The Early Action (EA) deadline is Thursday, 7 September 2023. You still have time to round up materials, finalize short-answer essay questions and check on those recommendation requests! Early Action applicants will receive a decision on 18 October 2023.

A serious perk for Early Action applicants

You don’t have to wait be invited for an interview!

EA is the only round in which we offer open interviews. We will have limited open interview availability beginning in August, and once those slots are filled, interviews are by invitation only. The Admissions team will release additional availability on a weekly basis, so check back often!

    • To schedule an EA interview, you must plan to apply by the Early Action deadline — 7 September.
    • Admissions is offering TWO ways to participate in an open interview this cycle. In person or virtually!
      • In-person interview days will be held in Charlottesville, Virginia on Thursday, 7 September; Friday, 8 September; Monday, 11 September; Thursday, 14 September; Friday, 15 September; Thursday, 21 September and Friday, 22 September: Sign up here to schedule an interview on-Grounds.
      • Virtual interviews are also available and are not weighted differently from an in-person interview. Sign up here for a virtual interview.
    • Check out our Early Action Interview post here

We’re here to help

We’ve got lots of great resources available for candidates, including a last-minute session answering all your Early Action application questions on Thursday, 24 August. Join our Admissions Committee for this interactive webinar. Submit questions in advance or bring questions to the live session!

Did you know that Early Action has a non-binding and a binding option?

There’s something for everyone!

Our EA round is recommended for candidates for whom Darden is their school of choice. Learn more about the specifics of Early Action Applications.

Attend an upcoming event!

We are hosting lots of webinars and coffee chats and opportunities to meet Darden on-Grounds through prospective student programming and class visits over the coming months. Sign up for an event to engage with the Admissions team, Career Center, current students and recent alumni.

Review our favorite application resources. 

Ready to get started or complete your application? Apply now!