Rank 3: Wharton Business School 
Founded
in 1921, Wharton has a historical legacy, which is as glorious as it
is long. The first business school in the US is also arguably the
finest and has maintained its distinction in more ways than one.
Nobel laureates, pioneers of thought, path-breaking business leaders
and a curriculum that is steeped in cutting edge business practices
and concepts makes it the top choice of MBA candidates. The Financial Times, London's annual B School rankings in 2008 have again put Wharton right at the top of the heap. Class profile 2009 has 6649 total applicants of which 1153 were admitted. 63% males and 37% females were admitted of which 555 were US Citizens. 39% were international students and the average age was 28 years. The GMAT score averaged at 712 and 74 countries were represented, which makes the Wharton program truly 'diverse' as they say in B school lingo.
Deadlines
Application Deadlines 2009-2010 MBA Program
| Application Deadline | Decision Release Date | |
| Round 1 | October 1, 2009 | December 18, 2009 |
| Round 2 | January 5, 2010 | March 26, 2010 |
| Round 3 | March 9, 2010 | May 14, 2010 |
Essay Topics
Fall 2010 Essay Questions
The Admissions Committee is interested in getting to know you on both a professional and personal level. We encourage you to be introspective, candid, and succinct. Most importantly, we suggest you be yourself.
First-Time Applicant Essays
All first-time applicants are required to complete four essays, with the option of a fifth essay that may be used to address extenuating circumstances. Reapplicants who applied for the Entering Fall 2008 or 2009 Class are to complete the Reapplicant Essays. All other reapplicants are to complete the first-time applicant essays.
Essay 1 (750-1000 words)
As a leader in global business, Wharton is committed to sustaining "a truly global presence through its engagement in the world." What goals are you committed to and why? How do you envision the Wharton MBA contributing to the attainment of those goals?
Essay 2 (750-1000 words)
Tell us about a time when you had to adapt by accepting/understanding the perspective of people different from yourself.
Essay 3 (500 words)
Describe a failure that you have experienced. What role did you play, and what did you learn about yourself?
Essay 4 (500 words)
Choose one of the following:
- Give us a specific example of a time when you solved a complex problem.
- Tell us about something significant that you have done to improve yourself, in either your professional and/or personal endeavors.
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, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, significant weaknesses in your application).
Website:http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/mba
