The applications for the Executive MBA Class of 2026 and the Part-Time MBA Class of 2027 are now live!
Application Timing
When it comes to application timing, there are a variety of deadlines to choose from. We always recommend that applicants apply when they feel they can put together their strongest application.
Both of these professional degree classes will begin coursework in August 2024.
The decision timeline for Executive MBA and Part-Time MBA is about three weeks from the application deadline to decision release dates. Once admitted, prospective students typically have around three weeks to finalize their decision.
The first Executive MBA application deadline is 10 September, and the first Part-Time MBA deadline is 1 October.
Working professional applicants apply throughout the year. While we typically have more seats and scholarship funding available earlier in the cycle, we continue to accept students into the Executive MBA and Part-Time MBA classes into the late spring/summer. Everyone’s application timing looks different depending on what’s going on in their lives!
Managing Director of Admissions Brett Twitty recently shared insights about the application launch as well as a few tips for working professional applicants.
Ready to check out our application? Get started today.
Q: As the Part-Time MBA program continues to grow what kind of class profile is available?
A: We are thrilled with the Part-Time MBA 2023 cohort! Our 71 students come from a wide range of backgrounds spanning 20 industries and over 66 unique employers with an average of five and a half years of work experience.
For a full overview of the most recent class, visit the Part-time Class Profile.
Here is a quick breakdown of the class’s academic profile:
- Average GPA: 3.42
- GRE verbal and quantitative sub-scores range from the 150s-160s.
- GMAT average score: 675
- Executive Assessment (EA) average score: 151
- 24 percent of students have advanced degrees
Q: How about the Executive MBA Class of 2025?
A: We welcomed another strong Executive MBA cohort this year.
The most recent class features 123 students representing over 103 unique employers and 24 industries and students have on average 13 years of work experience.
For a full overview on the class, visit the Executive MBA Class Profile.
Here is a quick breakdown of the class’s academic profile:
- Average GPA: 3.27
- Executive Assessment (EA) average score: 155
- GMAT average score: 648
- GRE average score: 150s-160s
- 39 percent of students have advanced degrees
Q: Will the Executive MBA and Part-Time MBA applications continue to offer candidates a choice between submitting a standardized test or a test waiver request with their application?
A: Yes.
Executive MBA and Part-Time MBA applicants have a choice to make when they reach the Test Scores section of the application – either submit a test score or to submit a test waiver request.
We accept these tests and view them equally in our review process. (We also accept an older or expired test score for any of these tests – provided the applicant has documentation reflecting their overall score and score breakdown.)
- Executive Assessment (EA)
- GMAT
- GRE
- MCAT
- LSAT
The Admissions Committee considers a broad set of data when making an evaluation (degree-related coursework, non-degree-related coursework, professional certifications and work roles and responsibilities). Some candidates may feel they can make a strong case for their academic readiness without providing a test score. For those applicants, a test waiver request may make sense. For other candidates, an additional data point may be helpful.
Consider more than just the Admissions process when making this standardized score vs. test waiver decision. Standardized test scores are one of our merit scholarship criteria, and having a test score effectively broadens the data set available to our Scholarship Committee. However, it is still possible to request a test waiver and receive a scholarship.
Recommend Reading: Check out our recent blog post regarding standardized tests and test waiver requests for additional insights
Q: Does the application only require one recommendation?
A: Yes.
As with our Full-Time MBA application process, Executive MBA and Part-Time MBA applicants are only required to provide one recommendation with their application. Candidates may submit a second recommendation if they feel like this could offer a different or complementary perspective.
Recommended Reading: Review our recommendations blog post
Q: What else should applicants know?
A: There are three key dimensions to any strong MBA application – personal, academic and professional. Our Admissions team wants to get to know you, and we encourage you to connect with us as you consider your options and learn more about Darden.
In fact, we offer an application fee waiver ($250) that is available to Executive MBA and Part-Time MBA applicants.
To qualify for the fee waiver, complete this easy two-step process:
- Participate in a phone conversation with a member of our Admissions Committee; AND
- Attend one of our upcoming webinars or in-person events.
We can’t wait to meet you!
Learn More
- For more information on the Executive MBA program, visit our website here or schedule a conversation.
- For more information on the Part-Time MBA program, visit our website here or schedule a conversation.
