A high score on the quantitative test can offset lower scores on other portions. No, not necessarily, to all three. Application decisions primarily depend on an evaluation of the candidate's ability to handle complex course material and do original research. Accepted candidates are invited to visit at Wharton's expense before they make a decision on whether to come. The Wharton Ph.D. program is a full time program during the period of course work.
Most students also pursue their theses full time for twelve to eighteen months.
There are no Ph.D. level courses offered through distance learning at this time. Up to one year of graduate credits can be transferred, but any transfers are usually less than the maximum, because students are required to take the core courses for the doctoral program here at Wharton. Prior work can shorten the time for required coursework a little, but its main advantage will be to provide a better background for dealing with the difficult core courses. The doctoral students come from a variety of backgrounds, with the most important distinguishing feature being an eagerness to discover new things and an aptitude for research methods in business. While the program is small relative to the size of the Wharton School as a whole, the doctoral students do form a cohesive, self-helping group with their own student lounge and computer bank.