All you need to know about the Wharton Interview: Team Based Discussion

Wharton is one of the consistently high-ranking members of the M7 group of business schools. All applicants invited to interview with Wharton participate in the Team-Based Discussion (TBD).

If you have been invited for an interview, well done to have gotten this far–only ~40% of applicants make it to the interview stage! Before you begin, it’s important to learn about how Wharton structures its team-based discussion, important deadlines, and what Wharton is looking for in its candidates.

In this Wharton TBD Guide, we will introduce you to each part of the Wharton Team Based Discussion, and our advice for how to tackle these to secure an admit.

The Wharton TBD Process

According to Wharton, the TBD is a chance for students to participate in the highly collaborative environment that one would experience at Wharton; it is an opportunity to demonstrate how you function as a member of a team and how you approach problems and present your ideas.

All Wharton TBDs are conducted online. They consist of 5-6 participants (that is, you and 4-5 others), all randomly selected. Each year there is a different prompt for the discussion, where you will use your negotiation and communication skills to work towards what Wharton describes as a “tangible outcome.”

There are 4 stages of your 35-minute TBD timeline:

1. Pitch: Kicking off the discussion, each participant presents a pitch based on the prompt (1 minute)

2. Discussion: The group discusses the prompt and takes input from each participant (25 minutes)

3. Presentation: A formal group presentation summarizing your group’s idea (5 minutes)

4. Interview: A short 1-to-1 interview with a Wharton representative (10 minutes)

In each stage, your team is responsible for time management.

In the Wharton TBD, The AdCom wants to assess your adaptability and collaborative approach in a team setting. Every year, the prompt invites participants to reflect on how they would apply these skills in one of Wharton's unique programs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xi7GEyVEVBc

The Wharton TBD Topic (2023-2024)

In 2019, Wharton introduced the Wharton Global Youth Program (WGYP) which offers online and on-campus programs, credit-bearing courses, and business competitions to young people. WGYP introduces business education to high school students around the world with the goal to educate and inspire pre-collegiate students to analyze the world’s complex challenges and take first steps in becoming leaders who will transform the global economy.

One of WGYP’s most unique offerings is the Pre-Baccalaureate (Pre-bacc) Program, an academically intensive opportunity for exceptional high school juniors and seniors to enroll in credit-bearing courses that span the breadth of Wharton’s business curriculum. Through a mix of live and independent coursework, engaging real-world activities, and robust university resources, students will experience a world-class education recognized globally for intellectual leadership and innovation. Pre-bacc courses are created and led by Wharton faculty and instructional staff to explore topics driven by Wharton research and teaching. Pre-bacc students may also have the opportunity to interact with Wharton students who serve as Teaching Assistants.

For today’s discussion, you and a team of MBA students have been invited to partner with a Wharton faculty member to design a new course on a cutting-edge business topic for WGYP’s pre-baccalaureate program.

–Name of the course

–An overview of the course topics and themes

–The faculty member your team will partner with for the course

–Two learning outcomes (skills or knowledge that will be developed during the course)

–An assessment method (how you will demonstrate that students have achieved the learning outcomes)

Ace Each Stage of the Wharton TBD Interview

Part 1: Introduction Pitch (1 minute)

We recommend joining the Zoom chat 10 minutes early for small talk with your fellow participants, but don’t discuss the prompt just yet. You will then deliver your 1-minute pitch.

Advice: Keep your introduction brief. Focus on clarity over detail, and don’t rush to fit too much into your pitch. Naturally, you would research the topic (e.g., WGYP and related offerings) well. Align this topic with your application narrative, if possible, and definitely practice beforehand to get feedback. Seek expert help if needed.

Part 2: Group Discussion (25 minutes)

After pitches, the group selects one idea, which is often based on the themes that overlap most. If your idea is chosen, you will be expected to share your research, but don’t dominate; your idea being picked doesn’t make you the leader!

Advice: In the group discussion, be constructive and diplomatic. Speak at appropriate times, and make sure you don’t interrupt your fellow TBD members. You can help facilitate the discussion by tracking time and drawing others in by handing over the conversation smoothly. Aim for balanced talking time: not the most, not the least. Finally, be camera-ready! Smile, manage any technical lag, have a clear background, and wear smart casual (shirt, no tie).

Part 3: Presentation (5 minutes)

Groups often assign one section per person. These sections are the introduction of the topic, overview, faculty members (as specified by this year's prompt), learning outcomes, and assessment.

Advice: Keep it simple and stick to discussion notes. Watch the clock, and remember to use clear handovers with names.

Part 4: 1-to-1 Interview (10 minutes)

You’ll meet with an alum or admissions officer in a breakout room for your 1-1 interview. Expect two questions, plus time for you to ask your question.

Common Questions:

• What was your most significant contribution?

• What was the biggest team challenge?

• Why an MBA?

• Why Wharton?

• Do you have any questions for me?

For inspiration, we created a list of questions to ask your interviewer in 28 Questions to ask your MBA interviewer.

Wharton MBA TBD / Interview Schedule & Application Deadlines 2024 - 2025

Wharton Schedule	Round 1	Round 2	Round 3
Application Deadline:	04 September 2023	03 January 2025	02 April 2025
Interview Invites:	24 October 2024	19 February 2025	18 April 2025
Final Decisions:	10 December 2024	01 April 2025	13 May 2025

You will receive more specific instructions, including the TBD prompt, when you receive the Wharton Interview invitation.

The Wharton TBD is a unique interview format, built to test the leadership and team-building skills that you have been developing throughout your career. Be relaxed, diplomatic and adaptable, and you’ll do well.

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Every year, we host mock team based discussions, and we strongly recommend joining to hone your pitch and discussion style. To learn more about the Wharton TBD, speak with one of our expert admissions consultants.