria
Innovation & Impact
History of driving change and creating value
Team Leadership
Collaborative approach and ability to inspire others
Academic Excellence
Strong analytical skills and intellectual horsepower
The "Wharton Type"
Data-Driven Decision Makers
Comfort with numbers and analytical thinking
Global Perspective
Experience working across cultures and markets
Social Impact Focus
Commitment to business as a force for good
Pre-MBA Industries
Post-MBA Career Placement
Consulting
27% of class
$190,000
Financial Services
36% of class
$175,000
Technology
16% of class
$180,000
Healthcare
8% of class
$165,000
Real Estate
5% of class
$160,000
Other
8% of class
$160,000
19 MBA Majors & Unique Programs
The most comprehensive MBA curriculum with unmatched depth and flexibility
Popular Wharton Majors
Finance & Quantitative
- • Finance
- • Quantitative Finance
- • Business Analytics
- • Statistics
Management & Strategy
- • Strategic Management
- • Entrepreneurship
- • Multinational Management
- • Operations & Information
Industry-Focused
- • Real Estate
- • Health Care Management
- • Marketing
- • Environmental & Risk
Unique Wharton Programs
- Lauder Institute: MBA/MA in International Studies
- Wharton San Francisco: Semester on West Coast
- Analytics Accelerator: Advanced data science training
- Semester in San Francisco: Innovation immersion
- Global Immersion Program: 12 countries available
Dual Degree Options
- MBA/JD: With Penn Law (3 years)
- MBA/MD: With Perelman School of Medicine
- MBA/MPA: Harvard Kennedy School partnership
- MBA/MS: Engineering, Computer Science options
- MBA/VMD: Veterinary medicine business
How to Get Into Wharton
Proven strategies from applicants who succeeded at the world's most comprehensive MBA
Essay Strategy: Standing Out in a Large Pool
Essay 1: Career Goals (500 words)
- Be specific about post-MBA role, company, and location
- Connect Wharton's specific resources to your goals
- Show knowledge of your target industry/function
- Avoid: Vague goals, generic "Why Wharton" reasons
Essay 2: Contribution (400 words)
- Focus on unique experiences and perspectives
- Connect to specific Wharton clubs/initiatives
- Show how you'll enhance classroom discussions
Team-Based Discussion (TBD)
Format Overview
- • 35-minute group exercise with 5-6 candidates
- • 1-minute individual pitch + group discussion
- • Evaluated on collaboration, not competition
- • No advance preparation possible
Success Tips
- • Listen actively and build on others' ideas
- • Facilitate consensus, don't dominate
- • Stay positive and supportive
- • Quality over quantity of contributions
Key Insight: Wharton values collaborative leaders. The TBD tests your ability to work effectively in teams—a core skill for success at Wharton and beyond.
Common Wharton Application Mistakes
Treating essays as resume summaries
Essays should reveal new dimensions of your candidacy
Being overly competitive in TBD
Collaboration trumps individual performance
Ignoring quantitative preparation
Wharton's rigor requires strong analytical skills
Generic "Why Wharton" responses
Show specific knowledge of programs and culture
Life at Wharton
A vibrant community in the heart of Philadelphia
Huntsman Hall
State-of-the-art facilities with collaborative spaces and trading room
Cohort System
~70 person cohorts create tight-knit learning communities
150+ Clubs
From Wharton Finance Club to Wine Club, something for everyone
Philadelphia
Affordable city with rich history, culture, and food scene
Signature Wharton Experiences
Academic & Professional
- MBA Career Week: 200+ employers on campus
- Wharton Finance Conference: Largest student-run conference
- Global Modular Courses: 1-week intensives worldwide
- Venture Fellows: Work with VCs and startups
Social & Cultural
- Welcome Weekend: Epic start to MBA journey
- Walnut Walk: Weekly Thursday social tradition
- Wharton Vegas: Annual trip with 800+ students
- Follies: Student-produced comedy show
Ready to Join the Wharton Community?
Navigate Wharton's unique application process with former admissions officers who've helped 200+ students gain admission to this finance and analytics powerhouse.