Wharton vs. Columbia: An Insider’s Guide to Choosing Your MBA
June 4, 12pm ET
Wharton and Columbia Business School are two of the world’s most prestigious MBA programs. For many ambitious candidates, they appear on the same shortlist almost by default: both elite, both in the Northeast, both with powerful finance and consulting pedigrees.
But applying to both without truly understanding what makes each school distinctive is one of the most common mistakes MBA candidates make. The schools have different cultures, different academic experiences, and different admissions priorities, and the candidates who thrive at each are not necessarily the same.
So how do you know which one is right for you, and how do you make sure your applications reflect that?
What You’ll Learn:
✔ How Wharton and Columbia differ in culture, curriculum, and community
✔ What each admissions committee is really looking for in a candidate
✔ How to position yourself effectively for each school
✔ Career outcomes, recruiting strengths, and the New York factor
✔ The most common mistakes candidates make when applying to either school
SAVE YOUR SEAT
Meet Our Speakers
Judith Silverman Hodara
Co-Founder, Fortuna Admissions & Former Head of MBA Admissions, Wharton
Judith spent nearly two decades on the admissions committee at the University of Pennsylvania, where she reviewed thousands of Wharton MBA applications. She now works with candidates targeting the world’s most selective programs and is known for combining deep institutional insight with sharp, personalized guidance.
Michael Malone
Director, Fortuna Admissions & Former Associate Dean, Columbia Business School
Michael oversaw Admissions, Financial Aid, and Student Affairs for all of Columbia Business School’s graduate programs. With 25+ years of experience across MBA admissions and career coaching, he brings a rare combination of insider knowledge and practical, candidate-focused counsel.
Matt Symonds
Co-Founder, Fortuna Admissions
Matt is one of the most influential voices in global MBA admissions, with more than 28 years of experience advising applicants and working closely with leading business schools worldwide. Founder of the QS World MBA Tour and author of Getting the MBA Admissions Edge, he has helped thousands of candidates navigate the MBA admissions process.