So the way I understand it is if you get into Wharton Upenn, after freshman year you can double major. So lets say I actually got in, if I wanted to I could double major in chemistry and business. I just want to clarify this and ask if it is a good idea to do that. Would it be too difficult to finish college in four years and double major? Also, do you need to apply to a concentration when you apply to Wharton or can you apply undecided. If you need to apply a concentration can people please tell me which one are better to take, which ones are easier to get into, which ones would be better to pair with chemistry, and which ones people would consider most useful.
You don’t need to apply with a concentration (I don’t actually remember if you’re even allowed to). You can definitely finish in 4 years if you plan your classes out right.
Hi there- so you can’t ‘double major’ in the traditional sense but there are definitely some options open to you. I would check out this page from Wharton on University minors and uncoordinated dual degrees: http://undergrad.wharton.upenn.edu/minors-dual-degrees/
Essentially, in order to receive a degree in chemistry as well as a BS in econ from Wharton, you would have to be enrolled in both the College and Wharton and you will have to fulfill the requirements of both Wharton and the College. It’s not an uncommon option by any means- but it does require a bit of planning if you’re interested.
but you don’t have to major in chemistry to take courses in Chemistry which can add to your education in a more flexible way.
You do not need to apply with a concentration. However, to adequately answer Penn’s essay prompt (true for both this year’s application cycle and last year’s), you must have an interest that you can define and flesh out into a 500 word essay. Since you are applying to a specific school, it’s necessary to have done research into what programs, concentrations, and classes interest you, even though you are not obligated to declare a concentration.
The topic of which concentration is the best to apply with is a touchy one, but I would bet that picking something like finance would make your application a little bit tougher to pick, even if only because it may be hard to prove that you have a strong interest in the university and are an attractive candidate (as people applying for things like finance may be applying for the name alone, or may not be the type of people the university is aiming to attract).
BEPP and Entreprenuership are likely the easiest to synthesis into a persona that adopts Wharton’s current “business for good” mantra (even though things like VC) can as well. I used BEPP (despite not having a real interest in it) and one other concentration, and was accepted, but your mileage may vary.
@Tiberium Would you be willing to message me your SAT scores, AP scores, GPA, and ECs?