The applications for the UVA Darden Executive MBA program are now being evaluated on a rolling basis. Applicants should submit their application as soon as they are ready to do so, and applications will be reviewed as they are received.
Candidates applying during this rolling period can expect to receive a decision within approximately two weeks of application submission. We currently plan to accept Executive MBA applications through 25 June, and candidates admitted during this rolling period should expect to have two to three weeks to finalize their decision.
When working on your application, you will be prompted to choose an application deadline – 10 May or 10 June. These deadlines are placeholders, and the deadline does not have any bearing upon the timing of your application review. Simply select the deadline that is closest to the date you will be submitting your application. For example, if you are planning to submit your application in early or mid-May, you should select our 10 May deadline. If you are applying in late May or June, select our 10 June deadline.
We will often shift to rolling admissions for our professional degree programs at this time of year. With the start of school just a few months away, we find that applicants are eager to know what their options are so they can begin preparing themselves and the other people in their life for the realities of a working professional MBA program.
I always enjoy the rolling admissions period in our admission cycle. Candidates are often moving quickly from the research phase to applying, and I think this is where we can really add value as an Admissions team. We genuinely enjoy helping prospective students learn about Darden and navigate our application process. We know there is a lot to consider, and we are here to help!
Shifting to rolling admissions allows applicants to receive an admissions decision faster and find out if Darden will be an option for them sooner than our usual round pacing. In addition, for those students planning to join us at Darden this fall, rolling admissions affords them a longer runway to engage with key pre-matriculation resources, connect with future classmates and prepare for the start of school. We look forward to receiving your application!
Application Tips:
Whether you already have an application started or you want to start one now, an easy next step is to schedule a conversation with a member of our team. We offer 1:1 conversations frequently each week, and a conversation is the best way to ensure you have the information you need before taking the next step.
CRAFTING YOUR NARRATIVE
One of the best things about the application process? Everything matters. One of the most challenging things about the application process? Everything matters.
Darden’s application process is a narrative exercise. Each element of the application serves to supplement your broader story. Admissions wants to learn who you are who you will be in the Darden classroom and community.
STANDARDIZED TEST WAIVERS
A standardized test score is NOT required to apply for our Executive MBA program.
However, applicants can choose to provide a test score to strengthen their application if they wish. We accept several standardized tests – Executive Assessment, GMAT Focus, GMAT, GRE, MCAT and LSAT – and we view these tests equivalently. We will even accept older or expired scores for any of these tests, but candidates who wish to submit an expired score will need to have access to their full score breakdown.
The most popular test with our Executive MBA applicants is the Executive Assessment. While a newer test, the EA was originally developed with Executive MBA applicants in mind, and it requires around 20-30 hours in preparation. In other words, it’s a good option for busy applicants who wish to apply with a test score.
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
As you craft your narrative, take a step back and think objectively about your background and experience:
- What are your strengths?
- What aspects of your candidacy do you want to highlight and accentuate?
- What are those areas you may want to bolster?
Focus on what you want to share, rather than what you think the Admissions Committee wants to read.
There are no “perfect” candidates. One way to think about the application process is that you are building a case for your candidacy, and this case has personal, professional and academic dimensions.
FINAL REVIEW
Take time to go over your application before hitting submit. The more your authentic narrative comes through the application materials, the more you will stand out from other applicants. Once you’ve finished your application, take a moment to think about your materials with the big picture in mind. Consider using the Additional Comments section of your application to provide additional context, if necessary. The Additional Comments section is not an additional essay, just a place to connect the dots.
