HBSGrad wrote:
stupandaus wrote:
hwsorbusted wrote:
Also, curious to hear other people's interpretation of Question 3. What do you consider "knowledge"? If, as a consultant, I come up with an insight through analysis and then implement it? Can knowledge be interpreted more broadly??
Thanks!
Read the question a little more and check the website where they talk about "Knowledge for Action." They expand on the definition.
Knowledge for Action is part of Wharton's new branding strategy. It's not a random essay question. It's a deliberate bait for you to write about how you fit in with this new brand. (HBS did the same rebranding last year when they launched the "Reimagining the MBA" initiative.)
Check out the website:
https://www.wharton.upenn.edu/about/knowledge-for-action.cfmApproximately half your essay should focus on Knowledge: how did you develop your Insight? what did you Research? how did you Analyze the data? what counterpoints did you Consider? who did you Debate your analysis with to arrive at your conclusion?
If you are a consultant, yes, the insights you develop can be considered Knowledge. But, don't just pick something that's purely academic / cerebral, ie just crunching a massive Access database to find a correlation is a weak example.
The other half of your essay should focus on the Action (duh!): this is the critical element! Most clients don't go deep enough into this part. This is your opportunity to demonstrate leadership skills: how did you Promote your idea? how did you get Buy-In on senior leadership? how did you Convince others? how did you Address push-back / resistance? how did you Motivate others to support your idea?
https://www.mbaadcom.com3. "Knowledge for Action draws upon the great qualities that have always been evident at Wharton: rigorous research, dynamic thinking, and thoughtful leadership." - Thomas S. Robertson, Dean, The Wharton School
Tell us about a time when you put knowledge into action. (500 words)
My view on this is that the knowledge does not need to be academic at all, rather can be one, for the lack of better word, chanced upon. For example, credible information - which when verified is knowledge - that could have affected your business/your team/your client adversely, and how you reacted to it, would also be an example of knowledge in action. In such cases, research would not be a part of the process, but more on how you strategized a back up plan.
1. Select a Wharton MBA course, co-curricular opportunity or extra-curricular engagement that you are interested in. Tell us why you chose this activity and how it connects to your interests. (500 words)
For this essay, I would NOT write Why Wharton, but Why X at Wharton. The questions very specifically narrows it down to ONE activity ("Select a Wharton ...") so if you go gaga over Wharton then the adcom may take that as you being oversmart (writing about X+ Y +Z rather than only X) + an inability to answer questions specifically. Choosing and writing about one of the clubs (not the professional - eg: consulting - ones, but personal - eg: follies/comedy - or social etc. clubs) would make for a good essay (
https://www.wharton.upenn.edu/mba/student-life/clubs.cfm)
Hope this is helpful