Online Programs FAQs

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM AN ONLINE PROGRAM? WHAT DOES THE ONLINE EXPERIENCE LOOK LIKE?

Online programs and courses are designed to mirror the Wharton undergraduate experience, much like a face-to-face offering, with modifications to ensure interactive activities and peer interaction. Although topics of study will vary from program to program, students can expect a mix of asynchronous pre-work, live lectures and interactive simulations, live seminar style recitations with 20-30 students, peer project work within small groups, and independent assignments. Students will meet and learn from a number of different faculty and instructors during their course of study. Assignments will serve to connect the material and prepare students for more advanced content. Most programs also incorporate a collaborative small group capstone or final project designed to incorporate lessons learned throughout their academic programming while also encouraging independent thought and innovative thinking.*

*The Understanding Your Money online course does not include live or synchronous components; the program is designed to be a flexible, asynchronous, individual learning experience.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING VIRTUAL?

The flexibility of online programming allows for a more robust lineup of guest speakers, a more globally diverse student population, and increased summer-long opportunities to network and connect with peers and the Wharton community. Program participants will have the opportunity to interact with high-achieving students from across the world both throughout their academic program and within the extracurricular Wharton Global Youth Meetup (GYM) virtual community. Opportunities are abundant online, and students will have the ability to sit in on more guest lectures, alumni panels, and online-only special events and competitions. 

HOW ARE PROGRAMS MODIFIED FOR THE ONLINE FORMAT?

Online programs will incorporate more experiential learning opportunities and peer interactions, in the form of collaborative group work, engaging simulations, facilitated small group discussions, and real-world case studies. Online programs will also feature an instructional team, not just one faculty, allowing for a diversity of voices and experiences, including: Wharton faculty and instructors, guest speakers from across industry, and undergraduate and graduate student teaching assistants tasked with fostering community and facilitating learning.

HOW MUCH OF THE COURSE IS LIVE VERSUS ASYNCHRONOUS?

We aim to keep live interactions dynamic, collaborative, and condensed, to allow for meaningful participation and maximum flexibility. Any content that can be pre-recorded or provided asynchronously will be made available through the Canvas platform as independent work. The exact break down of live to asynchronous content delivery will vary by program. All programs will include at least 2 hours of live daily programming, with some programs providing up to 6 hours of live daily programming. Beyond live daily interactions, students will also be presented with independent assignments, asynchronous pre-work, small group work or projects, office hours, and optional events and challenges within the GYM virtual community.*

*The Understanding Your Money online course does not include live or synchronous components; the program is designed to be a flexible, asynchronous, individual learning experience.

We encourage you to visit program-specific webpages to learn more about the hourly commitments for each program.

WHAT IF I AM IN A DIFFERENT TIME ZONE?

Our programs enroll a globally diverse student body with a common thread of academic accomplishment and intellectual curiosity. While all programming is based out of Philadelphia, PA in the Eastern Standard/Daylight Time zone, we recognize not everyone will share the same time zone or scheduling preferences. For students with limiting time zone considerations, we encourage you to consider the Future of the Business World (FBW) online program, which offers the most flexible programming options for students. Within FBW, live programming is repeated twice daily, to allow students from across time zones to participate in their preferred time slots.

WHAT DO STUDENTS DO OUTSIDE OF ‘CLASS’ TIME? WHAT IS THE WHARTON GLOBAL YOUTH MEETUP (GYM)?

Outside of academic ‘class’ hours students are encouraged to participate in the myriad of activities and learning opportunities offered through Wharton’s online community, the Wharton Global Youth Meetup (GYM). The GYM is a co-curricular, virtual community designed to supplement academic programming for Wharton Online Program participants through individual and team-based business education challenges, events, and simulations.* GYM access is available all summer and will provide additional programming opportunities for students to engage with the Wharton community outside of their academic program. Programming will include a combination of live events and opportunities to interact on any schedule that suits the student. For more information, visit the Wharton GYM page. 

*The Understanding Your Money online course does not currently include GYM access.  

WHEN CAN I BEGIN PARTICIPATING IN THE WHARTON GLOBAL YOUTH MEETUP (GYM)? HOW LONG WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO THE GYM?

The Global Youth Meetup (GYM) is open to all students attending any of our online summer programs, including those participating in our Pre-Baccalaureate summer sessions. The GYM runs for 8-10 weeks, opening at the beginning of the summer and closing in August. Students attending online programs will have full access all summer and are encouraged to join the GYM at the beginning of the summer, regardless of when their individual programs start. For exact dates and details, please visit the GYM page.

WHAT ARE THE TECHNICAL OR BROWSER REQUIREMENTS FOR ONLINE PROGRAMS?

All online programming requires a computer that meets the minimum system requirements for Canvas LMS and Zoom videoconferencing, as well as reliable internet access and a webcam with microphone. We use Canvas as our Learning Management System and Zoom for live sessions. Our courseware works best with current versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or with Internet Explorer version 9 and above. For the best possible experience, we recommend switching to an up-to-date version of Google Chrome. If you do not have Chrome installed, you can get it for free here. 

Currently, our system does not fully support access with mobile devices. While many components of this course will function on a mobile device, some may not. 

If you experience any technical difficulties with the course site, including problems viewing videos or other features, please email wgyp-online@wharton.upenn.edu. 

WHO LEADS/TEACHES IN THESE PROGRAMS? WHO ARE THE INSTRUCTORS?

Each program is led by an instructional team made up of a combination of Wharton faculty, instructors, and teaching assistants. Many programs also bring in industry professionals and/or alumni to present as guest speakers or to evaluate final projects/presentations.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?

All online programs will include at least 3 hours of live daily programming, with some programs providing up to 6 hours of live daily programming. Live programming includes lectures, recitations, small-group work and discussions, business simulations, etc. Beyond attending all live programming, students should expect to spend additional time completing all required pre-work and asynchronous assignments.

WILL I EARN A CERTIFICATE?

Yes! Every student who successfully completes an online, non-credit program will receive a Wharton Global Youth Program Certificate of Completion. Completion is obtained through meaningful participation and completion of all required assignments, as determined by the program leader. Students enrolled in for-credit programming or courses will earn a transcript outlining grades earned and credits accrued. 

ARE THERE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE?

Yes! For more information, please visit the Online Programs Costs & Aid webpage.

WHAT DOES ‘PRIORITY DEADLINE’ MEAN?

The priority deadline is our early deadline and allows a greater chance of admission into preferred session dates. Students who apply by the priority deadline will also be notified of their admissions decisions earlier. There is also a possibility of specific programs or sessions filling before the final deadline, so applying by the priority deadline is always encouraged. 

CAN I APPLY TO MORE THAN ONE PROGRAM?

Yes! If admitted into multiple programs for the summer, you may attend more than one. However, it is not permitted to enroll in academic programs, either residential or online, with overlapping dates due to the rigorous demands of each program. 

CAN I ATTEND MORE THAN ONE PROGRAM?

Yes! If admitted into multiple programs for the summer you may attend more than one. However, it is not permitted to enroll in academic programs, either residential or online, with overlapping dates due to the rigorous demands of each program.

CAN I CHANGE MY SESSION SELECTION AFTER I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION?

This may be possible on a case-by-case basis depending upon the program and dates requested. Please contact whartonyouth@wharton.upenn.edu to explore your options further. 

HOW CAN I DOCUMENT MY SUMMER EXPERIENCE WHEN APPLYING TO UNIVERSITIES?

In addition to submitting your certificate of completion and addressing your experiences in your resume, you can also include your Wharton Global Youth program experience in the Education section of the Common App. Search for “Wharton Global Youth” to select your relevant program experience.

HOW DO I ACCESS MY CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION?

Students who have successfully completed an online program will be eligible to receive a certificate of completion. Successful completion is contingent upon the student’s full attendance and participation in the program as well as the completion of all required academic course modules and assignments. Instructions for accessing your Certificate of Completion are available in the final module of your Wharton Online learning platform.

I MISPLACED MY CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION. HOW CAN I GET A NEW ONE?

If you have misplaced or are having trouble accessing your certificate of completion, please send an email to wgyp-online@wharton.upenn.edu for further assistance.

HOW CAN I STAY CONNECTED WITH WHARTON GLOBAL YOUTH?

Here are some more ways you can get involved in business and financial education with the Wharton Global Youth Program:

1. Sign up for the Wharton Global Youth Program newsletter. Our monthly newsletter features program updates, educational resources featuring Wharton faculty research, and business-focused articles, videos, and podcasts. Sign up today!
2. Become an investor. Join us for the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition, a free, team-based competition featuring an online investment simulation and video conversations with finance and business experts. Learn more.
3. Get social. Connect with the Wharton Global Youth Program on Instagram (@WhartonYouth ), Facebook , or Twitter (@Whartonyouth).