Why Wharton MBA Essay Tips 2020-2021

Now, let’s take a closer look at the questions that the school asks every applicant. There won’t be much to write about. What you need to do a lot while writing the texts discussed below is to reflect.

Essay 1: What do you hope to gain professionally from the Wharton MBA? (500 words)

Five hundred words is not much of a volume, especially when taking the very point of the question into account. To help yourself calm down quickly and write it thoroughly, perceive it as a standard essay on career.

However, know that admission committee members set it separately on purpose. The explanation of career plans and goals on its own won’t work. They want you to make a special focus on how your plans actually correlate with Wharton MBA and the courses they offer.

Once again: do not just reflect on your background, achievements and professional progress. Create a visible and clear connection between previous experience, points you aim to reach, and opportunities the course will give you. Try thinking about the knowledge you lack, and then explain why you want to get it exactly at Wharton MBA.

The special tip: underline the reasons and features you’ve got to contribute to the Wharton community. Be precise and show that you actually understand the possibilities the school gives you, and know how to use them to reach your goals.

Four paragraphs above may seem a bit challenging to perceive by the worried mind. Here is the improvised checklist of dry, “squeezed” points of impact:

• Past-Present-Future connection maintained;
• Short-term and long-term goals mentioned;
• Community contribution explained.

Essay 2: Describe an impactful experience or accomplishment that is not reflected elsewhere in your application. How will you use what you learned through that experience to contribute to the Wharton community? (400 words)

The attentively read question is the half-complete answer here. The admission committee members want to see some specific experience, skills and moments you did not provide in a resume or other app pack elements yet. Mentioning both personal and professional features is fine here, as the officials need to know you as a person, too.

Tell about an outstanding, meaningful experience that caused an effect on the company or group you were in. Mention the difficulties that appeared on the way, and your solutions that led to success.

Next, explain what you have learned from the challenge. Think over the essay structure well. For instance, consider using the STAR concept.

To finalize, give your vision on the benefits the school and its community will receive from the lessons you’ve learned and experience you’ve gained in your previous academic and professional activities. The checklist:

• Show special achievement;
•  Reflect on the lesson learned;
• What can you give Wharton with that knowledge?

Additional Question (required for all Reapplicants): Explain how you have reflected on the previous decision about your application, and discuss any updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)*

*First-time applicants may also use this section to address any extenuating circumstances. (250 words)

As the topic states, it is a task working separately for newbie applicants and re-applicants. So, here are two subheadings:

First-Time Applicants

For newbies applying, it is not the obligatory part of an application. The points you should focus on are those you find important for the committee to know and take into account when making a decision. Such as:

• Work experience gaps;
• Application weaknesses;
• Recommender choices, etc.

It is critical to be brief, as the volume limit is only 250 words. Also, don’t try to excuse those lacks but explain them well. For example, the low GPA issue always has certain reasons, and a good student also has some other focus points to underline (such as real job experience, SAT essay or GMAT scores).

Re-Applicants

For re-applicants, this is an obligatory text. And they should concentrate on reflections and evolution. What does it mean? See focus points:

•  Previous application and denial reflections;
• Academic and/or professional updates to support your candidacy at this very moment.

You are limited by 250 words, too. So, be short and straightforward.

Conclusion

To conclude, it should be fine to say that authenticity is the key to everything when writing an application essay for Wharton MBA and any other prestigious school. Stay real, speak with facts and be self-confident.

Still, in case anxiety makes you too worried to write a worthy Wharton MBA essay on your own, it is normal to ask expert writers for help. Consider this option to increase your chances of success significantly.

Wharton MBA Essay Example

Question: Describe a personal characteristic or something in your background that will help the Admissions Committee to know you better.

Soccer has been my passion since the age of 12. I played for my school and I still lead pickup soccer games on the weekends. In my overseas travels, I have also found that soccer can be the common language of the world. One example of this was during the time I spent at Kyung Hee University in Seoul, Korea. As soon as I got there, I of course went looking for someplace to play soccer. I discovered a foreign student team that plays against other departments. I decided to try out, even though I was very nervous of playing in a strange land.

In the first practice, I led my team for a straight win, scoring two of the goals. After the practice, the senior players in the team approached me, explaining that lately the team hadn’t done well, and they needed a coach and leader. It was incredibly flattering. I like experiencing new things and coaching soccer in Korea definitely fell under the category “new”. There was one big problem though: most of the players spoke Japanese or Chinese, so our mutual language was only Korean. Since I had just gotten to Korea, my Korean was not yet fluent.

I began my role as a coach, but at first the language barrier put a great distance between me and the players. I couldn’t explain what I wanted. But I didn’t give up. I could see the potential of the team, and I knew the experience would help me a lot. To overcome language and attitude barriers, I prepared very challenging and fun practices. I wanted everyone to feel a part of a serious team. I also arranged for a new team outfit and we started to look like one unit. Using physical examples, I taught them offense/defense moves. After a couple of practices, the players began to show commitment and excitement, and my confidence was building.

I especially remember the semi-final game. It was the second half, we were behind, and the team was starting to not believe in itself anymore. I took my last time out and with my poor Korean, gave them the motivational performance of my life. I showed them how wet my shirt was and all my bruises. I was a leader at the head of his team who was about to lead his group to the final struggle, I loved it. In a click of a second, I saw in their eyes that we were going to make it.

We came back from the time-out and they fought like lions. I remember a certain player that missed all his kicks in the game. He had an open shot. He hesitated but I believed in him, I shouted in Korean, “Kick the ball!” He tied the score. It was our game from then onwards, and the final score was a two point win.

Using creativity and the language of soccer, I had the experience of overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers. I will probably encounter difficulties during my MBA studies at Wharton but I’m ready for the challenge and I’m sure I’ll find a way to overcome them.