Yesterday, Director of Admissions Brett Twitty, along with Eric Chambers from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), hosted a webinar about the Executive Assessment (EA), followed by a live Q&A.
Check out the session recording below and read on to learn more about the test and our Executive MBA application process:
Curious about the Executive Assessment and why this relatively new test has become a trending topic? Here are five things to know:
1. The EA is a 40-question, 90-minute test and consists of three sections — Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. The test was designed with executive format applicants in mind and was developed in consultation with top Executive MBA programs. While study times vary, most of our applicants report spending an average of 20 hours preparing for the EA. Fun Fact: Darden was the seventh Executive MBA Program in the world to accept the test.
2. The EA is one of several standardized tests we accept in our Executive MBA application process. Accepted tests include the EA, GMAT, GRE, LSAT and MCAT. Did you take one of these tests more than five years ago but still have access to your score results? Executive MBA applicants may submit an older or expired score for any of these tests (but you will need both your overall score and section scores to apply). The more you know!
3. We have accepted the EA for Executive MBA applicants for three years. During this period, the EA has quickly grown in popularity with our applicants. In fact, for the past two years, it has been the most popular test among our Executive MBA applicants, eclipsing both the GMAT and GRE. It is worth noting that we view all of these tests equivalently, and we encourage candidates to choose the test that best aligns with academic strengths and application plans.
4. Are you eligible for a test waiver? While we have a standardized test requirement, we do offer test waivers in select circumstances. Curious about whether you may qualify for a waiver? Check out our FAQs page, and, as we’ve noted before, there is no harm in starting your application process with a waiver request.
That said, there is real value in studying for and taking a standardized test like the EA as part of your Executive MBA application process. Preparing for and taking a test can allow you to “test drive” the idea of juggling work, life and school, while giving you an opportunity to reconnect with important study skills that may have diminished since your last significant academic experience. It’s also another chance to check in with your desire to pursue an MBA, and the preparation process can give the other people in your life a feel for what your MBA might mean for them (in terms of time, availability, etc.).
5. A test score is just one part of the admissions process. Over the past few years, we have received EA scores ranging from the 140s to the 160s, and our average score for the past two classes has been 153. But remember, a test score is just one piece of information in much broader, holistic admissions process, and we do not have a required or minimum test score.
Ready to start (or complete) your MBA journey? Our 2020 Executive MBA application is now live and our next deadline is 10 September.
Have a questions about the EA (or any other aspect of our Executive MBA application process)? Feel free to drop us a line at ExecMBA@darden.virginia.edu.
