UVA Darden MBA Admissions and Related Blogs! : Darden

BlogBot · 2016-02-29T17:02:52-08:00

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.

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FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Short Answer Questions for the Darden Admissions Application: Professional Degree Formats

The application is a storytelling exercise, and the short answer questions are a great opportunity for you to demonstrate your authentic voice. The short answers are also an opportunity for you to tie together the other elements of your application such as your academic record, your resume, interests and demographic information to present a holistic picture of yourself.

For the 2022-23 cycle, we will again feature multiple questions, and we are particularly excited about some of the new additions to this year’s application. You will bring your whole self to business school, and Darden students shape their experience in and out of the classroom. As a result, in the short answer questions, we are interested in learning more about how you lead, how you relate to others, what you’re passionate about, your awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion principles, your career goals and much more.

Short Answer Questions
Our questions reflect key values that are central to the Darden experience and community. In the application, we frame some questions with additional resources to demonstrate these values. For Executive MBA and Part-Time MBA applicants, this year’s short answer questions are as follows:

[list]
[*]Given that you will be forming lifelong connections with your classmates that extend beyond the classroom, what is important for your classmates to know about you that is not on your resumé? (200 words)[/*]
[*]Please describe a tangible example that illuminates your experience promoting an inclusive environment and what you would bring to creating a welcoming, global community at Darden. (300 words)[/*]
[*]At this time how would you describe your short-term, post-MBA goal and how does it align with the long-term vision you have for your career? (200 words)[/*]
[/list]
Additional Tips
Here are a few more tips as you think about crafting a successful essay response:

[list]
[*]Applicants frequently overthink their short answer responses, feeling that there must be something specific we are looking for. Let us be clear: [b]We are not reading your responses with a prescribed or “right” answer in mind[/b]. How you choose to answer a particular question is often as insightful as what you choose to write about. The best essay responses are those that are responsive to the question, but also authentic and genuine. And remember, whenever possible, show don’t tell! [/*]
[*][b]Leave time for pre-writing.[/b] Sometimes the first idea you have is the best idea, and sometimes the best idea is born of significant thought and reflection. A little planning can save you a lot of heartburn, so be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to craft the best essay without feeling hurried or rushed.

[/*]
[*][b]Keep it brief.[/b] All questions require responses of 200 words or less, and in our experience, it typically takes a few drafts before applicants hit on a response they feel is both compelling and falls within the word limit. The more time you give yourself to craft your application (again, the operative word is “craft”), the more intentional you can be with your responses, and by extension, your narrative. [/*]
[*][b]Find a good editor.[/b] Of course, your short answer responses should reflect your own thoughts and work, but it is always a good idea to ask for a second opinion. After you’ve written a response, set it down for a little while and come back to it later. Also, share your draft with a friend or colleague and ask for their feedback – Is it responsive to the question? Does it sound like you? An editor (and a fresh set of eyes) can also help you catch those pesky typos and grammatical errors you might miss after reading an essay a few times.[/*]
[*][b]Don’t cut and paste.[/b] We know other schools’ essay prompts, and we can always tell when applicants have repurposed essay responses. We (as Business schools) know we are not making it easy on you by asking you different questions, and we know that applying to business school takes a lot of time. However, we have reasons for each of the questions we ask, and we always appreciate it when applicants take the time to craft a unique response.[/*]
[/list]
Be sure to consult the [url=https://news.darden.virginia.edu/]Latest News[/url] regularly for the most updated news releases and media hits. Check out faculty thought leadership published on [url=https://ideas.darden.virginia.edu/]Ideas to Action[/url]. And stay connected with us via social media: [url=https://www.facebook.com/DardenMBA]Facebook[/url], [url=https://www.instagram.com/dardenmba/]Instagram[/url], [url=https://www.linkedin.com/edu/school?id=19605]LinkedIn[/url], [url=https://twitter.com/DardenMBA]Twitter[/url], [url=https://brand.darden.virginia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/qrcode_for_gh_23920314812f_860.jpg]WeChat[/url].

The post [url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/2022/08/17/short-answer-questions-2022/]Short Answer Questions for the Darden Admissions Application: Professional Degree Formats[/url] appeared first on [url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions]Discover Darden[/url].

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FROM Darden EMBA Blog: Short Answer Questions for the Darden Admissions Application: Professional Degree Formats

The application is a storytelling exercise, and the short answer questions are a great opportunity for you to demonstrate your authentic voice. The short answers are also an opportunity for you to tie together the other elements of your application such as your academic record, your resume, interests and demographic information to present a holistic picture of yourself.

For the 2022-23 cycle, we will again feature multiple questions, and we are particularly excited about some of the new additions to this year’s application. You will bring your whole self to business school, and Darden students shape their experience in and out of the classroom. As a result, in the short answer questions, we are interested in learning more about how you lead, how you relate to others, what you’re passionate about, your awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion principles, your career goals and much more.

Short Answer Questions
Our questions reflect key values that are central to the Darden experience and community. In the application, we frame some questions with additional resources to demonstrate these values. For Executive MBA and Part-Time MBA applicants, this year’s short answer questions are as follows:

[list]
[*]Given that you will be forming lifelong connections with your classmates that extend beyond the classroom, what is important for your classmates to know about you that is not on your resumé? (200 words)[/*]
[*]Please describe a tangible example that illuminates your experience promoting an inclusive environment and what you would bring to creating a welcoming, global community at Darden. (300 words)[/*]
[*]At this time how would you describe your short-term, post-MBA goal and how does it align with the long-term vision you have for your career? (200 words)[/*]
[/list]
Additional Tips
Here are a few more tips as you think about crafting a successful essay response:

[list]
[*]Applicants frequently overthink their short answer responses, feeling that there must be something specific we are looking for. Let us be clear: [b]We are not reading your responses with a prescribed or “right” answer in mind[/b]. How you choose to answer a particular question is often as insightful as what you choose to write about. The best essay responses are those that are responsive to the question, but also authentic and genuine. And remember, whenever possible, show don’t tell! [/*]
[*][b]Leave time for pre-writing.[/b] Sometimes the first idea you have is the best idea, and sometimes the best idea is born of significant thought and reflection. A little planning can save you a lot of heartburn, so be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to craft the best essay without feeling hurried or rushed.

[/*]
[*][b]Keep it brief.[/b] All questions require responses of 200 words or less, and in our experience, it typically takes a few drafts before applicants hit on a response they feel is both compelling and falls within the word limit. The more time you give yourself to craft your application (again, the operative word is “craft”), the more intentional you can be with your responses, and by extension, your narrative. [/*]
[*][b]Find a good editor.[/b] Of course, your short answer responses should reflect your own thoughts and work, but it is always a good idea to ask for a second opinion. After you’ve written a response, set it down for a little while and come back to it later. Also, share your draft with a friend or colleague and ask for their feedback – Is it responsive to the question? Does it sound like you? An editor (and a fresh set of eyes) can also help you catch those pesky typos and grammatical errors you might miss after reading an essay a few times.[/*]
[*][b]Don’t cut and paste.[/b] We know other schools’ essay prompts, and we can always tell when applicants have repurposed essay responses. We (as Business schools) know we are not making it easy on you by asking you different questions, and we know that applying to business school takes a lot of time. However, we have reasons for each of the questions we ask, and we always appreciate it when applicants take the time to craft a unique response.[/*]
[/list]
Be sure to consult the [url=https://news.darden.virginia.edu/]Latest News[/url] regularly for the most updated news releases and media hits. Check out faculty thought leadership published on [url=https://ideas.darden.virginia.edu/]Ideas to Action[/url]. And stay connected with us via social media: [url=https://www.facebook.com/DardenMBA]Facebook[/url], [url=https://www.instagram.com/dardenmba/]Instagram[/url], [url=https://www.linkedin.com/edu/school?id=19605]LinkedIn[/url], [url=https://twitter.com/DardenMBA]Twitter[/url], [url=https://brand.darden.virginia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/qrcode_for_gh_23920314812f_860.jpg]WeChat[/url].

The post [url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/2022/08/17/short-answer-questions-2022/]Short Answer Questions for the Darden Admissions Application: Professional Degree Formats[/url] appeared first on [url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions]Discover Darden[/url].

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FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Admissions Team Shares Early Action Resources

The post Admissions Team Shares Early Action Resources appeared first on Discover Darden.

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FROM Darden EMBA Blog: Admissions Team Shares Early Action Resources

The post Admissions Team Shares Early Action Resources appeared first on Discover Darden.

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FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Applications Now Live for Executive MBA and Part-Time MBA programs

The post Applications Now Live for Executive MBA and Part-Time MBA programs appeared first on Discover Darden.

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FROM Darden EMBA Blog: Applications Now Live for Executive MBA and Part-Time MBA programs

The post Applications Now Live for Executive MBA and Part-Time MBA programs appeared first on Discover Darden.

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FROM Darden Admissions Blog: First Year MBA Students Kick Off Their Darden Journey

The post First Year MBA Students Kick Off Their Darden Journey appeared first on Discover Darden.

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FROM Darden EMBA Blog: First Year MBA Students Kick Off Their Darden Journey

The post First Year MBA Students Kick Off Their Darden Journey appeared first on Discover Darden.

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FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Welcome to Charlottesville! Open House Events and Class Visit Availability

The post Welcome to Charlottesville! Open House Events and Class Visit Availability appeared first on Discover Darden.

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FROM Darden EMBA Blog: Welcome to Charlottesville! Open House Events and Class Visit Availability

The post Welcome to Charlottesville! Open House Events and Class Visit Availability appeared first on Discover Darden.

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FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Poets & Quants Highlights Inaugural Part-Time MBA Program

The post Poets & Quants Highlights Inaugural Part-Time MBA Program appeared first on Discover Darden.

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FROM Darden EMBA Blog: Poets & Quants Highlights Inaugural Part-Time MBA Program

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FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Preliminary Career Data Shows Record-Breaking Results for Class of 2022

The post Preliminary Career Data Shows Record-Breaking Results for Class of 2022 appeared first on Discover Darden.

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FROM Darden EMBA Blog: Preliminary Career Data Shows Record-Breaking Results for Class of 2022

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FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Valentina Rizo (Class of 2023) Leverages Student Leadership Role to Create Inclusive, Fun Community

The post Valentina Rizo (Class of 2023) Leverages Student Leadership Role to Create Inclusive, Fun Community appeared first on Discover Darden.

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FROM Darden EMBA Blog: Valentina Rizo (Class of 2023) Leverages Student Leadership Role to Create Inclusive, Fun Community

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FROM Darden Admissions Blog: 1 October Deadline Approaching for Part-Time MBA Program

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