Darden has made a few changes to their application this year. They have changed their MBA essays for 2018-19 by replacing their main 500 word essay with smaller essays that cover a larger gamut of the applicant’s profile. Not just this, they have also introduced a new deadline for early applicants: 7th September, 2018. This is a benefit for those applicants who definitely wish to join Darden; and to this end, they are willing to withdraw their application from the other b-schools where they have applied, should they get an admit at Darden. Early application results will be out by October 18th so you, dear applicant, are in for a real advantage! Moreover, this offer is not binding.

The new deadlines are:

Early application: 7th September
Round 1: 4th October
Round 2: 10th January
Round 3: 3rd April

ESSAY QUESTIONS:

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

2. 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)

3. 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)

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

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

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Darden requires two recommendations. You can submit more if they add any real value. If you are a reapplicant, you must submit atleast one new recommendation.

INTERVIEWS:

The Interviewing policy also changes as Darden with the introduction of the early application (EA) deadline. Applicants who apply early application can OPT-IN for an interview. If you are applying EA, book your interview by September 28th. While interviews will be conducted on campus, international applicants can book Skype interviews.

To schedule an open interview, applicants must start an Early Action application, complete the “Who are you?” page, upload their resume and provide an answer to the short-answer learning team question:

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

By asking you to write this essay, the adcom is ensuring that you are serious about applying in early application deadline.  Do realize, dear applicant, that this essay requires considerable research about the Darden MBA. The learning team is an integral part of the Darden experience. Darden is a case method heavy b-school and you would solve about 600 cases during your time there. With the class being split up into learning teams of 5-6 students, you will be spending most of your waking moments with these people- preparing cases and doing extracurricular activities. Your learning team will be your lifeline. What is it that you want them to know about you that makes them sit up and take notice, and say, we want this gal in our team!