Wharton School

Tips for the 2023 Wharton Team-Based Discussion

One of the main distinctions of the Wharton School’s interview process is its Team Based Discussion (TBD) component. The 35-minute exercise is designed to model the collaborative nature of Wharton’s B-school experience and give applicants an opportunity to convey who they are and how they fit into Wharton’s class.

Judith Silverman Hodara, Director at Fortuna Admissions and former acting director of MBA Admissions at the Wharton School, recently offered insight into this year’s TBD prompt and what applicants can expect.

2023 TBD PROMPT

This year’s prompt asks applicants to name and design a new course on a cutting-edge business topic for Wharton’s Pre-baccalaureate Program, which allows exceptional junior and senior high school students to enroll in Wharton business courses. This year’s TBD prompt asks applicants to develop a course, outline topics and themes, identify faculty to lead the course, and plan learning outcomes and assessment methods.

“In offering this prompt, Wharton was soliciting a strong and well thought out deliverable, as well as the self-awareness necessary to engage with others in a give-and-take around a virtual conference table to reach the final presentation,” Hodara says.

Hodara stresses the importance of both presenting your own ideas and showcasing high EQ by being aware of others during the exercise.

“In your initial one-minute introduction, be prepared to present your ideas for the solution to the assignment,” Hodara says. “After that, pay close attention to others and adapt to the dynamics. Expect to be assessed on how well you listen to others and facilitate the group’s dialogue.”

DRAW ON YOUR OWN INTERESTS AND PASSIONS

Wharton’s TBD prompt asks you to focus on your target market and develop an idea that you think would resonate with high school students. Hodara recommends thinking back to your own interests and passions and understanding why they may be interesting.

“When constructing your course, you should pull from experiences or interests you have had in your own life; we find that its helpful to build the foundation of discussion on something that matters to you on a personal or professional level and that is a great way to start your pitch to the other participants,” Hodara says.

MAKE IT INTERACTIVE

When designing your course, you’ll want to think about how your course will come to life within the classroom. Think through the different types of program designs, from in-class instruction to project-based learning.

“Think about the ways in which you can make this class interactive for the students in addition to their classroom lectures and discussions,” Hodara says.

UTILIZE LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES

Since the course you’re designing will be based in Philadelphia, it’s important to tap into local resources and opportunities available on campus. Consider which Wharton professors you’d like to work with and why.

“Wharton has a tremendous depth and breadth of expertise; you will want to hone in on the experts you would like to lead the course, and your rationale for doing so,” Hodara says.

Sources: Fortuna Admissions, University of Pennsylvania

Next Page: Harvard Business School Hosts Naturalization Ceremony

© Copyright 2026 Poets & Quants. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. To reprint or license this article or any content from Poets & Quants, please submit your request HERE.