The application to join Darden’s full-time MBA Class of 2024 is now live!
Darden applicants will find even more ways to showcase their candidacy through a range of flexible standardized test options and additional opportunities to craft an impactful narrative. The admissions team looks forward to connecting with candidates through a suite of engagements, including application workshops, webinars, virtual coffee chats and more. Read the full press release on the Darden Report for details.
For insights on the new application cycle, join Executive Director of Admissions Dawna Clarke and Senior Director of Admissions Whitney Kestner for next week’s webinar: Introducing Darden’s Full-Time MBA Application for the Class of 2024.
2022 Admissions Cycle Application Deadlines
Darden offers four application rounds:
- Early Action: Thursday, 9 September 2021
- Round 1: Wednesday, 6 October 2021
- Round 2: Wednesday, 5 January 2022
- Round 3: Wednesday, 6 April 2022
“With the world’s best faculty, record career outcomes and strong momentum across a variety of metrics, there has never been a better time to be an MBA student at the Darden School.” said Dean Scott Beardsley. “I look forward to connecting with applicants in the coming months and discussing how Darden can help them reach their goals.”
Darden kept buildings open during the past academic year, and offered a host of continuous in-person experiences and classes while maintaining a safe environment. The School recently announced that it is planning to begin the 2021-22 academic year with normal operations and in-person instruction.
Holistic Approach
Darden’s application process for the full-time MBA reflects the School’s longstanding holistic approach to admission with opportunities for you to present your best self through your application.
The admissions team considers application criteria including:
• Grades
• Strength of undergraduate curriculum
• Work experience
• Extracurricular accomplishments
• Essays
• Standardized tests
• Demonstrations of leadership
• Recommendations
• Personal experiences
• Interview with Admissions team
More Options for Applicants
Test flexibility and optionality of essay questions will allow every student the opportunity to demonstrate their strengths, shape their narrative and craft the most complete and compelling application. The application will again feature a series of short essays related to the School’s core values, including questions related to diversity and inclusion, leadership and collaboration. New for this year, applicants will be able to choose from a limited menu of essay prompts, and are also offered space to share more about their personal history.
We will once again accept a range of standardized test options, including GMAT, GRE, MCAT, LSAT and the Executive Assessment. These tests are all viewed equivalently by the admissions team. For applicants who would like demonstrate their academic readiness without a standardized test, we will again offer a standardized test waiver request process. For those who would like to be considered, candidates will be asked to present strong alternate evidence to demonstrate their readiness through academic and professional accomplishments. Review the Standardized Test FAQs for more details.
Early Action Round
The Early Action round (application deadline 9 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.
All Early Action applicants are invited to compete for Darden distinguished scholarships, regardless of which option they select.
After a successful 2020-21 application cycle, we are excited to again offer an optional binding Early Action path, ideal for candidates who know that Darden is their school of choice. Those admitted via this path will gain access to a host of opportunities, including networking opportunities, career resources and access to pre-matriculation learning modules.
The standard non-binding Early Action path is also available — and all early applicants will benefit from 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!
Connect with Darden
We will continue to offer a suite of ways to connect with the admissions team and learn more about the Darden experience throughout the application cycle, including:
- Webinars, showcases, and virtual panel events
- Podcasts featuring application insights and community perspectives
- Application workshops hosted by the admissions team (new!)
- Informal (and informational) virtual admissions chats
- Virtual tours of the Darden Grounds (new!)
Scholarships and Financial Aid Programs
Darden strives to be both affordable and accessible for students and offers robust financial aid programs to meritorious students. Additionally, scholarships seek to both honor accomplishments and potential and make a Darden MBA attainable for students from all backgrounds.
Learn more about Darden’s roster of merit-based, competitive and need-based scholarships on our web page, including the new Oculus Fellowship – which is intended to award outstanding academic ability, achievement, and potential and promise as a visionary leader in business.
Career Electives
The Darden faculty and Career Center recently teamed up to create an exciting new menu of Career Elective Guides. These innovative online guides introduce students to skills necessary to work in top global industries and roles, and identify corresponding Darden elective coursework designed to help students develop and hone those career-specific skills. More information about these guides will be available soon!
Be sure to consult the Latest News regularly for the most updated news releases and media hits. Check out faculty thought leadership published on Ideas to Action. And stay connected with us via social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat
