Essay Question

Below is the essay question for the Darden MBA 2012 ? 2013 application cycle:

1) Share your thought process as you encountered a challenging work situation or complex problem. How did this experience change your perspective? (500 words maximum)

Class Profile

Class of 2014 (Entering Class of Fall 2012)

Enrolled Statistics
Class Size - 320
Women - 35%
Men - 65%
Domestic Minorities - 20%
International (born outside U.S.) - 34%
Countries Represented - 33
Average Age at Entry - 27

GMAT
Mean - 703

GPA Distribution
Mean - 3.48

Undergraduate Major
Business Administration - 26%
Economics - 13%
Engineering/Science/Math - 18%
Humanities/Social Science - 26%
Other - 17%

Reception for LGBT applicants by Fuqua and Darden!

Please click on the link for more details:

http://e2.ma/message/srq2f/g6tlch


PHILADELPHIA
Hosts: Jonathan (Fuqua), Molly (Fuqua), Aviva (Darden)
Date/Time: Aug 1, 7-9pm
Location: Tabu (200 South 12th Street)
RSVP: mag61@duke.edu

CHICAGO
Hosts: Steven Tamaroglio (UNC), Nancy (Fuqua), Raelyn (Ross)
Date/Time: Aug 2, 5:30-7:30pm
Location: Sidebar (221 N. LaSalle, Chicago Loop)
RSVP: steven_tamaroglio@unc.com

WASHINGTON DC

Hosts: Monica (Fuqua), Brian (Darden)
Date/Time: Aug 6, 5-8pm
Location: Nellie's (900 U Street NW)
RSVP: monica.vanbuskirk@duke.edu

Hello,
Nice to see the thread. I am planning to apply to Darden as well. I am just a little surprised on the one essay format of its application process.

Cheers!

If there are any prospective military applicants considering Darden, I wanted to let you know that on Monday, 3 September 2012, we are hosting a Veterans Open House to introduce active military and veteran applicants to the Darden School of Business and its three MBA formats: full-time MBA, MBA for Executives and the Global MBA for Executives.

The day will include:
• Welcome from Admissions representatives
• Distinguished veteran alumnus guest speaker
• Career Development panel
• Financial Aid information session with the UVA Veterans’ Affairs coordinator
• Class visit
• Lunch with Darden Military Association (DMA) members
• Tour of the Grounds
• Student life panel
• Pre-Open House gathering on Sunday, 2 September with members of the DMA

To register for this event, please visit the Darden Admissions homepage and look for the blog entry dated 24 July. I would have simply cut and pasted the link, but GMATClub won’t let me until I have five posts.

There are two mini-essays at the application as well. About career goals (i.e. your elevator speech) and EC activities if I'm not mistaken. But 150 words each. It might have been changed this year though.

Don't miss out the last Fridays in July Admissions Event this Friday!

visit-darden-this-summer-for-fridays-in-july-135179.html

Round 1 here!

I actually asked this question of the adcom on Monday over at a live BTG chat and she said the application would have short answers again this year, although she didn't confirm that the topics would be the same.

Oh Thanks for the info. 150 would be more like a short question-answer thing.

Another query: I heard that Darden places a lot of emphasis on undergrad GPA and undergrad institution's reputation. Is that true? I have a first class degree but I wasn't amongst the toppers. There was no relative ranking in my university. Instead my undergrad uni used to award absolute marks. Any thoughts on this?

Are the applications for Fall 2013 available yet? My Symplicity portal that Darden uses for applications doesn't show any applications for 2013 yet, but all of the deadlines and the essay question are published. Should I re-register? Thanks!

Actually, the web site won't let me re-register with the same e-mail address ^^

I am having the same issue, were you able to find a solution?

I heard that Darden places a lot of emphasis on undergrad GPA and undergrad institution's reputation. Is that true? I have a first class degree but I wasn't amongst the toppers. There was no relative ranking in my university. Instead my undergrad uni used to award absolute marks. Any thoughts on this?

The applications are not yet available. In a recent chat, the adcom said they will be up no later than 9/1.

Same question, please.

My undergrad study was in Vietnam. My GPA, roughly translated into the US grading system, is only ~3.0.

My GMAT score & WE are okay. Chances are not high but I do hope I can make it to Darden.

ROund2

Good luck everyone! Let's make this the best Darden <---> GMAT Club application season ever!
_________________

Would any of the current students help me to evaluate my chances at Darden:

Here is a brief of my profile :

Educational Background:
Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communications - GPA 3.5
GMAT 680 (Q49,V33)

Professional Background: Experience: 5 years (as of August-2012)
1) Senior Analyst 2010 - present: Credit Risk Analytic at a Boutique Consulting
Currently working with the largest retail bank in UK to develop strategies and insights to advise clients on the following :
Customer acquisition ,Customer retention,Loss Minimization on High Credit Limit accounts,Collection strategies to minimize loss on delinquent accounts etc.

2) 2007-2010: Business Analyst at a Major IT MNC

Extra-Curricular Activities:

NGO experience - Worked for an NGO from within the organization to help the underprivileged children, of Denotified tribal area , in accessing a continuous stream of education. Involved in speaking to small fund donors and gathering volunteers.

Rock Band in Undergraduate Institute - Performed Live and backstage at various competitive events across State.
Head of Cultural Committee in Undergraduate Institute - Funds collections , marketing events for the various year round activities

Member of Core marketting committee in Undergraduate Institute - Marketing spotlight events across state, inviting high budget sponsors for event sponsorship

Languages known: English , Hindi , German(Speaking)

Reason for doing an MBA: Career Progress
I would want to leverage my Credit Risk Analytic experience and work post MBA for a Big 4 in their Risk Advisory domain, or leverage the same experience to work for a large lending Institution in their Credit risk vertical(Ex Citi , Amex etc)

How good is Darden in placing students in Financial consulting Companies such as Oliver Wyman ?

In for Round 1. Has anyone from India, attended the info session in Bangalore?

Check in ~