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Mark your calendars because the Wharton MBA application deadlines for the 2024-2025 academic year have been stamped, sealed, and delivered! Below is a quick overview of the new dates as well as the broader application, so that you can be prepared to put your best foot forward this upcoming cycle.
2025 Application Deadlines
| Round | Application Deadline (ET) | Interview Notifications | Decision Notifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET | October 22, 2025 | December 10, 2025 |
| Round 2 | Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET | February 20, 2026 | March 31, 2026 |
| Round 3 | Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET | April 17, 2026 | May 12, 2026 |
| Deferred Admissions | Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET | May 27, 2026 | July 1, 2026 |
* Note that ALL rounds require a fully completed application to be submitted by 5:00 pm EST. In case you submit your application past the deadline for Rounds 1 or 2, it will be automatically included in the subsequent round. Importantly, however, if you submit your application after the Round 3 deadline, it will not be considered.
What Application Round Should You Apply To?
The following list is taken directly from Wharton and provides a breakdown of the suggested timetable for applying to Wharton, depending on whether you are a reapplicant or targeting a particular program. If you are outside of these groups (i.e., a first-time applicant), keep in mind that it is generally best to apply in Round 1 or 2 to maximize your chances of admission. Spaces are usually more limited and competitive by Round 3.
- Reapplicants: We strongly encourage you to apply during Round 1 or 2.
- International Students: If you need to apply for a student visa to study in the United States, we recommend that you apply in Round 1 or 2.
- MBA/MA-Lauder Program: We accept applications in all 3 rounds. Space in the class becomes more limited for Round 3 applicants and is intended for Programs of Concentration that are not yet full.
- Carey JD/MBA Program: We accept applications in Rounds 1 and 2 only.
- Dual-Degree Programs: We accept applications in all Rounds. Unless otherwise indicated, you may apply to both programs simultaneously.
- Submatriculation applicants: You should apply in Round 3 so that a more complete academic record is available.
Wharton MBA Coach Recommendations
To give yourself the best chance of admission to a top MBA program, we highly recommend working one-on-one with a coach. They’ll be able to provide personalized tips and guidance that are customized to your background and goals. Below are some of our top coaches. Browse all of them here.
Wharton Application Overview 2025
In order to apply to Wharton, you will need to submit the following materials.
- Background Information
- Contact information (e.g., mailing address and phone number)
- Date of birth
- Academic degrees earned
- Professional experience
- Family information
- Prior Conviction Information
- Two Essays
- 2 required essays (3 for reapplicants), 1 optional essay
- Prompts:
- How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)
- Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)
- Required Essay for all Reapplicants: 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)
- 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)
- Read: A Guide to the Wharton MBA Essays
- Transcripts (unofficial or official)
- Upload unofficial transcripts OR self-report grades within the application
- Note that official transcripts must ultimately be submitted in order to enroll in the program
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Wharton’s letter of recommendation requirements are broken down into two sections:
- 1. A selection of positive personality characteristics. Recommenders will be asked to choose two characteristics from a list of ten that best describe the candidate they are recommending.
- 2. Two free-form questions:
- Please provide example(s) that illustrate why you believe this candidate will find success in the Wharton MBA classroom. (Word count: 300)
- Please provide example(s) that illustrate why you believe this candidate will find success throughout their career. (Word count: 300)
- Read: How to Get the Perfect MBA Recommendation Letter
- Wharton’s letter of recommendation requirements are broken down into two sections:
- GMAT or GRE Score
- Your GMAT and/or GRE test date must fall on or between:
- Round 1: September 3, 2020 – September 3, 2025
- Round 2: January 6, 2021 – January 6, 2026
- Round 3: April 1, 2021 – April 1, 2026
- Deferred Admissions Round: April 22, 2021 – April 22, 2026
- English Language Test Score
- Results from one of the following tests are required for non-native English speakers with limited exposure to English: The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE), or The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Resume
- Application Fee
- $275 (Fee waivers are extended for eligible applicants)
How I Got Into Wharton (Admit Story)
Dig deeper into Wharton’s MBA program, including the curriculum, program structure, application items, class profile, and more with these helpful articles:
- Wharton Business School — MBA Program & Application Overview (2023)
- How I Got Into Wharton as an International Applicant
- Wharton Moelis Advance Access Deferred MBA Program: What You Need to Know
- Wharton Interview Guide: The Team-Based Discussion
FAQs
What’s the best round to apply to Wharton?
- Round 1 or 2 gives you the best shot—more spots, less competition. Round 3 is tougher unless you’re submatriculating or applying to a specific dual-degree program.
How recent does my GMAT or GRE score need to be?
- Your score must be taken within five years of the round’s deadline. For Round 1, that’s between Sept 4, 2019, and Sept 4, 2024.
What essays do I need to write for Wharton?
- There are two required essays (500 and 400 words), one for reapplicants (250 words), and an optional essay for any other info or context you want to share.
What does Wharton ask recommenders to write about?
- They select two traits that describe you, then answer two questions—one about your classroom potential and one about your career success (300 words each).
Does Wharton accept both GMAT and GRE scores?
- Yes, Wharton accepts either test, and they’ll review your highest score. They also accept the GMAT Focus Edition.
