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.
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.
Visit our frequently asked questions webpage for additional information.
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.
Who Should Consider Wharton Academy?
Wharton Academy is for non-Wharton students seeking foundational business knowledge and practical skills to enhance their academic and career paths. Our program offers a flexible, high-quality learning experience for:
- Visiting undergraduate students from other universities aiming to gain business fundamentals from the Wharton School.
- Undergraduate students exploring career paths who wish to develop a business perspective without the commitment of a business degree.
- International undergraduate students looking to experience Wharton.
- Students from the College, SEAS, and Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania who want to experience Wharton learning and earn a credential from the Wharton School.
Who is Not Eligible?
Wharton Academy is not available to current Wharton undergraduates. If you are an undergraduate student at Wharton, please consult your advisor to explore courses and opportunities within your curriculum. Additionally, Wharton Academy is not intended for individuals who graduated from their undergraduate institution more than three years ago and have been in the workforce. Such individuals should consider Wharton Executive Education to advance their careers.
Application Deadlines
| SUMMER PROGRAMS | PRIORITY DEADLINE | DECISIONS RELEASED | ROLLING ADMISSION |
| Fundamentals of Corporate Finance and Valuation – (5/30-6/12/2027) | February 3, 2027; 5pm EST | March 10, 2027 | Applications submitted after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Admission decisions for these applications will be released beginning April 1st and will continue as space remains available. Please note, fellowship consideration after this date will only be possible if space remains available. |
| Business Fundamentals – (5/30 - 6/12/2027) | February 3, 2027; 5pm EST | March 10, 2027 | Applications submitted after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Admission decisions for these applications will be released beginning April 1st and will continue as space remains available. Please note, fellowship consideration after this date will only be possible if space remains available. |
Application Requirements
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.
English Proficiency Scores
Applicants who are not native English speakers must submit test scores demonstrating English language proficiency. This requirement is automatically waived for students who attend a school where English is the primary language of instruction.
We accept the following tests and minimum scores:
- TOEFL iBT: 100, or an equivalent score of 5 or higher on the new TOEFL scale effective January 2026
- IELTS: 7
- Duolingo English Test: 130
Please upload an unofficial copy of your score report with your online application.
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.
Professional Recommendation
A formal letter of recommendation must be submitted directly by your reference through the Wharton Academy portal. Your recommendation request will not be sent until you submit your application. Once submitted, your recommender(s) will receive an email and have 7 days from the application deadline to complete their portion.
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.
Visa Information
International students are welcome to apply to Wharton Academy. Because Wharton Academy is a non-degree, non-credit certificate program, the University of Pennsylvania does not issue Form I-20 for participation in the program.
Enrolled international students will receive an official enrollment verification letter from Wharton Academy to support their visa application. Please note that this letter is not a Form I-20 and does not qualify a student for an F-1 student visa. Students are responsible for obtaining the appropriate visa or immigration status required to participate in the program.
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