<p>Hi, I am a student studying abroad in China on a scholarship from the U.S. Department of State (NSLI-Y) and I am very interested in Wharton's business program. I have read and looked into many aspects of their undergraduate programs and I was really impressed at what I've seen so far...How difficult are admissions to Wharton? </p>
<p>I have a strong proficiency in Mandarin Chinese and I plan to work internationally in the future. I am currently on a gap year (completed sophomore and freshmen year) and have yet to complete junior and senior year. My unweighted GPA is just below a 4.0, so I guess my question is, do I have a chance? Does Wharton look for students with experience abroad? </p>
<p>What would I need to do to stay on-track for this type of goal?</p>
<p>If anyone has anything to say about Wharton's international programs I would also greatly appreciate any input.</p>
<p>This might interest you: [The</a> Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business](<a href=“http://huntsman.upenn.edu/page/about.html]The”>http://huntsman.upenn.edu/page/about.html). </p>
<p>Wharton is very hard to get into. You’ll need a 2200+ SAT (isn’t set in stone, but you get the point), 2 excellent SAT subject tests (I recommend math level II, Mandarin and whatever else you’re good at), a superb GPA, meaningful ECs, etc. Basically, the usual stuff. Take calculus. I believe that internships help a lot (just my opinion, but they are a good way to show interest in business). Here’s what Wharton says it wants: [Wharton</a> Undergraduate | Insider Tips](<a href=“http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/undergrad/admissions/insider-tips.cfm]Wharton”>Admissions - Undergraduate). Wharton has a single-digit acceptance rate.</p>
<p>Do you have any good ECs? What are your interests?</p>
<p>Thank you for that helpful bit of advice! The past two years, I participated in Cross Country (last year, most improved award), Track, Forensics (public speaking), and Junior Varsity Math Team. This area I realize could use some work…Last year I was injured in Cross Country, I hope to letter this coming year though. I also plan to join debate next year as well. I take Calculus AB next year, then BC or something the year after.</p>
<p>I also spend my summers doing demanding wilderness tripping, this summer I plan to kayak 400 or so miles along the entire northern shore of Lake Superior for 30 days, and the year after with luck I also plan to sea kayak the entire inside passage of northern Alaska for 45 days on what is the longest sea kayaking trip in the world. So maybe that will help show leadership skills? </p>
<p>Where would you suggest getting an internship? I live in Austin, Texas, so there are plenty of businesses around.</p>
<p>It sounds like Huntsman would be the perfect program for you, as the previous poster pointed out. Do keep in mind that the number of slots for Huntsman is fixed and the number is very small. Admissions to the program is much more competitive than to Wharton at large. A Huntsman presenter said something along the lines of “we don’t publish admissions statistics because they would be discouraging to students…” haha</p>
<p>You’re very fortunate to live in Austin. I would start with anyone your parents or friends may know in the area who have connections in businesses you would like to intern at. It’s oftentimes hard to get any sort of attention, especially as some random high school student, so it really helps if you know someone where you’re trying to get a position.</p>
<p>As the previous poster said, you should have your family try to finagle you an internship. I don’t live in either Austin or the US, so I have no idea where’s a good place to intern at. However, you should definitely attempt to secure one because it will be good for both your college application (shows interest in business–something your ECs lack) and your personal growth. Can you get one this summer and the next (after you go on your trip)? </p>
<p>Since you’re in a gap year and have taken enough math, you should definitely complete all standardized testing now (this is a superb opportunity to get stuff done). Study for a few months and get rid of the SAT tests in May and June. Take math level II and Mandarin soon (you should be able to ace these), and if you want to add a third subject (not really necessary), do so during your Junior year. Following this plan will open a lot of free time for ECs.</p>
<p>Regarding you ECs, you have a nice mix of activities, but they are too generic. Can you secure a few leadership positions? We need an EC that will make you stand out… what can you do right now in China? This is a good chance to do something your peers in the US can’t. Look around and see if you can find anything interesting.</p>
<p>What are you studying in China? Just Mandarin? Also, if you plan to apply to Huntsman, I suggest brainstorming now. Because you’re actually in your future target area (I’m kind of assuming here), you can write about an international issue with an insider’s perspective of how it affects your target area. You should ask around for ideas, brainstorm with politically/culturally savvy individuals, run interviews, etc. You’re quite fortunate: you have all the resources you need right beside you, unlike other applicants who must get their info through the internet and whatnot. </p>
<p>Honestly, I like your chances. If you follow a well-laid plan, you’ll turn into a very impressive applicant. My final piece of advise is seize the situation you’re in. Take full advantage of the extra time that you have and work diligently to discover both your interests and buff your resume. </p>
<p>One last thing: if you want to speak to current Huntsman students, I know one through an acquaintance and another who is a user of this site and goes by the name ohmgeecollege or something.</p>
<p>Thanks again for all your input! Yeah, currently I am just studying Mandarin but very intensively, with 20 classes a week or so. I plan to start catching up on some math soon, although I think the math classes at the Chinese school I go to will be very difficult, especially since they are in Chinese and my school is the fourth best in China. </p>
<p>Volunteering I can probably get a handle on easily…I wouldn’t be hard for me to volunteer helping with English at a primary school or even the school I go to. I would think of possibly trying to get a business related club going here, but I’m pretty sure the Chinese students here would not be too eager to join (they would probably prefer studying SAT for endless hours). </p>
<p>Standardized testing is hard for to get done while I’m in China. The only testing center here is in Hong Kong and that’s really far from where I live in Nanjing. I’m here till around June 20th so I will probably have to wait until I get back. I am, however, taking HSK Level 4 of the Mandarin Chinese proficiency test (6 levels total, 4 is enough that you can attend college here in China). I’m not exactly sure what that means to colleges though. But as far as SAT/ACT and APs all I can do is study.</p>
<p>ECs I can buff up when I go back to Austin. My school doesn’t have FBLA, so maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea to try and start that. Being a college town, I’m sure UT-Austin might have resources I could use, too. Perhaps I might be able to take a leadership role in Chinese Culture Club at my school, too. The tricky part of all of this is that I just moved to Austin before I left for China, so I hardly know anything about my new school.</p>
<p>Also, I would be glad to talk to a current Huntsman student. Thanks for your all your help, Cardgames.</p>