The application is a storytelling exercise. The short answer questions are a great opportunity for you to demonstrate your authentic voice while bringing together the elements of your application such as your academic record, resume, interests and demographic information.
For the 2023-24 cycle, we will again feature multiple questions, and are particularly excited about some of the new additions to this year’s application. As a result, in the short answer questions, we are interested in how you lead, relate to others, what you’re passionate about, your awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion principles, your career goals and much more.
You will bring your whole self to business school, and Darden students shape their experience in and out of the classroom.
Short Answer Questions
Our questions reflect key values that are central to the Darden experience and community. For Executive MBA and Part-Time MBA applicants, this year’s short answer questions are as follows:
- What would you want your classmates to know about you that is not on your resume? (100 words)
- 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)
- At this time how would you describe your short-term, post-MBA goal and how does it align with the long-term vision you have for your career? (200 words)
Additional Tips
Here are a few more tips as you think about crafting a successful essay response:
- We are not reading your responses with a prescribed or “right” answer in mind. How you choose to answer a particular question is often as insightful as what you choose to write about. The best essay responses are those that are responsive to the question, but also authentic and genuine. Don’t overthink it, and remember, whenever possible, show don’t tell!
- Leave time for pre-writing. Sometimes the first idea you have is the best idea, but sometimes the best idea is born of significant thought and reflection. A little planning can save you a lot of stress, so be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to craft the best essay without feeling hurried or rushed.
- Keep it brief. All questions require responses of 200 words or less. Often, it takes a few drafts before applicants hit on a response they feel is both compelling and falls within the word limit. The more time you give yourself to craft your application, the more intentional you can be with your answers, and by extension, your narrative.
- Find a good editor. Your short answer responses should reflect your own thoughts and work, but it is always a good idea to ask for a second opinion. Share your draft with a friend or colleague and ask for their feedback – Is it responsive to the question? Does it sound like you? An editor (and a fresh set of eyes) can also help you catch those pesky typos and grammatical errors you might miss after reading an essay a few times.
- Don’t cut and paste. We know other schools’ essay prompts, and we can always tell when applicants have repurposed essay responses. We (as Business schools) know we are not making it easy on you by asking you different questions, and we know that applying to business school takes a lot of time. However, we have reasons for each of the questions we ask, and we always appreciate it when applicants take the time to craft a unique response.
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