Wharton MBA Application Essay Tips, 2025–2026
For the first time in many years, Wharton has made some changes to its application essay questions. Not only does Wharton’s admissions committee want to know that you have a clear professional plan that you can actualize upon arrival on campus, they also want to be convinced that Wharton is your top choice. So, thoroughly do your homework on the school before you start writing: talk to students and alumni, and attend online or (if possible) in-person admissions events. Really dig in! Wharton wants to be sure you didn’t simply look at a ranking when choosing it or that it’s not just your backup option if you don’t get into Harvard Business School or the Stanford GSB. Wharton wants to feel confident that you will accept a place in its next class if you are offered one. So be ready to prove it!
Essay 1: Two short-form questions
What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 words)
This first new question is a test of clarity and focus. Be specific about the job function, industry, and ideally the type of company or geography you’re targeting right after graduation. Avoid vague phrases like “work in consulting” or “make an impact.” Instead, say something like “join a leadership development program at a global consumer goods company to build cross-functional skills in brand management and operations.” You could also list specific example companies, but I recommend that you check the program’s 2024 Career Report and previous career reports before you do, because your essay will be stronger if it aligns with companies that actively recruit from Wharton. If you have enough space, you might consider also sharing a little context for your goals, but do not worry if you can’t; you can provide that in the next essay.
What are your career goals for the first three to five years after completing your MBA, and how will those build towards your long-term professional goals? (150 words)
Use this space to connect the dots for the Wharton admissions committee. From the aforementioned first role you hope to land post-MBA, show how you plan to grow in scope and impact over the next few years — whether by leading teams, launching initiatives, or transitioning industries. Then, tie those short-term steps into your long-term vision. Make your envisioned path feel intentional: Wharton wants to see that your plans are ambitious but grounded, and that an MBA is the right bridge from one point to the other. End your essay by briefly and specifically mentioning how Wharton will help you make the necessary transitions through its community, resources, and/or curricular strengths.
There are a couple things you don’t need to worry about with this essay. If you have specific firms you want to mention, that is great, but doing so is less important in this essay than in the previous one. Also, don’t feel pressured to talk extensively about Wharton-specific resources in this essay, because you will have plenty of space to offer this information in Essay 2.
Essay 2: Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to add meaningful value to the Wharton community? (350 words)
This essay is a challenge for many, because it has two distinct parts, and if you divide them roughly equally, you have just 175 words, or only a few sentences, for each! In the first part of your essay, you need to share an anecdote or experience that was formative or clearly helped define who you are or how you walk through life. The experience you describe should illuminate specific values that you hold, and you need to explain how you would apply these values for the better at Wharton. It isn’t enough for you to just say, “I will bring this characteristic with me to Wharton!” Instead, you must show that you have a deep understanding of the applicability of this trait at the school. (Where will your impact be felt? How will you contribute?) For example, will your highlighted trait come alive in planning or executing the Wharton Follies, in helping fellow students in your cohort or cluster with their job search, as a William P. Lauder Leadership Fellow, or all of these? It doesn’t matter where it manifests; again, it matters only that you have a clear game plan and that you know how you will execute it!
Reapplicant Essay (required for all reapplicants): Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)
This essay is your opportunity to explain how you have grown since you last applied to the school. Ideally, you have improved on some aspect(s) of your profile — whether that is a higher test score, more work experience, a promotion, or something similar. Be sure to explain what it is about the school that motivates you to apply again. This can be a great way to show the specific and sincere reasons you value a Wharton MBA.
Additional Information Essay: Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. (500 words)
This prompt needs to be addressed only if there are gaps in your employment or some specific situation for which providing background or context would be helpful. Some other examples would be if your recommender is not your direct supervisor, or your transcript is riddled with holes or bad grades. If you have any special extracurricular causes or work that you believe would further illustrate who you are, this would be a good place to share this aspect of your profile with the admissions committee. Whatever your topic, there is no need to make this essay any longer than it needs to be. Just briefly provide the necessary explanation or information without a lot of extraneous commentary.
In Stratus Admissions’ How to Get into The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, you will find information on a variety of the MBA program’s offerings, such as the Field Application Project, the Venture Initiation Project, Wharton Follies, and the MBA Pub.