Things to Know Before Applying to The Wharton School

Application rules applicants miss

Wharton requires one letter of recommendation, not two. Every application is read by two independent readers. The interview is a virtual Team Based Discussion with 5 to 6 applicants plus a 10-minute one-on-one; no one is admitted without it. Wharton does not publish an acceptance rate or a GMAT range. The AWA is not required, and GMAT or GRE scores are valid for five years from the round deadline.

Curriculum and program structure

The full-time MBA runs 20 months with a core curriculum, majors and electives; about 40% of students finish with two majors. MBA students can take four to six credit units at other Penn graduate schools. Health Care Management is a major that must be declared at the time of application. The Lauder MBA/MA starts in May, three months before the MBA's August start.

Round and program rules

• Lauder MBA/MA and Carey JD/MBA applications are accepted in Rounds 1 and 2 only.
• Round 3 applications submitted after the deadline are not accepted; late Round 1 and 2 applications roll forward.
• The Moelis Advance Access Program has its own round (April 21, 2027) and is evaluated only against other Moelis applicants.
• Wharton's general policy is not to grant deferrals for regular admits.
• Reapplicants cannot apply twice in the same academic year and must write a 250-word reapplicant essay.

Quick facts

Interview

Team Based Discussion

Avg GMAT (classic)

735

Rounds

3 + deferred

International

26%

Class size

888

Tuition and fees

$93,008/yr

Sources

1. 1. The Wharton School, 2026-2027 Application Guide
2. 2. The Wharton School, Interview Process
3. 3. The Wharton School, MBA Program Details
4. 4. The Wharton School, Admissions FAQs
5. 5. The Wharton School, Application Timeline and Deadlines