Can I get into the Wharton MBA program?

Question

Syraucse U
Cummulative GPA: 3.7
1st yr GPA: 3.2
2nd yr GPA: 3.95
3rd yr GPA: 3.8
4th yr GPA: 3.8

Havent taken GMATs, will work operations for an investment bank.

OR stanford OR notre dame OR ucla

Answer 1

I taught at Wharton and can tell you that Dave doesn't know what he is talking about. Family credentials have nothing to do with getting in -- nor does money.

Your GPA will not keep you out of any MBA program. You don't give enough information to answer your question, though. The top programs want three to five years of work experience. It sounds like you don't have any yet. None of the top schools will accept you until you work for a few years.

You will need at least a 650 (and preferably a 700+) on your GMATs.

With your GPA, a high GMAT and work experience, you will be qualified to get into a top MBA program. Being qualified to get in and getting in are two different things. Wharton (and similar schools) turn down more qualified applicants than they accept. The good news is that if you are qualified, you should get in somewhere.

For example -- I was qualified to get into Wharton -- but was turned down. I was accepted at other Ivy League B-Schools and went to Duke for my MBA and Berkeley for my PhD.

Answer 2

In my experience, GPA and GMAT may matter less to Wharton than the answer to the question on their application form that asks what your mother and father do for a living.

Taranto is being apologetic, the application form (at least in 2005) did ask your mother and father's occupation. Such a question would be illegal in a job interview. Why would Wharton ask such a question, if it isn't a factor?

My GPA was similar to yours, with proportionally good GMAT scores, but that question turned me off to Wharton. You can get a good education many places; I prefer schools that don't bring socio-economic class into the application process. I think the most important thing is finding a program whose strengths best fit your particular goals and interests, rather than just which program ranks highest, in someone else's fallible estimation.

(As far as who "doesn't know what he is talking about" goes, I invite Taranto to review Wharton's 2005 application form. The question is there. Again, why ask such a question, if it isn't a factor in admissions?)