How should I rank my program preferences?
Rank programs according to your true preferences, with your first choice ranked #1. Your rankings are used during the placement process and may include other eligible Global programs occurring during the same program period. If you are seeking a Venture scholarship, review the Financial Assistance information for your program, as scholarship consideration may be tied to your first-choice Venture.

Can I apply to more than one Venture or Global program?
Yes. You may apply to and rank multiple eligible programs offered during the same program period. Only rank programs you would genuinely be willing to attend if offered a seat.

What happens if I am not selected for my first-choice program?
You may still be offered a seat in another program you ranked and/or placed on a waitlist for a preferred program. Because some programs receive more first-choice rankings than others, you may receive a seat offer for a program you ranked lower.

What does it mean to be on a Venture waitlist?
You may be offered a Venture seat if space becomes available as other students accept or decline their offers. Waitlist placement does not guarantee a seat.

What is rolling admission, and can I apply?
Ventures with remaining capacity may reopen for rolling admission after the initial selection process. When rolling admission is available, applicants are added to the bottom of the existing waitlist and considered as seats become available.

Scholarship eligibility during rolling admission varies by program. Review the Financial Assistance information for your program before applying.

How long do I have to accept a Venture seat?
For an Expedition, you have exactly 96 hours (4 days) from the time your seat offer is issued to accept or decline. For an Intensive, you have exactly 48 hours (2 days). If you do not respond by the deadline, your seat may be released to another student.

When is payment due?
Payment is due by credit card within two days of accepting your seat offer.

What does accepting a Venture seat mean?
Accepting a seat confirms your commitment to participate in the Venture and your responsibility for the applicable program fee. It may also affect your consideration for other programs occurring during the same program period.

What happens if I accept a seat but don't submit payment?
If payment is not received by the deadline, your commitment may be withdrawn and your seat released to another student.

Can I receive an extension on the payment deadline?
If an exceptional circumstance may prevent you from meeting the payment deadline, contact WLV immediately. Extensions are considered on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed.

Can I switch to another program after accepting a Venture seat?
No. Once you accept a seat on an Expedition, you are committed to that Venture and your applications for other competing programs during the same program period are automatically withdrawn. You will no longer be considered for those programs or their waitlists.

What happens if I withdraw after accepting a Venture? Will I receive a refund?
If you withdraw after accepting a seat, you are subject to that Venture's cancellation and refund policy. Refund eligibility depends on the timing of your withdrawal. Review the Payments & Policies information for your Venture carefully before accepting your seat.

What if I am expecting financial assistance?
Students awarded a scholarship seat that covers the program fee are not responsible for paying the Venture program fee. The payment requirement will be marked N/A in the application system.

Other forms of financial assistance may operate differently, including reimbursement-based funding that requires participants to pay the program fee upfront. Review the Financial Assistance information for your program for details.

What does the Venture program fee cover?
Program fees vary by Venture based on the location, length, activities, and logistics of each expedition. Fees generally support costs such as professional guides and instruction, lodging during the Venture, meals during the program, ground transportation, permits and entrance fees, group and technical equipment, and other expedition-specific operating costs.

Because inclusions vary by Venture, review the Payments & Policies information for your specific expedition for a detailed list of what is and is not included in the program fee.

What additional expenses should I expect beyond the program fee?
Participants should plan for expenses such as airfare to and from the Venture location, required personal gear, lodging or meals outside of the program, and other personal travel costs. These expenses vary by Venture and are generally not included unless specifically stated. Review the Venture-specific Payments & Policies information before applying.

Does applying for a scholarship affect my chances of receiving a Venture seat?
No. Applying for a scholarship does not affect your chances of being selected for a Venture. Venture placement and scholarship consideration are separate processes.

To be considered for a scholarship seat, you must apply during the initial application period. Applicants who apply during rolling admission are not eligible for scholarship consideration. Review the Financial Assistance information for your program for additional eligibility, coverage, and selection details.

MBA Students: If I expect to receive Student Experience Fund support, do I still need to pay the Venture program fee?
Yes. Student Experience Fund support is reimbursement-based and is not administered by WLV. You must pay the Venture program fee by the WLV payment deadline and work directly with the Financial Aid Office regarding reimbursement. Reimbursement may not be available until after the Venture is complete. Review the Financial Assistance information for additional details.

Do I book my own flights?
Yes. Participants are responsible for booking and paying for their own travel to and from the designated Venture location. Do not book travel until you have received and reviewed the Venture-specific travel instructions.

When should I book my travel?
Book travel only after you have accepted your seat, completed payment, and received the Venture-specific arrival and departure requirements. WLV is not responsible for costs associated with travel booked before your participation is confirmed.

What arrival and departure times should I use when booking flights?
Follow the arrival and departure windows provided for your specific Venture. These requirements vary by expedition and are designed around group transportation and program logistics. Do not assume that traveling on the program start date or departing on the program end date will meet the required travel window.

What happens if my flight is delayed or canceled?
Contact your Venture Fellows as soon as possible using the contact information provided in your pre-departure materials. WLV and our Venture Partners will work with you to determine available options, but participants are responsible for costs resulting from personal travel delays or disruptions.

Are hotels before or after the Venture included?
Generally, no. Participants are responsible for accommodations before and after the expedition unless otherwise specified in the Venture's Payments & Policies information. You may make independent travel plans before or after the Venture, but those arrangements must remain separate from WLV program logistics, accommodations, and activities during the Venture.

Do I need a passport or visa, and who is responsible for obtaining the required travel documents?
International Ventures require a valid passport and may require visas or other entry documentation depending on the destination and your citizenship. Participants are responsible for obtaining and maintaining all required travel documents. WLV may provide supporting information when applicable, but it is your responsibility to ensure you meet all requirements for travel.

When will I receive the final packing list and travel information?
Detailed travel, gear, and preparation information will be provided to confirmed participants in advance of the Venture. Please review all materials carefully and meet any required preparation deadlines.

What gear do I need, and do I need to purchase it?
Each Venture has a specific required gear list based on its environment and activities. Participants are responsible for obtaining all required personal gear and ensuring it meets the specifications provided. Gear may be purchased, rented, or borrowed, as long as it meets the requirements for your Venture. Venture Fellows and Venture Partners will review participants' gear prior to departure to ensure everyone is appropriately equipped for the expedition.

Can a spouse, partner, or friend travel with me or join the Venture?
Leadership Ventures are participant-only programs. Spouses, partners, friends, and other guests may not join the Venture or participate in program activities. Applications from other Wharton students, including friends or classmates, are considered independently. You should make your decision to accept a Venture seat independently, regardless of whether another student you know receives or accepts a seat.

Should I purchase travel insurance?
Participants are strongly encouraged to consider travel insurance for expenses not covered by WLV, including airfare and other personal travel arrangements. Review the coverage and cancellation terms carefully before purchasing.

Can I arrive late or leave a Venture early?
Participants are expected to participate in the Venture in its entirety and must meet the required arrival and departure schedule. If you have a known scheduling conflict, contact WLV before accepting a seat.

What role do Venture Fellows and Venture Partners play?
Venture Fellows are trained student leaders who help prepare and support participants before and throughout the Venture and facilitate the leadership development experience. Venture Partners are professional guides and outfitters who provide technical expertise, instruction, logistical support, and risk management. Venture Fellows and Venture Partners work together with WLV staff to support a safe and meaningful experience.

What is expected of me as a participant?
Participants are expected to arrive prepared, engage fully in the experience, contribute to the group, and be willing to step outside their comfort zones. Ventures are leadership development experiences, and active participation, reflection, and a willingness to learn from challenge and uncertainty are important parts of the program.

Do I need previous outdoor experience or a certain level of physical fitness to participate?
Most Ventures do not require prior outdoor or technical experience, and you do not need to be an athlete to participate. However, physical and technical demands vary significantly by Venture, and participants should be prepared to meet the requirements of their specific expedition. Review the Expedition Characteristics and Venture-specific information carefully when considering which experiences are appropriate for you.

How should I prepare physically for my Venture?
WLV does not provide a formal fitness or training plan for each Venture. Physical demands vary by expedition, and Venture Fellows and Venture Partners may recommend activities that help participants prepare for or simulate aspects of their specific Venture—for example, hiking with a weighted pack or spending extended time on their feet. Participants are responsible for preparing appropriately and arriving ready to meet the physical demands of their expedition.