Calling all Darden-UVA Applicants (2016 Intake) Class of 2018

I was wondering if you could give me some information on the ‘Media, Entertainment and Sports’ industry specialization that Darden offers? What kind of exposure (in terms of treks, projects internships) to sports franchises and organisations in particular can a student expect if he is admitted into the programme and chooses this specialization?

Darden_Kristen: I would encourage you to reach out to one of the current student leaders from our Media, Entertainment & Sports club: https://www.darden.virginia.edu/mba/acad ... nt-sports/ . This is not an academic specialization, but a great career related club where students are able to connect with industry representatives.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) was just recruiting here at Darden yesterday. There is also an elective during the second year focused in Media, Entertainment and Sports Management. And one of our professors leads a class to the Cannes Festival each year.



Hi Kristen. For domestic applicants, is there a quant sub score that is typically seen as insufficient or concerning, even if the overall score is competitive?

Darden_Kristen: Our admissions process is holistic and the GMAT is one component of our review process. In addition to your GMAT score we will review your academic history and professional experience for additional insight into your quantitative proficiency.
We have many students who come to Darden from non traditional backgrounds. We provide additional quantitative support before students step into their first class through our "Darden Before Darden" program, which allows students to get some additional support before launching into our case method environment.



If someone has earned a Masters degree in a quant field with a high GPA, would that help to mitigate an undergraduate GPA which is lower than your mid-80% range (assuming a good GMAT as well of course)?

Darden_Kristen: As we mentioned earlier, the admissions process is holistic. We know that you cannot change your GPA and academic performance as that is in the past. We take it into consideration though your current work performance and GMAT score help us get a fuller picture of your ability to be successful in our classroom environment as well.



How would you describe Darden student as person?

Darden_Kristen: Darden students are motivated, ready to make an impact in their communities, ready to get involved here and ready to share their perspective in the classroom. We have a very responsive global almuni network who I encourage everyone to connect with to better understand your opportunities as a Darden student and alum



Will there be an advantage of getting a scholarship or a fellowship If a student applies in round1 rather than round 2 for international students

Darden_Kristen: Yes all scholarships are available during Round 1, but Round 2 also tends to be our largest application round when we still award many scholarships



I have done degree from India which grade its score out of 10. Can you please tell me about that did I need to convert into the scale of 4 as well as college transcript need to be sent through college or student can send it them-self?

Darden_Kristen: We receive applications from all over the world and are familiar with different grading scales. You do not need to convert your GPA on a 4.0 scale. You can submit a scanned copy of your transcript to complete your application, but we will need official transcripts from the institution upon admission and your decision to enroll.



Can you provide us some tips for essays and what does Darden in specific look for in our essays?

Darden_Kristen: On tips for essays - answer the question provided, be sure that you are telling us something more about YOU, proofread and consider having friends or family review your response to make sure it is authentic and genuine to who you are and answers the question. We want you to use all of the space provided in the application to tell us more about you. Be sure to use all the space provided to your advantage.



How does the admission committee view our inability to get our current manager as a recommender?

Darden_Kristen: We prefer to see a current manager or supervisor. If you are unable to get your current manager/supervisor please use the additional comments space to let us know why - perhaps you just started working with them or you have not disclosed that you are pursuing an MBA at this time. Be sure to choose someone who can speak to your professional contributions and accomplishments - a senior team leader or former supervisor may be a good option too


What advice do you have for re-applicants?

Darden_Kristen: We encourage re-applicants to take advantage of the feedback call that we offer over the summer. We expect to see additional examples of career and personal growth in addition to any specific feedback we may have provided during the call.



Considering that Darden is a bit of a hike from some business centers such as NYC, does the school still have some visits or some type of way of immersion for a day or two for students in their desired field? (i.e. someone in the investment banking track being exposed to that field directly for a day or something)

Darden_Kristen: Yes more than 100 companies come to Darden each year to meet with our students. We also help organize industry related job treks such as Week on Wall Street where our students spend substantial time with financial institutions. We hold these treks all over the world and in a myriad of industries.
Our Career Development Center also hosts Career Discovery Forums at the start of the year to hear from industry representatives and some of our alumni in various fields to learn more. Check out all of our career support here: https://www.darden.virginia.edu/mba/care ... reer-prep/


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