I was accepted into the Wharton School of Business for the University of Pennsylvania recently, and I needed some advice on grad school. I know it’s really early but it’s better to start planning now so that it makes it easier later!
So I am able to sub matriculate for Wharton and that way I graduate with my MBA in 5 years instead of 6. But I was wondering if it would be better to wait and just apply to Stanford School of Business and Harvard School of Business after undergrad instead? I would still apply to Wharton but at least then I’d have options? I feel like it’d be more prestigious to have degrees from both Wharton and another top business school, since all three are tied at number one…
Any advice would help so much! Thank you!
First off, congratulations! To address your question, yes it’s better to have degrees from separate schools. However, most Wharton undergraduates never pursue an MBA at all. You can look up the statistic yourself but I’m certain it’s well under 50%. It’s simply not needed in most cases. If you were to pursue an MBA it would likely be after years of work experience, not after you graduate from Wharton, and it would likely be because your employer is requesting you to do so. Also, the submat program is extremely selective. They accept less than a handful per year, and those students have high GPAs, strong extra-curriculars, demonstrated maturity, and most importantly valid reasoning for why they need an MBA. I would certainly not bet on getting into the program.
In reality, all this is very far down the road. It is indeed good to plan for the future, but there are far too many variables ahead to make any reasonable plans at this time. For now I would enjoy the rest of your senior year and simply worry about making the most of your undergraduate experience. Best of luck!
No you aren’t. You won’t be able to apply until your junior year.
I am suspicious of your statement that you have secured admission. That means you applied ED. Generally Wharton students don’t ask this type of questions, thinking about grad school (majority doesn’t need it) and prestige. They are concerned about getting through and working hard.
Is it better to have degrees from different schools rather than multiple degrees from the same university? Yes, in that being an alumnus of different schools will broaden your network once you graduate; I have found alumni networks to be very useful in business, and varied experiences can be useful in determining what you want and like in life. But will it inherently result in better job offers or a stronger resume, and is there any more prestige in that? Nope.
I’d pick Wharton for both degrees in 5 years if that’s an option.
What a luxury problem. Cant go wrong with Wharton.