The Wharton MBA is a rigorous, 20-month full-time program emphasizing leadership and global impact. It offers a unique flexible core curriculum, enabling students to customize their studies from 21 diverse majors, including nine STEM-certified options. A distinguishing feature is its experiential learning approach, fostering collaboration through learning teams and leadership development via ventures and executive coaching. With a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem and a commitment to real-world application, Wharton prepares a diverse cohort for influential roles across various industries, balancing academic depth with practical, hands-on experience.
We’ve answered some of the most common queries applicants have about this top-ranked one-year MBA program—covering eligibility, scholarships, global career opportunities, and more.
No, work experience is not strictly mandatory. While the average is 5 years, Wharton seeks candidates with professional maturity and impactful experiences, regardless of years.
There's no minimum score, but admitted students typically have high scores. The Class of 2026 averaged a 732 GMAT. A strong overall profile can compensate for a lower score.
Yes, Wharton offers the Moelis Advance Access Program, a deferred enrollment option for current undergraduates or full-time graduate students to gain 2-4 years of work experience before matriculating.
The TBD is a 35-minute group exercise where applicants collaborate to solve a business problem. It assesses teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, followed by a short one-on-one interview.
Very important. Essays allow you to demonstrate your unique background and fit with Wharton's community. Recommendations should provide evidence of your leadership, teamwork, and growth.
The Wharton MBA Class of 2026 comprises 866 students from 65 countries, with 47% women and an average of 5 years of work experience. The class boasts an average GMAT (Classic) of 732 and a diverse academic background, with representation from humanities, STEM, and business fields. This highly accomplished cohort brings varied perspectives to a collaborative, impactful learning environment.
The Wharton MBA Class of 2024 achieved a median base salary of $175,000, maintaining strong career outcomes. Financial Services attracted the largest percentage (36.6%), followed by Consulting (25.2%) and Technology (14.1%). Within three months of graduation, 93.1% received job offers and 88.2% accepted. While median salaries held steady, the overall job market saw some shifts, with a notable portion of graduates returning to pre-MBA companies or starting their own ventures.
Applications are due by 5:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) on the deadline day.
Applying to the Wharton MBA program requires a comprehensive set of documents and submissions to provide a holistic view of your profile. Here's a checklist of what's generally required:
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