The University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business has released its official deadlines and essay topics for the coming admissions season. As in previous years, the program offers a non-binding “early action” option providing applicants with a decision just seven weeks after their materials are due. Those applying in this round are also automatically considered for scholarship funds. The dates for this year are as follows:
Round 1 (Early Action)
Application Submitted and Interview Conducted by: October 19, 2006
Decision Notification: December 8, 2006
Round 2
Application Submitted and Interview Conducted by: December 5, 2006
Decision Notification: February 9, 2007
Round 3
Application Submitted and Interview Conducted by: January 11, 2007
Decision Notification: March 23, 2007
Round 4
Application Submitted and Interview Conducted by: March 1, 2007
Decision Notification: April 20, 2007
As usual, we’ll post some comments and advice on each question in the near future. In the meantime, we wanted to point out that both the career goal essay and the question about the applicant’s fit with Darden are worded differently from the previous season’s (with the latter now being more focused on the applicant’s contribution), and the third and fourth questions are both new for this year. Another change is that rather than inviting applicants to use their best judgment in determining appropriate essay lengths, the school is now providing firm word limits for each question.
Essay 1: Why is an MBA a critical next step toward your short- and long-term career goals? (500 word limit)
Essay 2: Each of our applicants is unique. Describe how your background, values, education, activities and/or leadership skills will enhance the experience of other Darden students. (500 word limit)
Essay 3: Choose one of the following questions. (250 word limit)
a. What would you do if you didn’t have to work for a living?
b. Describe a significant maturing experience.
c. What have been the most satisfying aspects of your work life thus far and the most dissatisfying?
Essay 4 (Optional): If there is further information that you believe would be helpful to the Admissions Committee, please provide it below. (250 word limit)
