When it comes to the admissions essay, the key is taking the time to reflect on the question and start the writing process early.
“The question is posted in advance to give you plenty of time to draft and rework your answer before submitting your application,” says Barbara Craft, Director of Admissions for the Wharton MBA Program for Executives. “We want to see a thoughtful, impactful essay, and it takes time to figure out what you want to say and how to convey that in the framework of the essay.”
Just as important as giving yourself time is ensuring that the essay reflects the real you and your personal experience. Being honest in your responses and staying true to who you are as a candidate is essential.
This is when asking a colleague or friend for help is useful. “Have someone who knows you well read your essay and then ask them if the essay sounds like you,” advises Craft. “And ask that same person – or perhaps another friend or colleague – to help proofread your final draft. There is no excuse for an essay with grammar errors and typos,” she says.
Another pitfall to avoid is plagiarism, which is the number one reason to deny an application based on an essay. The Wharton MBA Program for Executives Admission team runs plagiarism checks on all essays and expects professionalism from applicants.
Essay tips
For applicants preparing their essays, Craft offers guidance on how to approach the question:
The essay asks applicants to describe a defining leadership experience in their lives, how that experience shaped their perspective, and how they will use that perspective to enrich the learning experience as part of the Wharton EMBA. With a 350-word limit, the goal is not to cover every accomplishment but to highlight a meaningful experience that reveals how you think, lead, and contribute.
“This is an opportunity to share your unique experiences, skills, and perspectives and how they have shaped the leader you are today,” says Craft. “Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, and every perspective adds value to the learning environment. What is most important is to be authentic and thoughtful about how you will contribute to the Wharton community. There is no perfect answer.”
The optional essay
The optional essay is an opportunity to share information that may be missing in other parts of the application.
“This essay is truly optional,” says Craft. Don’t feel compelled to use this space unless you have something to share that can’t be conveyed in another part of the application, such as circumstances that impacted your undergraduate academic performance.”
The bottom line
The biggest piece of advice for all of the essays is to take time to be thoughtful and be your authentic self. “We want to really get to know you throughout the application process. So, make sure your essay is in your voice, gives strong examples, and tells us who you are instead of telling us what you think we want to hear.
Posted: June 30, 2026
