Wondering if anyone attended Wharton pre collegiate leadership in the business world and if they later were accepted to Wharton
What you’re seeking is “proof by example,” which is not effective. These summer programs trade on the prestige and perceived boost they might give to an applicant, despite not being a scoring consideration at application time.
It may be that there was a well qualified high schooler interested in business who attended this “pre-collegiate” program, and it may be the case that that student was later accepted into Wharton. You could not then infer that attending the program made any difference leading up to that student’s matriculation at Wharton. And remember, Penn does not track demonstrated interest.
It might give the student something to write about in a “why us” supplemental essay, which could be helpful (shows affinity for a business major, provides insight into why Penn is particularly appealing, etc.). But a lot of people can write a good supplemental essay without shelling out the bucks for a summer program.
That said, if the student needs something to do for the summer, would enjoy the programming, and you are fine with the cost, go for it.
Agree with above. It gives you the chance to experience the campus and see if you like it but probably doesn’t mean much toward admission. In fact, it may work against you. These expensive programs tell the AO that your family had the money to send you there - perceived privilege. AOs don’t make a lot of money. Do you think they’re rooting for the privileged kids?
Yep, I have heard one AO talk about essays that really lean in on a summer program experience, which they tended to view not as a feeder program, but as a way for the institution to generate revenue from assets from that would otherwise be underutilized between terms. It’s a mistake to write with any implication that you expect extra consideration for your participation or to dwell upon the implied economic and social privilege of enrolling in an expensive summer program. Mention and move on, or use the time to get to know the offerings at a school and cite those.