WHARTONITES or wannabe Whartonites

<p>Can you give some advice to a junior with high aspirations?
Like…
~For those who established businesses, how did you start them? I have an idea, but I’m clueless about the legalities and whatnot.
~Is it beneficial to have other great ECs that are not completely business? Like if one applicant was all business and another applicant some business and other really great ECs-(like for me, Pres. of Debate, Concertmistress of Orch. and All State Orch…) Which one would be most favored?
~Any other advice… like what classes to take in high school (obviously business classes… like accounting)
Thank you soo so much</p>

<p>calculus is really important</p>

<p>I'd think having a business with an impressive gross income can be a hook. You can also start forums with massive amont of members and proof of business potential. I personally work in Marketing. If you need any help in establishing a business in terms of the legal work, PM me or respond with what state you live in. Its gonna cost you some application fee, but its worth it.</p>

<p>Venus, I am applying to Wharton this year. Yes, a business "EC" does look good (if it is substantial), but it is not required at all. Most people who get into Wharton probably never were involved in a big entrepreneurial endeavor. Wharton, just like any other school, wants to see a serious dedication to something you love (and also good grades and scores in Math related things :) ).</p>

<p>I sound similar to you. I play percussion, and I have made the All-State orchestra 3/4 years (1st chair 2x) and I have been 1st chair in practically every honor band in my county. I teach drums, I am hired to play drums, I volunteer to play drums, etc. </p>

<p>When the PENN rep came to my school, she said they like well-rounded students, but also well-LOPSIDED students. Her exact example of this is if you play violin for your brother, in the band, in the honor bands, teach it, and do practically everything with it! This made me happy, as it was basically what I have done, except with drums.</p>

<p>So, if you get a business thing going, awesome! But if not, stick to what you love (music), and you should have just as good a shot as anyone!</p>

<p>Combining music and business together is an awesome idea, however.</p>

<p>definitely! Something I never did though. Venus, you could go for something really special!</p>

<p>yay! Thanks for the encouragement. Business_Freak, I'll definitely message you once I get all my thoughts/questions together. tm2000, tell me when the decision comes! Also, what other ECs are cool for wharton?</p>

<p>Any business that is unique and makes a decent income is "cool" for wharton, in my opinion.</p>

<p>If business is not your passion, dont do this but I like this idea. Intern for a business lobbyist. I do this and its fun while at the same time impressive. Give it a try.</p>

<p>Do you have any recommendations for internships?
I've actually visited some lobbyists at the PA Senate.. and they're job seems so complicated, finding out about every bill, etc.
What do you usually do for a business lobbyist? Where do I start looking for one? Am I even allowed to intern at sixteen? I know my friend is interning for Mason line, some financial company, and she's a junior too, but she's got connections.
Where do I start? Google?</p>

<p>yes google, </p>

<p>about starting a business: you can also do a google search for the laws involved for incorporation. You will need legal counsel for your idea unless you are absolutely sure there arent any intricacies involved in your business idea. After all that you have to make sure you keep WELL DCOUMENTED records just incase anything happens and you need to back up what you've done. I suggest after all thats taken care of and you are ready to start, google some info on young entrepreneurs and just entrepreneurship in general to get a sense of what you really should be focusing on. And use your youth as an advantage to get lots of local press while you can. Nobody cares about a 40 year old starting a business, but everybody wants to hear about the 18 year old, or in an extreme example the 12 year old, starting a business.</p>

<p>Good luck, tell us how everything goes.</p>

<p>I agree with drop65. </p>

<p>Interning is fairly simple. Just look for a business lobbyist (i mention "business lobbyist" because all other forms of business internships require you to be a college undergrad). Just show them you have interest in working with them. You'll do fine. Remember, when you talk business, include nuumbers. It doesnt have to be money, it can be number of clients, number of hours spent, some ranking, number of testimonials etc. Of course, income is a good indicator, but there are others equally good.</p>

<p>buuump.
anymore?</p>

<p>Having your own business is only a hook if it is very different, makes a substantial amount of revenue, or is a non-profit that greatly benefits others. So many Wharton applicants have their own companies - whether it's an eBay business, a web-design company, etc. that you really need to make it stand out amongst the rest.</p>

<p>I would not recommend taking business classes in HS. They really want you to stick with traditional HS subjects - so taking AP courses would be much more impressive then taking Accounting. And you need to have Calculus, the higher the level the better.</p>

<p>As far as EC's go, non-business ECs are very impressive. Doing something that involves the whole school - like your being President of Debate - is nicer. Not that business EC's are bad because they aren't, but if you're not really passionate about that at the HS level then it isn't an issue at all.</p>

<p>I'm planning a non-profit business that teaches elementary school kids how to play specific instruments. I don't know yet the specifics, so I think I need to talk to more people in my community about it and see if they're interested. And yes, Wharton applicants have their own businesses, which probably means that I should at least keep up with them, if I don't stand out. The accountings class is AP, though it is the only accounting class available. </p>

<p>**"Not that business EC's are bad because they aren't, but if you're not really passionate about that at the HS level then it isn't an issue at all."</p>

<p>But what if I am interested in business? Then I should probably have more business ECs, especially if I'm going to apply to Wharton.. where people have tons of business ECs..
But thanks for your advice. I am taking Calc right now, plus all the Aps that I can take.. so my schoolwork is good. I just need something to stand out. Sure, I have a great gpa, will probably get good sats, and the works, but I truly don't know how to stand out from the tens of students at my school who want to apply to Wharton.. who all have good grades, etc. and are presidents of clubs.
I think starting a business will separate myself from them..right?</p>

<p>Yes, they will. Try to market your business ans much as you can, they will help get you clients.</p>

<p>Wharton applicants don't have tons of business EC's... and it's much more impressive to be the President of Debate or NHS than the President of the Investment Club. Don't force yourself into business EC's - especially this late in the game - because that just seems artificial.</p>

<p>You don't need to start a business to "keep up" with Wharton applicants. The majority don't have their own businesses, but if you want to stand out among the ones that DO have their own businesses, then it needs to be different. That's what I should have said - sorry for the confusion.</p>

<p>You are much better off taking AP Econ, History, Science, Language, Math, or English than doing Accounting. Otherwise your curriculum doesn't look as rigorous compared to other applicants who are taking the AP/IB courses.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Wharton applicants don't have tons of business EC's... and it's much more impressive to be the President of Debate or NHS than the President of the Investment Club. Don't force yourself into business EC's - especially this late in the game

[/quote]
</p>

<p>How can NHS be better than Investment club? NHS is a joke, especially if one is applying to the likes of wharton.</p>

<p>I think you have the wrong approach to applying to college. I think it is important to be yourself and to do what interests you. There is no formula for admissions other than passion - which is an innately generic word. Do what interests you, pursue your passions, and trust me, come college admissions time, you will be recognized for your achievements.</p>

<p>I agree with the curriculum matter. I will be taking AP Economics and all of the other ap main courses as well as AP Accounting. I will not sacrifice my rigorous course load. This matter is exhausted.
Whartonalum, I feel that you really know what you're talking about, and I understand that starting a business this late in my high school does seem artificial. But I don't think I will be making my business a big deal... and I know I can't compete with the ones who do have their own businesses. But creating a business (in my lowly standards) only requires filling out the Article of Incorporation and paying the fee.. and gathering people together..
I don't think it'll be too big..just a little something that looks pretty good</p>

<p>i see 0 reason to do this. Just stick to your ECs and take them to new heights</p>