<p>Tupac> Money is a great motivating factor but some people actually do like certain areas of ibanking. I have noticed that people in M&A etc do it more for the money than in other more "achievement" based sectors such as asset management or trading. Certainly the people who are working in quantitative trading nowadays (many of them coming from science backgrounds) like the field for the intellectual challenge.</p>
<p>Naturally most people at Wharton and other institutions are interested more in M&A (which more or less require you to stay up and work 24/7 at least at the starting levels) than in trading or investment management where the majority fail and the few survive (as its a zero sum game for the most part).</p>
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Who doesn't want a comfortable life? It's too bad that society does not pay scientists an amount of money comenserate to the value they bring.
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<p>It is too bad. Think of what someone with your talents and background can contribute to society. Who needs another banker?</p>
<p>Tupac: Since you're heavily drenched in the science related field and you are interested in business, why don't you apply to MIT's Sloan School of Management. It's a great way to mesh your two desires. iBanking is a great field (i.e. pay and mobility) however, you seem to be more suited for the science/business management track.</p>
<p>Bizman: Backdooring it will be harder than you think.</p>
<p>Personally I see Tupac having a great chance at Wharton. You don't need to have business EC's to get in. You will find that if you truly want Wharton you should apply to it directly -- waiting an extra year to transfer is too stressful.</p>
<p>I doubt he'll get in directly to wharton. He has no apparent interest in business and i am sure he doesnt have a really good reason to convince the adcoms to accept him into Wharton.</p>
<p>Well I think the interest in business can be outlined in the essay, but I wouldn't say you need EC's that show it or anything like that. They just seem to want strong applicants. Most of the Whartonites I know don't have a real "business background" but they had good arguments for why they wanted to venture into that realm.</p>
<p>I was thinking of including this in my why penn essay:</p>
<pre><code>Throughout my years in high school Ive been strongly drawn to science competitions. Each year, I would research scientific journals and brainstorm problems that I could attempt to solve in the scientific field. After implementing my ideas into functional products through quantitative and analytical skills coupled with creativity, I would create power point presentations and display boards to market the products. Finally, I would speak to dozens of judges, or clients in my mind, and sell my products. After succeeding in scores of these competitions, it hit me that I am a natural businessman.
</code></pre>
<p>It's just a first draft, so it doesn't sound that great. But what do you all think?</p>
<p>Btw, thanks again for the support and advice everyone.</p>
<p>It stills doesnt explain why you are a "natural businessman." maybe you can explain that you are people oriented and also make sure to highlight your leadership in your activities.</p>
<p>It sounds great for the most part, but I don't think the "natural businessman" part is needed -- you already show that (although showing more would be nice), and saying it might be a bit too much. While it's probably fine, I find that leaving conclusions up to the imagination is much more effective as long as you show convincing evidence. This way it does not sound as if you are leading them to accept some conclusion from your perspective (ie. stating you are a natural businessman would imply you naturally had other things that show this affinity but I don't know how apparent it is in your case. They may also find that assumption to be unfounded if you bring it up directly).</p>
<p>It sounds fine to me, but I'm just giving you my gut reaction.</p>
<p>Addressing bizman's point: Yeah that would be a good idea too. I would talk about how you deal with other people and how you work with groups/teams.</p>
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Well I think the interest in business can be outlined in the essay, but I wouldn't say you need EC's that show it or anything like that. They just seem to want strong applicants. Most of the Whartonites I know don't have a real "business background" but they had good arguments for why they wanted to venture into that realm.
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<p>from Tupac's stats, its VERY clear that he has a passion for science. It also looks like the only reason he wants Wharton is for the money. He better make up a better reason than that to get in :)</p>
<p>Tupac, congrats on your acceptance to Harvard. Can't you study ibanking stuff there? Alot of recruits are from Harvard.</p>
<p>Ben, your chances posts always seem to get some attention! You'll have some really great choices, so take it easy.</p>
<p>I think Wharton is on target in terms of admissions. They know that scientsists and engineers have turned into businessmen - it is talent and ability that matters in the end.</p>
<p>Bizman: Even if all your EC's lean toward something, talent is what matters (I was quite science and language heavy). Many Whartonites are in it for the money. I've even asked. But most people will not admit this in the essay of course.</p>
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I've even asked. But most people will not admit this in the essay of course.
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<p>Yeah, thats true. Do you think Wharton adcoms give preference to those with a business background? Can you also tell me an example of a good reason to apply to Wharton?</p>
<p>I think a business background is only a small tipping factor that shows interest and experience. They would still have to have a strong application overall. It would be something like a "dedicated extracurricular" that portrays where your passions lie. But as I said before, many Whartonites do not seem to have extensive or even any business background. </p>
<p>You can pretty much tie any subject into business in my opinion, and as long as you can show how your talents can apply to business (even as an interest that has not yet been pursued fully), it will be compelling enough. For most of my "Why ____" essays I discussed some of the major school policies and how my abilities would work well with such opportunities.</p>
<p>Please 90% of Wharton acceptees have not achieved what Tupac has. Wharton isn't full of teenage Buffetts and Lynchs, a quick look at the stats should be enough. His scientific achievements and determination show drive, perseverance, and a problem solving mentality critical attributes required for business success. </p>
<p>Wharton adcoms won't say, "oh what an underachiever only having a PLANET named after him (tupac)....lets reject him and accept the guy who won regionals at FBLA". haha.</p>