Calling all UVA Darden MBA Applicants: (2019 Intake) Class of 2021

Hi Narenn,

Thank you so much.

This is what I found.

'IS THE EARLY ACTION ROUND BINDING?

The Early Action round is not binding. We are offering this round for candidates who believe Darden is their top choice and are ready to move forward with their application at the earliest point possible.

HOW IS THIS ROUND DIFFERENT THAN THE OTHER ROUNDS?

Applying in the Early Action round allows candidates to schedule their interview without waiting to be invited. Darden will host interviews for candidates who intend to apply in the Early Action round during the open interview period (mid-July through end of September).

Admitted candidates will be asked to pay a larger deposit fee to secure their spot in the class.

WHY IS THE DEPOSIT FEE DIFFERENT?

Given the earlier notification and the flexibility around the interview process, we require candidates who are offered admission in the Early Action round to pay a higher first deposit to reserve their place in the class. The first deposit is $4,000.

DO I HAVE TO PAY AN APPLICATION FEE?

Yes, an application is not considered complete until the application fee has been paid. Candidates who wish to be considered in the Early Action round are required to pay the application fee by 5 p.m. EST on Friday, 7 September 2018. Applicants can interview in advance or following the round deadline, however the application fee is due by 7 September.

DO I HAVE TO DO AN INTERVIEW?

Yes, interviews play a critical role in our assessment of candidates and are required prior to admittance in to the program. The interview offers candidates the opportunity to more fully share their story while also learning more about Darden.

DO I HAVE TO COME TO GROUNDS FOR MY INTERVIEW?

Candidates who live in the U.S. are required to interview on the Darden Grounds. If you live outside of the U.S., you are welcome to interview on the Darden Grounds, but are not expected to do so. We will offer interviews via Skype for those living outside the U.S.

WHAT IS THE INTERVIEW PROCESS FOR ALL OTHER ROUNDS?

Darden may choose to invite candidates to interview who have applied in the Early Action deadline but have not scheduled their interview during the open interview period.

For all other rounds, candidates will be interviewed on an invitation only basis. Interview notifications can take place at any time up until the decision release date for the deadline in which the candidate has applied. Applicants living in the U.S. are required to interview on the Darden Grounds. Those living outside of the U.S. will interview via Skype or with a Darden alum in their home region.

Darden hosts one West Coast Interview Day during Rounds 1 and 2. Candidates living in the western region of the country may have the option to interview during one of these West Coast Interview Days. In addition to the interview, candidates will participate in a case discussion with a member of Darden's top-ranked faculty.

WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ADMISSION IN THE EARLY ACTION ROUND?

Candidates who are not offered admission in the Early Action round can apply in the subsequent admissions cycle. They can receive feedback on their applications in June. Candidates who are placed on the waitlist during the EA round will be considered in later rounds. Waitlisted candidates will have the opportunity to receive feedback on their application to help them improve their candidacy'.

There is a Darden event in Mumbai on 1st July. I guess we will find out more about this and keep the community updated.