Wharton Stories: The Wharton School

Seven women stand side by side on a stage, smiling in front of a colorful ‘Ideation 2025’ event backdrop.
Jaya Parsa, W’29, contemplates her first semester at Wharton.

Between Problem Sets and Possibility: A First-Year’s Reflection

People run along a waterfront at sunrise with the Sydney Opera House silhouetted across the water.
Three Wharton students reflect on how first-year summers can be a time for growth, utilization, and introspection.

(105) Days of Summer

Dr. Ehab Hanna standing in front of a brown background. He has short, dark hair and is wearing a black suit and glasses.
The essay questions help you reflect on where you are and where you want to go. They help you identify the reasons for coming to this program.

Dr. Ehab Hanna’s Logical Approach to the Wharton EMBA Essay

Jay Disser standing outside. He has short, brown hair and is wearing a purple-white shirt and glasses.
That was a commonality I saw with myself and other classmates — we are all trying to solve complex problems and I could offer a different perspective to those problems.

Nuclear Engineer Shares Steps for Writing Admissions Essays

A group of people in colorful kayaks float on a calm river surrounded by leafless trees on an overcast day. The paddlers are wearing jackets and hats, suggesting cool weather, and are split into two groups facing each other near the riverbank.
A Legal Studies & Business Ethics course takes students into nature to test their leadership and teamwork skills.

Wharton in the Wild

Lush garden filled with colorful blooming flowers, including roses and foxgloves, with a white bench and wooden trellises in the background.
One student’s quest to help classmates see that the Wharton undergraduate experience is about more than grades and job offers.

Stopping to Smell the Roses

Alex lying on a grass lawn, using a laptop while resting his head on a backpack.
Alex Zhou, C’25, W’25, explains how he merged his interdisciplinary education to become a more creative business thinker.

The Economy of Words

A group of hikers sitting on a grassy plain, resting and enjoying the view of a snow-capped mountain under a cloudy sky
Jaein Kim, W’25, reflects on her weeklong Wharton Leadership Ventures Expedition backpacking in Ecuador.

A Step at a Time: From Cotopaxi to Antisana

Amanda Cui reclines on a red blanket, holding a square mirror that reflects her face and upper body. She wears a metallic, deep red pleated top. Her reflection in the mirror shows a composed, introspective expression.
Amanda Cui, W’25, started Humans of Penn as a way to have numerous conversations and capture the various perspectives across Penn’s campus.

Major: Economics. Minor: Humanity. The Storyteller behind Humans of Penn

Wide-angle image of William’s Cafe's front area, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere and a bustling coffee shop environment.
How Olivia Turman, W’26, found community, leadership, and clarity through Williams Café.

Brewing Business: A Wharton Undergrad’s Experience Managing Penn’s Student-Run Café