MBA Program Office
Auction Calendars
The Wharton school holds course registration auctions in fall and spring. Each auction lasts for ten rounds and consists of several "advance" rounds, a "hiatus" round which lasts until the next term begins, and "shopping" rounds which allow students to buy and sell courses once classes have begun.
The first three rounds of the Fall term auction allow students to buy and sell seats in full semester and all quarter-long electives. This is the "advance" phase of the auction and it closes before the end of the term. The fourth round is a "hiatus" round and lasts from the close of Round 3 through the summer break, ending the day before school begins. The fifth through eighth rounds close during the first few days of class and allow for a "shopping phase". For Spring Term classes, there are four advance rounds; the fifth round is both a hiatus and shopping round as it lasts from the close of Round 4 through the first day of classes in the spring semester. Rounds 6-8 are shopping rounds. The last two rounds in the fall and spring auctions allow students to buy and sell second-quarter electives only.
Due to the need to finalize enrollments in a timely fashion, it is not possible to be able to visit all classes before the auction ends. Thus, we encourage students to learn more about elective courses by reviewing syllabi found on departmental websites or by speaking directly with the course instructor.