Wharton Team-Based Discussion (TBD) MBA Interview Guide [2025]
All you need to succeed on Wharton's Team-Based Discussion Interview component, including strategies and prompts from past years.
By Andrew D.
Posted February 22, 2025
Table of Contents
What Is the Wharton Team-Based Discussion (TBD)?
- MBA Interview Type: Group exercise followed by an individual interview
- Interviewer: Usually a second-year MBA candidate, occasionally a member of the admissions committee
- Length: TBD is 35 minutes, followed by a 10-minute individual interview
- Format: Currently all interviews are virtual
- Wharton Interview Acceptance Rate: ~30-40% of applicants are invited to interview, depending on the year, and about 50% of those who interview will be admitted to the program
- Interview Dates (2024-2025):
- Round 1: October 24, 2024
- Round 2: February 19, 2025
- Round 3: April 18, 2025
- Deferred: May 29, 2025
The Wharton Team-Based Discussion (TBD) is a unique group interview format used by the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton MBA program. Unlike traditional one-on-one interviews, the TBD is a 35-minute group exercise where five to six applicants collaborate to develop a solution to a given prompt. Each participant prepares in advance and contributes to the discussion, showcasing their teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Following the TBD, each applicant has a 10-minute individual interview with an admissions committee (AdCom) member to discuss their interest in Wharton. Currently, both the TBD and the individual interview are conducted virtually.
How Does the TBD Work?
As mentioned, each TBD session is conducted virtually via Zoom and consists of five to six randomly assigned applicants.
The session follows a structured format:
- Opening Statements (60 seconds per person): Each candidate presents their initial idea in response to the prompt. This brief introduction helps set the stage for the discussion.
- Group Discussion (25 minutes): The team works together to refine an idea, develop a clear and actionable solution, and ensure everyone contributes meaningfully.
- Final Presentation (5 minutes): The group presents its final proposal to the admissions committee members observing the discussion.
After the TBD, applicants transition to a 10-minute one-on-one interview with a member of the admissions team. This part of the process focuses on your individual motivations, particularly why you are pursuing an MBA and why are you interested in the program at Wharton.
Wharton TBD Prompt (2024-2025)
If you’ve been invited to interview at Wharton for the 2024-2025 application cycle, congratulations! This is a great indication that the university likes your candidacy and wants to see more. Here is the prompt for this year’s interviewees. If you’d like to get some practice in ahead of time, check out these expert-hosted full-group mock interviews.
“The Wharton MBA program is dedicated to developing impactful, globally conscious leaders who are passionate about meaningful change. To advance this mission, Wharton has introduced two Impact Communities: Social Equity and Environment. MBA students interested in one or more of these critical issues are invited to join the associated Impact Community to discover the many resources available at Wharton. These communities will consolidate resources and opportunities in research, academics, and career growth, acting as a hub for MBA students to uncover insights, attend engaging events, and connect with peers, faculty, and organizations.
The Wharton School is exploring the addition of a new Impact Community focused on an emerging topic of global interest. For today’s discussion, you and a team of fellow MBA students have been chosen to propose a new Impact Community.
As a team, address the following aspects:
- Define the emerging global issue your proposed Impact Community will address.
- Identify one or more potential partner organizations that could collaborate with the community by offering resources, support, or engagement opportunities.
- Identify resources within The Wharton School and the University of Pennsylvania that could support the proposed Impact Community (e.g., academic programs, conferences, research initiatives).
- Outline the key learning outcomes the Impact Community aims to achieve for its members.
Your final presentation should clearly articulate the vision for the new Impact Community, emphasizing how it will provide a unique and impactful learning experience aligned with Wharton’s mission to prepare leaders for the world’s most pressing challenges. Consider discussing why your team selected this emerging global issue, as well as the relevance of the resources and partner organizations identified.”
Analysis of the 2024-2025 Wharton Team-Based Discussion Prompt
This year’s team-based discussion prompt focuses on collaborative problem-solving, leadership, and strategic thinking in the context of Wharton’s Impact Communities initiative. The exercise is asking applicants to propose a new Impact Community centered on an emerging global issue, requiring them to think critically about current world challenges, institutional resources, and potential partnerships.
What Is Wharton Looking For?
Every year, the prompts are looking for roughly the same characteristics in applicants, including:
- Can you work effectively in teams? – Wharton values collaboration, so they want to see how you contribute to a group setting, build on others' ideas, and help drive the discussion forward.
- Do you think strategically and structure ideas well? – The exercise tests your ability to analyze a problem, propose a feasible solution, and structure a compelling pitch.Demonstrate leadership without dominating – Admissions officers will be watching to see if you take initiative, facilitate discussions, and help the team stay on track.
- Can you showcase creativity and a global perspective? – Choosing an issue that is timely, impactful, and aligns with Wharton’s mission will help differentiate your team’s proposal.
- Can you leverage Wharton’s resources effectively? – Your ability to identify relevant academic programs, research centers, and external partnerships shows how well you understand what Wharton has to offer.
How to Approach the Team-Based Discussion
The key to succeeding in Wharton’s interview process is balancing collaboration with structured thinking. You want to contribute meaningfully, help the team stay on track, and show that you’re someone who would thrive in Wharton’s MBA environment. Here’s how to approach this year’s prompt effectively.
1. Choose a relevant and impactful global issue.
Your team will need to propose a new Impact Community, so picking the right issue is incredibly important. Focus on emerging topics that are not only globally significant but also well-aligned with Wharton’s strengths in business, finance, and leadership. Strong examples include AI ethics in business, sustainable supply chains, global health equity, the future of work and labor policy, or climate tech innovation, among others.
Whatever issue your team selects, be ready to justify why it matters now and how an Impact Community would help drive meaningful change. It’s not just about picking a trendy topic — it’s about identifying a challenge where a Wharton-led initiative could make a real difference.
2. Identify strong partner organizations.
A well-thought-out Impact Community will need external partners that lend credibility, resources, and engagement opportunities. This could include well-known companies, nonprofits, think tanks, or government agencies that align with your topic.
For example, if your group chooses a Climate Tech Impact Community, potential partners could include the World Economic Forum, Tesla, or the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). These organizations could provide funding, mentorship, research collaborations, or networking opportunities. The key is choosing partners that make sense. They’re not just big names, but entities that would actively contribute to the community’s success.
3. Leverage Wharton’s internal resources.
Wharton has a vast ecosystem of research centers, academic initiatives, and networking opportunities, and part of the TBD challenge is showing that you understand how to tap into these resources effectively. A strong proposal will highlight specific Wharton programs that could support the Impact Community, such as:
- The Mack Institute for Innovation Management – Ideal for communities focused on technology and business innovation.
- The Wharton ESG Initiative – A great fit for sustainability and corporate responsibility topics.
- Penn Wharton Budget Model – Useful for policy-related communities, especially those focused on economic and financial issues.
- Wharton Social Impact Initiative – A strong choice for equity-driven and socially conscious communities.
A good strategy here is to connect the dots between Wharton’s existing strengths and the goals of your Impact Community. This shows that you understand the school’s ecosystem and how to maximize its resources.
4. Define learning outcomes clearly.
Every Impact Community needs to have a clear purpose and tangible benefits for Wharton students. A strong proposal won’t just describe an issue, it will explain what participants will actually gain from the experience.
For example, a Global Health Equity Impact Community might focus on policy analysis, market-based solutions for healthcare access, and social entrepreneurship in medicine. This would provide a structured way for MBA students to develop expertise, gain hands-on experience, and build connections with industry leaders.
Remember, the best proposals don’t just sound good: they have a real, practical impact. Keep the focus on what Wharton students will learn and how it will prepare them to be better leaders.
Expert Tip: The TBD is designed to mirror the collaborative, high-energy nature of Wharton’s MBA environment. While content matters, the real evaluation is on how you work with others, communicate your ideas, and contribute to a productive discussion. Make sure to be structured but flexible, encourage participation, and keep the big picture in mind. The goal is not to force your idea through, it’s to create a compelling and well-thought-out proposal as a team.
Register for upcoming mock TBD sessions here:
- Hosted by Arielle F. — February 24, February 25, February 28, March 1, and March 2
- Hosted by Karla M. — February 27
- Hosted by Nida A. — February 27
5 Tips for the TBD From MBA Admissions Experts
Your TBD and one-on-one interviews will be scheduled well ahead of time, giving you ample time to prepare. On its website, Wharton suggests several things to keep in mind:
- Show your skills and strengths. Think about what you have done to improve your past teams’ work and performance. What can you bring to this experience?
- Adaptability is key. Remember to stay adaptable and be a team player.
- Be yourself. You are not expected to fit into one specific role; be yourself and show off the strengths that you personally bring to the table.
- Relax. Getting to the interview is itself an accomplishment. Remember how far you have come and go into the interview with confidence and excitement!
In addition to these tips from Wharton, we’ve compiled a list of the best advice from MBA coach experts. If you’re currently applying for or preparing to interview for Wharton, browse all MBA consultants here.
1. Contribute, Don’t Dominate
During the TBD interview, there will usually be several members of the admissions team observing to see how the activity goes and to analyze each applicant for their fit with what Wharton is looking for. One thing they want to see is active participation without completely controlling the conversation. In other words, they want to see a team player. Don’t cut others off, make sure everyone is heard, and contribute meaningfully in areas where you can add value.
One strategy that some teams implement is defining roles ahead of time. For example, one participant would take the role of “timekeeper” and another “the facilitator” or “the presenter.” Delineating this ahead of time ensures that everyone has a job to do and often makes the team cooperate more effectively.
Expert Tip: Think about this in terms of who Wharton is trying to admit. They don’t want controlling, big ego, pushy people in their MBA cohorts; they want collaborative, helpful, and considerate students with adept personal skills. The interviewers are evaluating you as a potential future MBA classmate so consider how your actions may be viewed in that light.
2. Show Innovation with Creative Solutions
One of the core Wharton values is innovation and this is part of what is tested in the TBD. The interview questions are generally fairly open-ended and provide plenty of opportunities for unique solutions. Work with your team to approach the problem in a different way than others might to show this skill. You can also leverage unique problem-solving experiences from your past during your post-TBD, one-on-one interview. Give examples of the problems you’ve faced, how you approached them, what you did to find innovative solutions, and the impact they made.
3. Prepare Ahead of Time
If your pitch ends up being chosen for the final recommendation, you want to have more information on it readily available. For this reason, we recommend preparing some background knowledge in support of your idea. To the AdCom, this shows that you are prepared and it also provides you with more time to prove your expertise and interest. However, you also want to be able to build something with your team, so you do NOT need a fully fleshed-out idea. Instead, spend the time researching and understanding the question/topic well so that you have the background to analyze the other ideas’ potential for success and viability.
It's also incredibly helpful to do a mock interview beforehand so you know what to say and how to come across as polished and genuine. This is the number one most effective interview prep tool that you can do to increase your chances of admission to business school. See upcoming group mock interviews here and here.
4. Be A Leader and Be Yourself
The name of the game with these interviews is collaboration. As you begin to interact with your fellow team members, think about what strategies might help them contribute. It is much better to be guiding the conversation and helping others contribute than to be the person who only wants their idea to be chosen. Remember, a leader doesn’t necessarily need to have the loudest voice in the room; rather, it should be someone who is able to heighten the quality of the experience for everyone by highlighting the strengths of each individual group member. The 5-6 people are chosen at random so you could be presented with any number of various group dynamics. Be prepared for anything and remember to help others shine.
It is equally as important, if not more so, to make sure that you stay true to yourself through the TBD. Wharton is a smaller business school and it certainly does not want all of its MBA candidates to be carbon copies of each other. Act in a way that makes your personal strengths shine through. If you’re the idea-generator, show that! Whatever your skills, show the AdCom members that you bring something entirely unique to your candidacy.
5. Be Flexible
For this interview, it’s important to remember that there is no one right answer. As such, both your and your team members’ pitches will not be a perfect solution. Be flexible as you work together to find improvements. Do not get too attached to your own ideas or that of someone else, as that will make you seem stubborn and difficult to work with. Adjust the group’s idea as you get more information and as the team discussion involves.
Bonus: Prepare to Succeed Virtually
In some ways, virtual interviews can be much more difficult than their in-person counterparts. You don’t get the ability to interact with your team in person and it’s harder to convey and interpret body language. To counteract this, make sure that you are making eye contact with the other team members. Look at the camera on your computer screen rather than at yourself. Also, sit somewhere with good (preferably natural) lighting and a clean background. Behave in the same manner as you would in person, namely, sit up straight, smile, and nod to show you’re listening.
The other difficulty of virtual interviews is the devices themselves. Make sure that you have silenced your phone and computer notifications. In addition, check your wifi signal and audio before the call so that the others can hear you crisp and clear throughout the activity. Charge your computer beforehand or have a charger nearby and readily accessible. Lastly, as mentioned above, join the call ten minutes early to meet the other participants and double-check your wifi and video connection.
For more advice on virtual interviews, read How to Nail Your Virtual MBA Interview
Previous Wharton Team-Based Discussion Prompts (2019-2024)
Here are some of the prompts from previous years to help you as you prepare and practice for the interview.
2023-2024
This year’s question tasks you and fellow TBD participants to name and design a new course on a cutting-edge business topic for Wharton’s Pre-baccalaureate Program. As part of the Wharton Global Youth Program, this opportunity for exceptional junior and senior high school students introduces them to business education. The idea is to inspire talented young people to analyze the world’s complex challenges as they take their first steps toward becoming leaders who will transform the global economy.
Your team’s challenge is to develop a course on a cutting-edge topic for the generation of young business leaders coming behind you. You’ll name the course, outline the topic and themes, identify faculty to lead the course, and decide on learning outcomes and assessment methods.
2022-2023
Wharton’s commitment to global engagement prepares MBA students for any challenge in the international business environment. As of the 2022 school year, all global travel at Wharton is back to normal operations. Wharton MBAs will once again have the opportunity to participate in a Global Immersion Program (GIP), a credit-bearing elective course, which is designed to provide a high-level survey of the economic, cultural, and geo-political drivers behind regions integral to the global economy.
GIP courses consist of three components: on-campus study sessions, international travel, and a final deliverable. By attending faculty lectures and traveling abroad to meet with local business leaders, government officials, and Wharton alumni, students have the opportunity to learn from a tremendous group of professionals while also immersing themselves in another culture and building strong relationships with their GIP cohort.For the purpose of this discussion, you’ve been invited to be part of a team of students tasked with designing a new GIP. As a team, determine the following course requirements while clearly articulating your course’s desired outcomes:
- A region of study for your GIP
- A recommendation for company and/or government meetings
- A recommendation for a cultural event or immersion to participate in while traveling
- A recommendation for the final deliverable/assignment that students will complete after the GIP
2021-2022
For this last application cycle, candidates were asked to create the new Alternate Reality Course (ARC) for the MBA curriculum. It would be part of the newly launched Wharton Interactive venture, which attempts to gamify classes through interactive simulations.
After being provided context, the prompt asked the team to decide on the following:
- The course’s name and Wharton department
- An overview of the business problem and/or scenario of the game
- Two learning objectives (what you will learn from the ARC)
- Two practice objectives (what you will experience in the ARC that you would also see in the real world)
2020-2021
Two years ago, candidates were asked to create a new young alumni engagement program. The Wharton School’s alumni include over 99,000 individuals around the world. Alumni engagement is pivotal to the Wharton journey and the alumni relations team is constantly working to create opportunities for and enrich the lives of its alumni, especially younger ones. These young alumni have unique needs and desires, such as staying connected virtually, philanthropy opportunities, and understanding their alumni benefits.
After being given this information, they were then asked to do the following:
- Identify the resources and human capital you will need in order to establish the program
- Create a campaign strategy to advertise and promote the program (especially to the global, young alumni base)
- Choose at least two key performance indicators to measure the success of the program
2019-2020
Three years ago, the TBD interview focused on the recent $25 million gift that would be put towards the construction of a transformative new building. Dubbed “Tangen Hall,” it was the first-ever space dedicated completely to entrepreneurship on-campus. The University of Pennsylvania wanted Tangen Hall to be a space that could foster innovative ideas that would transform the future of business. The building was set to be completed in the fall of 2020 and would span 70,000 square feet.
For the team-based discussion, the applicants were asked to create a one-day program for the unveiling of Tangen Hall. It should promote the hall and Wharton’s emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation. As part of the TBD, the students were asked to do the following:
- Determine and define the target audience and the number of invitations
- Choose a keynote speaker and the programming for the day, including at least one interactive workshop and KPIs to measure success
- Provide unique experiential opportunities to highlight all the resources within Tangen Hall
How to Navigate the One-on-One Portion of the TBD
The 10-minute individual interview following the TBD is brief but important. This is your chance to reinforce your candidacy, clarify your motivations, and leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee. Since time is limited, preparation and precision are key.
The questions in this portion are typically pretty straightforward:
- Why do you want to pursue an MBA?
- Why Wharton?
- What are your short- and long-term career goals?
- How did the TBD experience compare to your expectations?
Since you only have 10 minutes, your answers must be sharp, compelling, and concise. Avoid vague or generic responses – this is not the time for a long-winded career story. Instead, connect your goals directly to Wharton’s unique strengths (specific programs, faculty, or resources that align with your career trajectory). It is highly recommended that you do a mock interview with a Wharton alum/admissions expert beforehand to make sure your stories and answers are prepared (but not overly rehearsed!).
You may also be asked to reflect on your TBD experience, with questions like “How do you think the discussion went?” or “What role did you play?” What you want to do here is to show self-awareness and a growth mindset. A strong response acknowledges both your contributions and takeaways, such as helping structure the conversation, bringing in quieter voices, or synthesizing key points. If you faced challenges, frame them as learning moments rather than making excuses or deflecting.
Finally, come prepared with one or two thoughtful questions for your interviewer. This is a short conversation, so skip generic questions about the curriculum (or anything else that can be found online) and instead ask about Wharton’s culture, leadership opportunities, or how students engage with certain initiatives. A smart, well-placed question can leave a strong final impression and reinforce your genuine interest in Wharton. For more ideas, check out: Top 20 Questions to Ask During Your MBA Application Interview
Expert Tip: 10 minutes goes by fast. Don’t waste time with long-winded responses or off-topic tangents. If you find yourself rambling, pause, refocus, and land your key point. If there’s a natural opportunity, close with a brief, thoughtful question about Wharton’s community, curriculum, or culture – but don’t force it if the time is tight.
How I Got Into Wharton: Admit Story
The Bottom Line
The MBA program at Wharton is one of the best in the world and the interview is a crucial step in the process of admission. Because of the unique group interview format, the TBD can be stressful for applicants but don’t worry! Like with any part of the application, the key is preparation and getting the right support.
Wharton’s MBA interview process is unique, but with the right approach, you can stand out for the right reasons. Remember, the TBD isn’t about proving you’re the smartest person in the room – it’s about collaborating effectively, thinking strategically, and demonstrating leadership without overpowering the group. Approach the discussion with an open mind, focus on contributing productively, and show that you’d be a great addition to Wharton’s team-oriented culture.
For the one-on-one interview, preparation is key. Your answers should be concise, compelling, and tailored to Wharton’s strengths. Reflect on your TBD performance with self-awareness and a growth mindset, and come with thoughtful questions that reinforce your genuine interest in the program.
At the end of the day, Wharton is looking for engaged, collaborative leaders. Be confident, be adaptable, let your strengths shine, and get help!
Nail Your TBD With the Help of an Expert
Read these next:
- How to Ace Your MBA Interview: With Prep Questions and Answers
- A Guide to the Wharton Essays
- Wharton School—MBA Program and Application Overview
- Wharton MBA Application Deadlines
FAQs – Wharton Interview
What is the Wharton TBD?
- The Wharton Team-Based Discussion (TBD) is a 35-minute group interview where applicants collaborate on a business prompt to showcase teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills. It’s followed by a 10-minute one-on-one interview with an admissions officer.
What is the Wharton TBD prompt for 2024?
- For 2024-2025, Wharton’s TBD asks applicants to propose a new Impact Community focused on an emerging global issue, identifying relevant partners, Wharton resources, and learning outcomes for MBA students. Read the full prompt in the guide above.
What is the average salary for Wharton MBAs?
- The average Wharton MBA salary is around $175,000–$180,000, with total compensation (including bonuses) exceeding $200,000, depending on industry and role.
Is Wharton better than Harvard?
- Wharton and Harvard are both top MBA programs. Wharton excels in finance, analytics, and leadership, while Harvard is known for general management and case-based learning. The best choice depends on your career goals and learning style. Read How to Choose an MBA Program: The Discerning Student's Guide for more info.
