Is Wharton Right for You & Are You Right for Wharton?

If you’re preparing to apply to Wharton, you already know it’s one of the top MBA programs in the world. When you apply, you’ll need to show why Wharton is the perfect program for you – that is, what it is about the Wharton MBA program in particular that will help you achieve your goals.

To do this effectively, you need to do your homework and learn what makes Wharton special – and what makes it the right place for you. (Telling the adcom you want to go there because of the program’s amazing reputation is not going to cut it!)

Here are five areas where Wharton stands out – and where you might find a way to fit in:

#1: Flexible one-semester core curriculum

It’s important to have a strong business foundation via core courses, but the folks at Wharton understand that not everyone needs all the same courses, which is why they’ve established a flexible one-semester core curriculum and allow students to pass out of certain requirements. This is your opportunity to take the exact classes you need to help you reach your career goals.

#2: Sheer breadth of offerings and strengths

Many top MBA programs are top only for a few main categories – like they’ll top the charts for finance but not for marketing. In contrast, Wharton ranks in the top 10 for all U.S. News ranking categories. With more than 200 electives, students are sure to find the classes that meet their demands, and the classes will no doubt be amazing.

With this in mind, think about your specific interests and goals and about how this breadth of opportunity would give you the chance to strengthen your skills while contributing to the campus community.

#3: Multiple teaching methods

In the spirit of flexibility, Wharton doesn’t require classes to be taught in a single, one-size-fits-all teaching method; instead, professors are able to choose the teaching style that they feel is most effective. Students can find a combination of lecture, case, and experiential teaching methods – sometimes all within the same course.

Again, consider what this means for you and your plans. How do you learn most effectively?

#4: Multiple majors and interdisciplinary programs

Students at Wharton can choose from 18 structured majors, can create their own major, and can graduate with two majors. There’s also the opportunity to participate in 15 interdisciplinary programs, including the Francis J. & Wm. Polk Carey JD/MBA Program, the MBA in Health Care Management, the MBA/MSE with the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the MBA/MHP with the School of Design, MBA/MES with Penn’s School of Arts and Sciences, the MBA/MD with Penn Medicine, MBA/MSW with the School of Social Policy and Practice, and others.

#5: Vast global study opportunities

There are numerous short-term and long-term study abroad opportunities for Wharton students at 15 partner schools in 17 countries. There are also various dual-degree programs that include study overseas, including the dual-MBA/MA program at Wharton and Penn’s Lauder Institute of Management and International Studies.

This gives you a lot to explore during your research phase and some great opportunities to highlight your fit with Wharton.

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Wharton’s extensive strengths across subfields and its world-class reputation make it a great destination for a diverse range of students. Are you one of them? We’d love to help you stand out from the competition. Join us for our free, one hour webinar, Get Accepted to Wharton, and learn proven strategies for acceptance!   

Linda Abraham is the founder of Accepted, the premier admissions consultancy. She has coached MBA applicants to acceptance for over 20 years. The Wall Street Journal, US News, and Poets&Quants are among the media outlets that seek her admissions expertise.