Should I come to Winter Welcome instead of Welcome Weekend in April?
The Winter Welcome in February is only applicable to Round One admitted students and is intended to provide an early insight into Wharton, especially in helping with any decisions that need to be made before Welcome Weekend. However, Welcome Weekend will be attended by the majority of the admitted class. While some of the activities and information in both events overlap, Winter Welcome offers more opportunities to get to know the other Round One admits in a smaller setting.  Winter Welcome is also the only event that allows you to view the entire Follies production, which you definitely do not want to miss! We encourage you to attend Winter Welcome even if you decide to visit us during Welcome Weekend.

Can my partner come to Winter Welcome?
Of course! We realize that partners of admitted students are an important part of the decision-making process. All wives, husbands, significant others and children are invited to attend Winter Welcome. There are several planned events for partners and children, and partners are also encouraged to attend many of the sessions for students. Winter Welcome is a great opportunity for both you and your partner to learn more about business school and life in Philadelphia. We look forward to meeting all of you in February.

Can I bring my child(ren) to the social activities?
Due to the nature of the Follies production, we encourage you to not bring your children to the Follies production. Also, the evening social activities may require attendees to be 21 or older. However, children are welcome at the other social activities.

What is the attire for Winter Welcome?
Attire is casual for events during the day on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, although you may want to bring a change of clothes for the evening activities. Note: Please bring an umbrella. Though we had spectacular weather last year, past Winter Welcomes have experienced rain on occasion.

Where should I stay during Winter Welcome? Center City or University City?
It is entirely up to you. Most Wharton students live in Center City, and you may want to stay there so you can have a better idea of what it is like to live in the area and commute to campus. In addition, there is a variety of shopping and nightlife options to choose from in the Center City. Most of the daytime events will occur in University City on the Penn campus. If you are staying with a current student, you will likely be in Center City. To get to the events on campus, you can walk, take the bus or trolley, or split a cab with other Winter Welcome participants. Either way, both options are a short distance from each other and are easily accessible via public transportation, cab, or foot.

Where can I stay during Winter Welcome? At a hotel? With a student?
You can stay at one of the many hotels in Philadelphia. There are a number of hotels close to Penn campus or in Center City. (A detailed list of hotels is provided in the Where To Stay section of this website.)

You also have the option to stay with a current student during Winter Welcome to gain a complete experience of student life at Wharton. This option is free and we will do our best to match your preferences. We encourage you to register early, since we will provide student housing on a limited first-come, first-serve basis. However, due to high demand, we strongly recommend reserving a hotel room for the weekend as we cannot guarantee a student host. Should you be successfully matched with a host, we will notify you by the end of January 2007 in which case you may cancel your reservation. Additionally, you can check out the discussion board on E-talk regarding alternative housing options for the weekend.

When is the latest I can register for Winter Welcome?
The registration deadline is February 4, 2008 by 5:00pm EST. However, we would like to know as soon as possible if you will be able to attend.

Is it necessary to stay the entire time?
As much as we'd like for you to stay for all of the activities, it is not necessary to stay. We recommend you look at the schedule and identify those activities that you are most interested in and make your decision accordingly.

My plans have changed, and I can no longer attend. How do I let you know?
Please send us an email at winterwelcome@wharton.upenn.edu. In the email, include your name and phone number.

Do you have any information about Pre-Term?
The MBA Program Office will be holding a workshop specifically to answer your academic-related questions on Thursday morning of Winter Welcome.

What activities will I need to pay for?
Students will be responsible for their own transporation costs within the city, as well as for dinner and drinks at social events. Admissions is subsidizing the 5pm Follies performance on Thursday, so admits will only pay $10. The Friday social event may require students to purchase tickets.

More questions? Contact us!
If you have any questions/concerns related to Winter Welcome or any technical problems with the website, please send an email to: winterwelcome@wharton.upenn.edu  

I came into Philadelphia with some trepidation about my potential classmates at Wharton, but left days later after a fantastic weekend knowing that I would attend Wharton, and would do so with a collection of incredible people.
- Winter Welcome '08 Participant

I was torn between Wharton and another program at the time, but realized via my interaction with the 1st years and my fellow admits that Wharton was not the stuffy, quant-focused school that I had pre-conceived. Instead, I found well-rounded, community-focused students who could speak to a variety of academic and extra-curricular experiences. These leaders were people that I could see myself hanging out with and working with.
- Winter Welcome '08 Participant