The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania is harder to get into than New York University's Stern School of Business. This determination is based on their respective undergraduate acceptance rates for Fall 2023, where a lower acceptance rate indicates greater selectivity and thus, increased difficulty in gaining admission.
Acceptance Rate Comparison: Wharton vs. Stern
Recent data from a 2024 ranking of undergraduate business schools reveals a clear difference in selectivity between these two prestigious institutions. The acceptance rates serve as a primary indicator of how competitive admission is for prospective students.
| Rank | School | Fall 2023 Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) | 4.50% |
| 9 | New York University (Stern) | 5.20% |
Source: 2024 Ranking: Acceptance Rates At The Best Undergraduate Business Schools
As the table illustrates, Wharton's acceptance rate of 4.50% is lower than Stern's 5.20%. This small percentage difference signifies that Wharton admits a smaller proportion of its applicants, making it the more selective, and consequently, the harder school to get into.
Understanding Business School Selectivity
The selectivity of top-tier business schools like Wharton and Stern is influenced by a combination of factors, which contribute to their competitive admissions processes:
- Reputation and Prestige: Both schools are highly regarded globally, attracting a large volume of highly qualified applicants.
- Application Volume: A greater number of applications for a limited number of spots inherently increases selectivity.
- Academic Rigor: Strong academic profiles, including high GPAs and standardized test scores, are typically required for admission.
- Extracurricular Involvement: Demonstrating leadership, unique talents, and meaningful impact through extracurricular activities is crucial.
- Essays and Recommendations: Compelling personal essays and strong letters of recommendation play a significant role in differentiating applicants.
- Career Opportunities: The excellent career prospects, extensive alumni networks, and strong industry connections associated with these schools draw in ambitious students, further intensifying competition.
While both Wharton and Stern are incredibly challenging to gain admission to, the data from the Fall 2023 admissions cycle positions Wharton as the more difficult institution to get into based on its lower acceptance rate.
