UPenn / Wharton MBA Recommendation Questions
The MBA application for the Wharton School requires one letter of recommendation from an individual who is well acquainted with your leadership, teamwork, and analytical skills, as well as your potential for success in professional settings. Make sure you select someone who can speak directly about your aptitudes and capabilities, such as a current or former supervisor, colleague, or client. The Wharton MBA recommendation questions for the 2026-2027 admissions season are below.
2026-2027 Wharton Recommendation Questions
Recommender Information
The recommendation begins with the recommender’s contact information, followed by a handful of background questions:
Relationship With Applicant: (e.g. Direct Supervisor, Advisor, Indirect Report/Subordinate)
During which period of time have you had the most frequent contact with the applicant? (Select dates)
Are you a graduate of Wharton or any other University of Pennsylvania school? (Yes / No)
Are you a faculty member of Wharton or any other University of Pennsylvania School? (Yes / No)
Summary Appraisal
For every set of three positive descriptors, select one that is most characteristic of the applicant. Although all statements are favorable, please choose only the single descriptor that best fits the individual.
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Applicant Assessment
How do the candidate’s performance, potential, background, or personal qualities compare to those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Please provide specific examples. (500 Words)
(Optional) Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (500 Words)
(Optional) Is there anything else we should know?
Clear Admit Resources
Get started on your research into the Wharton MBA program with more from Clear Admit:
- UPenn Wharton School of Business Profile on the Clear Admit website: up-to-date advice and admissions information
- Clear Admit LiveWire: admissions updates submitted in real-time by applicants to Wharton
- Clear Admit DecisionWire: school selections in real-time by admits to Wharton
MBA Applywire
I’m entertaining the thought of pivoting my career by earning an MBA, but can’t tell if I’m being delusional or not. I’d appreciate if you could give me a reality check on if I should even continue researching how to pursue this path.
Profile:
34M, Chinese American, US citizen, based on the west coast.
Also gay and a 1st generation college student if that matters
Education and Scores:
BA in Biology (3.61 GPA) from an Ivy League School
MS in Entomology (4.0 GPA) from a Big 10 School
GRE score equivalent to 161V and 161Q when I took it in 2013 without preparation
Probably irrelevant, but I also have one first author scientific publication in a peer reviewed journal that has been citied over 50 times from my master’s research.
Work Experience:
8 years working as a biologist for an Agriculture Department primarily doing regulatory inspections (e.g. pesticides, quarantines, organic farms, etc). Currently earning 155k/year, but my salary is mostly capped now and promotion opportunities are almost non-existent (the last open position for a promotion in my department was in 2020).
My work experience involves some supervisory experience but it is not a management role. It centers around knowing state regulations/laws and applying them when doing various types of agricultural inspections.
This is my first job out of graduate school.
Extracurriculars:
Unfortunately I’m lacking in this area, but can look for volunteer opportunities.
Recently had a certification to teach high school biology if that counts.
I was the department wellness coordinator and I am also part of the department equity committee at work. I am also the graphic designer for my department.
Background:
I know my profile is completely unrelated to business when compared to other MBA applicants. My initial education and career path was driven by my desire to study what I found interesting and then working in a related field afterwards. I have no regrets about my former path but now I’m wondering if I want more out of my career rather than remain in government. I was thinking an MBA from a top school can facilitate a complete career pivot from where I currently am.
Why I want to pivot:
I currently work 4 days a week in an stress-free environment with phenomenal work-life balance but my opportunities for professional growth is limited and my skill development is stagnating in this role. I’m also feeling bored in my career. I no longer feel driven to stay working in my field of study like I did in the past. I mostly just want the potential to earn more money as my husband and I are expecting to grow our family in the next few years.
So what’s the verdict, am I being ridiculous by even thinking I can get into an upper MBA program and pivoting careers? I appreciate any insights you have.
Applying in Round 1 with a B.S. in Physics; my undergraduate institution uses a non-4.0 grading system where my performance ranks substantially above the highest honors classification. Having already secured an admission to an M7 deferred MBA program, I am applying in R1 to explore additional options and identify the best cultural and career fit.
Srcc undergrad economics, enactus president did internships at adani tata ortella global
Fingers crossed! I’m applying with a lower GRE that I really grinded to get. I have okay extracurriculars and about four years of experience in corporate strategy and development, so I’m hoping the rest of my profile helps balance it out.
MBA LiveWire
Submitted 8/12, Interview Invite 8/28, Interview 9/9, Accepted 9/10