The new essay question for the 2012-2013 Darden MBA application season has been posted on the Darden website:
Share your thought process as you encountered a challenging work situation or complex problem. How did this experience change your perspective? (500 words maximum)
Next week, Assistant Dean of MBA Admissions Sara Neher will be filming a video blog with advice about how to approach the Darden application, including advice about the essay question. Be sure to check back!
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One topic?
Yes, Darden only has one essay question.
Do you find it best to write the essay from the management side? Or, are you just as happy hearing about a tough situation where a person managed upward?
Either would be fine. We will see your resume and work history in your application to see your management experience. Use the essay as a way to help us get to know you in more depth.
I turned around a late project with my team. It was an enlightening experience. Can I share my perspective on such an experience in this essay?
Yes, you definitely can. However, please be aware that the question asks you to share how the experience changed your perspective.
Do I have to write an professional experience or I can share any chanllenges I met?
Hello Peng. We prefer to hear about professional experiences, but understand that these challenges can occur outside of the work environment. If you do not have a strong example from your job, then it is fine to write about another challenge.