Charlottesville Named Happiest City in America

Posted on July 24, 2014 by Darden Admissions

A recent study led by Harvard researchers ranked the happiest cities in the nation.  Coming in at No. 1 is the scenic and lively city of Charlottesville, Virginia, home to the Darden School of Business.

Newsplex, a local news channel, interviewed members of the community to hear why they believe Charlottesville is the happiest city.  Their answers included the unique food venues, the richly diverse culture and the beautiful scenery.

For more information on the study, watch the news story featuring Darden Associate Director of Admissions Karen Ohen or read the Good Housekeeping article.

Planning to visit Charlottesville in the near future? Check out the visiting Darden webpage for more information!

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Meet Darden Admissions on the West Coast

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Darden Admissions

We are excited to visit the west coast this month and share more about the Darden MBA. As a program with a strong general management focus and emphasis on innovative thinking and experiential problem-solving, Darden has a lot to offer and we invite you to meet members of our dynamic network at upcoming Admissions events.

MBA Admissions Multi-School Events

22 July 2014 Seattle, WA Register
23 July 2014 San Diego, CA Register
24 July 2014 Los Angeles, CA Register

You will have the opportunity to learn more about the MBA application process and meet representatives from top-ranked business schools. The evening begins with a panel of admissions officers who will offer application tips and advice.

Following the panel, enjoy a networking session, where you will have the opportunity to speak with the admissions officers and alumni to learn more about each school’s unique academic offerings, student life and career services.

View additional Darden events on our website.

The exponential rate of change in technology offers great opportunities for Darden students to deliver immediate impact in the field and for Darden faculty to share their expertise in strategy, design thinking, business ethics and technology.

Over 100 companies travel to Charlottesville, Virginia each year to recruit Darden students, and 12% of the Class of 2013 accepted job offers on the west coast. Our dean and members of our faculty and staff have spent significant time on the west coast cultivating relationships with established companies along with start-ups and incubators. Learn more about Career Development at Darden.

Making the decision to earn your MBA is an important one, and we look forward to sharing more with you about the Darden MBA and the experience that awaits.

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Visit Darden at Fridays in July

Posted on July 2, 2014 by Darden Admissions

Each summer, the Admissions office welcomes visitors to experience the Darden Grounds throughout the month of July.  The first 2014 “Fridays in July” event will take place on Friday, 11 July at the Darden School of Business.

At the event, prospective students will tour Darden and have the opportunity to meet and chat with current faculty, students and admissions representatives to learn more about the MBA program.  If you can’t make it to the first “Fridays in July” there will be a second event on Friday, 25 July.

After visiting Darden, we encourage you to take some time to explore the beautiful Charlottesville area.  Relax at one of the 30 area wineries or venture into the lively summer atmosphere of the downtown mall .

Admissions representatives will also be hosting events around the world and online. Visit our Events & Receptions webpage throughout the summer and fall to see if Darden is visiting a city near you.

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MBA Application Essay Advice from Darden’s Admissions Dean

Posted on July 1, 2014 by Darden Admissions

We recently announced our 2014-2015 MBA application essay question:

Describe the most courageous professional decision you have made or most courageous action you have taken at work. What did you learn from that experience?
 (500 words maximum)

Sara Neher, assistant dean of MBA Admissions, offers several helpful tips for prospective students in the following video blog including:

  • How to approach the essay question
  • Topics to avoid in your essay
  • Insights on what the admissions committee is looking for when reading your essay response


Admissions Dean Video Blog: How to Approach Darden’s 2014-2015 Essay Question

Darden’s MBA application will be available in mid-August. We invite you to learn more about our admissions requirements, upcoming events and opportunities to visit the Darden Grounds on our website.

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$2 Billion Investment Made by Alumnus-Led Company Expected to Create 2,000 Jobs in Virginia

Posted on June 25, 2014 by Darden Admissions

Recently a Chinese company, Shandong Tranlin Paper Co. Ltd. — chaired by CEO and Darden alum Jerry Zhiyuan Peng (MBA ’03) — announced a $2 billion economic development investment that is projected to create 2,000 new jobs in Virginia.  Tranlin developed an environmentally sustainable process that involves making paper from agricultural residuals and turning the waste byproducts of the paper-making process into organic fertilizer. The investment will mark the inception of Tranlin’s first U.S. manufacturing operation, a major step for the thriving global company.

Peng commented, “The core of the Tranlin model and history can be found in three words that I believe are the future of the Chinese economy and business: innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship.”

The business values embedded in these three words receive heavy emphasis in the Darden curriculum and are a major influence on the experience of many students.

Demonstrating the strength of the Darden network, Peng has already hired one recent graduate and brought on three current students as summer interns to play a role in this exciting endeavor.

To learn more, read the full article — “Chinese Company Led By U.Va. Darden Graduate Invests $2 Billion and Will Create 2,000 Jobs in Virginia” — or visit our website for additional information on international career opportunities and Darden’s commitment to sustainability.

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Darden’s 2014-2015 MBA Application Deadlines Posted

Posted on June 18, 2014 by Darden Admissions

Darden Admissions is excited to announce our 2014-2015 MBA application deadlines:

Round 1: Friday, 10 October

Round 2: Wednesday, 7 January

Round 3:  Wednesday, 1 April

While our first MBA application deadline is still several months away, here are a few things you can do to get a head start on submitting a strong application:

The MBA application will become available in mid-August. We encourage you to start your research on MBA programs now. Understanding the differences between MBA programs will help you throughout the admissions process — not just with your application!

To learn more about Darden, visit our website and YouTube channel. We invite you to experience Darden firsthand by meeting our alumni at an event in your city or attending a Darden class. You can also subscribe to this blog to receive Admissions news and updates, as well as advice from Darden MBA Admissions Dean Sara Neher.

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Attend a Women’s MBA Event in a City Near You

Posted on June 16, 2014 by Darden Admissions
The Darden School of Business is partnering with several top business schools to host admissions events in several cities. Learn about the benefits of an MBA from a diverse panel of recent alumnae. Following the panel, you will be able to mingle with alumnae to hear more about their MBA experiences and ask school-specific questions. You will also have the opportunity to meet admissions representatives from each school at these events.

MBA Joint Women’s Panels

15 July 2014 Washington, D.C. Register
15 July 2014 Chicago, IL Register
16 July 2014 Boston, MA Register
17 July 2014 New York, NY Register
21 July 2014 San Francisco, CA Register

View additional Darden events on our website.

Darden also has several resources available for women interested in pursuing their MBA, including:

  • The Darden 1:1 Program: The 1:1 program will pair you with a current female student mentor in late summer so that you can have a one-on-one connection with a member of the Darden community. Previous participants have found that this is a fantastic way to learn about the School, the student community and the many academic opportunities and resources. If you are interested in applying to be a part of the 1:1 Program, please email Haley Whitlock Gyory.
  • Forté Foundation Partnership: The Forté Foundation offers many resources unique to Fellows. In addition to the financial support provided through fellowships awarded by individual Forté member schools, Fellows gain exposure to leading companies in the Forté network. They also gain an immediate network of Fellows that extends beyond their individual business school. Darden usually has approximately 50 Fellows during any given year.
  • Graduate Women in Business: Darden’s chapter of Graduate Women in Business (GWIB)promotes the role of professional women by developing a greater appreciation for issues of diversity among men, women, faculty and administration. GWIB provides resources related to women’s issues in pursuing a career in business and helps students create and build their professional and personal networks.

 

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Darden MBA 2014-2015 Essay Question Announced

Posted on June 12, 2014 by Darden Admissions

The essay question for the 2014-15 Darden MBA application season has been posted on the Darden website:

Describe the most courageous professional decision you have made or most courageous action you have taken at work. What did you learn from that experience?
(500 words maximum)

While the 2014-15 Darden MBA application is not yet available, we encourage you to get a head start on writing your essay. In addition, there are plenty of opportunities to learn more about the Darden School this summer through events and online chats. Check back throughout the summer for application deadlines, admissions advice and fall travel dates!

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G.I. Bill Benefits for Military Veterans at Darden

Posted on June 10, 2014 by Darden Admissions

Current Virginia state law allows veterans to apply for in-state residency for tuition purposes immediately upon moving to Virginia. Eligibility for the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Depending on veterans’ individual eligibility levels, benefits may include:

  • Payments made directly to the University toward in-state tuition & fees (fees for room and board, transportation, books, laptop and supplies are not covered)
  • A monthly housing allowance (MHA) paid directly to benefits recipients based on the basic allowance for housing for an E-5 with dependents for the Charlottesville zip code
  • An annual books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year paid directly to benefits recipients

The Darden School encourages veterans to contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for further information and for an official determination of eligibility.

The Darden School is one of the few schools at the University of Virginia to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Recipients of veterans benefits who are also qualified by the VA for the Yellow Ribbon Program but are unable to qualify for in-state status for tuition purposes, will receive a $5,000 Yellow Ribbon Scholarship on top of other Post-9/11 educational benefits. This scholarship makes up the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees.

We invite you to learn more about veterans benefits at the Darden School of Business by watching MBA Admissions Dean Sara Neher’s video blog below. You can also visit our website to learn more about the Darden Military Community and Resources.

Video: G.I. Bill Benefits for Military Veterans at Darden

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The Darden Experience: A Reflection

Posted on June 9, 2014 by Darden Admissions

Over 300 Darden students walked across the historical University of Virginia Lawn to receive their MBA diploma this past May. Recent graduate and student blogger Jon Meredith (MBA ’14) reflects upon his past two years at Darden in his post, “The Darden Experience.”

“The past two years have been challenging, stressful, exciting, fun, and above all else, truly an experience that will never be forgotten. The decision to attend Darden has been rewarded with an unmatched education and bountiful career opportunities. As I think about my favorite parts of Darden, my experience revolves around an unrivaled classroom environment, meaningful relationships with faculty, and new-found friendships.” more

Read his full post here or read more Darden student blogs on our website.

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