Wharton Business School: My Experience (Was it Worth it?) | Getting into an Ivy League University

Taylor Bell
26 Feb 202117:22
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this video, Taylor Bell shares their experience at the Wharton School of Business, discussing whether the education was worth the cost and time investment. They delve into the background of Wharton, their personal favorite and most useful classes, and the impact of the school's reputation on job prospects. Taylor emphasizes the value of connections made during their time at Wharton, but also acknowledges that a prestigious education is not necessary for success, highlighting that hard work and seizing opportunities are more crucial.

Takeaways
  • 🎓 Taylor Bell's experience at Wharton Business School is the focus of the video, discussing whether it was worth the investment.
  • 🏛️ Wharton is part of the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League institution, and is renowned for its undergraduate and graduate business programs.
  • 🌍 Taylor was part of the dual degree Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business, which admits about 45 students annually.
  • 📚 Taylor's favorite and most useful classes leaned towards business and strategy rather than quantitative analysis, with a particular fondness for 'Intro to Marketing' and 'Business Statistics 2'.
  • 🏙️ Living in Philadelphia was highlighted by its walkability and homey feel compared to larger cities like New York.
  • 🌡️ Adjusting to life in Philadelphia from Los Angeles involved dealing with colder weather and being away from family.
  • 💰 The cost of attending Wharton is high, with an estimated annual cost of around $79,000, but financial aid is available and many students pay less than the full price.
  • 💼 Wharton graduates earn on average around $109,800 as their first-year salary, which is roughly twice the average salary of a college graduate in the U.S.
  • 🔍 The value of Wharton extends beyond education, with connections made during the four years being particularly valuable for future opportunities.
  • 🚀 Success is not tied to attending an Ivy League university; hard work, seizing opportunities, and a bit of luck play more significant roles in achieving it.
  • 🌐 While a Wharton education was highly beneficial for Taylor, they acknowledge that it may not be the right choice for everyone, and alternative paths to success certainly exist.
Q & A

  • What is Taylor Bell's educational background?

    -Taylor Bell is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business, specifically the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business, earning both a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of Pennsylvania.

  • What is the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business?

    -The Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business is a dual degree program at the University of Pennsylvania that admits about 45 students per year, focusing on providing a global education and preparing students to conduct business in other countries.

  • What are some notable alumni from the Wharton School of Business?

    -Some notable alumni from the Wharton School of Business include Elon Musk, Warren Buffett, and Sundar Pichai.

  • What factors contributed to Taylor Bell's positive experience at the University of Pennsylvania?

    -Taylor Bell's positive experience at the University of Pennsylvania was influenced by the Huntsman Program's tight-knit community, the opportunity to make genuine connections, and the exposure to a diverse range of interesting and intelligent people.

  • What was Taylor Bell's favorite part about living in Philadelphia while attending college?

    -Taylor Bell's favorite part about living in Philadelphia was the ability to walk around the city, visiting favorite spots like a brunch place in Center City and a dog park along the Schuylkill River.

  • How does Taylor Bell feel about the cost of attending a private university like Penn?

    -Taylor Bell acknowledges that private universities like Penn are very expensive, but also notes that financial aid is available to many students, reducing the out-of-pocket cost for a significant portion of the student body.

  • What was Taylor Bell's favorite class at Penn?

    -Taylor Bell's favorite class at Penn was Leadership and Communication in Groups, which was more focused on business and strategy rather than quantitative analysis.

  • Which classes did Taylor Bell find most useful for the real business world?

    -Taylor Bell found classes such as Intro to Economics for Business, Intro to Marketing, Intro to Operations and Information Management, Corporate Finance, Intro to Management, Decision Processes, Principles of Accounting, Negotiations, and Business Statistics to be most useful for the real business world.

  • How does Taylor Bell feel about the value of an Ivy League education?

    -Taylor Bell believes that while an Ivy League education can provide valuable connections and opportunities, it is not necessary for success. Success is more about hard work, seizing opportunities, and some luck, rather than the specific school one attends.

  • What was Taylor Bell's first job lined up after graduation?

    -Taylor Bell had an excellent full-time job lined up eight months before graduation, which was a result of the opportunities and connections made during their time at Penn.

  • How does Taylor Bell view the importance of genuine connections made in college?

    -Taylor Bell views genuine connections made in college as extremely valuable, emphasizing that these relationships can open doors and provide support throughout one's career.

Outlines
00:00
🎓 Introduction to Wharton Experience

Taylor Bell introduces the video by sharing their experience at the Wharton Business School, addressing the question of whether attending Wharton was worth it. They discuss their YouTube channel and the audience's interest in finance, setting the stage for a detailed breakdown of their time at Wharton, including background information, personal experiences, and a Q&A section. Taylor emphasizes the importance of Wharton's reputation and their personal journey through the undergraduate program, including the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business.

05:02
📚 Favorite and Most Useful Classes at Wharton

Taylor delves into the specific classes they took at Penn, highlighting their favorites and those they found most useful for the real business world. They enjoyed classes focused on business and strategy over quantitative analysis, with a particular appreciation for Business Statistics. Taylor also discusses the practical applications of these classes, emphasizing the broader concepts learned rather than specific formulas. They share anecdotes about living in Philadelphia, adjusting to life away from family, and their love for the city.

10:04
💰 Cost vs. Value of Wharton Education

Taylor addresses the financial aspect of attending Wharton, discussing the high cost of private universities in the U.S. and the financial aid available at Penn. They compare the average first-year salary of Wharton graduates to that of the average college graduate, highlighting the earning potential. Taylor emphasizes the value of connections made during their time at Wharton, including access to a vast alumni network and personal connections with professors and peers. They argue that while a prestigious education can open doors, success is not solely dependent on the institution attended.

15:06
🤔 Reflections on the Wharton Experience

In the concluding part, Taylor reflects on whether attending Wharton was worth it for them, considering both the monetary and non-monetary aspects. They acknowledge the pressure and pre-professionalism at Wharton, admitting that it may not be the right fit for everyone. Taylor advocates for the importance of genuine connections and hard work, suggesting that the value of an education extends beyond the classroom. They conclude by encouraging viewers to consider their personal interests and circumstances when deciding on higher education, and they look forward to sharing more about their Wharton and Ivy League experiences in future videos.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Wharton Business School
Wharton Business School is the business school associated with the University of Pennsylvania, which is one of the eight Ivy League universities in the U.S. It is renowned for its undergraduate and graduate programs in business, often ranking at the top in national and international rankings. In the video, the speaker attended Wharton and shares their personal experiences and insights about the institution.
💡Ivy League
The term 'Ivy League' refers to an American collegiate athletic conference comprising eight prestigious private universities. These institutions are known for their academic excellence, selective admissions, and social elitism. In the context of the video, the speaker discusses their experience at an Ivy League institution, highlighting the perceived benefits and challenges.
💡Dual Degree Program
A dual degree program allows students to pursue and earn two separate degrees simultaneously, often in different fields of study. These programs are designed to provide a broader or more specialized education. In the video, the speaker participated in the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business, which is a dual degree program at Penn.
💡Networking
Networking refers to the process of building and maintaining professional relationships, which can lead to career opportunities, collaborations, or information sharing. In the context of the video, the speaker emphasizes the value of the connections they made at Wharton, both with classmates and alumni, as a significant part of their experience.
💡Cost of Education
The cost of education refers to the expenses associated with attending a school or university, including tuition, fees, housing, and other related personal expenses. In the video, the speaker discusses the high monetary cost of attending a private university like Penn and the financial aid options available to students.
💡Return on Investment (ROI)
Return on Investment (ROI) is a financial metric that measures the amount of return on an investment relative to the investment's cost. In the context of education, it refers to the benefits (such as future salary and career opportunities) compared to the costs (tuition, fees, etc.). The speaker uses this concept to evaluate whether attending Wharton was worth the financial investment.
💡Career Opportunities
Career opportunities refer to the potential jobs or professional paths available to individuals, often influenced by their education, skills, and experiences. In the video, the speaker discusses how attending Wharton provided them with access to internships and job opportunities in competitive fields like finance, consulting, and tech.
💡Personal Development
Personal development encompasses the growth and improvement of an individual's abilities, skills, and qualities. In the context of the video, the speaker reflects on how their time at Wharton contributed to their personal growth, including the development of leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills.
💡Educational Value
Educational value refers to the worth or usefulness of the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained through education. The speaker evaluates the educational value of their Wharton degree by considering the practical application of what they learned in the business world and the intangible benefits such as networking and personal growth.
💡Pre-Professionalism
Pre-professionalism refers to the mindset and behaviors that prepare students for their future careers, often characterized by a focus on internships, networking, and professional development. In the video, the speaker mentions that Wharton has a strong pre-professional culture, which can be both a positive and a pressure for students.
Highlights

Taylor Bell shares their experience at Wharton Business School and whether they believe it was worth it.

Wharton is part of the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League institution, and is known for its top-ranked undergraduate and graduate business programs.

Taylor was part of the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business, a dual degree program that admits about 45 students per year.

Taylor's favorite classes included Leadership and Communication in Groups, Intro to Marketing, and Business Strategy.

The most useful classes for Taylor were Intro to Economics for Business, Corporate Finance, and Negotiations.

Living in Philadelphia was highlighted by the ability to walk around the city and enjoy various spots like dog parks and brunch places.

The transition from LA to Philly involved adjusting to the weather and being away from family, but Taylor made meaningful connections at Penn.

Wharton's alumni include notable figures such as Elon Musk, Warren Buffett, and Sundar Pichai.

The annual cost to attend Penn, including tuition, housing, and other fees, is estimated to be around $79,000.

Wharton undergraduate business students can expect an average first-year compensation of around $109,000.

Taylor emphasizes that while a prestigious university can provide opportunities, success is not solely dependent on the school attended but also on individual effort and some luck.

Wharton's network and connections made through the university were particularly valuable for Taylor.

Taylor's advice is to make genuine connections with others, as these can be the most valuable assets in one's career.

The material learned at Wharton could likely be found online, but the experience, professors, and resume boost are unique to attending the institution.

Taylor concludes that while Wharton was 100% worth it for them, it may not be the right choice for everyone.

Transcripts

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