CarpathianRidge wrote:
I disagree. If the experience is truly strong and moving, I think that sincerity can overcome aiming slightly left or right of the question. It's all about how you draft your essay too. It may not appear to answer the question initially but if you can make the connection to the "intent" of the question, I think you are fine.
A powerful, visceral, personal experience that is slightly off-mark is more valuable than an ordinary, "check the box" answer many people provide. Don't be afraid to take a chance if you think you need that make-or-break aspect to your application. Remember, the adcom's primary goal of the essays is to get to know who YOU are and these questions are just prompts to do that. There is no right or wrong answer. I say go for it.
In my experience Wharton is very strict about the questions it asks and the stuff that deviates from them. Their essays are very different for a reason. That essay specifically tries to figure out how you work with PEOPLE. Because that is key to Wharton's culture. Talk about something other than that and they will think you are ducking the question. You can pick 3 out of 4 essays, if this one doesn't fit, can you do another one?