Calling all Darden Fall 2010 Applicants!

Hey all, Darden finally broke the silence. I am an international applicant and I received my interview invite on Dec 12th. But the mail has no special instructions for international interviews. So I have mailed the Darden adcom seeking info. I will update about their reply. Any other international applicants got the update ?

When should we domestic applicants give-up hope for an interview? If we don't hear anything before the admissions office closes for the holidays are we done?

I know the Darden website says invites can be extended until Jan. 28th...but I am getting more nervous by the day...

Had my interview with a member of the AdCom this morning. All interviews are 100% blind, she knew nothing about me or my application. It started with her asking questions about my childhood, where I was from, what my family was like, etc. We progressed through undergrad and my career, but rather than focusing on "resume-type" accomplishments, we talked more about WHY I made certain decisions, and what matters to me.

We eventually got to "why MBA", but I was never directly asked "why Darden". I tried to weave a few pieces of "why Darden" into our conversation. Before I knew it 45 mins was up, she gave me the opportunity to ask questions....so we talked about job prospects for a bit. After an hour we were still chatting, but she had to cut it off.

Overall I think (hope) it went well, but with interviews like this its always hard to tell. I forgot to mention a few things that I'd hoped to work in. Oh well.

My advice to those still yet to interview:
- create a mini-list of items you for sure want to cover (interesting anecdotes), its easy to get caught up in the conversation, then before you know it you missed your chance to talk about that interesting undergrad EC (since you're already talking about your job)
- be ready to NOT talk about accomplishments, she almost seemed disinterested when I did. I guess it makes sense, there is no point to just regurgitate your resume during the interview - they already have it on file. Talk about something ELSE, something interesting/dynamic
- do your homework and be able to convey sincere interest in the program (I honestly think this is a big part of the interview...they try to gauge this)

She said her comments would be added to my overall application file, then it would undergo a final review and a decision would be made.

All we have to go on is Sara Nehar's word that invites will be sent out until January 28th and thus I would tell you not to give up now or even after the holidays as its counter too all information thats been officially released. No point in getting down unless you actually get word of something. Good luck Crashing.

Thanks for the debriefs dr2005 and duckpond.

I remember reading in the thread of last year, that when visiting on campus you will attend classes, you will be "cold called". I believe they were asked to share an embarrassing moment with the class.

Did you guys experience something similar this year?

Whew! I just received an international invite to interview with Darden.