Darden now has  an Early Action application round in addition to its three traditional rounds. This new round is designed for full-time MBA candidates who are sure that Darden is their first choice.
Application Deadlines:
Early Admission:
Application Deadline: September 7, 2018
Interviews: Schedule your own
Decision Date: October 17, 2018
Round 1:
Application Deadline: October 4, 2018
Interviews: By Invitation
Decision Date: December 12, 2018
Round 2
Application Deadline: January 10, 2019
Interviews: By Invitation
Decision Date: March 20, 2019
Round 3
Application Deadline: April 3, 2019
Interviews: By Invitation
Decision Date: May 8, 2019

 For more information click here:

Darden has completely revamped its essay questions for the new application cycle. The single question that Darden has asked for the past few years has been replaced with five new prompts, that cover applicants’ personal, professional, and educational objectives. The applicants have a total of 750 words to present their candidacy to the admission committee.

“Tell us what you would want your learning team to know about you– personal, professional or both.” (100 words)

Through this essay of only 100 words, you will introduce yourselves to your learning teams. At Darden, case study method is the core of study methods wherein you will be solving cases within your learning teams of 4 to 5 members. So in your first introduction, your learning team members should learn that you will be a great team player who will contribute significantly to the team. Tell your team members what team working skills and attributes you have and show them what you will bring to the table by sharing some stories/anecdotes that highlight those skills in a personal or professional context.

“Each year, Darden connects with over 80 countries. If you could choose any location in the world, where would you want to go with Darden? And why?” (50 words)

Darden expects its students to participate in at least one global opportunity during their two years of MBA. In 50 words, identify the name of the country that you would like to choose for your global assignment, explain reasons for your choice and how your choice will enhance your learning as well as learning of your peers. This super short question not only reveals your knowledge of Darden, but also speaks about your personality and interest.

“Darden strives to identify and cultivate leaders who follow their purpose. At this stage, how would you describe your evolving leadership style and please provide an example.” (200 words)

To approach this question, you will share a leadership story. To describe your ‘evolving leadership style’, you will choose an experience that taught you something new and changed your perspective towards things. For organizing your ideas, follow the same 4-part structure we always recommended

• Situation/Challenge
• Action
• Result/ Outcome
• Significance

Since you only have 200 words to share your story, you can allocate 125-150 words to describe the first 3 parts of the story and use the remaining 50 words to explain the significance of the experience in terms of the growth that occurred.

“Please provide an example of a situation in which you have made a meaningful impact.” (200 words)

This is another leadership story that Darden wants you to share; however, the emphasis here is more on the impact you made on the organization. This means the ‘outcome part’ of your story is of utmost importance here. That is, you will elaborate that the decisions you made and the results you achieved benefitted your organization or your team member in a significant manner. The essay prompt doesn’t ask you to reflect on the significance of the experience, still I would encourage you to wrap up your story (if space permits) with a final comment about how this experience was meaningful to you.

“What is your short-term, post-MBA career goal and why?” (150 words)

This is a fairly straightforward goals essay question. Note that the question asks you only about your short-term goal, and not your long-term vision. So, you need to elaborate your post MBA objectives. Please identify the position that you hope to hold immediately after MBA program, specifying a job title/role, industry and 1-2 organizations/companies that interest you. Please make sure that your goals are ambitious as well as realistic. The schools want to know that the path you have chosen is attainable and the program has resources to aid you to reach that goal. To provide a convincing response, you can explain what skills and knowledge you possess that will help you accomplish your goal in your chosen field.

To further help you in developing your application essays, you may review the general Essay Tips.

Since 2011, MER (myEssayReview) has helped applicants get accepted into top 20 MBA, programs, including Darden.

Want to discuss? Email Poonam at poonam@myessayreview.com

This post first appeared in myEssayReview blog.

For essay tips of other schools by MER,click here.

Web /Blog/ Free resources/LinkedIn/Facebook/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia prides itself in building a close-knit community of students, faculty, and staff. In thinking about constructing this community, admissions counselors are looking to bring in students with different perspectives and backgrounds with the goal to build a diverse cohort that shapes the way students will interact in their classes and extracurricular activities. With that said, the Darden essays are a fantastic opportunity to highlight who you are, what your passions are, and what unique perspective you would bring to the Darden community.

Here are 3 success tips to guide you in your Darden essay writing process:

Answer the prompt - This might sound simple, but you would be surprised by how many applicants avoid answering the stated question and take the essay real estate to communicate their love of the school, their career goals, or something else that was not asked. Simply put, if the essay prompt doesn’t ask you to explain why you like Darden, then do not write about your interest in Darden. There are other opportunities to do that, most of the time the interview captures your interest in Darden, or perhaps a short-answer question.

What are the lessons learned? - Spend less time describing the what of the situation and more time on the why. For example,

if you had to describe your most meaningful work contribution, try to spend less time describing the task or nature of the work, and more time describing what you did, how that added value, how you grew, and what you learned. Every success or failure in the workplace has a lesson, and writing that lesson out for admission counselors lets them know you are a self-aware leader prepared to learn more and grow in an MBA program.

The blind test - One of the best ways to know if you’re answering the prompt and providing a compelling answer is to form a “board of directors”, these people can be friends, family, roommates or colleagues, and ask them to read the essay without giving them the prompt. If your “board member” can reasonably guess the prompt after reading your essay, then you’ve done a great job in providing a clear story.

Now let’s take a look at Darden’s prompts for 2018 - 2019 and dig a little deeper into what the prompts may be looking for:

“Tell us what you would want your learning team to know about you - personal, professional or both."(100 words)

Be honest and be yourself! With only 100 words, think about those skills, interests, and passions that are unique to you - these can even include personal interests, travel interests, or goals that you have for yourself.

"Each year, Darden connects with over 80 countries. If you could choose any location in the world, where would you want to go with Darden? And why?" (50 words)

Global programs are becoming more popular at Darden each year. Think deeply about the brand that you’re presenting to Darden. Are there any travel spots that highlight your interests or what you bring to Darden? Take a look at Darden’s global courses and their corresponding topics to get a better idea.

"Darden strives to identify and cultivate leaders who follow their purpose. At this stage, how would you describe your evolving leadership style and please provide an example." (200 words)

The keywords here are purpose and evolving; consider thinking about an example where your leadership style grew or changed. Providing an answer that not only describes your leadership style but why it is the way it is, will help the reader better understand you.

Interested in a free consultation with the BeSpoke MBA Consulting Team? Sign up here: https://www.bespoke-mba.com/free-consultation

Darden full time MBA application for the 2019-2020 application season is live now. Darden has retained its short question format that it had introduced last year. Two of the five questions have been modified, two questions remain unchanged, while one question has been replaced by a new question. The applicants have a total of 700 words to present their candidacy to the admission committee. “We want to get to know all of the various facets of your background and personality.”

Application Deadlines:

                        Early
Action              Round 1                      Round 2                      Round 3

Deadline:        03 Sept. 2019              04 Oct. 2019               06
Jan. 2020                06 Apr. 2020

Interviews:     Schedule your own     By Invitation               By
Invitation               By Invitation

Decisions:       09 Oct. 2019               11 Dec. 2019               18
Mar. 2020              06 May 2020

Darden’s
Early Action round introduced last year is designed for full-time MBA
candidates who are sure that Darden is their first choice. Applications for
Early Action are due Tuesday, September 3, 2018 and decisions will be released
on Wednesday, October 9, 2019. All applications for the full-time MBA are due
by 11:59 p.m. ET on the deadline day. For more information click here.

Essay Questions:

• Darden
  strives to identify and cultivate responsible leaders who follow their purpose.
  Please provide an example of a situation in which you have made a meaningful
  impact. (200 words)

This
question about significant impact is modified a little bit. The first statement
about the kind of leaders Darden cultivates has been added to it (it was
part of another question last year). This addition will help the applicants
to remain more focused when choosing their leadership story. Your story should
emphasize your ‘responsible leadership’ and ‘focus on purpose’ that led to meaningful
results and significant impact on your organization. That is, you will elaborate
that the decisions you made and the results you achieved benefitted your
organization or your team member in a significant manner.

For
organizing your ideas, as always, we recommend following the STAR Method
(Situation, Task, Action, and Result); however, keeping in mind the stringent
word limit, you MUST highlight the ‘result/ outcome part’ of your story. You
have the option to choose a professional story or non-work story (extra-curriculars
or community work). Though the essay prompt doesn’t ask you to reflect on the
significance of the experience, you may wrap up your story (if space permits)
with a final comment about how this experience was meaningful to you.

2.   Diversity and
inclusion are critical to our mission, and they work best when they are an
integral and celebrated part of our community. Read University of Virginia’s Diversity &Inclusion Vision Statement.
Share a time in which you engaged with a perspective, identity, community or
experience that was different from your own and how it impacted your worldview.
(200 words) 

This is a new short question this year.
However, Darden had asked a somewhat similar question two years back wherein it
asked the applicants “about a time when their opinion evolved through
discussion with others” who had different “views and perspectives.” In Darden’s case
method of learning, students are presented with an actual business problem,
along with all the relevant associated data, and tasked with identifying a
solution to that problem. Each student analyzes the situation and information
on his/ her own, then discusses it with the members of the learning team, and
finally does so in the classroom. So having one’s ideas and opinions challenged
is vital to Darden experience. This is the reason why the admissions committee
wants to assess if an applicant has the ability to listen, reflect, learn, and
grow in this environment.

Again, you may choose a personal or
professional example/ story. Given the word limit of 200 words, you may not
write more than 1-2 sentences on setting up the situation but focus more on
your thought process and the resulting change in your opinion/ perception. It
is important to describe ‘before’ and ‘after’ situation, so you can share the inflection
point that triggered the change in your thinking.

3.   The
Batten Foundation Worldwide Scholarship provides all Darden students in our full-time MBA program
with an opportunity to participate in a Darden Worldwide Course. If you could choose any location in the world, where would
you want to travel, and why? (50 words)

This
question has been modified a little bit. That is, an introduction has been
added; however, the response to the question remains the same. Darden expects
its students to participate in at least one global opportunity during their two
years of MBA. In 50 words, identify the name of the country that you would like
to choose for your global assignment, explain reasons for your choice and how
your choice will enhance your learning as well as learning of your peers. This super
short question not only reveals your knowledge of Darden, but also speaks about
your personality and interest. You may use this essay to share a different side
of you that is not presented elsewhere.

4. “Tell us what you would want your learning team to know
about you– personal, professional or both.” (100 words)

This
question remains unchanged from last year. Through this essay of only 100
words, you will introduce yourselves to your learning teams. At Darden, you
will be solving cases within your learning teams of 4 to 5 members, so your
learning team members should learn that you will be a great team player who
will contribute significantly to the team. Tell your team members what team
working skills and attributes you have and show them what you will bring to the
table by sharing some stories/ anecdotes that highlight those skills in a
personal or professional context. Again, you have the option to choose both
personal and professional examples. When selecting examples for these 3 essays,
you want to make sure to maintain a balance between your personal and
professional examples so you can showcase your well-rounded personality to the
admission committee.

 5. What is your
short-term, post-MBA goal and why? (150 words)

This question is again a repeat from last year and is a
fairly straightforward goals essay.  Note that the question asks you only about
your short-term goal, and not your long-term vision. So, you need to elaborate
your post MBA objectives. Please identify the position that you hope to hold
immediately after MBA program, specifying a job title/ role, industry and 1-2
organizations/ companies that interest you. Articulate your goal and explain
why this goal is interesting and important to you. Please make sure that your
goals are ambitious as well as realistic. The schools want to know that the path
you have chosen is attainable and the program has resources to aid you to reach
that goal. To provide a convincing response, you can explain what skills and
knowledge you possess that will help you accomplish your goal in your chosen
field.

Darden’s Tips on Essays: “Use the essay
to display your writing skills and tell us more about yourself. You will be
asked to organize a persuasive argument to show us how you think about and
approach business challenges. Emphasize those experiences, values and goals
that are most important and meaningful to you. Be sincere and be specific. Tell
us what particular experiences and expertise you will bring to the mix. The
essay question field is large enough for you to answer the question thoroughly.”

For
further assistance in developing your application essays, you may review the
general Essay Tips.

here.

For
some useful techniques to help you meet the tight word limits of 200
words, click here

Since
2011, Poonam, founder and president of myEssayReview (MER) has helped applicants get accepted into top 20 MBA,
programs, including Darden. (Poonam is one of the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMATClub )

Want
to discuss? Email Poonam at poonam@myessayreview.com

This post first appeared in myEssayReview  blog.

LinkedIn/Facebook

The
application to join Darden's full-time MBA Class of 2023 is now live! Darden
has retained its 5 short questions from last year and has added 2 new
questions. The applicants have a total of 700 words for 7 short essays to
showcase their candidacy to the admission committee.

Due to applicants' limited access to test centers amid
ongoing global pandemic, Darden is now accepting standardized tests including
the GMAT, GRE, MCAT, LSAT, and Executive assessment for the full-time
MBA program.

From Darden Admissions Blog: Beginning this year, applicants with strong
alternate indicators of academic, personal, or professional accomplishment may
apply for a test waiver. Candidates may submit a waiver
request any time prior to submitting an application in order to start a
dialogue with the Darden Admissions Committee on how best to demonstrate their
academic success and potential to succeed in the program. For example,
candidates may choose to submit a prior SAT or ACT score as part of their
waiver request.

Dawna Clarke, executive director of admissions,
says, "Standardized tests have always been just one indication of a
student's ability to succeed at Darden, and we continue to broaden our criteria
for consideration, accepting a number of standardized tests and offering test
waivers to create flexibility for applicants. Our Admissions Committee stands
ready to help you consider your options and put your best foot forward in our
application process."

Application Deadlines:

Round

Application
Deadline

Interviews

Admission
Decision*

Early Action

02 September 2020

Schedule your own

Round
1

05
October 2020

By
Invitation

Round 2

04 January 2021

By Invitation

Round
3

07
April 2021

By
Invitation

* Decision dates for the
2021 application cycle will be updated once available.

Here is our analysis
of Darden's essay questions:

Essays:

1. Darden strives to identify and cultivate responsible leaders
who follow their purpose. Please provide an example of a situation in which you
have made a meaningful impact. (200 words)

Darden cares about cultivating high impact leaders. Therefore, when brainstorming ideas for your leadership story for this essay, choose an accomplishment when you made a meaningful impact on your organization or community. You have the option to choose professional or non- work story (extracurricular, or community work), but you should emphasize your 'responsible leadership' and 'focus on purpose' that generated meaningful results and created a significant impact on your organization or community. That is, you need to explain that the decisions you made and the results you achieved benefitted your organization or your team member in a significant manner.

For organizing your ideas, as always, we recommend following the
STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, and Result); however, keeping in mind the
stringent word limit, you MUST highlight the 'result/ outcome part' of your
story. Though the essay prompt does not ask you to reflect on the significance
of the experience, you may wrap up your story (if space permits) with a final
comment on why this experience was meaningful to you.

2. Diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission, and they
work best when they are an integral and celebrated part of our community. Share
a time in which you engaged with a perspective, identity, community, or
experience that was different from your own and how it impacted your worldview.
(200 words)

In Darden's case method of learning, students are presented with
an actual business problem, along with all the relevant associated data, and
tasked with identifying a solution to that problem. Each student analyzes the
situation and information on his/ her own, then discusses it with the members
of the learning team, and finally does so in the classroom. So having one's
ideas and opinions challenged is vital to Darden's experience. This is the
reason why the admissions committee wants to assess if an applicant can listen,
reflect, learn, and grow in this environment.

Again, you may choose a personal or professional example/ story.
Given the word limit of 200 words, you may not write more than 1-2 sentences on
setting up the situation, but make sure to focus more on your thought process
and the resulting change in your opinion/ perception. It is crucial to describe
'before' and 'after' situation, so you can share the inflection point that
triggered the shift in your thinking.

3. "Tell us what you would want your learning team to know about
your– personal, professional, or both." (100 words)

Through this essay of only 100 words, you will introduce
yourselves to your learning teams. At Darden, you will be solving cases within
your learning teams of 4 to 5 members, so your learning team members should
learn that you will be a great team player who will contribute significantly to
the team. Tell your team members what team working skills and attributes you
have and show them what you will bring to the table by sharing some stories/
anecdotes that highlight those skills in a personal or professional context.
Again, Darden allows you the flexibility to choose both personal and
professional experiences.

When selecting examples for the above three essays, you want to
make sure to maintain a balance between your personal and professional examples
so that you can showcase your well-rounded personality to the admission
committee.

4. What is your short-term, post-MBA goal, and why? (150 words)

This is a fairly straightforward goals essay. Note that the
question asks you only about your short-term goal and not your long-term
vision. So, you need to elaborate on your post-MBA objectives. Please identify
the position that you hope to hold immediately after the MBA program,
specifying a job title/ role, industry, and 1-2 organizations/ companies that
interest you. Articulate your goal and explain why this goal is exciting and
vital to you. Please make sure that your goals are ambitious as well as
realistic. The schools want to know that the path you have chosen is
attainable, and the program has resources to aid you in reaching that goal. To
provide a convincing response, you can give a very brief career history and explain
what skills and knowledge you possess that will help you accomplish your goal
in your chosen field.

5. The Batten Foundation Worldwide Scholarship provides all
Darden students in our full-time MBA program with an opportunity to participate
in a Darden Worldwide Course. If you could choose
any location in the world, where would you want to travel, and why? (50 words)

Darden expects its students to participate in at least one
global opportunity during their two years of MBA. In 50 words, identify the
name of the country that you would choose for your global assignment, explain
reasons for your choice, and how your choice will enhance your learning and the
learning of your peers. This super short question not only reveals your
knowledge of Darden but also speaks about your personality and interest. You
may use this essay to show a different side of you that is not presented
elsewhere.

6. List up to three hobbies or interests you enjoy in your free
time.

Under this question, the Darden admission committee wants to know your three hobbies or interests that you like to pursue in your free time. Remember your hobbies and interests make you unique, so feel free to share them to help the admission committee get to know you better. Since there is now a prescribed word limit for this question, you may just provide a list of 3 hobbies, as directed.

7. What are you excited to explore in Charlottesville? (25
words; see video clip within the application)

This is an interesting question that offers you a platform to
share what excites you in the small city of Charlottesville. Though it is a super short question, it will give the Ad Com a
peak into your interest in the activities you would want to explore while
pursuing your MBA.

These seven short essays provide you ample opportunity to
showcase your all-rounded personality to the admission committee: your
professional accomplishments, career goals, leadership and team working skills,
personal interests and hobbies, travel interests, and your preference for the
location of Darden campus.

Executive Director of Admissions Dawna Clarke's Advice on short Essays: "At Darden, we love getting to know our applicants, and our
short answer questions are a great opportunity for you to highlight important
personal characteristics — leadership, curiosity, inclusiveness — as well your
passions, goals, and dreams. Outside of the interview, these questions are our
best opportunity to get a feel for your voice and personality. Make the most of
it!"

For more, check out our Discover Darden blog post as well as Dawna Clarke's app tip video for insights about what makes a compelling
essay.

 For some useful
techniques to help you meet the tight word limits of 200 words,
click here

Free Resources:

10 Key Essay Tips withExamples

Essay Analysis ofOther Top Programs-2020-21

 MER Students Sharetheir success Stories

Since 2011, MER (myEssayReview) has helped many
applicants get accepted into the top 20 MBA programs. (Poonam is one of
the top 5 most reviewedconsultants on the GMAT Club.)

Do you have questions about your application? E-mail Poonam at myessayreview.com">poonam@myessayreview.com or sign up here for a free consultation.

This article was first published in myEssayReview blog.

A few weeks ago University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business made an announcement that they would be granting applicants waivers for standardized tests. This includes both the GMAT and the GRE. The waivers will be for this upcoming application cycle, whose first deadline is in September.

To find out if you are eligible for a waiver and for more information, check out our post here

For more insider information about Darden, click here

Or, get in contact with us today for a free consultation.

We interviewed people on admission boards at the top schools, do you don't have to! We found out everything you need to know and combined it into one article for each school.

Located  in Charlottesville, Virginia, University of Virigina's Darden is regularly ranked as being among the Top 15 business schools in the U.S. and Top 30 in the world. Merav Frazier, Associate Director of Admissions, shared with us all the information you need to know.

From recent changes in the program due to Covid-19, campus atmosphere and what not to do in your application. If you're planning on applying to Darden, this is a must read.

For the full interview, click here.

To read our previous Insider Information, click here.

If you still need some more help with your application, click here to contact us for a FREE consultation personalized to you.

Do you want to attend an MBA program that puts collaboration and teamwork at the forefront of your experience? If so, UVA Darden School of Business may be a great choice for you.

UVA Darden is known for its case-based and customized learning experience. As first years, students are assigned to learning teams that enable them to delve deep into case discussions, strengthen their communication skills, and form strong relationships with their classmates.

Second year students at UVA Darden use these tools learned in their first year to personalize their academic experiences, targeting specific career goals and skill sets.

If you’re looking to apply to UVA Darden’s MBA program during the 2020-2021 application cycle, the school now offers a standardized test waiver. These requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and the admissions committee takes several factors into account when reviewing waivers.

Ready to begin the application process?

The upcoming UVA Darden application deadlines are as follows:

Round 2: January 4, 2021

Round 3: April 7, 2021

Please see below for Personal MBA Coach’s advice on how to approach the UVA Darden MBA application essays.

UVA Darden’s 2020-2021 MBA Application Essays:

Essay 1: Darden strives to identify and cultivate responsible leaders who follow their purpose. Please provide an example of a situation in which you have made a meaningful impact. (200 words maximum)

Essay 2: Diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission, and they work best when they are an integral and celebrated part of our community.

Diversity stands with ethics, integrity, and academic excellence, as a cornerstone of University culture. The University promotes an inclusive and welcoming environment that embraces the full spectrum of human attributes, perspectives, and disciplines. When people of different backgrounds come together, they exchange ideas, question assumptions (including their own), and broaden the horizons for us all. A University of Virginia community rich in diversity affords every member equal respect and provides a forum for understanding our differences as well as our commonalities.

Share a time in which you engaged with a perspective, identity, community or experience that was different from your own and how it impacted your worldview. (200 words maximum)

Short Answer 1: The Batten Foundation Worldwide Scholarship provides all Darden students in our full-time MBA program with an opportunity to participate in a Darden Worldwide Course. If you could choose any location in the world, where would you want to travel, and why? (50 words maximum)

Short Answer 2: Tell us what you would want your learning team to know about you – personally, professionally, or both? (100 words maximum)

Short Answer 3: What is your short-term, post-MBA goal and why? (150 words maximum)

Short Answer 4: What are you excited to explore in Charlottesville? (25 words maximum)

Personal MBA Coach’s MBA Essay Writing Tips:

Essay 1: Darden strives to identify and cultivate responsible leaders who follow their purpose. Please provide an example of a situation in which you have made a meaningful impact. (200 words maximum)

Darden’s statement about responsible leadership should help candidates to focus their answers. You should naturally choose a situation where you made a considerable and hopefully lasting impact. It is important that the selected story also paints a solid picture of your leadership style. Responsible and purpose are crucial words to consider and extracurricular and volunteer work would fit nicely here.

That said, do not force this question. There are many examples of informal leadership that could work well if you do not have a strong extracurricular story. As candidates brainstorm topics for this essay, they should consider both personal and professional examples. Make sure to consider the impact that you have made. What was the result of following this purpose?

Essay 2: Diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission, and they work best when they are an integral and celebrated part of our community.

Diversity stands with ethics, integrity, and academic excellence, as a cornerstone of University culture. The University promotes an inclusive and welcoming environment that embraces the full spectrum of human attributes, perspectives, and disciplines. When people of different backgrounds come together, they exchange ideas, question assumptions (including their own), and broaden the horizons for us all. A University of Virginia community rich in diversity affords every member equal respect and provides a forum for understanding our differences as well as our commonalities.

Share a time in which you engaged with a perspective, identity, community or experience that was different from your own and how it impacted your worldview. (200 words maximum)

This question covers a topic that is becoming increasingly important to many leading MBA programs. Once again, a personal or professional example would work here. Ensure that you limit the amount of time spent on set-up and instead focus on your thoughts and actions. While remaining authentic is important here, think about the qualities Darden is looking for from applicants and make sure the story selected clearly SHOWS how you demonstrated them.

Short Answer 1: The Batten Foundation Worldwide Scholarship provides all Darden students in our full-time MBA program with an opportunity to participate in a Darden Worldwide Course. If you could choose any location in the world, where would you want to travel, and why? (50 words maximum)

The “why” is more important than the “what” here. When selecting a country (and considering what you hope to learn from this experience), assess your overall story, goals and passions. Naturally, it may be good to have a tie.

Further, the learnings or experience should prepare you to achieve long- term success. Also feel free to use this opportunity to describe a different side of you that is not reflected elsewhere. That said, as much as you might love to sit on the beach in Fiji, this would not be a great choice for most candidates.

Short Answer 2: Tell us what you would want your learning team to know about you – personally, professionally, or both? (100 words maximum)

When determining the balance between personal or professional for this essay, consider your entire application and ensure your responses provide insight into both aspects of your candidacy. If you chose professional examples for the earlier questions, go with personal details here and vice versa. Instead of a laundry list, focus on one or two things. These examples should enhance (not repeat or conflict with) your “Personal Story” and allow admissions committee members to learn more about you.

Remember, you want to show how you are someone others would want to live, work and socialize with. This is not the time to list off impressive accomplishments. Instead, help the reader to understand who you are and what makes you unique.

Short Answer 3: What is your short-term, post-MBA goal and why? (150 words maximum)

This question is a straightforward career goals question. (Need help articulating your goals?) With this short essay, be specific and include both your ideal position and organization type. Articulate what you hope to accomplish in this desired role and why this objective is interesting and important to you.

Short Answer 4: What are you excited to explore in Charlottesville? (25 words maximum)

UVA Darden shares a video about Charlottesville and asks applicants to watch it before answering this question. For this short answer question, take a look at the video, ideally do a bit of research on your own and mention something unique that fits your profile. This is a great chance to mention another hobby or passion.

Are you looking for help with your MBA applications? Personal MBA Coach is here to guide you through the process.

Founded by a Wharton and MIT graduate, we regularly help applicants navigate their applications each year. We also conduct mock interviews with former M7 interviewers on our team.

Personal MBA Coach has been helping candidates through all aspects of the MBA application process for 13 years with a 96% success rate. Call us today at +1 617-645-2424 or email scott@personalmbacoach.com for a free consultation on your profile along with how we can help make your MBA dreams a reality!

For more MBA updates and advice, check out the following blogs:

The MBA Job Market Bounces Back

COVID-19 GMAT/GRE/EA Testing Update

Personal MBA Coach’s Accelerated 7-Week MBA Application Plan

Do you want to attend an MBA program that puts collaboration and teamwork at the forefront of your experience? If so, UVA Darden School of Business may be a great choice for you.

UVA Darden is known for its case-based and customized learning experience. First-year students are assigned to learning teams that enable them to delve deep into case discussions, strengthen their communication skills, and form strong relationships with their classmates.

Second-year students at UVA Darden use these tools learned in their first year to personalize their academic experiences, targeting specific career goals and skill sets.

If you are looking to apply to UVA Darden’s MBA program during the 2021-2022 application cycle, the school has confirmed its commitment to test flexibility. This means that candidates can submit a range of test scores, including the GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment (EA), MCAT and LSAT. Applicants also can make a case for a standardized test waiver.

The upcoming UVA Darden application deadlines are as follows:

Early Action: September 9, 2021

Round 1: October 6, 2021

Round 2: January 5, 2022

Round 3: April 6, 2022

UVA Darden’s 2021-2022 MBA Essays:

Please see below for Personal MBA Coach’s advice on how to approach the UVA Darden MBA essays.

Essay 1: Learning Teams are an invaluable peer resource for Darden students as they navigate the core curriculum. Every student is assigned to a Learning Team consisting of 5-6 students from an array of backgrounds and perspectives, and this built-in support system serves as an important connection to the broader Darden community.

Tell us what you would want your Learning Team to know about you that is not on your resume. (150 words maximum)

UVA Darden has updated this first essay question slightly for 2021-2022 MBA applicants, removing the suggestion to discuss something personal and/or professional. Instead, Darden added instruction to discuss something that is NOT on the applicant’s resume.

Given this change, Personal MBA Coach advises most applicants to use this essay to share a personal aspect of their candidacy as opposed to talking about their professional leadership or track record. Topics discussed here should enhance (not repeat or conflict with) your “Personal Story,” and should allow admissions committee members to learn more about you.

This is not the time to present a laundry list of hobbies, passions or accomplishments. Instead, focus on what makes you unique. Think about how you might add to the diversity (think literal diversity and/or diversity of perspective) on your learning team.

Be specific and keep in mind that actions are the best predictors of future behavior and provide examples wherever possible. Go beyond just sharing details about you and including the “so-what?”

For example, if you were raised in a unique environment, explain this to the reader but then push further. Consider how this shaped who you are today, what makes you unique and what you will bring to the table for your learning team.

Regardless of the topic selected, show the reader that you are someone your peers will be excited to learn with!

Essay 2: Darden strives to identify and cultivate responsible leaders who follow their purpose. Please respond to one of the following prompts (200 words maximum)

Select the prompt to which you will respond.

Q1: Tell us about a time when you worked with a team to solve a problem or seize an opportunity. What role did you play? What did you learn from this experience?

Q2: Tell us about a time you acted to solve a problem for the greater good. What drew you to this issue? What did you learn from this experience?

This year, Darden gives applicants a choice between two arguably similar questions.

Darden’s statement about responsible leadership should help candidates to focus their answers. You should naturally choose a situation where you solved a considerable problem and hopefully made a lasting impact (though unlike last year, Darden does not specifically ask about impact).

It is important that the selected story also paints a solid picture of your leadership style. Responsible and purpose are crucial words to consider, and professional, extracurricular or volunteer work could fit nicely here.

Do not force this question. There are many examples of problem-solving and working for the “greater good” and not all applicants will have solved major societal or professional issues.

Of course, if you have a strong advocacy story, share it here! However, there are many different levels of problem-solving. Darden wants to see how you think and how you act so include these details.

Finally, leave space to articulate your learnings here. Once again, Darden is looking for the “so-what?”

Essay 3: Diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission and they work best when they are an integral and celebrated part of our community. Review the University of Virginia’s Commitment to Diversity.

Diversity stands with ethics, integrity, and academic excellence, as a cornerstone of University culture. The University promotes an inclusive and welcoming environment that embraces the full spectrum of human attributes, perspectives, and disciplines. When people of different backgrounds come together, they exchange ideas, question assumptions (including their own), and broaden the horizons for us all. A University of Virginia community rich in diversity affords every member equal respect and provides a forum for understanding our differences as well as our commonalities. The Darden School develops practices and cultivates a culture that reflect and incorporate the worldviews of its many community members. In this inclusive culture, the community learns important — and sometimes uncomfortable — lessons from one another, resulting in more conscientious global leaders and citizens. Please respond to one of the following prompts (200 words maximum)

Select the prompt to which you will respond.

Q1: Share a time when you learned something related to diversity, equity or inclusion that was previously unknown to you. How did this experience impact your perspective?

Q2: Share a time when you advocated for a perspective, identity, or community different from your own. How did this experience impact your worldview?

Darden again has built upon last year’s essay question by adding a second option for candidates to answer. This question covers a topic that continues to be important to leading MBA programs. A personal or professional example would work here. However, Personal MBA Coach encourages candidates to look at their applications holistically when selecting a story to discuss here. You want to ensure this story fits with who you are and that your application includes a nice balance of personal and professional stories.

Ensure that you limit the amount of time spent on set-up and instead focus on your thoughts and actions. While remaining authentic is important, think about the qualities Darden is looking for from applicants and make sure the story selected clearly SHOWS how you demonstrated them.

While the bulk of this essay should be focused on the story itself, be sure to leave time to discuss the implications of this experience and how this experience changed your leadership style.

Essay 4: Darden’s Career Center delivers personalized career searches, support and resources to empower students in their goals to create value as purpose-driven leaders. The team of dedicated, expert career coaches spans every major industry, function and geography and collectively represent over one hundred years of coaching experience. Coaches are prepared to support students wherever they are in their search, as career goals shift and evolve while pursuing an MBA.

Through a wide variety of career-related programming, students gain lifelong skills they will continue to leverage throughout their careers. And this support continues after graduation - All Darden graduates have access to complimentary career support for life through Darden’s Alumni Career Services.

What is your short-term, post-MBA goal and how does it align with the long-term vision you have for your career? (150 words maximum)

This question is a straightforward career goals question. If you need help articulating your goals, check out this blog! With this short essay, be specific and include both your ideal position and organization type. Articulate what you hope to accomplish in this desired role and why this objective is interesting and important to you.

Unlike last year, Darden now specifically asks candidates about their long-term vision. Given this, be sure to discuss what you hope to learn in the short term and how this experience will prepare you to achieve your long-term goals.

Short Answer: The Batten Foundation Worldwide Scholarship provides all Darden students in our full-time MBA program with an opportunity to participate in a Darden Worldwide Course.

If you could choose any location in the world, where would you want to travel, and why? (50 words maximum)

The “why” is more important than the “what” here. When selecting a country (and considering what you hope to learn from this experience), assess your overall story, goals and passions. Naturally, it may be good to have a tie.

Further, the learnings or experience should prepare you to achieve long-term success. Also feel free to use this opportunity to describe a different side of you that is not reflected elsewhere. That said, as much as you might love to sit on the beach in Fiji, this would not be a great choice for most candidates.

About Personal MBA Coach:

Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 14 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2, currently holding the #1 ranking in the US on Poets&Quants.

We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing and mock interviews. Our team includes a former M7 admissions director and former M7 admissions interviewers.

Last year, our clients earned more than $6.5M in scholarships!

For more MBA updates and advice, check out the following blogs:

Articulating Your Personal Story

What Is an MBA Resume?

2021 AIGAC Conference and the Latest Business School Admissions Trends