The application deadlines and short answer essay prompts for applicants who plan to apply in 2023-24 to join the Full-Time MBA Class of 2026 are now available. The complete Full-Time MBA application will be released in the coming weeks and we look forward to sharing further details soon!
Application Deadlines
Darden offers four application rounds for the Full-Time MBA:
- Early Action (the only round in which we offer open interviews!): Thursday, 7 September 2023
- Round 1: Wednesday, 4 October 2023
- Round 2: Thursday, 4 January 2024
- Round 3: Wednesday, 3 April 2024
Short Answer Essay Prompts
Our team is excited to introduce the 2023-24 short answer essays, which allow applicants to highlight their experiences and perspectives through multi-dimensional narratives. We look forward to getting to know you through the application process!
Community of Belonging
What would you want your classmates to know about you that is not on your resume? (100 words)
Inclusive Impact
Please describe a tangible example that illuminates your experience promoting an inclusive environment and what you would bring to creating a welcoming, global community at Darden. (300 words)
Careers With Purpose
At this time how would you describe your short-term, post-MBA goal in terms of industry, function, geography, company size and/or mission and how does it align with the long-term vision you have for your career? (200 words)
Ways to Connect
“Introducing the Application” Webinar
Senior Assistant Dean Dawna Clarke and Managing Director Whitney Kestner will host an introduction to the application on 25 July. Register here for the webinar to save your spot and receive a link to the recording.
Visit Charlottesville
Darden Tour and First Coffee: Students may be on summer break, but our Admissions Team looks forward to welcoming you to Grounds! Sign up for a tour and First Coffee for an opportunity to meet with members of the Admissions Committee and Career Center for a brief, small-group conversation and a tour of the Darden Grounds.
Prospective Student Programming: We look forward to offering both virtual and on-Grounds opportunities to experience what makes Darden a unique place to earn your MBA. Save the date for the following “Day With Darden” events. Registration to open soon for the September and October dates.
- 18-20 September: Virtual Day With Darden in Charlottesville, Virginia
- 2 October: Day With Darden in Charlottesville, Virginia
- 13 November: Day With Darden in Charlottesville, Virginia
- Early December: Day With Darden at UVA Darden DC Metro in Arlington, Virginia
Class Visits: As soon as school is in session, our community is excited to once again offer opportunities for visitors to be paired with a student host, participate in First Coffee and observe a Darden class.
Connect Over Coffee
After learning about Darden’s MBA on our website, we invite you to register for a virtual or in-person coffee chat with a member of our admissions team.
And More!
The admissions team will be representing Darden at many partner events and chats around the world throughout the summer. Please view our events web page to find an upcoming event near you!
