Last visit was: 19 Nov 2025, 04:40 It is currently 19 Nov 2025, 04:40
Home
GMAT
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Rewards
Chat
My Profile
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
terp26
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 22 Oct 2006
Last visit: 06 Apr 2020
Posts: 1,210
Own Kudos:
380
Given Kudos: 12
Schools:Chicago Booth '11
Posts: 1,210
Kudos: 380
Calling all Darden Fall 2009 applicants! 12 Aug 2008, 07:24
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
informative post +3
User avatar
devansh_god
User avatar
Joined: 24 Jan 2006
Last visit: 09 Apr 2012
Posts: 194
Own Kudos:
528
Given Kudos: 15
Location: India
Concentration: Finance, Entrepreneurship
Schools: Kenan-Flagler '14 (S) Olin (S) Owen '14 (S) Tippie (S)
WE:General Management (Manufacturing)
Schools: Kenan-Flagler '14 (S) Olin (S) Owen '14 (S) Tippie (S)
Posts: 194
Kudos: 528
Calling all Darden Fall 2009 applicants! 18 Aug 2008, 08:22
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hey guys,

Here are the essays:
1)What pivotal choices have you made in your life that have influenced your decision to pursue an MBA? (500 words)
2)From the following categories, describe the one that has taught you the most: a creative challenge, an ethical dilemma or an experience of failure. Why? (250 words)
3)Describe how you are a fit with the case study method. (250 words)

Enjoyyyy!!!! Best of Luck........ :wink:
User avatar
terp26
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 22 Oct 2006
Last visit: 06 Apr 2020
Posts: 1,210
Own Kudos:
380
Given Kudos: 12
Schools:Chicago Booth '11
Posts: 1,210
Kudos: 380
Calling all Darden Fall 2009 applicants! 18 Aug 2008, 08:31
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
unique interesting essays. I like these a lot.
User avatar
refurb
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 28 Feb 2008
Last visit: 30 Oct 2013
Posts: 1,321
Own Kudos:
161
Given Kudos: 6
Schools:Tuck
Posts: 1,321
Kudos: 161
Calling all Darden Fall 2009 applicants! 18 Aug 2008, 09:00
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Wow! A total of only 1000 words for the entire application?

Is that officially the shortest MBA essay collection or what?

RF
User avatar
Raabend
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 16 May 2008
Last visit: 17 Mar 2016
Posts: 884
Own Kudos:
156
Given Kudos: 29
Location: Earth
Concentration: Brand
Schools:Cornell '11
Posts: 884
Kudos: 156
Calling all Darden Fall 2009 applicants! 18 Aug 2008, 09:04
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Very very interesting. I am looking forward to attacking these. The word count will make it really hard.....yet fun.
User avatar
fatb
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 18 Jan 2008
Last visit: 23 Feb 2018
Posts: 212
Own Kudos:
37
Concentration: 20% From Concentration
Schools:The School that shall not be named
Posts: 212
Kudos: 37
Calling all Darden Fall 2009 applicants! 18 Aug 2008, 10:15
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
devansh_god
Hey guys,

Here are the essays:
1)What pivotal choices have you made in your life that have influenced your decision to pursue an MBA? (500 words)
2)From the following categories, describe the one that has taught you the most: a creative challenge, an ethical dilemma or an experience of failure. Why? (250 words)
3)Describe how you are a fit with the case study method. (250 words)

Enjoyyyy!!!! Best of Luck........ :wink:
Show more

I think #2 is especially not easy... a creative challenge by itself?
And, only 1000 words? wow....
User avatar
solaris1
User avatar
Joined: 05 Aug 2007
Last visit: 09 Aug 2011
Posts: 1,431
Own Kudos:
223
Given Kudos: 22
Concentration: General Management
Schools:NYU Stern '11
Posts: 1,431
Kudos: 223
Calling all Darden Fall 2009 applicants! 19 Aug 2008, 07:18
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I don't see how anyone can put together a compelling response to #3 without visiting a case class at Darden! They should have continued with their tradition of requiring appliance initiated interviews.
User avatar
refurb
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 28 Feb 2008
Last visit: 30 Oct 2013
Posts: 1,321
Own Kudos:
161
Given Kudos: 6
Schools:Tuck
Posts: 1,321
Kudos: 161
Calling all Darden Fall 2009 applicants! 19 Aug 2008, 08:45
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
solaris1
I don't see how anyone can put together a compelling response to #3 without visiting a case class at Darden! They should have continued with their tradition of requiring appliance initiated interviews.
Show more

I would disagree. I think one can talk about a skill set that meshes well with the case study format. Skills like assertiveness, clear communication skills, "thinking on the fly", etc.

Back those skills up with real-world examples from your past and you're golden!

RF
User avatar
solaris1
User avatar
Joined: 05 Aug 2007
Last visit: 09 Aug 2011
Posts: 1,431
Own Kudos:
223
Given Kudos: 22
Concentration: General Management
Schools:NYU Stern '11
Posts: 1,431
Kudos: 223
Calling all Darden Fall 2009 applicants! 19 Aug 2008, 08:58
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Okay, and how do you know these are skills emphasized in the case study format at Darden? You sat in on a class at Duke?
I mean you could say Darden student pelihu told us so on an internet message board, but that sounds a little weak. :lol:

This is a trick question! You have to talk about either a class visit or interactions with Darden alumni.

refurb

I would disagree. I think one can talk about a skill set that meshes well with the case study format. Skills like assertiveness, clear communication skills, "thinking on the fly", etc.
RF
Show more
User avatar
terp26
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 22 Oct 2006
Last visit: 06 Apr 2020
Posts: 1,210
Own Kudos:
380
Given Kudos: 12
Schools:Chicago Booth '11
Posts: 1,210
Kudos: 380
Calling all Darden Fall 2009 applicants! 19 Aug 2008, 10:31
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
solaris1
Okay, and how do you know these are skills emphasized in the case study format at Darden? You sat in on a class at Duke?
I mean you could say Darden student pelihu told us so on an internet message board, but that sounds a little weak. :lol:

This is a trick question! You have to talk about either a class visit or interactions with Darden alumni.

refurb

I would disagree. I think one can talk about a skill set that meshes well with the case study format. Skills like assertiveness, clear communication skills, "thinking on the fly", etc.
RF
Show more


I disagree. How does it show fit sitting in a class where you are not even permitted to speak? Fit entails talking about how you can handle a case study discussion and show relevent experiences in your past that prove this point. The case method at darden is the same as it is in harvard or any other school. As long as you have a good understanding of how this method works I think that is sufficient. You probably need to cite knowledge of the method.
User avatar
solaris1
User avatar
Joined: 05 Aug 2007
Last visit: 09 Aug 2011
Posts: 1,431
Own Kudos:
223
Given Kudos: 22
Concentration: General Management
Schools:NYU Stern '11
Posts: 1,431
Kudos: 223
Calling all Darden Fall 2009 applicants! 19 Aug 2008, 12:12
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
That's the crux of our disagreement. How do you cite knowledge of the method and tie it specifically to Darden without having visited a case class there?

terp26
You probably need to cite knowledge of the method.
Show more
User avatar
refurb
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 28 Feb 2008
Last visit: 30 Oct 2013
Posts: 1,321
Own Kudos:
161
Given Kudos: 6
Schools:Tuck
Posts: 1,321
Kudos: 161
Calling all Darden Fall 2009 applicants! 19 Aug 2008, 15:46
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
refurb

I would disagree. I think one can talk about a skill set that meshes well with the case study format. Skills like assertiveness, clear communication skills, "thinking on the fly", etc.
RF
solaris1
Okay, and how do you know these are skills emphasized in the case study format at Darden? You sat in on a class at Duke?
I mean you could say Darden student pelihu told us so on an internet message board, but that sounds a little weak. :lol:

This is a trick question! You have to talk about either a class visit or interactions with Darden alumni.
Show more

How much does the case study method differ between schools? I think you'd be OK talking about the case study method in generalities. No matter what school you go to, if they rely on case study you're going to have to have certain attributes to be successful, namely the ones I mentioned above.

Plus, you only have 250 words! It might be tough talking about your visit and fitting in enough to make for a good essay!

RF
User avatar
jimmyjamesdonkey
User avatar
Joined: 01 May 2007
Last visit: 27 Mar 2009
Posts: 484
Own Kudos:
1,539
Posts: 484
Kudos: 1,539
Calling all Darden Fall 2009 applicants! 22 Aug 2008, 13:13
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Switching focus for a second...How do you believe question 1 should be tackled? I don't see how one can talk about more than 1 pivotal moment in 500 words, if that moment really is a pivotal life changing decision? It says "decisions" but MUST be talk about more than one.
User avatar
refurb
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 28 Feb 2008
Last visit: 30 Oct 2013
Posts: 1,321
Own Kudos:
161
Given Kudos: 6
Schools:Tuck
Posts: 1,321
Kudos: 161
Calling all Darden Fall 2009 applicants! 27 Aug 2008, 16:46
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
jimmyjamesdonkey
Switching focus for a second...How do you believe question 1 should be tackled? I don't see how one can talk about more than 1 pivotal moment in 500 words, if that moment really is a pivotal life changing decision? It says "decisions" but MUST be talk about more than one.
Show more

I think you'll have to approach like any other goals essay, they don't give you any other place to do it. Instead of directly stating short and long term career goals, why MBA, why now, you'll have to phrase them as "pivotal life choices". You can leave the "why Darden" to the last essay.

RF
User avatar
fatb
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 18 Jan 2008
Last visit: 23 Feb 2018
Posts: 212
Own Kudos:
37
Concentration: 20% From Concentration
Schools:The School that shall not be named
Posts: 212
Kudos: 37
Calling all Darden Fall 2009 applicants! 04 Sep 2008, 08:34
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Anyone planning on visit anytime soon?
I wanted to go visit but have no time :(
Maybe next month for me....
User avatar
solaris1
User avatar
Joined: 05 Aug 2007
Last visit: 09 Aug 2011
Posts: 1,431
Own Kudos:
223
Given Kudos: 22
Concentration: General Management
Schools:NYU Stern '11
Posts: 1,431
Kudos: 223
Calling all Darden Fall 2009 applicants! 04 Sep 2008, 08:52
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
November for me, after I finish NYU.

fatb
Anyone planning on visit anytime soon?
I wanted to go visit but have no time :(
Maybe next month for me....
Show more
User avatar
Ntang
User avatar
Joined: 09 Sep 2008
Last visit: 26 Jan 2009
Posts: 162
Own Kudos:
19
Posts: 162
Kudos: 19
Calling all Darden Fall 2009 applicants! 09 Sep 2008, 08:15
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hey folks. Newbie to the board here. Applying R1.

Also, I went to UVA undergrad. As far as I'm concerned, Charlottesville is the best place to live, ever. Pretty seriously thinking about settling down there and starting my own business - after Darden, of course. So by all means, if you have a chip on your shoulder about the "South," don't bother applying. Stick to Tuck or NYU or something... makes it easier for me!

I dunno if this matters to anyone, but Darden is located right next to the Law school, so there's a lot of cross-socialization there. And you're pretty far away from the undergrads. Too bad, because UVA is heavy on hot women.

Wahoo-wa.
User avatar
Raabend
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 16 May 2008
Last visit: 17 Mar 2016
Posts: 884
Own Kudos:
156
Given Kudos: 29
Location: Earth
Concentration: Brand
Schools:Cornell '11
Posts: 884
Kudos: 156
Calling all Darden Fall 2009 applicants! 09 Sep 2008, 09:54
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Visited Darden yesterday. Great place! They managed to make their Accounting class fun (didnt know that was possible)

Anyway, a tip from admissions. Essay word limits mean LIMIT. DO NOT GO OVER.
User avatar
fatb
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 18 Jan 2008
Last visit: 23 Feb 2018
Posts: 212
Own Kudos:
37
Concentration: 20% From Concentration
Schools:The School that shall not be named
Posts: 212
Kudos: 37
Calling all Darden Fall 2009 applicants! 09 Sep 2008, 10:14
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Just curious, even accounting and some math intensive finance classes are case study based?
I wonder how that can be done
User avatar
Raabend
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 16 May 2008
Last visit: 17 Mar 2016
Posts: 884
Own Kudos:
156
Given Kudos: 29
Location: Earth
Concentration: Brand
Schools:Cornell '11
Posts: 884
Kudos: 156
Calling all Darden Fall 2009 applicants! 09 Sep 2008, 10:23
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I was in Managerial Accounting class and before you enter, they give the visitors a copy of the case so they can follow along and understand. The case for accounting was short and included the finances and such for the company being discussed....I guess thats how it can fit with accounting.

fatb
Just curious, even accounting and some math intensive finance classes are case study based?
I wonder how that can be done
Show more
   1   2   3   4  ...  35