News, Advice and Resources for Wharton EMBA Applicants
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Wharton MBA for Executives Program

 

APPLICATION DEADLINES

 
San Francisco
Early - December 1, 2011 (11:59pm PST).  Decisions released no later than January 16, 2012.*
Regular - February 6, 2012 (11:59pm PST). Decisions released no later than March 23, 2012.*
 
Philadelphia
Early - If you need an early decision, you may request one by emailing the Director of Admissions, outlining the reason for your request. These are handled on a case-by-case basis. The timing of the decision notification will be based on the date of the request and the submission of a complete application.
 
Regular - February 1, 2012 (11:59pm EST). Decisions released no later than April 6, 2012.*
 
PROGRAM START DATES
San Francisco May 20, 2012
Philadelphia May 27, 2012
 

ESSAYS

 
There are 3 required essays and 1 optional essay:
 
 
ESSAY 1: Required; no word limit.
 
  • What is your career objective and how will the Wharton MBA Program for Executives contribute to your attainment of these objectives?
 
 
ESSAY 2: Required; 500 word limit. Answer one of the following three questions:
 
  • What is the most significant way, either in or out of your job, that you have demonstrated leadership?
  • In one of your Wharton MBA courses, you are given a case assignment to be completed in a study group comprised of six students. What is the most significant strength you would bring to the group process?
  • As 'The Ethicist' in the New York Sunday Times Magazine often demonstrates, many ethical dilemmas are fairly complex with gray areas making the decision path a challenging one. Do you have an example of one such dilemma and how you handled it?
 
ESSAY 3: Required; 500 word limit. Answer this question:
 
  • Given your already demanding job and the desire to remain committed to important family and personal obligations, how do you plan to handle the additional demands on your time once you enroll?
     
 
ESSAY 4: Optional; no word limit. You may answer the following question:
 
  • Is there anything else you would like to add that would help us in evaluating your candidacy?
 
 

ESSAY ANALYSIS and VINCE HINTS

ESSAY 1

Required; no word limit.

What is your career objective and how will the Wharton MBA Program for Executives contribute to your attainment of these objectives?

 

[VINCE HINTS]
First, break the question into components.

PART ONE: "What is your career objective?"
What do you want to do with your degree, in the short and long term?

The admissions committee is looking for an organized career strategy that rests on solid self-understanding. They want to know why you have made the decisions you made, how they have brought you to this point in your life, and where you are going from here. Goals can include broader, non-career and personal or community aspirations – but your first priority is to establish a clear professional path.
 
a. Dream and be real: You have to walk a fine line here. On the one hand you must think big. Whether you want to manage a billion dollars, or create new brain technology industries, or fix Africa – whatever it is, you should communicate high aspirations and a potential career worthy of an MBA graduate in 20 years time. On the other hand you must demonstrate career-path realism: your dreams will take a lifetime to mature, and even then they may not. You should sound like you understand how careers evolve in your field and the ways you might have to “do your time” (even if highly paid) before you become a true titan of your industry.
 
b. Show first steps: The best don’t wait for acceptance of their b-school application before getting on with their dreams. You raise you stock immeasurably if you can show you have already taken steps towards the goal you claim to aspire to. Have you done the certifications you need for your career move? Do you have a plan for attracting investors to the business you hope to set up? Convince the committee that you will make it happen no matter what – even if you don’t get into their school, or any school.  
 
c. Have a worthwhile future: Faced with applicants who have equivalent grades and GMATs, the admissions committee will promote those who are on a unique, interesting, worthwhile career mission. You may have to work hard to polish up whatever dullness or omissions lurk in your past, but your aspirations are safely ahead of you where no committee can verify them. So don’t hesitate to project yourself into valuable, distinctive roles.
 
(found at http://www.topmba.com/articles/admissions/what-do-admissions-directors-look-application; accessed 2011/09)
 

Short-term goals

The cornerstone to this essay is your “Short-Term Goal” because it guides what information you should include in your “Career Review” and highlights what you still lack to achieve your goals. Having a detailed short-term goal is also crucial to explain how this school best prepares you to achieve your goals.
 
Start with your direct goal on graduation.

Your readers (admissions committee members, aka AdComs) want to confirm the following:

Are you qualified (credible)?
Are you competitive (ambitious)?
Are you a good fit for their program (aware of how your own strengths and weaknesses relate to those of their program)?

AdComs want to see a goal that is both believable and ambitious.

If your goal is simply to continue what you are doing now, that is too realistic. It is a waste of a Harvard MBA. If your goal, however, is to do something radically different from what you are doing now, and there is not a clear sense of how you are going to get there, that is too ambitious.  Many of my clients use MBA to change careers. Others want to lead their current industry.

Most goals fit into one or more of these three categories
 
1. Vertical move
2. Change career

  • Go into consulting
  • Go into finance
  • Go into industry
3. Join or launch start-up (entrepreneur)
 

Which of these three are you pursuing?
(Most EMBA applicants should be going for a vertical move.)

Are you ambitious yet realistic?

What problem are you trying to solve?



Long-term goals

Outline your long term goal. This is your mission in life. Try to show that you are confident to achieve these goals with or without business school (though earning your MBA from their school certainly increases the scale and scope of your future success)

Your long term goal can be general, but should still express your visions and insights about the industry you would like to work in, perhaps in 10 years.

A good LTG = the logical next step after your STG

For example: "After growing Tokyo operations to 200-300 staff within 5-10 years, I will expand my service into other parts of Asia."


 
PART TWO: "What do you see as the next steps needed to achieve it?"
(Why EMBA?)
Why an MBA at all? (Why not another kind of Masters, or a PhD?)

First - identify what skills you need from your MBA:
 
I need technical skills such as: finance and accounting
I need analytical skills: corporate strategy, strategic planning (long-term thinking)
I need interpersonal skills: to lead cross-cultural and cross-functional team (organizational behavior) to motivate experts in finance, accounting, sales, marketing, engineering, and operations....


Second - chose majors / focus areas at your target schools by studying actual MBA curriculum at the programs to which you plan apply

Can you create a skills-based argument?

For example

Still, I need an MBA from X to create the right partnership model, secure and manage the JV funding and scale my new venture to cover demand in Japan and eventually other parts of Asia. To capitalize on my idea, I plan to use my time at X to explore the right JV partnership, funding and profit sharing schemes, and develop supply-demand optimizing models.
 
VINCE HINT: A client recently asked me to explain the difference between technical skills and analytical skills.

Technical skills can be tested (CPA, CMA, language certifications) because they involve facts and formulas that one can memorize.
Analytical skills can also be tested (GMAT critical reasoning) and they involve technical skills (finance and and accounting knowledge) but they are more complex. Sometimes, they involve creativity and intuition. For example, strategy consultants display analytical skills when they form (and test) a business hypothesis.

Business schools teach technical skills like finance and accounting so that students can apply these skills when analyzing business cases.
 

PART THREE: "How will the Wharton MBA Program for Executives contribute to your attainment of these objectives?"
(Why Wharton?)
Why an MBA from this school particularly?

Clients often ask me, “How can I differentiate between all these top schools that seem similar?”

I encourage you to use a process of elimination. Start by making a complete list of all the things that can help you achieve your short and long-term goals. Many MBA programs offer the same things (classes, internships, connections, consulting projects, etc.), so only by being specific in your goals can you connect with what the school offers.

Pick the best 3-5 points from your chart above and explain in your essay:

1. Curriculum / professor (1 or 2)
2. Special programs (1 or 2)
3. Network / student culture (1 or 2)

Use "BEST / ONLY" logic: "I could confirm my interest in School X through my ongoing conversations with Mr. FirstName LastName (Class of '07), who told me about (specific aspect of school). This perfectly fits my (specific goal /learning objective) because..."

Use a combination of logic and emotion to convince them of your “fit” with the school
Passion is SHOWN through detailed examples that prove you have done your homework.

X’s unique combination of

Curriculum / professor(s)
Special programs
People


...best prepares me to (restate goals)...

I suggest you focus on “people", such as a particular professor, current students and/or alumni. For example: "I have known Mr. A before, during, and after he attending School X's MBA program. I saw how it impacted him in terms of (specific hard and soft skills). I have also seen how he applied those new skills and perspectives in his career. I hope to have a similar transformative experience that only (this program) can provide."

Next, be sure to show that you have done your homework by reaching out to current students and alumni. Just be careful not to waste their time. They are busy and receive many such inquiries. Instead, ask if they agree with an idea you have, and ask for any suggestions or tips to help you make your idea better.

Finally, synthesize your findings into a few sentences that prove your “fit” with your target program.

For example

(SAMPLE A) I could confirm my interest in THIS SCHOOL through my ongoing conversations with Mr. FirstName LastName (Class of '07), who told me about (specific aspect of school). This perfectly fits my (specific goal /learning objective) because...

(SAMPLE B) Through my recent campus visit and ongoing networking with X (‘09) and Y (‘11), I am convinced that only THIS SCHOOL gives me the skills necessary to break through my company’s silo-based organizational structure. To persuade 40,000 professionals across different functions and cultures, I need to introduce new goal-based teamwork models to persuade entrenched opinion leaders to embrace changes that will yield new opportunities. I also recently participated in THIS SCHOOL Club of Japan’s Business Awards Ceremony and realized the strong bond of alumni to continue to grow together regardless of age or title. After graduating from THIS SCHOOL, I plan to work with the executive director of The THIS SCHOOL Japan Research Center to transform my company into the world’s most innovative SCM service provider.

(SAMPLE C) The flexibility of THIS SCHOOL’s curriculum will allow me to focus on necessary courses, especially in Entrepreneurship. THIS SCHOOL'S Entrepreneurship courses, such as “Entrepreneurial Finance and Private Equity” (Kaplan) and “Building the New Venture” (Deutsch), support not only basic framework but also practical Finance issues through case study oriented approach with demanding assignments. I also expect to participate in “New Venture and Small Enterprise Lab” which will give me hands-on learning opportunity to work directly with managers in X-area ventures. Participating in THIS SCHOOL-sponsored contests such as the Edward L. Kaplan New Venture Challenge will test and crystallize my business plan.


PART FOUR: "Why is this the right time for you to undertake this program?"
(Why now?)

Why an MBA right now, at this point in your career?
Why do you need an MBA now? Why is this the ideal timing to pursue formal management training in a full-time program?

You need to answer this question directly, but your answer can be short (two sentences).

Think about:
Internal factors (pushing you to get an MBA now): I have mastered certain technical, analytical and/or interpersonal skills; I am now ready to develop my skills and knowledge in new (specific) areas as stated above
External factors (pulling you to get an MBA now): what makes this the ideal market timing for implementing your great business idea after you earn your MBA from this particular school?



 

ESSAY 2

Required; 500 word limit.
Answer one of the following three questions:
 

2A.) What is the most significant way, either in or out of your job, that you have demonstrated leadership?

[VINCE HINTS]
First, break the question into components.
How do you define leadership?

When developing your leadership skills, one must soon confront an important practical question, "What leadership styles work best for me and my organization?" To answer this question, it's best to understand that there are many from which to choose and as part of your leadership development effort, you should consider developing as many leadership styles as possible.

Three Classic Leadership Styles
One dimension of has to do with control and one's perception of how much control one should give to people. The laissez faire style implies low control, the autocratic style high control and the participative lies somewhere in between.

The Laissez Faire Leadership Style
The style is largely a "hands off" view that tends to minimize the amount of direction and face time required. Works well if you have highly trained and highly motivated direct reports.

The Autocratic Leadership Style
The autocratic style has its advocates, but it is falling out of favor in many countries. Some people have argued that the style is popular with today's CEO's, who have much in common with feudal lords in Medieval Europe.

Other leadership styles

The Participative Leadership Style
It's hard to order and demand someone to be creative, perform as a team, solve complex problems, improve quality, and provide outstanding customer service. The style presents a happy medium between over controlling (micromanaging) and not being engaged and tends to be seen in organizations that must innovate to prosper.

The Emergent Leadership Style
Contrary to the belief of many, groups do not automatically accept a new "boss" as leader. We see a number of ineffective managers who didn't know the behaviors to use when one taking over a new group.

The Transactional Leadership Style
The approach emphasizes getting things done within the umbrella of the status quo; almost in opposition to the goals of the transformational leadership. It's considered to be a "by the book" approach in which the person works within the rules. As such, it's commonly seen in large, bureaucratic organizations.

The Transformational Leadership Style
The primary focus of this leadership style is to make change happen in:

  •         Our Self,
  •         Others,
  •         Groups, and
  •         Organizations

Charisma is a special leadership style commonly associated with transformational leadership. While extremely powerful, it is extremely hard to teach.

Visionary Leadership
The leadership style focuses on how the leader defines the future for followers and moves them toward it.

Strategic Leadership
This is practiced by the military services such as the US Army, US Air Force, and many large corporations. It stresses the competitive nature of running an organization and being able to out fox and out wit the competition.

Team Leadership
A few years ago, a large corporation decided that supervisors were no longer needed and those in charge were suddenly made "team leaders." Today, companies have gotten smarter about teams, but it still takes leadership to transition a group into a team.

Facilitative Leadership
This is a special style that anyone who runs a meeting can employ. Rather than being directive, one uses a number of indirect communication patterns to help the group reach consensus.


How Do Leaders Lead?

The particular competencies (knowledge, skills and abilities) that a person needs in order to lead at a particular time in an organization depend on a variety of factors, including:

1) Whether that person is leading one other individual, a group or a large organization;
2) The extent of leadership skills that person already has;
3) That person's basic nature and values (competencies should be chosen that are in accordance with that nature and those values)
4) Whether the group or organization is for-profit or nonprofit, new or long-established, and large or small;
5) The particular culture (or values and associated behaviors) of whomever is being led.
 

Where have you demonstrated leadership?

Did you:
Mitigate or minimize risks
Influence others
Achieve consensus across groups
Recognize opportunity
Challenge the status quo

List all the options, both at your job and at your job.

HOW I DEMONSTRATED LEADERSHIP AT MY COMPANY
  • Professional Example 1:
  • Professional Example 2:
  • Professional Example 3:


HOW I DEMONSTRATED LEADERSHIP OUTSIDE OF MY COMPANY

Community Example 1:
Community Example 2:
Community Example 3:
 

Which leadership example on your list is most significant to you and why?

 

2B.) In one of your Wharton MBA courses, you are given a case assignment to be completed in a study group comprised of six students. What is the most significant strength you would bring to the group process?


[VINCE HINTS]
First, break the question into components.

PART ONE: What is your most significant strength?

First, you need to identify your strengths.

My colleague Adam gives the following template and tips on his world-famous blog

One of my key strengths is X. A story that demonstrates this strength is... Another story that does is... This strength will be a contribution at your school because... This strength will contribute to my future goals because...

Another of my key strengths is Y. A story that demonstrates this strength is... Another story that does is... This strength will be a contribution at your school because... This strength will contribute to my future goals because...

Another of my key strengths is Z. A story that demonstrates this strength is... Another story that does is.. This strength will be a contribution at your school because... This strength will contribute to my future goals because...

For each X, Y, Z insert a keyword describing your strength. Connect keywords to specific stories. If possible, find more than one story that demonstrates the keyword. Next think how this strength could be a contribution when you are student.

Next think how this strength will contribute to your goals. By using this method, you will have prepared answers to such common questions as "What are your strengths" and "How will you contribute to our school."

Additionally you will be ready to show how your past experience will help you achieve your goals.

Additionally when asked questions which are less direct about your strengths, you will already have keywords and stories ready for those questions you can't predict.

Keep in mind that your strengths might include particular skills as well as personality characteristics. You should think about strengths in the widest sense. Try to develop about 6-12 (or more) keywords and 12-20 (or more) stories that relate to your strengths, contributions, personality, and future potential.

IS IT A GOOD STRENGTH?

Ask yourself: Does the strength demonstrate my potential for future academic and/or professional success? If so, it is a probably a good topic. If not, why does your reader need to know about it?


(found at source: http://adam-markus.blogspot.com/2007/11/mba-application-interview-strategy.html; accessed 2011/10)

Need more hints? Please see this link http://www.vinceprep.com/interviews/strengthsweaknesses


PART TWO: How can you utilize your greatest strength to help your six-member study group complete a case assignment?

First, do you understand how the case method works?

If not, please read this post

Then, explain how you can help your group complete the case assignment.

For example, can you share your specialized knowledge of your industry sector, or region (Asia, Europe, Africa, Middle East, North America, South America, etc.)?
Can you share your skills in finance, accounting, marketing, or operations?
Can you share your analytical skills to help the group identify the right framework?
Can you utilize your interpersonal skills to help the group communicate more effectively?

 
2C.) As 'The Ethicist' in the New York Sunday Times Magazine often demonstrates, many ethical dilemmas are fairly complex with gray areas making the decision path a challenging one. Do you have an example of one such dilemma and how you handled it?

[VINCE HINTS]
First, break the question into components.

PART ONE: When have you faced an ethical dilemma?

Choosing the right topic is usually the most difficult part of this essay. To begin brainstorming ideas, ask yourself, “In what situation was I most uncomfortable?”

To help you begin brainstorming, please check out some of these links:

Complete Guide to Ethics Management: An Ethics Toolkit for Managers
www.managementhelp.org/ethics/ethxgde.htm#anchor29959

more links: http://delicious.com/admissions/ethical-dilemma

PART TWO: How did you handle it?

What was the situation?
What was the dilemma you faced?
What were the ethics involved?
What were your options? What decisions could you make? What were the pros and cons of each choice?
What choice did you make?
What happened next? What were the results of your choice? How did others react? Was the problem solved?



ESSAY 3

Required; 500 word limit.
Answer this question:

Given your already demanding job and the desire to remain committed to important family and personal obligations, how do you plan to handle the additional demands on your time once you enroll?

[VINCE HINTS]
First, break the question into components.

Given your already demanding job and the desire to remain committed to important family and personal obligations,


PART ONE: What are the current demands on your time?

  • How many hours a week do you spend at your job? How many hours a week do you plan to spend at your job during the Wharton EMBA program? Does your manager or team support your studies at Wharton EMBA? How will you share your current responsibilities with them to lesson your workload?
  • What are your family obligations (if any)? How many hours a week do you spend managing them? How can you reduce the amount of time needed for them to make time to complete Wharton EMBA coursework?
  • What are your other personal obligations? How many hours a week do you spend managing them? How can you reduce the amount of time needed for them to make time to complete Wharton EMBA coursework?

PART TWO: How do you plan to handle the additional demands on your time once you enroll?
 
Some students have estimated that they spend an additional 20 hours/week on their Wharton EMBA coursework and group assignments. How will you find the time?
 


ESSAY 4

Optional; no word limit.
You may answer the following question:

Is there anything else you would like to add that would help us in evaluating your candidacy?

 
[VINCE HINTS]
What would help the Admissions Office for the Wharton MBA Program for Executives at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania evaluate your candidacy?


First, you MUST write an optional essay if

1. You have significant employment gaps.
 
  • Admissions committee (AdCom) members understand that people get laid off, especially in this economy.
  • They also understand that people take breaks between jobs to travel or pursue other interests.
  • Still, they want to hear how you explain employment gaps because they worry about jobs placement rates, which affect rankings.
  • Write a few sentences telling AdCom readers how you spent your time between jobs, and what you learned about yourself in the process.
  • Do not make excuses or blame others. Keep it positive.
  • If you are currently unemployed, share an exciting story about how your are building your skills or volunteering in your community.
  • Use this essay as an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to recognize opportunity and make the most of a bad situation.
  • Finally, as with any optional essay, keep your answer concise.

 
2. You do not have a recommendation letter from your current direct supervisor.
 
  • A certain MBA program says, "You must obtain at least one recommendation from your current direct supervisor. If you are unable to provide a letter from your current direct supervisor, include a brief note of explanation in the Additional Information section of the online application."
  • To answer that question, a client wrote,
  • "I wish to explain why I have not submitted a letter of recommendation from my current direct supervisor, Ms. First Last. While I have a good relationship with this person, I have concluded that it would be unwise to share my intentions to pursue an MBA with her at this time because it would negatively affect my ability to contribute to my current team projects. Instead, I have asked two former supervisors. Mr. First Last and Ms. First Last. Both know me well and have had multiple opportunities to observe and evaluate my performance. They are well suited to recommend because they are familiar with my personality, accomplishments, and growth potential. We have known each other for six years, and I worked very closely with them on a daily basis for about four years.
 
 
You MUST NOT write an optional essay if

... you are repeating yourself.
... you are telling the AdCom something they do not want to hear.
 
 
Please resist the urge to include an essay you already wrote for some other school.
 
If AdCom members wanted to read another story about your achievements, leadership or teamwork experiences, they would ask.
 
Moreover, if they did not ask you to share a mistake or failure story, why would you want to tell them?
 

"Should I use the optional essay to write more reasons why I want to attend this MBA program?"

If you want to spend two years at their school, shouldn't you use this opportunity to tell them so?
No, you should not. They asked that question. If your answer was not good enough, go back and make it better. Do not waste their time by writing more reasons here.
The operative phrase in the following question is "about you": Optional question: Is there anything else you think the Admissions Committee should know about you to evaluate your candidacy?
Bottom line: Show them that you can follow instructions. Make this essay about you, or write nothing at all.


"Should I use the optional essay to explain how I plan to contribute to this MBA program?"

I would say, no.
Some programs like Tuck, Kellogg, Duke and NYU ask applicants to write an essay about how they plan to add value to their student culture and programs.
Other schools, like HBS and MIT, do not ask applicants to list their contributions. If your essays (and MIT cover letter) include rich details and demonstrate impact, AdCom can probably imagine how you could contribute to their programs and alumni networks.
 

"Should I explain why I have a low GMAT score?"

AdComs like to see a 700+ score, with 40+ on both quant and verbal. Still, they regularly admit applicants that do not have those numbers.
If your GMAT is below par, I do not think you need to write an essay explaining why. Some people are simply not good at standardized tests. AdComs know this fact. Do not make excuses.
If the AdCom has a strong reason to admit you, they can overlook a low score as long as they can see some other evidence of your ability to complete coursework and contribute in class.

 
Here is another useful interchange taken from Wharton's Student2Student discussion board:

Q: I have an engineering background, and scored a 660 on the GMAT. Worse on Quant if you'd believe it! My GPA is decent, so I'm wondering if I should take the GMAT again, or explain it in the optional essays.

A: I am generally of the view that 'explanations' of low GMAT scores (as against low GPA's) often don't get beyond the 'making excuses' stage. AdCom are going to look at your transcript in detail whether you tell them to or not.

As to evaluation of GMAT scores in general, AdCom are more interested in the component scores, than the overall score. A 76Q 76V 660 is probably better than a 62Q 99V 660 (I'm not sure if the GMAT scoring algorithm gives you exactly this, but I'm sure you get the idea). In any event with good grades in the quant classes that an engineering degree normally implies, AdCom are probably not going to be too concerned about your quant skills.
 
 
 
 
 

INTERVIEWS

 
We encourage all applicants to schedule an interview. This is a chance to give a fuller, more personal explanation of your professional background and interests — and an opportunity to have specific questions answered. Interviews are required for all Fellows candidates and are strongly recommended for all other candidates.
 
Interview Early in the Process
  • Many candidates find it convenient to plan a visit that includes an interview as well as a chance to sit in on a class session and join current students at lunch.
 
A note about interview timing: Don't wait!  You do not need to submit your application before scheduling an interview.
 
Interviews are conducted in Wharton's Philadelphia and San Francisco program offices by a member of the Admissions Committee. They are conducted from September through March, but we encourage you to call us to make an appointment as early as possible. This way, your interview, and your visit to classes, can be part of your own research into the program.
 
Scheduling an Interview
  • Interviews must be scheduled before the application deadline of February 1 for no later than March 10th for West applicants and March 17th for East applicants. Due to high demand, we cannot always accommodate interview requests, so please call well in advance of deadlines.
  • Interviews can be scheduled on most weekdays and Saturdays.
  • Classes are held on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the calendar year in both Philadelphia and San Francisco, so these are the best times to combine an interview and visit.
  • There are occasional extended weekends that include Wednesday and Thursday classes, and some holiday weekends when no classes are scheduled.
  • The staff member who schedules your visit can advise you of dates that will provide you with the best opportunities to sit in on classes and talk with students.
 
 

 

INTERVIEW REPORT

 

 
  • The interview started from a usual question of going through the resume. I have practiced a whole night on Sunday for this question, so I answered fluently. She looked my resume and marked some places.
  • She stopped me sometimes to clarify the timing in the resume. I figured she wanted to have a good understanding of my career path.
  • Then the next question is what is my short term goal, why Wharton EMBA since she knew I have applied full time already.
  • She then asked about my company sponsorship. I also told her about the partial sponsorship from my company. She convinced me that EMBA has the same quality and standards with full time, the only difference is the career service. I am aware of this. She didn't come up any difficult questions at all.
  • Finally, she asked me whether I have some questions.


(found at http://dream-and-reality.blogspot.com/2006/11/my-wharton-emba-interview.html; accessed 2011/10)

 
 

REAPPLICANTS

 
EXECUTIVE MBA REAPPLICATION PROCESS
  • The MBA Program for Executives retains all applications for only one year. Reapplicants may request feedback from the Admissions Committee by contacting the office to arrange an appointment. Feedback sessions are offered in July and August and are available on a first come, first served basis. We understand the time and effort that was put into each application and believe that it is important to offer additional insight into the decision-making process.
 
To Reapply
  • Email the office of the program to which you are applying to inform us of your intention to reapply. Applications are saved for one year. You will need to create a NEW online account* and enter all required fields. Please complete the application as outlined below:
 
*YOU MUST CREATE YOUR NEW ACCOUNT USING AN E-MAIL ADDRESS OTHER THAN THE ONE YOU USED ORIGINALLY.
 
ESSAY
  • You do NOT need to respond to essays 1-3. In each of the fields for those three essays type "Reapplicant". In the optional essay #4, please upload your document in response to the following question:
 
What have you been doing since you previously applied for admission and what impact have your activities had on the clarification of your goals? Include any steps you have taken to enhance your preparation for admission to Wharton.
 
RECOMMENDATION
  • You will need one additional recommendation to complete your reapplication. You may forward the online evaluation form to your recommender or send them a hard copy, which the evaluator should then complete and mail to us directly.
 
TRANSCRIPT
  • If you have completed any new coursework since you applied last year, please have an official transcript sent to us from the appropriate college or university.
 
EMPLOYER'S LETTER OF ENDORSEMENT OR NOMINATION FOR FELLOWS CANDIDATES
  • You will need a new endorsement or nomination letter to complete your reapplication. It should be signed by your employer on company letterhead and sent directly to the Admissions Committee. This letter should state specifically that the necessary time will be made available for full participation in all coursework. Financial commitment should also be addressed, if applicable. For a complete explanation of the difference between applying as a Fellows and Traditional applicant, please see our website in the Admissions section under Candidate Qualifications.
 
GMAT
  • If you have retaken the GMAT exam, please have an official score report sent electronically to our office. MBA Exec program test codes are — East: G56-97-36 / West: G56-97-14.
 
INTERVIEW
  • Fellows applicants must reinterview and traditional applicants should contact the office to discuss reinterview. You do NOT need to have a completed application submitted before interviewing. In fact, we encourage you to contact the office to which you are applying to set up an interview appointment well before the deadline.
 

2011 Entering Class Profile

 
COMBINED SAN FRANCISCO & PHILADELPHIA CLASSES
  • Admitted Applicants 245
  • Matriculants 213
  • Women 25%
  • Underrepresented Minority Students 8%
  • International Students 34%
  • Average Age 34
  • Under 30 18%
  • Over 39 10%
  • Average Years Work Experience 10
  • Median GMAT 710
  • Middle 80% GMAT Range 640-750
  • Students Holding Advanced Degrees 40%
  • Median Salary and Bonus $150,000
  • Sponsored by Employer (>50% financial support) 36%
 

 

FAQ

Please read the Wharton EMBA Admissions FAQs for useful tips ▸  http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/mbaexecutive/admissions/admissions-faq.cfm
 
 
 

LINKS

Need help with school research? Please check Vince's Wharton EMBA links
 
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The Wharton Weekly

Published by Vince Ricci


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-Updated by Vince on 24 Jan 2012

 

 
  • I am a graduate admissions consultant who works with clients worldwide.
  • If you would like to arrange an initial consultation, please complete my intake form.
 

Results

 
 
Vince's Comprehensive
Clients admitted per school
since 2007-2008 

3   @ Berkeley Haas
10 @ Chicago Booth
6   @ Columbia
6   @ HBS
6   @ INSEAD
13 @ Kellogg
8   @ Tuck
6   @ UCLA Anderson
10 @ Wharton


Full list here

Testimonials

 

 

"Preparing admissions essays for MBA programs can be a lonely process, involving much introspection and contemplation. Throughout this process, Vince was an invaluable partner to me, providing objective and professional advice that was critical to my success; ultimately, I gained admissions to 5 top programs in the US, including HBS, Wharton and Northwestern’s JD-MBA program."

Harvard Business School Class of 2012

More here http://www.vinceprep.com/testimonials

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