University of Pennsylvania - Wharton
Application Deadlines for 2025-2026 / Class of 2028
MBA Application Deadline Final Decision
Round 1 September 5, 2025 December 10, 2025
Round 2 January 6, 2026 March 31, 2026
Round 3 April 1, 2026 May 12, 2026
The following are the main essay questions on the 2025-2026 / Class of 2028 Wharton MBA application:
Required Essay Questions:
Essay 1: What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 words)
What are your career goals for the first three to five years after completing your MBA, and how will those build towards your long-term professional goals? (150 words)
Essay 2: Taking into consideration your background—personal, professional, and/or academic—how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (350 words; Required)
Optional Essay: Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. (500 words)
Wharton MBA Reapplicant Essay:
Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words; required for reapplicants)
Visit the Wharton admissions website for more application information.
Disclaimer: the information provided on this page is for reference only. Applicants are strongly advised to visit the admissions website link provided above to confirm essay prompts, deadlines, and other application information. Photo by Jack Duval.