Interview Advice for Wharton MBA Applicants
The admissions odds are especially competitive at business schools such as the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. Last cycle, it received 7,338 applications and enrolled just 897 students for the Class of 2023. With competition so fierce, preparation is key. Time to share SBC's interview advice for Wharton!
The school released its R1 interview invites on Wednesday, October 27th. As consultants who help clients earn admission to top MBA programs, we know first-hand the importance of interviews. Wharton interviews approximately 40 percent of applicants, and about one-in-3 ultimately receive an offer of admission. What's more, no student is admitted without an interview.
They are a key component of how the admissions committee gets a full picture of you as an applicant. Also, it's how the adcomm evaluates whether you'll fit into the Wharton community.
At SBC, our team includes two former Wharton Admissions Officers. Both of them offer mock team-based (aka the Wharton TBD) interviews for Wharton interviewees exclusively through SBC's services.
Our interview advice for Wharton offers these three tips that will show off your assets and skills to their best advantage.
1. PREPARE FOR THE TEAM-BASED DISCUSSION.
Wharton was among the first business schools in the US to implement a team-based discussion component as part of the interview process. In it, five to six applicants discuss a topic while admissions committee members observe.
Until further notice, Wharton will conduct virtual TBD’s for 2021-2022 applicants. Candidates will meet their team on a remote conferencing tool instead of in a physical space. All of the candidates (5-6 per group) will participate virtually from various locations.
This aspect of the application process attempts to get a holistic sense of you, outside of a well-written essay or even a well-rehearsed interview. Wharton looks for team players and people who can be analytical while working well with others.
Keep in mind that observers want to see candidates contributing without dominating the discussion. The idea is to see how you might engage in a productive conversation with a group of future classmates.
To leave a positive impression, make sure to share your point of view and listen thoughtfully. Respect differing points of view and bring others into the conversation.
2. EMPHASIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE AS AN INNOVATOR.
Innovation is integral to Wharton’s brand. This doesn’t have to mean you’ve invented the next billion-dollar app or founded a company. But it does denote someone who creates something that has not existed before — whether that’s a new product, process, or way of seeing the world.
Think of ways you’ve acted as a “change agent” in your workplace or community. Wharton seeks dynamic, energized students who look to change industries, economies, and even their countries. Find examples of how you’ve seen the potential to make things better — and taken action to create positive change.
3. SHOW YOUR APTITUDE FOR THRIVING IN A GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT.
Approximately 40% of Wharton’s students hail from countries outside the US. Having an awareness and appreciation of other cultures is key to an applicant’s ability to survive and thrive at Wharton and in today’s multinational world of business.
Showing global awareness isn’t necessarily about the number of stamps on your passport. Rather, it’s about showing that you thrive in new and unfamiliar environments. Also, it shows you can successfully navigate the challenges of competing in a global marketplace.
If your career goals transcend borders, make sure to share your planned career path. Also, if you have experience working with global teams, provide examples of challenges and successes. Above all, an honest curiosity and willingness to learn about other cultures and countries will go a long way.
Ultimately, you shouldn’t think of interviews for Wharton or any other top business school as just another hurdle standing in the way of your MBA. Instead, realize this is how the admissions committee tries to get to know you better.
The interview allows you to connect the dots of your personal narrative and tell your story in your unique voice. Emphasizing your strengths and experiences as they relate to qualities that are important to each school’s learning community will help show how you’ll fit in and be a contributing member and, indeed an asset, to that school’s learning community.
Now that you’ve seen our interview advice for Wharton, it’s time to start practicing! Recruit a friend or family member to conduct mock interviews with you. Or, contact us to learn more about our group interview prep services.
If you’re prepared to work well with a team, emphasize innovation in your approach, and share your global perspective, you could find yourself on the positive side of Wharton’s competitive interview and application process.
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Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Contact us to learn more.