Interview

Guide
The Wharton School

2023–2024
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What role does the interview
play in the admissions process?
MBA programs employ a holistic evaluation process, so the interview represents only one aspect of the ad-
missions decision. Still, it is a very important and influential element of the admissions process and should be
approached with the same level of attention as the other parts of your application.

The interview process at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is unique among top-ranked
business schools because of its team-based format. “We always want to see how our candidates respond
in real-time conversations, not unlike the conversations they have every day in their professional and
personal lives,” Wharton’s former director of admissions told mbaMission in an interview after the format
was launched at the school. “We want to continue to understand how [candidates] behave in and navigate
throughout those discussions, and conversations really give us a good sense of how they’re going to be as
future MBAs and alumni.”

We believe that Wharton’s primary goals in the interview are to gauge a candidate’s fit with the school’s
values, approach, and atmosphere and to assess how the individual might perform as part of a team. And, of
course, placing interviewees in a team-based environment is an efficient way to evaluate these abilities.
Our past clients describe Wharton’s interviews most often as “relaxed,” “informal,” and “positive.”

mbaMission Interview Guide: The Wharton School 4

What is the admissions
committee’s perspective on
interviews?
Wharton uses interviews for two main reasons: to get acquainted with candidates and to see them behave
in a team environment. To achieve this, interviews with the school are twofold: the Team Based Discussion
(TBD) with four to six fellow candidates, followed by a short one-on-one conversation with a member of the
admissions team.

Much has been written about the Wharton Applicants often ask how to prepare for the
TBD. It is one element of our admissions TBD, and our best advice is to be yourself. This
process that, when pieced together with is your opportunity to express who you are as
your written application, helps paint a clearer an individual, but perhaps more importantly,
picture of who you are and how you may fit as a member of a functioning team. Our hope
into the [incoming class]. The TBD is meant to is that through this process, you will not only
model the highly collaborative nature of the be able to present how you approach and think
Wharton MBA environment in order to identify about certain challenges and opportunities
characteristics that we believe contribute to but also have a chance to experience,
the success of Wharton students. firsthand, the teamwork and learning dynamic
that is central to the Wharton experience.
 Wharton MBA Admissions Blog
 Wharton MBA Admissions Blog

The TBD is one of many elements in the

admissions process as we move toward the Relax. Being invited to interview means that
[incoming class]. Some may find interviews we see you as a potential fit for our program.
stressful and exciting but remember that Be proud of all that you have accomplished
being invited to interview means that we see at this point—and try to enjoy this part of the
you as a potential fit for our program. Our hope process.
is that you enjoy the experience, we learn more
about you, and you learn more about us.  Wharton Website

 Wharton MBA Admissions Blog

mbaMission Interview Guide: The Wharton School 5

What type of interview can
I expect?
Invitation-Only Process

Interviews at Wharton are “by invitation only,” meaning that the Admissions Office extends invitations to se-
lected applicants after reading their application—and only those invited applicants can schedule interviews.

Team Based Discussion (TBD) Plus One-on-One Follow-up Interview

Wharton’s interview experience focuses on the Team Based Discussion, which lasts approximately 35 min-
utes and enables candidates to demonstrate their teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, as
well as get a feel for what working together with a team at Wharton will be like. The TBD is followed by a brief
one-on-one discussion with an admissions committee member. This discussion can include questions on
how the TBD went, as well as more typical interview questions.

(Mostly) Resume-Based Format

Wharton interviews are, according to reports from our past clients, mostly “resume based,” which means that
your one-on-one interviewer will likely not have seen your application before the interview—just your resume.
There is a chance, however, that your interviewer will have seen your full application, so it is best to prepare
for both scenarios. Also note that your interviewer may not have taken time to review your resume before
your meeting, so be prepared to provide a brief summary of your professional experience, in case they ask.

mbaMission Interview Guide: The Wharton School 6

Team Based Discussion
Although many business schools follow a “traditional,” one-on-one format in their applicant interviews, the
interview process at some schools features extra components. These can include teamwork, group exercises,
or additional interviews.

The Wharton interview process begins with the Team Based Discussion with four to six fellow candidates.
Following this group discussion, a member of the admissions committee will conduct “a 10-minute one-on-
one interview” with each candidate. “Our hope is that through a team-based discussion, you will not only be
able to present how you approach and think about certain challenges and opportunities, but that you will also
have a chance to experience, firsthand, the team work and learning dynamic that is central to our program,”
the school’s website states. “Your discussion will have a prompt and a purpose and, as a team, you will work
together to achieve a tangible outcome.”

During the 2022–2023 application season, the TBD prompt was:

Wharton’s commitment to global engagement prepares MBA students for any challenge in the interna-
tional business environment. As of the 2022 school year, all global travel at Wharton is back to normal
operations. Wharton MBAs will once again have the opportunity to participate in a Global Immersion
Program (GIP), a credit-bearing elective course, which is designed to provide a high-level survey of the
economic, cultural, and geo-political drivers behind regions integral to the global economy.

GIP courses consist of three components: on-campus study sessions, international travel, and a final
deliverable. By attending faculty lectures and traveling abroad to meet with local business leaders, gov-
ernment officials, and Wharton alumni, students have the opportunity to learn from a tremendous group
of professionals while also immersing themselves in another culture and building strong relationships
with their GIP cohort.

For the purpose of this discussion, you’ve been invited to be part of a team of students tasked with de-
signing a new GIP. As a team, determine the following course requirements while clearly articulating your
course’s desired outcomes:

• a region of study for your GIP

• a recommendation for company and/or government meetings
• a recommendation for a cultural event or immersion to participate in while traveling
• a recommendation for the final deliverable/assignment that students will complete after the GIP

mbaMission Interview Guide: The Wharton School 7

How long is the TBD?

The TBD is timed carefully to last 35 minutes. Team members must ensure they present their overall recom-
mendation or suggestion to the admissions committee representatives within the allotted time frame.

How is it formatted?

Wharton provides participants with the TBD prompt prior to interview day so that candidates can do some
initial brainstorming on the idea(s) they would like to present to the group.

The TBD begins with all individuals introducing themselves and sharing their suggestions and ideas. Then the
group must work together however it sees fit in order to decide upon and develop the overall group solution or
recommendation.

Where will it take place?

TBDs are usually held on campus, but off-site locations are also offered each year around the globe by
Wharton admissions committee members. However, during the 2023–2024 application season, Wharton is
conducting all TBDs remotely.

What is the admissions committee looking for during the TBD?

A strong TBD experience enables a candidate to demonstrate critical thinking, intellectual ability and curios-
ity, interpersonal skills, leadership, and communication skills. The admissions committee wants to get a
sense of how you might work with others on a learning team and in other group interactions at Wharton, and
to see how you respond in real time to problem-solving, communication, and collaboration challenges. Over-
all, the admissions team feels that the TBD is a great exercise to get to know you better as a person.

Tips for success:

ƒ Express yourself, but also listen and build on the input of others—do not negate or disregard the opin-
ions of other participants.
ƒ Think of the group as your team at business school, not as your competitors.
ƒ Aim to communicate your ideas clearly and concisely, and be prepared to explain your logic or rationale.
ƒ Encourage the participation of other group members and be inclusive.
ƒ Be mindful of timing—both your own and the group’s.
ƒ Strive for a better outcome to the discussion overall, rather than just the prevalence of your own ideas.

mbaMission Interview Guide: The Wharton School 8

 ƒ Contribute but do not aim to dominate.
ƒ Consider participating in an mbaMission Wharton Team-Based Discussion Simulation beforehand.
(This service is included with our Start to Finish Packages and also offered as a standalone option.)

As Wharton recommends to all participants—be yourself and enjoy the discussion!

Our clients’ thoughts on the group exercise:

The group interview was largely an evaluation We had a great group dynamic. … [However,
of one’s ability to interact with others socially many] of the candidates seemed to come
and participate actively and constructively in with some “over-rehearsed” lines that they
a conversation. would use through the conversation, as well
as [acting] overly polite to everybody. This
resulted in a very friendly conversation, but
people were willing to let anything go for
the sake of preserving the “peace,” instead
Overall, the discussion was really great, and I of focusing on developing a really good
had a great time with the others in my group. [discussion].

I recommend [arriving a bit early and The interview experience overall was very
socializing] so you get to know the other positive. Our Team Based Discussion group
people in your Team Based Discussion had great chemistry, and we were able to
beforehand. easily complete a detailed presentation in
response to the assigned prompt within the 35
minutes allotted.

The TBD was very relaxed. … We all came

out of it thinking it was more casual than
expected, and the observers were very nice
and not obtrusive.

mbaMission Interview Guide: The Wharton School 9

Where will my interview
take place?
As always, please visit the school’s website for the most recent infor-

How long will the

mation.

Remote interview last?

Wharton is currently conducting all TBDs and one-on-one interviews According to our past applicants, the Wharton
remotely. “The Virtual Team-Based Discussion (VTBD) is conducted interview process (including the Team Based
in the same manner as the in-person TBD; however, applicants will Discussion and a one-on-one interview) can
meet their team on a remote conferencing tool instead of in a physical last anywhere from roughly 40 minutes to 60
space. All of the candidates (5-6 per group) are participating virtually minutes.
from various locations,” the Wharton website states.

40–60 minutes

mbaMission Interview Guide: The Wharton School 10

Who will interview me?
The Wharton admissions committee weighs all applicant interviews the same, regardless of who conducts
the interview. The person with whom you interview often depends on the location of your interview.

Admissions Committee Members

Wharton admissions committee members travel to hub cities around the world to interview MBA candidates,
but they are typically not present for on-campus interviews.

Students

Wharton often uses specially chosen second-year students to observe the on-campus and remote Team
Based Discussions and subsequently interview students one-on-one. These students have been selected
and trained by the school’s admissions officers to interview candidates on the committee’s behalf.

mbaMission Interview Guide: The Wharton School 11

What do past mbaMission
applicants say about the
interview experience?
Our clients who interviewed with Wharton in the past few years consistently described their interview experi-
ence with the school as “casual,” “relaxed,” and “laid back.” Wharton is not interested in putting candidates on
the spot or trying to stump them, but rather in making sure that applicants have a solid grasp of the ways the
MBA program would benefit them and how they would fit with the school’s community.

Here is a sample of what our past clients have told us about their interview experience at Wharton:

My [one-on-one] interview seemed much The post-group interview reflection with the
more like a conversation than an interview. interviewer was conversational and consisted
[The interviewer] genuinely seemed to want of reviewing what happened during the group
to get to know me and was not interested in interview, high-level resume review, and ‘Why
‘testing’ me with difficult interview questions. Wharton?’

The Team Based Discussion was very The interview experience was very pleasant.
relaxed—I had five people from very different The TBD was actually really fun! The one-on-
backgrounds and from different countries. one was not stressful—they really just want
We were very collaborative, and people were to get to know you and why you want to go to
almost too nice. The interviewer/observer was Wharton.
a second-year student, and he seemed very
relaxed and in a good mood. He smiled at us
and asked us if we needed anything before the
interview.
[My interviewer and I] did not talk about the
Team Based Discussion. He asked only about
the most important thing on my resume to me
and where I see myself in the future.
As far as interviews go, it’s actually pretty fun.

mbaMission Interview Guide: The Wharton School 12

The TBD facilitators were very friendly. They The [one-on-one] interview was completely
gave an overview of the process and showed conversational; even though I answered the
ten- and five-minute warnings on paper. The questions asked, the interviewer also shared
one-on-one was very brief afterwards. After some stories about himself as well. I felt really
my intro, most of the time was spent asking good about the interview.
questions about my interviewer’s experience
at Wharton.

[The one-on-one interview is] really short!

Be prepared to talk about the Team Based
The Team Based Discussion reached a good Discussion, and share some ideas about how
outcome, and all of the members of the team you behaved versus how you normally behave
were cooperative. The interview afterward in groups. Definitely have a question or two
was very friendly and was mostly background ready for your interviewer.
related with no difficult personality-type
questions.

The group interview was exactly as described

in the preview process. Our interviewers read
The TBD was rather stressful, especially in a us the prompt, and we had 35 minutes to
virtual format. Everyone in the call was very discuss as a group and present our findings
competent and adept at facilitating, so it to the interviewers. The one-on-one was
was an intimidating group. Given the virtual very relaxed and informal—we basically
format, it was difficult to interject into the spent 15 minutes talking about one another’s
conversation, and ultimately I had to wait backgrounds and reasons for wanting to
until I was drawn into the conversation to attend Wharton.
share my thoughts and comments. The one-
on-one interview was much more relaxed—I
was asked one question before the interview
transitioned to more of a Q&A.

mbaMission Interview Guide: The Wharton School 13

Advice from Past Clients Who Have Interviewed at Wharton

Do not over prepare for the group interview. Review your application ahead of time, and be
Showing your ability to interact well with yourself in the TBD. The TBD was actually fun.
others and participate constructively in a Our group had a good dynamic, and I’m glad
discussion is more important than being that I was my honest self in there.
knowledgeable about the prompt. Piggyback
on others’ comments to show engagement
such that you are not just participating for the
sake of it.
Be concise during the one-on-one because
it’s so short. Enjoy the TBD and have fun with
it.

Talk quickly during the ten-minute interview

after the TBD! The ten-minute interview
afterwards is so quick, and by the time I was
done with the resume walk-through, it was The process feels like it’s really about fit as
already 12 minutes in. The interviewer kept me opposed to technical competence. Wharton
for about 20 minutes, so just be aware that is looking for students who will fit in with the
[the one-on-one interview] probably won’t be school’s focus on collaboration and teamwork,
ten minutes long. who come across like normal human beings,
and who can comfortably carry on a one-on-
one conversation with a peer.

Get in early to have a chat with fellow

[applicants taking part in the Team Based
Discussion]. It’s important to move the The Team Based Interview was overall a
conversation forward. Don’t stress, but know positive experience. Time goes by quickly, so
the basic whys—why an MBA, why Wharton, establish a structure early on and facilitate
why now. the discussion while not being pushy. Call on
and be inclusive towards people who are more
quiet, and take time at the end to break down
who will present what.

Just really be prepared to talk about what

draws you to Wharton!

mbaMission Interview Guide: The Wharton School 14

Prepare your pitch properly for the TBD. Make Have a good idea to propose [for the
sure you are very structured and organized Team Based Discussion], but don’t be too
and finish speaking within the 60 seconds committed to your idea or worried that it won’t
allotted to you. Try to chime in during the TBD be chosen; it likely won’t, and it really does
by making good points, listening to others, and not seem to matter. Do not prepare too much
reiterating/using what they said to build upon. for the exercise; there really isn’t much air
Ensure that you’re keeping track of time and time for you to shine like you would like to with
trying to push the group forward. For the one- your idea. And after the first five minutes, the
on-one, be confident, prepared, structured, discussion will naturally take its course, which
and smile. I think the TBD and the one-on-one is very hard to predict and prepare for.
are fun experiences as long as you are going
in with a positive, team mindset rather than
a competitive mindset. Be yourself and have
fun!

mbaMission Interview Guide: The Wharton School 15

How can I prepare for the
interview?
Because the Wharton interview process consists primarily of the Team Wharton interviews at times include school-specific questions, such
Based Discussion, the one-on-one interviews tend to be quite short. as “How would a Wharton MBA help you achieve your goals?” If you are
not ready to answer these types of questions in detail, you must invest
Wharton interviews typically start with a question about the Team the time necessary to get to know Wharton thoroughly and to identify
Based Discussion. This is your opportunity to offer an overview of the programs, centers, clubs, classes, professors, extracurricular
your experience with your fellow candidates and describe what you opportunities, and other resources it offers that relate directly to your
contributed to the discussion. “What role did you play in the Team plans and your personality.
Based Discussion today?” and “What do you think could have made the
Team Based Discussion better?” are typical Wharton interview open- Wharton wants to hear specifics about your professional accom-
ers. If you are asked to comment on your group’s TBD performance, plishments and leadership potential, so such questions as “What is
share a few observations about what worked well and what could have your most important professional accomplishment so far?” are fairly
been improved, but be careful not to be overly critical of yourself or common.
the group.
We strongly recommend that you practice vocalizing your responses
Our reports for Wharton indicate that career goals questions, such as rather than just writing them out on paper. Try using a timer to get
“Why are you considering business school?,” are sometimes asked in a sense of how long you typically take to answer each question, and
the school’s interviews. practice in front of a mirror to detect (and then practice minimizing)
any facial tics or distracting hand gestures. Mock interviews can be
particularly helpful and revealing; provide a friend or family mem-
ber with your resume and a list of possible questions (see the next
section), and then have them interview you for 30 minutes and give
you feedback on your performance. Guard against preparing your re-
sponses word for word and memorizing them, however, so that you do
not sound over-rehearsed and artificial. For more in-depth interview
preparation, consider scheduling a mock interview with an mbaMis-
sion consultant!

mbaMission Interview Guide: The Wharton School 16

Practice interview sequences
The following five lists present exact questions, in order, asked in actual Wharton one-on-one interviews, as
reported by our past clients. Although you can never be certain which questions you will receive, and ques-
tions will undoubtedly vary to some degree, these samples serve to illustrate how a Wharton one-on-one
interview is likely to progress.

Note: Identifying information about the applicants has been removed. Some questions have been edited for
clarity.

Sequence 1
1. How do you think your TBD group did?
2. What role did you play?
3. Do you usually play this role?
4. What could you have done better?
5. What else would you like the admissions team to know?
6. Do you have any questions for me?

Sequence 2
1. How do you feel your group performed overall?
2. Have you ever been in situations/environments at work similar to that of the group interview?
3. Why do you want to come to Wharton?
4. What do you like to do outside of work?
5. What was your experience like at your prior firm, and why did you leave?
6. What do you want to do after Wharton?

Sequence 3
1. How did you think the TBD went?
2. Do you think [the collaborative nature of the TBD] is realistic?
3. Can you walk me through your resume?
4. What is [your internship company]?
5. You obviously have a lot of big names on your resume and have done well, but what is a mistake that
you have made?
6. What questions do you have for me?

Sequence 4
1. What role did you play in the TBD?
2. Is this the role you generally play on teams?
3. Walk me through your resume.
4. Why do you want an MBA?
5. How will you contribute to the Wharton community?

mbaMission Interview Guide: The Wharton School 17

Sequence 5
1. Was [the role you had in the TBD the one] you typically play in groups?
2. Walk me through your resume.
3. Tell me about a failure.
4. Tell me about another thing you learned at [X company].
5. What do you hope to gain from Wharton?
6. What would you bring to Wharton?
7. What do you want to do after gaining an MBA?
8. What questions do you have for me?

mbaMission Interview Guide: The Wharton School 18

Notoriously challenging
questions
Having performed thousands of mock interviews over the years and reviewed even more post-interview re-
ports, we believe these are the six questions that MBA applicants find most difficult to master.

Why should we take you?

Be ready to articulate your two or three greatest strengths and to support each one with a thoughtful anec-
dote that validates your claims. Research your target school so that you are able to relate each of your high-
lighted strengths to an aspect of the program in a meaningful way; this will simultaneously show that you have
done your homework on the school and that you are a serious and thoughtful applicant.

To which other schools are you applying?

List peer schools only. You do not want to give the impression that you consider the school at which you are
interviewing either a “safe” choice or a “reach.” Be prepared to discuss your target school relative to the peer
institutions you mention and to identify specific characteristics about the target school that you find more
appealing on the whole.

If you are not accepted to any business school this year, what will you do?

A large part of mastering this question lies in how you respond, rather than what you say. Project confidence
and show that your plans for the future involve a high level of intentionality. A suitable answer would be some-
thing like this: “I am hopeful that I will be accepted to your program this year, but if not, I will definitely reapply,
because I know an MBA is important for me as I seek to transition in my career. I know I need to develop my
skills in the areas of [areas of importance to you] to achieve my career goals.”

What are your weaknesses? or What have you learned from a failure?

Be honest. Any attempt to disguise a weakness or shift responsibility away from yourself will actually be det-
rimental! Show that you are cognizant of areas or ways in which you can improve, and then express a sincere
interest in making a positive change. Reveal how and what you learned from a failure and, if possible, provide a
subsequent example in which you succeeded with your new approach.

mbaMission Interview Guide: The Wharton School 19

What have we not covered that you wish I had asked about?

Have a mental list ready of your best attributes, most impressive accomplishments, and reasons for target-
ing the program. Then, if any remain that you have not broached by the time you are asked this question, this
is your opportunity to share them. If, on the other hand, you have truly exhausted all your material, you can
instead offer a quick overview that recaps your strongest points and stories: “We discussed my early promo-
tion at American Express, my reasons for wanting to attend this program specifically, my career goals, my
leadership experience with Friends of the New York Public Library, and my passion for photography. I think we
have everything covered.”

What other questions do you have for me?

Always have a few thoughtful questions prepared about your target program to show that you have researched
and are genuinely interested in the school. Keep in mind that questions vary depending on the person in-
terviewing you, so you should tailor your queries accordingly. For example, an alumnus may not know about
the latest on-campus news but can talk about his personal experience at the school and subsequent career
success; a student interviewer would be unable to discuss post-graduate topics but can provide insight into
courses, professors, and clubs. Avoid basic questions like “What makes this program special?” or “What cours-
es do you have for aspiring consultants?” You should already know the answers to such questions at this point.

Demonstrate that you have advanced knowledge of the school by including references to specific offerings
and resources in your queries: “I am interested in an individualized First-Year Project. How many students
pursue these relative to the more conventional option?” Such nuanced questions help prove your authentic
interest in the program.

mbaMission Interview Guide: The Wharton School 20

What if I get stumped during
the interview?
Many applicants worry that during their interview, they will be asked 1. Resist the urge to launch into a story. Your instinct may be to
a challenging question that will leave them awkwardly silent and that just start speaking, hoping that you will find the right story or
the moment will effectively put an end to their candidacy at the target answer as you progress. This is a high-risk strategy, because if
school. Although such an experience would certainly be uncomfort- it goes wrong, this can compound the problem. Instead, pause
able—and we suggest, of course, that you definitely do your best to get for a moment to recall an appropriate story. To buy yourself a
ready for your interview so as to avoid this kind of predicament—some- little extra time, you can even say, “That is a good question. I am
times even well-prepared candidates find themselves “stumped.” We going to have to think about it for a moment,” before answering.
can assure you, however, that an awkward pause in an interview will
not cancel out all the positive elements of your application. Still, being 2. Take a sip of water. Many interviewers will offer you a glass of
ready for such a situation, should one occur, is important, so we offer water at the beginning of your meeting. If your interviewer does
the following tips on how to mitigate an uncomfortable moment: so, accept the offer, and then use the water throughout the
interview as a buffer to buy time or help yourself slow down.
If you get stumped, taking a sip of water can provide a brief
opportunity to pause naturally, alleviating any awkwardness
before you continue speaking.

3. Maintain your poise. If you absolutely cannot answer a ques-

tion, do not get overly apologetic or grovel. Simply acknowl-
edge that you are having trouble with the question and politely
ask if you might come back to it later in the conversation. This
is not a best-case scenario, but it is certainly far better than
rambling and apologizing. A confident approach during a tricky
moment may even impress!

4. Forget about it. If you simply cannot answer a question, accept

the fact and move on. Do not dwell on the situation. If you spend
the rest of the interview thinking about that moment, you will be
distracted and struggle with any subsequent questions.

mbaMission Interview Guide: The Wharton School 21

What should I wear to the
interview?
Although Wharton does not specify a dress code, the school does indicate that most interviewees dress in
business or business casual attire. You can safely assume that you should dress in a professional manner,
regardless of where your interview takes place.

Follow these rules to look the part for your MBA interview at any school:

1. Always follow any guidelines the school provides on dress code.

2. If the school does not specify a dress code, wear business attire for an on-campus interview as well as
for an off-campus interview with a member of the admissions staff. Business attire is usually best for
remote interviews as well.
3. Business casual attire is often best when meeting an alumnus/alumna off campus, though you may
consider politely asking your interviewer about proper attire in advance.
4. Jeans, T-shirts, and ripped, wrinkled, or unclean clothing are never appropriate.
5. Showing some creativity and style is okay, but do not go overboard.
6. Avoid wearing strong-smelling perfume or cologne.
7. Bring a copy of your resume printed on nice paper.
8. Make sure you turn your cell phone off.

mbaMission Interview Guide: The Wharton School 22

Should I send a thank you?
In short, you should always send a brief thank you email after your interview. Write and send the note as soon
as possible after your interview—the same day or the next is ideal. Interviewers usually need to submit their
feedback on candidates within 24–48 hours, so you want your message to be received quickly. Be sure to ask
for your interviewer’s business card or email address before you finish the interview, if it has not already been
provided.

Follow these tips to write an effective thank you note:

1. Be sure to mention specifics from your conversation or visit.

2. If you realized after the interview that you forgot to make an important point about your candidacy,
you can (succinctly!) include that point in your thank you email.
3. Always check to make sure you have spelled all names correctly in your email, including the name of
your interviewer, the school, any program or course you discussed, or any professor you met.
4. Limit your email to no longer than a few sentences. Keep it direct, clear, and to the point.

Here is a sample thank you message:

Dear Mr. Jones:

Thank you for meeting with me to discuss my interest in XYZ School’s MBA program. I appreciated your
valuable insight into the advanced finance classes, particularly Professor John Smith’s “Portfolio Invest-
ing” course. Should I be so lucky as to be accepted, I will definitely enroll in that class and know it would
be incredibly helpful in my future investment career. After speaking with you and several students, I am
confident that XYZ offers everything I am seeking, both personally and professionally. Thank you again
for your time, and I hope to see you on campus this fall.

Warm regards,

Jane Doe

mbaMission Interview Guide: The Wharton School 23

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