Calling all Darden Fall 2011 Applicants!

Can anyone share some thoughts one the elevator pitch? I am thinking it should include 'why' as well as 'what' my career goals are, but with just 150 words, i am not sure i can get all that to fit in.

From the Darden website:

We evaluate only GMAT results from tests taken prior to submission of the application. The highest score is used, but we do not combine scores from multiple tests. Scores are valid for five years. We do not require official test scores in order to process your application and get it to the Committee for review. You may self-report the scores directly into your online application. If offered admission, you will need to send official documents. However, offers of admission are not binding until official scores are received. If discrepancies are found between self-reported and official scores, the offer of admission will be withdrawn.

what are the recommendation questions for Darden

I have the same problem with the Education section. Any ideas?

I think you need the "what" but unlike most schools you can be a little more general (I want to be a an associate at your consulting firm because...)
The "why" has to be in there for sure, again though I'm going at it a little different, considering the fact that we have 150 words and we are in an elevator with said employer, I'm using that context to explain my fit with consulting and that I am aware of its demands and nature.


What were you thinking about?

I need to know whether I can press the submit button before my referees submit my recommendations....Obviously I will ensure that recommendations are submitted before the deadline.
Kind of getting agitated here!

For me (problem on personal profile section), I had to check a few more boxes....try checking if some boxes that might be required have been left unchecked.

You can hit submit before your recommenders do, they just have to be done by the deadline

Thanks...just hit the submit button....

^^^^ AAAAHHH good luck!

In for Round 1. Reapp from last year. Man, they sure made the essays hard this year. I am having a hard as hell time getting a quality essay out for either of them. Good luck to everyone. Anyone know if darden's reviews in order received or anything like that?

Hi all! Poch here, first year at Darden. I was a pretty active member of these forums last year, and I gotta say it's helped me a lot. I don't check it as much anymore, but if you have any questions about Darden life and Charlottesville life, please shoot me an email: pochcc@yahoo.com. Don't worry, I won't sell Darden to you (too much). I'll try to offer my balanced opinion, as much as I can. That said, I love Darden, so my balanced opinion might not seem very balanced.

A few observations...

1. Darden is NOT for those who want an easy time. The days are long here, and the workload is pretty daunting. That said, we only have classes 4 days a week (Mon-Thu), with Friday dubbed "career day." That's where you focus on all things post-darden - like a job. As such, we have something called the Thursday Night Drinking Club (TNDC), which is great for unwinding and getting to know your classmates outside the academic setting. We party pretty hard, but I've never worked harder than in Darden.

2. Charlottesville is a nice little town. It's nice. But it's tiny. It's very picturesque, and you could spend hours just walking around, especially nowadays that it's autumn. There are enough restaurants, bars and places to keep you occupied though, when you're not studying.

3. The case method was something new to me, and I did struggle a little bit at the beginning, but it really is a great way to tap into your classmates as great resources of knowledge. We have classmates who are olympiads, tech entrepreneurs, lawyers etc from 70+ countries... So when we discuss global economic policies for example, you really see points of view from China, France, Moldova, etc., as well as from economists, bankers, entrepreneurs, etc. But of course, that just makes it harder, because theory is something that you should already have at the back of your mind, and you just debate on its applications, merits, etc. The case method requires a critical mind - so if you want theory shoved down your throat, this is not a place for you. But if you like applying theory to different situations and learning about its applications in different parts of the world, this is the place for you.

4. The people here are really friendly. And very, very, very helpful. And that goes for everyone -faculty, staff, classmates, and alumni. If you're ever going job hunting (and I'm sure you are after B-school), it'd be great to have very supportive alums. And Darden's got a great network.

Should be enough for now. Hope that's gotten people more excited about getting into Darden (you should be!). and for those on the fence, if you think those things above are interesting, apply!

Thanks, poch, for your insight. I've already submitted my application...so hope for the best.

International applicants, couple of questions:

1. I took my TOEFL IBT test on 18th September and I can view my scores online. However, I can't find percentile scores for any of the sections. I am yet to receive my score report through post. Should I leave the percentile fields for TOEFL IBT blank in the online application?

2. In Educational History, there are two fields for GPA. One in Education History #1 called 'GPA' and another called 'International GPA'. Should I fill in only the International GPA? Should I fill in both?

I have sent an e-mail to the adcom. Just wanted to know if anyone already knows how to handle this.

Thanks.

I have a Tech background and I am interested in Product Management post MBA. While I can easily explain the fit, it is just that I have never done anything remotely similar to an elevator pitch. I was trying to be very specific, with reasons for why firm 'x' as well. Thanks for the tip. I'll just say the technology sector instead of naming the firm.

if it helps..
1) I left the fields in blank
2) I only completed in international GPA

I already submitted my application too!! Good luck to all!!

thanks for sharing!!
It's nice to see current students around here