Expert advice for UVA Darden from Admissions Consultant blogs

Question

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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

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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 .

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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.

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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

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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

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So, you have your sights set on applying to business school. What comes next?

Whether you are just starting to prepare for the GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (EA) or are working on crafting a compelling MBA application, the leaders in the MBA admissions space— mbaMission  and  Manhattan Prep, Powered by Kaplan —are coming together to make sure you will be ready for the 2022–2023 business school admissions season.

Join us for a free eight-part webinar series, running weekly from April 7 through May 26, to learn what you need to be doing now to create a compelling MBA application.

Admissions consultants from mbaMission will explain different MBA admissions processes, while experts from Manhattan Prep will help you tackle some of the toughest test-taking challenges by providing valuable insight and advice.

This free online series will offer you helpful guidance as you work toward your goals. From figuring out which test is best to take (the GMAT or GRE, or even the EA) to speaking with admissions officers, you will get a well-rounded, step-by-step overview of the MBA admissions process.

Click here to enroll (for free) in our “ Building Your Best MBA Application ” webinar series, and continue reading to preview the series schedule!

"Building Your Best MBA Application" Series Schedule:

Part 1: Your 2022 MBA Action Plan

Thursday, April 7, 2022
8:00–9:30 p.m. ET
Applying to business school in 2022–2023? It is not too early to start planning! Join mbaMission Founder/President  Jeremy Shinewald  as he discusses such topics as creating your ten-month (and beyond) timeline; getting “stats ready,” including accelerating personal goals; attaining your target GMAT/GRE/EA score; and taking additional coursework.

Part 2: Which Business School Is Right for Me?

Thursday, April 14, 2022
8:00–9:30 p.m. ET
Which MBA program is right for you? How can you find the best fit? During this free webinar, mbaMission Managing Director  Rachel Beck  will help prospective MBAs understand the differences among top MBA programs.

Part 3: Should I Take a Test? If So, Which One: GMAT, GRE, or EA?

Thursday, April 21, 2022
8:00–9:30 p.m. ET
Join Manhattan Prep instructor  Jamie Nelson  and mbaMission Founder/President  Jeremy Shinewald  as they explain the key differences among the exams and how business schools view each test—and help you determine which one may be best for you.

Part 4: Are My MBA Profile and Test Score Strong Enough?

Thursday, April 28, 2022
8:00–9:30 p.m. ET
Every year, thousands of strong candidates apply to business school. To get noticed, you will need an impressive GMAT, GRE, or EA score and an unforgettable application. Join Manhattan Prep instructor  Chris Gentry  as he discusses the GMAT’s scoring system and how you can approach the test with the right mindset to get your best return on investment. Then, mbaMission Managing Director  Krista Nannery  will share what admissions officers look for and how to build a noteworthy application.

Part 5: How Can I Make My MBA Application Essays Stand Out?

Thursday, May 5, 2022
8:00–9:30 p.m. ET 
 To grab the attention of a top business school, you will need to write an essay that is well crafted and memorable. Learn to do just that in this session led by mbaMission Managing Director  John Sisk , who will help you start to uncover your personal story, craft a strong opening statement, develop your goals, and connect those goals to your target school.

Part 6:   How Can I Nail My MBA Application Material  s? (Everything But the Essay)

Thursday, May 12, 2022
8:00–9:30 p.m. ET
So, you have mastered how to write a compelling MBA application essay, but what comes next? Join mbaMission Managing Director  Jessica Shklar  as she details how to tackle “everything but the essay”—an in-depth examination of short answers, recommendation letters, and other components of an MBA application that need to stand out to the admissions committee.

Part 7a: GRE for MBA: How Do I Handle the Toughest Topics?

Thursday, May 19, 2022
7:00-8:15 p.m. ET

Taking the GRE for b-school? Have a top MBA program in mind? We have you covered with this free event. Manhattan Prep instructor  Ryan Starr  will teach you how to approach the toughest topics—from Quant to Verbal. This is a great event for applicants at any stage in their prep. Even if you have already started your preparation, we will help position you to reach your highest potential.

Part 7b: Advanced GMAT: How Can I Master 700+ Level Quant and Sentence Correction?

Thursday, May 19, 2022
8:30–9:45 p.m. ET
The GMAT has four subscores, but your Quant score will likely be the most important. Get ready to tackle the most difficult Quant problems with this free event led by Manhattan Prep instructor  Jamie Nelson . Jamie will also walk you through an equally tough section: Sentence Correction. Learn how to nail the most challenging problems, no matter how long or confusing each passage may seem.

Part 8: Top Admissions Directors Answer Your Questions

Thursday, May 26, 2022
8:00–9:30 p.m. ET
In this event, we are bringing you direct access to some of the world’s best business schools so you can ask them all your questions, learn what makes each one unique, and get advice on how to put your best foot forward in your application. mbaMission Founder/President  Jeremy Shinewald  will host an interactive Q&A session with a panel of admissions officers from leading business schools, including the  MIT Sloan School of Management ,  Columbia Business School , the  University of Chicago Booth School of Business , the  University of Virginia Darden School of Business , and the  Yale School of Management .

Panelists include the following:

Amanda Carlson  , Assistant Dean of Admissions at Columbia Business School    Bruce DelMonico  , Assistant Dean for Admissions at the Yale School of Management    Dawna Clarke  , Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business    Dawna Levenson  , Assistant Dean of Admissions at the MIT Sloan School of Management    Donna Swinford  , Associate Dean for Student Recruitment and Admissions at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business

Are you ready to put your best foot forward for the upcoming MBA application season?  Click here to enroll (for free) in “Building Your Best MBA Application.”

If you cannot attend one of the sessions, no problem! Be sure to register; we will email you a recording link after each session.

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Highlights:

UVA Darden has officially opened its application for the 2022-2023 application cycle. This year, Darden has changed some of the application details, including cutting down on the application essay questions from five (5) to three (3) (more information below). They continue to offer the test flexible and test waivers. They accept GMAT, GRE, EA, MCAT, and LSAT. The test waiver application opens in June.

They are also planning to resume class visits and in-person opportunities this fall.

Deadline:

Applications are due at 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the day of the deadline (review the full top-20 MBA deadlines for the 20222023 application  here ).

Early Action* -  9/8/2022 (limited open interviews); decision - 10/19/2022

Round 1 -  10/5/2022 (interviews by invitation**); decision - 12/7/2022

Round 2 -  1/5/2023 (interviews by invitation**); decision - 3/15/2023

Round 3 -  4/5/2023 (interviews by invitation**); decision - 5/3/2023

*Applicants can interview between August and September on a first-come-first-serve basis by requestion an interview once the availability is announced in early August.

**For the 2022-2023 application cycle, interviews will be conducted on-grounds and virtually.

Essay Questions for the 2022-2023 Application Cycle:

Q1: Community and Belonging  (200 words)

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 resume?

Darden is looking to put together diverse teams that inform and teach one another. This question enables the applicant to inform the Darden admission team about their strengths beyond what is written in their resume that may add to the classroom’s diversity of talents and experiences.  An applicant’s resume may be filled with evidence of a solid quantitative background. In that case, an applicant should highlight their qualitative strengths. This may mean that an applicant is strong at rallying a team toward a particular vision, a skill that may not be evident elsewhere. Perhaps an applicant’s strength lies in their ability to enable others to bring forth their strengths. Or they may be able to serve as a bridge between diverse stakeholders. Whatever the strength, to successfully answer this question, applicants should consider their entire profile and identify talents that are not evident from the data points elsewhere in their application.

Once the applicant identifies the value they bring to a team setting, they should give a detailed example illustrating how they have enacted this talent in their professional or community engagements. Next, the applicant should add a sentence or two around why their talent will be of value to their Darden classmates, advocating for their own admission.

Q2: Inclusive Leadership  (300 words)

Please describe a tangible example that illustrates your experience promoting an inclusive environment and what you would bring to creating a welcoming, global community at Darden?

Diversity and inclusion are integral to Darden’s mission. They believe that “when people of different backgrounds come together, they exchange ideas, question assumptions (including their own), and broaden the horizons.” Therefore, it is no surprise that this year’s question focuses on bringing together a cohort of students who value and promote inclusion. When considering what to share, applicants should evaluate opportunities where they have promoted the inclusion of those whose voices are not often represented or whose ideas are not always heard.

As to writing the response, applicants should consider providing context around the experience and what was at stake should said voices or ideas were not included.    This gives the reader context and an opportunity to understand an applicant's way of resolving problems.  Once the applicant has defined the problem, they should outline their role and how they went about promoting an inclusive environment.

The applicant must remember that this prompt is a two-part question. Therefore, they must also identify precisely how they would promote inclusion at Darden. For this essay to be successful, there should be a correlation between fostering inclusion in the applicant’s past and how they intend to promote inclusion at Darden.

Q3: Careers with Purpose ( 200 words)

At this time, how would you describe your short-term, post-MBA goals in terms of industry, function, geography, company size and/or mission, and how does it align with the long-term vision you have for your career?

This year, applicants are given more room to elaborate on their career goals. When answering this question, I suggest that applicants write their long-term career goals first, including the impact they look to make. Getting to the long-term plan requires developing skills and gaining hands-on exposure. Therefore, the applicant should research the straightest path to their long-term plans, enabling them to identify the logical post-MBA career goal. Applicants should be mindful to include the specific details the prompt requires – industry, function, geography, company size and/or mission. Without this detail, any response would be incomplete. Although not specifically asked, to strengthen this response, an applicant should consider writing a few sentences on how Darden will serve as a bridge to help them develop the skills required to obtain their post-MBA career goals.

This article first appeared on Sia Admission's  blog .

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