Wharton

Applying to the Wharton School at UPenn? Here is everything you need to know about getting in and thriving at this top MBA program! We cover their admission statistics, class profile, life as a Wharton MBA student, and post-business school career prospects.

The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, strategically situated in the dynamic East Coast region of the United States, is acclaimed as one of the most prestigious institutions in the realm of business education. Wharton stands out for its unparalleled focus on finance and entrepreneurial leadership, a distinction that sets it apart from other elite business schools.

What truly differentiates Wharton is its extensive global alumni network, considered among the largest and most influential in the world. This network provides unmatched opportunities for networking, mentorship, and career advancement, thereby enhancing the Wharton experience.

Moreover, Wharton's curriculum, renowned for its rigorous analytical approach and breadth of elective courses, empowers students to tailor their education to their specific career goals. It's this unique combination of a robust alumni network, a customizable and comprehensive curriculum, and a strong focus on finance and entrepreneurship that positions Wharton as a beacon for aspiring business leaders who seek to make a significant impact in the global business arena.

Wharton receives a high volume of applications and offers admission to 22.8%, with 1,442 accepted candidates. Of those admitted, 62% choose to enroll, signifying Wharton's esteemed position as a top-choice MBA program.

Wharton requires GMAT or GRE results no older than five years and accepts both tests equally, including at-home versions monitored by a human proctor. They will start accepting the GMAT Focus for Round 3 and the Moelis Advance Access Program in April 2024.

Wharton students have varied academic pasts: 40% studied Humanities, 33% STEM, and 27% Business. They maintain a solid average GPA of 3.6, and 11% are first-generation college students, adding to the school's rich tapestry of perspectives.

Before embarking on their MBA at this institution, students bring a broad spectrum of professional experiences, distinct from peers at Stanford GSB and Harvard HBS. The most prevalent background is consulting, representing 27% of the student body, higher than both Stanford's and Harvard's 17%. Students from venture capital and private equity form 14% of the cohort, a close second but less than the 17% at Harvard.

Wharton's MBA program graduates enter diverse fields, with 35.8% joining financial services and 25.1% consulting. Other sectors like technology (14.9%), healthcare (4.3%), and consumer products (3.4%) also attract graduates. Geographically, while 39.3% stay in the Northeast, a significant 26.1% head to the West Coast, reflecting the school's widespread influence.