Wharton MBA: 2026-2027 deadlines and requirements
Key facts
| Program | Wharton MBA |
|---|---|
| City | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Rank | #2 in U.S. News 2026 Best Business Schools |
| Class size | 888 new students in the Class of 2027. 7,613 people applied. |
| GMAT score | Average 676 on the GMAT Focus Edition for the Class of 2027. Older GMAT average 735. |
| GRE | Average Verbal 162 and Quant 163 for the Class of 2027. |
| Tests it takes | Takes the GMAT (older version or Focus Edition) or the GRE, with no preference, at a test center or at home. There is no minimum score. The application guide lists no test waiver. |
| Application fee | $275, not refundable, paid by credit card. The fee is waived for active duty U.S. military and U.S. veterans. |
| Tuition | $87,970 for the 2026-2027 year (tuition only), plus $5,038 in university fees. Total cost for the year is $135,441. |
| English test | TOEFL iBT, PTE, IELTS or Duolingo English Test is required if you did not attend a school where English was the language of instruction. It may be waived if you earned a degree from such a school. The application guide does not list a minimum score. |
Application rounds
| Round | Apply by | Decision by |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | September 8, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Eastern | December 17, 2026 |
| Round 2 | January 5, 2027, 5:00 p.m. Eastern | March 31, 2027 |
| Round 3 | March 31, 2027, 5:00 p.m. Eastern | May 11, 2027 |
| Deferred Admissions Round | April 21, 2027, 11:59 p.m. Eastern | July 1, 2027 |
Essays
- 50 words. What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal?
- 150 words. Describe your medium- and long-term professional goals after your Wharton MBA.
- 350 words. Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to add meaningful value to the Wharton community?
- Optional, 500 words. 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.
- 250 words, required only for people who applied before. 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).
Recommendations
1 letter from someone who knows your work well, preferably a current or former supervisor. It is sent through the Common Letter of Recommendation from GMAC. The Carey JD/MBA program asks for 2 letters.
Interview
By invitation only. It has two parts: a 35 minute online group exercise with 5 or 6 other applicants, then a 10 minute one on one talk with a member of the admissions team. Invitations go out October 28, 2026 for Round 1, February 19, 2027 for Round 2 and April 16, 2027 for Round 3.
Other parts of the application
Unofficial transcripts from every college you attended (official ones only if you are admitted) and a one page resume. There is no minimum or maximum number of years of work experience. The writing test (AWA) is not required.
Links
Sources
- Wharton MBA: Application Timelines & Deadlines, read November 1, 2026
- Wharton MBA: MBA Application Guide, read November 1, 2026
- Wharton MBA: Class Profile & Acceptance Rate, read November 1, 2026
- Wharton MBA: Interview Process, read November 1, 2026
- Wharton MBA: Financial Aid and Tuition, read November 1, 2026
- Campus photo: WestCoastivieS, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
