Wharton MBA Essay Tips 2012

If you have done your basic research, you will understand Wharton’s focus when it comes to picking the best MBA candidates. They want candidates who will

Get involved with the Community
Lead by Example
Take Risks
Inspire Others

It is difficult for you to gain Wharton MBA traits if you never really have been involved with your community, led a team or have taken risks in your career. These three qualities should be the baseline when it comes to answering your essays. The essay starts with one required question:

Q) How will the Wharton MBA help you achieve your professional objectives? (400 words)

400 words – Only One and a half page!

Use your words carefully. The first question that most MBA aspirants should ask themselves is how much of their background should be mentioned in this essay. The rule of thumbs is - only the necessary background to show that you already are in the right track in achieving your goals, but Wharton would provide the tools to achieve the professional objectives more efficiently. The answer should not give the impression that you can achieve the objectives without Wharton or that you had a tough time getting into the current position (not competitive enough for Wharton). The answer should be balanced. If you are confused, get help through expert essay review services.

Next, you have to answer two out of the three questions. Pick your questions carefully. Let us assume that essays are read in a chronological order. Once you have listed your strengths and weaknesses and picked the ones that are relevant for your essays, review the background information that you have written for Essay 1. Due to the world limit of the essay, you might have only mentioned some aspects of your personality. Here is your chance to expand on who you really are: Answer 2 of the 3 questions

1. Select a Wharton MBA course, co-curricular opportunity or extra-curricular engagement that you are interested in. Tell us why you chose this activity and how it connects to your interests. (500 words)

If you have an interesting anecdote that highlights aspects of your personality, not covered in Essay 1 and would support the position that you are more than an academically strong candidate, share it in this essay. Show the AdCom that you care about extra-curricular activity and are already involved with the community. The question is based on Wharton MBA Course and Extra-curricular engagements, so research thoroughly about Wharton. Start with this Wharton MBA essay guide and study the best practices for writing this essay. Visit the Wharton MBA programs page and note down details about clubs, community involvement and MBA courses   

2. Imagine your work obligations for the afternoon were cancelled and you found yourself "work free" for three hours, what would you do? (500 words)

First, we must appreciate Wharton that they have given us a question that can be answered in any context. We had a fair opportunity to express ourselves in essay 1 (personal background and post-MBA goals) and Essay 2 (extra-curricular and community involvement). Now here is your chance to highlight your work ethics, your creative aspirations or mention activities that were not covered in essay 1 and 2. Plan carefully.

3. "Knowledge for Action draws upon the great qualities that have always been evident at Wharton: rigorous research, dynamic thinking, and thoughtful leadership." - Thomas S. Robertson, Dean, The Wharton School. Tell us about a time when you put knowledge into action. (500 words)

This question quotes the Dean and mentions three qualities that Wharton is looking in a candidate:

Rigorous Research - Analytical (Show how you enjoy going into the details of a problem with  extensive research)

Dynamic thinking - Problem Solving and Creativity (Show how you can solve problems with creative solutions)

Thoughtful leadership – Show how you are able to take decisions with long-term vision

Wharton AdCom wants to know how well you will fit with the rest of the class. Here is your chance to mention a professional or extra-curricular activity where you used these three traits. Do not make the answer too forced by inserting the three traits. Make it look natural. Get Expert help from Stacy Blackman Essay Review Service

FOR REAPPLICANTS

All applicants to Wharton are required to complete the Optional Essay. Please use this space to explain how you have reflected on the previous decision on your application and to discuss any updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, extracurricular/volunteer engagements). You may also use this section to address any extenuating circumstances. (250 words)

Download Wharton Essay Guide

OPTIONAL Question FOR All applicants

If you feel there are extenuating circumstances of which the Committee should be aware, please explain them here (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, or questionable academic performance, significant weaknesses in your application). (250 words)

This question should only be answered if you have any gaps in your employment or your grades are below average, which means your GMAT score is below the Middle 50% range of 660-770 or GPA is below the middle 80% range of the class: 3.0-3.9. If you are below the average, we recommend that you get expert help to present your application more effectively.

Recommended Resources

Wharton MBA Essay Review Service
Wharton MBA Essay Tips Guide
Interview Preparation Videos + Wharton Interview Guide