Application Information

Admission to Wharton Academy programs is highly selective.

Successful applicants typically demonstrate:

  • Minimum 3.4 unweighted GPA or equivalent
  • Thoughtful, well-written essays that express interest in the program content.
  • An array of extracurricular activities and/or personal achievements that denote intellectual curiosity, ability to collaborate, initiative and ambition or diversity of interests and ideas.

Applications are reviewed at various points throughout the admissions cycle. Please refer to the Application Deadlines chart for timeframes on admissions notifications. Students will receive an email notification once admissions decisions are available. 

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Application Deadlines

WINTER PROGRAMSPRIORITY DEADLINEDECISIONS RELEASEDFINAL DEADLINEFINAL DECISIONS RELEASED
AI for BusinessOctober 15, 2024November 1, 2024November 15, 2024November 25, 2024
Personal Finance and InvestingOctober 15, 2024November 1, 2024November 15, 2024November 25, 2024
SUMMER PROGRAMSPRIORITY DEADLINEDECISIONS RELEASEDFINAL DEADLINEFINAL DECISIONS RELEASED
AI for Business
Fundamentals of Corporate Finance and ValuationJanuary 15, 2025February 5, 2025February 19, 2025March 12, 2025
Social Entrepreneurship
Data Science, Statistics, and Coding Through Sports Analytics

Application Requirements

Transcripts

College or university transcripts and/or grade reports are required for all applications. Please upload an unofficial copy directly into the online application system.

If you are a first-year undergraduate student, please also submit your final high school transcript and/or grade report. All grade submissions must be in English and must include your full name, your school’s name, and the academic terms covered.

If additional grades become available from your college or university before the application deadline, you may email supplementary materials to academyprograms@wharton.upenn.edu.

Essay/Short Answer Prompts

Short essay requirements provide an opportunity for the Wharton Academy admissions committee to learn more about you. They are also a way to evaluate your writing skills and your ability to directly respond to a given prompt. We value quality and thoughtfulness over quantity.

English Proficiency Scores

Non-native English speakers should submit test scores to verify English language proficiency. If the student attends a school where the primary language of instruction is English, this requirement is automatically waived. If submitting test scores, please note the admissions committee prefers TOEFL or IELTS scores, when available. The minimum TOEFL score required for admission is 100 (iBT.) The minimum IELTS score required is a 7. If TOEFL or IELTS scores are unavailable, applicants may submit Duolingo, PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores as an alternate. The minimum Duolingo score required is 130. To submit, please upload an unofficial copy of your score report to the online application.

Application Fee

A non-refundable application fee of $50 is required for each application submitted. This is payable by credit card directly through the application system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is housing provided for Wharton Academy programs?

Yes, housing and meals are included in the program fee. Students are also provided with complimentary linens.

Can international students apply?

International students are a welcome addition to Wharton Academy programs. International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the priority deadline to ensure ample time to arrange for international travel and visas, where applicable. 

B1 visas required for international students. Upon acceptance, students should contact the American Embassy or Consulate in their home country, if they do not already have one. 

Will I earn a certificate?

Yes! Every student who successfully completes a non-credit program will earn a Wharton Academy badge through our one-week programs or a Wharton Academy certificate through our two-week programs. Completion is obtained through meaningful participation and completion of all assignments as determined by the program leader.

What does 'Priority Deadline' mean?

The priority deadline is our early deadline, and allows a greater chance of admission into preferred session dates. Students who apply by the priority deadline will also be notified of their admissions decisions earlier. There is also a possibility of specific programs or sessions filling before the final deadline, so applying by the priority deadline is always encouraged. 

Are there scholarship opportunities available?

Wharton Academy is a new opportunity from the Wharton School. Please continue monitoring our program pages for relevant updates regarding financial support. If you have questions, you can contact our team at academyprograms@wharton.upenn.edu.