Deciphering Wharton
Wharton’s “Knowledge for Action”
“At the core of all programming is an opportunity to test, reflect, learn, and apply the intellectual foundations of accomplished faculty.” – somewhere on Wharton's website
Why is this quote important?
It’s important because when Wharton compares itself to other top business schools, Wharton believes their differentiation is in their thought leadership and faculty research. They believe they offer their students a superior educational experience due to opportunities they provide to translate intellectual capital into better management knowledge. This for them means they provide a better learning experience and innovative learning experience for their students.
You will see that Wharton places a great emphasis on intellectual prominence.
Or rather, having the best knowledge out there which is emphasized in a pragmatic way. You will notice that in and out of the classroom. All Wharton is trying to do here is take all the intellectual dominance they have researched in their faculty, and put it into action in the real world.
Wharton believes that with greater faculty research, comes much greater student knowledge in the classroom.
Which is accomplished in and out of the classroom at Wharton (i.e. Pre-Term, global offerings, Lifelong Learning). This is the essence of how Wharton transforms “knowledge” into “action”. This positions Wharton as a thought leader by breaking down barriers between higher learning and real-world business leadership.
This is all very high level however, crucial to know.
You want to go into the application process knowing how the school views itself before you apply. Remember, when in doubt, try to always see how the school views itself and how the admissions committee views themselves. You’ll be able to start figuring out what it is that the school is looking for in the essay section which we’ll cover in next week’s blog post.
“Collaborative Innovation” at Wharton
“Knowledge for Action” resonates with “collaboration innovation” - another huge theme at Wharton. What’s that got to do with you?
Well, it could be a theme in your MBA application essay or at the team-based discussion. Or even when you’re speaking to somebody at Wharton or about Wharton. If you miss this whole collaboration and knowledge for action theme, then you kind of look like you’ve got your head stuck in the sand a little bit.
Hit on those points to show you are Wharton’s differentiator.
So, when we’re writing about Why Wharton in the first essay, which is the goals essay, and the second has traditionally been What do You Bring to the Table to Wharton, you have to hit on those points that you are Wharton’s differentiator. Write about how you align with their views and how you need an innovative, collaborative knowledge for action type.
Wharton students are the most “cutting-edge” business leaders in the country.
This “innovation” is SME developed by faculty (i.e., professors and through their research). Then implemented in the classroom, thus making Wharton students the most “cutting-edge” business leaders in the country. The program’s pedagogy, culture of innovation, and learning environment has survived several deans.