Hey guys, I'm on the Amtrak back from my Darden interview. I had a great time and I thought that I would post some of my observations.
They really had a whole day of events planned for us and everyone there (students, admissions officers, and faculty) where extremely welcoming. More than an interview it was really a way to be introduced to the Darden experience.
I thought that the interview was fantastic. It was actually something like a case with the case being myself. Their only question was: describe your life. Occasionally she asked follow up questions to clarify things or pose questions about my experiences. I interviewed with the Assistant Director of Admissions, who was wonderful. Some students interviewed with her and others interviewed with 2Y students. I certainly feel like it was my best interview of the ones that I have had so far.
Lunch with the faculty was interesting. At my table was a finance professor with a really sarcastic sense of humor, an accounting professor and an ethics prof, both of whom were really friendly. I was impressed by how ethics is a mandatory course. They spent a lot of time discussing the case method. The food was also really good and very Southern.
The afternoon ended with a tour of the grounds. I love the Jeffersonian Classical architecture. The whole school feels like a Southern mansion.
Of the applicants I met I was surprised by their strong regional prederence. Many students R1 list was Darden, Duke, Georgetown and UNC. No Stern or Ross applicants to be found. Most applicants seemed to be from the DC/northern VA area. I imagine that the
Admitted student body, however, is more diverse.
Overall, I got a great impression of the school and could see myself being very happy there.