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    Competition Prep Guide

    Wharton Global High School Investment Competition

    Build investment portfolios for a hypothetical client. Top teams pitch at Wharton's Global Finale.

    Eligibility

    • Teams of 4–7 students in Grades 9–12
    • One teacher advisor required per team
    • Open globally; participants from 60+ countries each year
    • Free to enter

    Annual Timeline

    1. Sep–Oct

      Team registration opens

    2. Oct–Feb

      Build portfolio in Wharton's online platform; submit investment thesis

    3. Feb–Mar

      Regional finalists selected; submit video pitch

    4. April

      Global Finale at Wharton (Philadelphia) — top 10 teams pitch live

    Preparation Strategy

    1

    Investment thesis matters more than returns

    Judges score reasoning quality, risk awareness, and client-fit far more than raw portfolio performance. Document your thinking carefully.

    2

    Match the strategy to the client profile

    Each year's hypothetical client has specific risk tolerance, time horizon, and goals. Misaligned strategies (e.g., aggressive growth for a retiree) lose points fast.

    3

    Use real data sources

    Reference 10-Ks, earnings reports, and analyst research — not just news headlines. Demonstrating financial literacy is the key signal.

    4

    Practice the team pitch early

    Finalists deliver a 10-minute pitch + Q&A. Assign clear roles (analyst, strategist, presenter) and rehearse weekly through March.

    Common Pitfalls

    • Chasing returns without explaining the underlying thesis.
    • Underweighting risk metrics in the final report.
    • Late team formation — top teams form in summer and start research before registration opens.

    Official Resources

    Book Strategy Session

    Get a personalized prep plan for Wharton Global High School Investment Competition from a senior counselor.

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