Is the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business on your short list of dream MBA programs? Then be sure to check out this new video blog from the Darden admissions team, which shares solid advice for those hoping to interview at this top-tier MBA program. In it, Admissions Dean Sara Neher gives an overview of the Darden interview process and stresses the three things candidates should focus on for a successful interview experience, which we’ve summarized below. Pay attention to first impressions: The interview actually begins before the interview, says Neher, so make sure your interactions with your interviewer—or the person setting up the interview beforehand— via email, by phone or in person, are positive and demonstrate your enthusiasm and positive attitude. Answer questions in C.A.R. format: Applicants should expect to answer behavioral questions during their interview. The “Tell me about a time when…” question can cover many areas, and Neher suggests framing your answer using the CAR format, which she says she learned while working a Procter and Gamble. The acronym stands for Context, Action, Result. As you answer the question, you’ll first summarize the situation, then tell the interviewer what you did, and finally discuss what happened afterward. Remember to include anything quantifiable—give them the numbers—whenever possible. Ask a question at the end of the interview: Your interviewer can learn more about you from the kinds of questions you ask him or her, Neher says. So, think of something you’d like to know that you couldn’t find on the company or school website and that works for many kinds of interviewers, no matter their level. If you can follow these three steps successfully, you’re sure to ace your Darden interview. You may also be interested in: UV Darden Tops Forbes List of Most Satisfied MBAs https://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/StacyBlackman/~4/h1rfa3XCjOA *** If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, Stacy Blackman Consulting can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Contact us to learn more. Visit the website for Stacy Blackman Reviews , and check out the company’s e-publications for more in depth school-by-school guidance.

Originally posted on the Darden Report . The University of Virginia Darden School of Business is ranked in the Top 10 in the new business school ranking of Full-Time MBA programs from Bloomberg Businessweek. In the publication’s Best B-Schools 2021-22 list , Darden is ranked No. 9 in the United States and No. 2 among programs at public universities . https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/files/2021/09/UVA_Darden091919-0661-1-300x225.jpg Darden students in Saunders Hall (South Lounge), 2019. Darden is also ranked in the Top 15 in the categories of Compensation, Learning and Networking. Among Top 10 Schools, Darden is No. 3 in Learning and No. 6 in Networking . The ranking results include a section on “what’s best” about each program. Quotes from Darden students and alumni include: “The high engagement case method forces you to not only think about business ideas in new ways, but to also structure ideas in a format that is consumable for others. That idea of helping others understand has been very valuable.” “The academic experience — intense case discussions with brilliant, diverse, yet humble students, facilitated by phenomenally talented faculty.” “The case method — learning from and with such talented, intelligent and passionate individuals while constantly honing my communication skills.” Bloomberg Businessweek’s ranking is based on survey results from recent alumni, students who graduated in the Class of 2021 and companies that recruit MBAs. Check out our 2019 rankings quick guide for an easy way to learn more about business school rankings. Darden did not participate in several 2020 rankings due to the global uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out faculty thought leadership published on Ideas to Action . And stay connected with us via social media: Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Twitter , WeChat The post Bloomberg Businessweek Ranks Full-Time MBA Program in Top 10 appeared first on Discover Darden .

The Part-Time MBA’s first application deadline is just a few weeks away on 1 October. With this in mind, we wanted to share a few of our best tips for Part-Time MBA applicants, and take on one of our most popular FAQs: What is the Admissions Committee looking for in a Part-Time MBA applicant? Planning to apply in the 1 October application round, or just interested to hear more about the application process? Join Darden Admissions for the Part-Time Application Hotline webinar on 29 September at 6 p.m. Eastern. Register here to save your spot . Darden’s Admissions Committee is seeking students who are interested in being active and engaged participants in their MBA experience, who are passionate learners, who are prepared and excited for a challenging MBA curriculum and who have a clear understanding of their story — what they have achieved, where they hope to go, and how an MBA, and more specifically, a Darden MBA, aligns with their goals and plans. https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/files/2020/10/Exec-MBA_Oct20_Rosslyn_044-200x300.jpg Yael Grushka-Cockayne teaches a hybrid course during fall 2020. As Senior Associate Dean Yael Grushka-Cockayne shared in her previous blog Q&A , Darden has an incredible reflective quality. The more you put into the experience, the more you will get out of it. Without further ado, read on for five tips for Part-Time MBA applicants: 1. Approaching the Application Approach the application as a storytelling exercise. The application is an initial introduction to you as a candidate. What is most important to you to convey during this initial introduction? Taking some time to reflect on your story before beginning your application, and considering how your narrative maps onto the various parts of the application will ensure you are putting your best foot forward. In the Part-Time MBA application process, interviews are by invitation-only. If you are invited for an interview, this will be an additional opportunity for you to tell your story and supplement the information in your application. 2. Application Dimensions There are three key dimensions to any MBA application — academic, professional and personal. How are you making your case across each of these dimensions? What are your strengths? What are those areas you may want to bolster? For those areas you may want to strengthen, what can you do now? We encourage you to focus your time and attention on those things that are still within your control — for example, your story — as you embark upon the application process. 3. Standardized Tests Part-Time MBA applicants have two options for standardized tests: Submit a test score and submit a test waiver with their application materials. We accept a number of standardized tests in the Part-Time MBA application process – Executive Assessment (EA), GMAT, GRE, MCAT and LSAT. Be sure to also check out our blog post all about the Executive Assessment. In our Part-Time MBA process, we will also accept older or expired scores for any of the graduate standardized tests outlined above. However, you will need access to the full score breakdown if you wish to submit an older or expired test score with your application materials. For applicants considering a test waiver request, we encourage you to take a step back from your application and think about your candidacy as our Admissions Committee will — holistically and objectively. Based upon the information in your application, do you feel like you can make a strong case for your readiness for an MBA curriculum? Or would you benefit from a more recent data point regarding your academic readiness that a standardized test score can provide? Pro Tip: In the Part-Time MBA application process, test waiver requests are evaluated along with the full application and an update is provided regarding the waiver request at the time of decision. 4. Short Answer Questions Part-Time MBA applicants will respond to several short answer questions, rather than one long essay. We ask several questions to give you an opportunity to share more about you and your background and experiences, and you may notice that none of the questions are about why you are interested in Darden. At this point in the process, we want to get to know you, and we encourage you to think about how these questions can help you advance your narrative. Darden is a participatory learning environment, so your experiences, your values, your perspective will not only shape your learning experience, but will also contribute to the learning experiences of your classmates’ too. 5. Recommender Choice When it comes to recommender choice for Part-Time MBA applicants, we have a preference for hearing from your current supervisor. After all, Part-Time MBA students will be working during the program, and we want to make sure your supervisor is aware and supportive of your interest in pursuing your MBA. Of course, there are a number of valid reasons why you might not ask your current supervisor to be your recommender (new role, new company, new manager). If you choose someone other than your current supervisor to be your recommender, simply include a note explaining your recommender choice in the Additional Comments section of the application. Best of luck, and as always, we are here to help! Schedule a 1:1 conversation with a member of our Admissions team or send us a note at ptmba@darden.virginia.edu . Check out faculty thought leadership published on Ideas to Action . And stay connected with us via social media: Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Twitter , WeChat The post Five Tips for Part-Time MBA Applicants appeared first on Discover Darden .

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FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Professional Degree Programs: Admissions Workshops

Planning to apply to UVA Darden’s Part-Time MBA or Executive MBA formats? If so, we have some exciting new events just for prospective students like you! Join the Professional Degree Programs Admissions Committee for an upcoming Admissions workshop — these interactive sessions are a great way to gain insights into our application process. Check out our previous post introducing these workshops for details.

During these small group events (space is limited!), Admissions Committee members will share insights about the UVA Darden application process. These events are designed to complement our application focused webinars, and the workshops offer participants an opportunity to take a deeper dive into specific components of the application.

For example, have questions about whether to take a standardized test or to submit a test waiver request? Curious about how to leverage each section of the application as you craft your narrative? Interested in applying but not quite sure where to get started? We have a workshop for you!

Getting Organized for the Application Process

Monday, 13 September | Noon EDT

Register

Telling Your Story Through the Application

Thursday, 16 September | 6:00 p.m. EDT

Register

Building the Case for Your Academic Readiness

Thursday, 23 September | 6:00 p.m. EDT

Register

Telling Your Story Through Your Application

Monday, 27 September | 6:00 p.m. EDT

Register

Building the Case for Your Academic Readiness

Tuesday, 5 October | 12:00 p.m. EDT

Register

Getting Organized For the Application Process

Monday, 11 October | 6:00 p.m. EDT

Register

Attending an event like a workshop satisfies 50% of our Executive MBA and Part-Time MBA application fee waiver offer. As a reminder, this fee waiver opportunity is an easy two-step process:

Participate in a phone conversation OR a virtual coffee chat; AND
Attend an online event (for example, an Admissions workshop)

We hope to see you online soon! Questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out: [email protected] or [email protected]

Check out faculty thought leadership published on Ideas to Action. And stay connected with us via social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat
The post Professional Degree Programs: Admissions Workshops first appeared on Discover Darden.

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FROM Darden EMBA Blog: Professional Degree Programs: Admissions Workshops

Participate in a phone conversation OR a virtual coffee chat; AND
Attend an online event (for example, an Admissions workshop)

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FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Bloomberg Businessweek Ranks Full-Time MBA Program in Top 10

Originally posted on the Darden Report.

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business is ranked in the Top 10 in the new business school ranking of Full-Time MBA programs from Bloomberg Businessweek.

In the publication’s Best B-Schools 2021-22 list, Darden is ranked No. 9 in the United States and No. 2 among programs at public universities.

Darden students in Saunders Hall (South Lounge), 2019.
Darden is also ranked in the Top 15 in the categories of Compensation, Learning and Networking. Among Top 10 Schools, Darden is No. 3 in Learning and No. 6 in Networking.

The ranking results include a section on “what’s best” about each program. Quotes from Darden students and alumni include:

“The high engagement case method forces you to not only think about business ideas in new ways, but to also structure ideas in a format that is consumable for others. That idea of helping others understand has been very valuable.”
“The academic experience — intense case discussions with brilliant, diverse, yet humble students, facilitated by phenomenally talented faculty.”
“The case method — learning from and with such talented, intelligent and passionate individuals while constantly honing my communication skills.”

Bloomberg Businessweek’s ranking is based on survey results from recent alumni, students who graduated in the Class of 2021 and companies that recruit MBAs.

Check out our 2019 rankings quick guide for an easy way to learn more about business school rankings. Darden did not participate in several 2020 rankings due to the global uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Check out faculty thought leadership published on Ideas to Action. And stay connected with us via social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat

The post Bloomberg Businessweek Ranks Full-Time MBA Program in Top 10 appeared first on Discover Darden.

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FROM Darden EMBA Blog: Bloomberg Businessweek Ranks Full-Time MBA Program in Top 10

“The high engagement case method forces you to not only think about business ideas in new ways, but to also structure ideas in a format that is consumable for others. That idea of helping others understand has been very valuable.”
“The academic experience — intense case discussions with brilliant, diverse, yet humble students, facilitated by phenomenally talented faculty.”
“The case method — learning from and with such talented, intelligent and passionate individuals while constantly honing my communication skills.”

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FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Five Tips for Part-Time MBA Applicants

The Part-Time MBA’s first application deadline is just a few weeks away on 1 October. With this in mind, we wanted to share a few of our best tips for Part-Time MBA applicants, and take on one of our most popular FAQs: What is the Admissions Committee looking for in a Part-Time MBA applicant?

Planning to apply in the 1 October application round, or just interested to hear more about the application process? Join Darden Admissions for the Part-Time Application Hotline webinar on 29 September at 6 p.m. Eastern. Register here to save your spot.

Darden’s Admissions Committee is seeking students who are interested in being active and engaged participants in their MBA experience, who are passionate learners, who are prepared and excited for a challenging MBA curriculum and who have a clear understanding of their story — what they have achieved, where they hope to go, and how an MBA, and more specifically, a Darden MBA, aligns with their goals and plans.

Yael Grushka-Cockayne teaches a hybrid course during fall 2020.
As Senior Associate Dean Yael Grushka-Cockayne shared in her previous blog Q&A, Darden has an incredible reflective quality. The more you put into the experience, the more you will get out of it.

Without further ado, read on for five tips for Part-Time MBA applicants:

1. Approaching the Application
Approach the application as a storytelling exercise. The application is an initial introduction to you as a candidate. What is most important to you to convey during this initial introduction? Taking some time to reflect on your story before beginning your application, and considering how your narrative maps onto the various parts of the application will ensure you are putting your best foot forward. In the Part-Time MBA application process, interviews are by invitation-only. If you are invited for an interview, this will be an additional opportunity for you to tell your story and supplement the information in your application.

2. Application Dimensions
There are three key dimensions to any MBA application — academic, professional and personal.

How are you making your case across each of these dimensions? What are your strengths? What are those areas you may want to bolster? For those areas you may want to strengthen, what can you do now? We encourage you to focus your time and attention on those things that are still within your control — for example, your story — as you embark upon the application process.

3. Standardized Tests
Part-Time MBA applicants have two options for standardized tests:

- Submit a test score and submit a test waiver with their application materials. We accept a number of standardized tests in the Part-Time MBA application process – Executive Assessment (EA), GMAT, GRE, MCAT and LSAT. Be sure to also check out our blog post all about the Executive Assessment. In our Part-Time MBA process, we will also accept older or expired scores for any of the graduate standardized tests outlined above. However, you will need access to the full score breakdown if you wish to submit an older or expired test score with your application materials.
- For applicants considering a test waiver request, we encourage you to take a step back from your application and think about your candidacy as our Admissions Committee will — holistically and objectively. Based upon the information in your application, do you feel like you can make a strong case for your readiness for an MBA curriculum? Or would you benefit from a more recent data point regarding your academic readiness that a standardized test score can provide? Pro Tip: In the Part-Time MBA application process, test waiver requests are evaluated along with the full application and an update is provided regarding the waiver request at the time of decision.

4. Short Answer Questions
Part-Time MBA applicants will respond to several short answer questions, rather than one long essay. We ask several questions to give you an opportunity to share more about you and your background and experiences, and you may notice that none of the questions are about why you are interested in Darden. At this point in the process, we want to get to know you, and we encourage you to think about how these questions can help you advance your narrative. Darden is a participatory learning environment, so your experiences, your values, your perspective will not only shape your learning experience, but will also contribute to the learning experiences of your classmates’ too.

5. Recommender Choice
When it comes to recommender choice for Part-Time MBA applicants, we have a preference for hearing from your current supervisor. After all, Part-Time MBA students will be working during the program, and we want to make sure your supervisor is aware and supportive of your interest in pursuing your MBA. Of course, there are a number of valid reasons why you might not ask your current supervisor to be your recommender (new role, new company, new manager). If you choose someone other than your current supervisor to be your recommender, simply include a note explaining your recommender choice in the Additional Comments section of the application.

Best of luck, and as always, we are here to help! Schedule a 1:1 conversation with a member of our Admissions team or send us a note at [email protected].

Check out faculty thought leadership published on Ideas to Action. And stay connected with us via social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat

The post Five Tips for Part-Time MBA Applicants appeared first on Discover Darden.

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FROM Darden EMBA Blog: Five Tips for Part-Time MBA Applicants

- Submit a test score and submit a test waiver with their application materials. We accept a number of standardized tests in the Part-Time MBA application process – Executive Assessment (EA), GMAT, GRE, MCAT and LSAT. Be sure to also check out our blog post all about the Executive Assessment. In our Part-Time MBA process, we will also accept older or expired scores for any of the graduate standardized tests outlined above. However, you will need access to the full score breakdown if you wish to submit an older or expired test score with your application materials.
- For applicants considering a test waiver request, we encourage you to take a step back from your application and think about your candidacy as our Admissions Committee will — holistically and objectively. Based upon the information in your application, do you feel like you can make a strong case for your readiness for an MBA curriculum? Or would you benefit from a more recent data point regarding your academic readiness that a standardized test score can provide? Pro Tip: In the Part-Time MBA application process, test waiver requests are evaluated along with the full application and an update is provided regarding the waiver request at the time of decision.

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FROM Darden Admissions Blog: New First-Gen Student Group Builds Community

Jesse McCain, a Ph.D. student at the University of Virginia School of Education, and Ivana Brancaccio (Class of 2022) are co-presidents of the First-Generation Graduate Student Coalition at UVA.

Originally posted on the Darden Report

The First-Generation Graduate Student Coalition (FGSC) is a newly founded student-run group aiming to relieve some of the unknowns for first-generation college students. Graduate school is an entirely new landscape for these students who have not had a parent attend a four-year institution, and FGSC is working to alleviate some of the resource and support gaps that are present.

The group was formed in 2020, and although there is a visible and active support system for undergraduate first-gen students, the founders recognized there was notably less emphasis given to the graduate student population, which represents over 9,000 students across UVA.

Jesse McCain, a Ph.D. student at the UVA School of Education and Human Development who studies inequality in higher education helped found the group last year. McCain shared, “As a first-generation student I knew this identity meant a lot to me, and that it brought with it some particular challenges, even at the graduate level. I would often meet other first-generation graduate students who were interested in sharing their stories and connecting with others, and that led to forming the coalition.”

The fledgling organization conducted a survey with 229 first-generation grad students to understand more about the needs and goals of the population they hoped to serve. Over one-quarter of the survey respondents were Darden students, and two Darden students currently sit on the organization’s board — including co-president Ivana Brancaccio (Class of 2022).

“All of these feelings many of us have had — figuring out how to finance your education, overcoming imposter syndrome and balancing the role you play at home. These feelings are still there when you step into a graduate position,” said Brancaccio, who worked as a communications director for U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen before Darden. “So recognizing that, and being able to serve the graduate student population at UVA, is an endeavor we’re excited to take up.”

On her perspective of an MBA, Brancaccio said, ““I think people see an MBA education as so valuable and so life-changing. It gives people the tools to do whatever they want. The people who I have talked to who are first-gen at Darden have incredible stories.”

Read the full story on the Darden Report.

Check out faculty thought leadership published on Ideas to Action. And stay connected with us via social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat

The post New First-Gen Student Group Builds Community appeared first on Discover Darden.