Deadlines:
Early Action*: 09 September 2021
Round 1: 06 October 2021
Round 2: 05 January 2022
Round 3: 06 April 2022
*- the Early application round allows applicants an opportuinity to book an interview. For all other rounds, interviews are by invitation only.
Darden’s early application round is non-binding. That means, you do not have to withdraw your applications from other business schools if you get an admit at Darden
Darden’s essays questions for 2021-22 are once again a series of small, multiple questions that allow the admissions team to peak into different aspects of your personality. However, there are some changes as compared to last two years:
1. Learning Team:
Tell us what you would want your learning team to know about you that is not on your resume (150 words)
2. Career Goal:
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)
3. Darden Worldwide
If you would chose any location in the world, where would you want to travel? (5 words) And why? (50 words)
4. Leadership and Impact(select ONLY one question)
Tell us about a time when you acted with a team to solve a problem or seize an opportunity. What role did you play? What did you learn from this experience? 200 words)
OR
Tell us about a time when you acted to solve a problem for the greater good. What drew you to this issue? What did you learn from this experience?
5. Diversity and Inclusion(select ONLY one question)
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?
OR
Share a time when you advocated for a perspective, identity, or community different from your own. How did this experience impact your worldview. (200 words)
Reapplication Question:
Darden offers the ability to replicate or “clone” your application from the 2020-21 application cycle to have your data transferred to the 2021-22 application.
Re-applicants will STILL be required to complete:
Short-answer questions
Re-applicant essay
Updated resume
One new letter of recommendation
Recommendation Questions: ONE reco needed
Darden requires one recommendations, preferably work-related. The second recommendation may be submitted if they offer new insight about you.
1. Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization.
2. How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles?
3. Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response.
Resume:
A professional resume that covers your professional history, educational details, and extracurricular interests in one single page
Recommendations:
Interview:
Darden has an open interview period from mid-July until end of September. Applicants who apply in Early application deadline, need not wait for an interview invite. They can, on their initiative, schedule an interview. Applicants applying to Round 1, 2 or 3 can interview only on invitation. Applicants living in the US must visit campus.
Reapplications:
Reapplicants have to submit a new application.
Previous year’s questions: