The application to join Darden’s full-time MBA Class of 2023 is now live!
We’ve also shared details about the expanded test flexibility first made available in Round 3 of the previous application cycle, key application deadline dates, new options for Early Action applicants and innovations at the School ahead of the 2020–21 academic year, including tools for admitted students that will set them up for a successful transition from the working world to Darden, and from Darden to a purpose-driven career. View the full press release on The Darden Report.
2021 Admissions Cycle Application Deadlines
Darden offers four application rounds:
- Early Action: Wednesday, 2 September
- Round 1: Monday, 5 October
- Round 2: Monday, 4 January 2021
- Round 3: Wednesday, 7 April 2021
Darden Continues Test Flexibility Pilot, Adding Executive Assessment and Test Waiver
After the spread of coronavirus caused standardized test centers to close across the globe, Darden offered increased options for applicants applying in Round 3 of the 2020 admissions cycle. Following the success of expanded test options, Darden will now accept standardized tests including the GMAT, GRE, MCAT, LSAT and, for the first time in the full-time MBA program, the Executive Assessment.
Beginning this year, applicants with strong alternate indicators of academic, personal or professional accomplishment may apply for a test waiver. Candidates may submit a waiver request any time prior to submitting an application in order to start a dialogue with the Darden Admissions Committee on how best to demonstrate their academic success and potential to succeed in the program. For example, candidates may choose to submit a prior SAT or ACT score as part of their waiver request.
“Standardized tests have always been just one indication of a student’s ability to succeed at Darden, and we continue to broaden our criteria for consideration, accepting a number of standardized tests and offering test waivers to create flexibility for applicants,” said Dawna Clarke, executive director of admissions. “Our message to applicants is to find the approach that’s right for you. Our Admissions Committee stands ready to help you consider your options and put your best foot forward in our application process.”
Resources for Admitted Students to Power Academic, Career Success
Early Action Round: The Early Action round (application deadline 2 September) is designed for candidates who know Darden is a top choice. Candidates who apply early action have the opportunity to schedule their interview on their own timeline and do not need to wait for an invitation. Once open interview slots are filled, interviews are by invitation.
New for the Class of 2023 admissions cycle, Darden will offer a completely optional binding Early Action path, ideal for candidates who know that Darden is their school of choice. The standard non-binding Early Action path is also available — giving early applicants extra optionality in addition to receiving early consideration for the full suite of Darden scholarships. Read the press release for more details, and make sure to subscribe to the Discover Darden blog for FAQs and more application insights in the coming weeks!
Prematriculation Programs: The School will once again offer Darden Before Darden to incoming students who may benefit from brief, intensive instruction prior to the start of the academic year. For the Class of 2022, Darden has enhanced its prematriculation resources for admitted students in several ways by offering:
- Complimentary access to the Darden-developed Excel and analytics preparation resource, B-Ready
- Access to Darden’s Career Development WhyFinding (CDWhy) program — a tool that will help ensure Darden students begin the recruiting season with confidence, complemented by world-class advising and live support from Darden’s highly experienced team of cross-industry career coaches.
Scholarships: Scholarship opportunities at the Darden School have increased dramatically in recent years, and the School aims to be both affordable and accessible for students. Darden plans to make additional announcements about scholarship opportunities for the Class of 2023 in July.
Connect with Admissions
- Attend an upcoming online event, including a special session on 17 June introducing the new full-time MBA application, hosted by Executive Director of Admissions Dawna Clarke
- Meet up with Admissions and other prospective students during a virtual Coffee Chat
- Connect with a current student
Darden continues to accept applications for the Class of 2022, beginning August 2020, through 15 July.
Check out faculty thought leadership published on Ideas to Action. And stay connected with us via social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat
