Happy spring, potential Future Years Scholars! This is an exciting time at Darden. Round 1 Future Year Scholars Program (FYSP) applications are due is 8 April, 2024. We’re here to help you with any last-minute questions.
Some of the most common application questions we receive address recommenders, work experience/resume and test score tips. Whether you learn best by reading, listening or watching, we’ve got a resource for you.
Application Tip 1: Recommenders
This is the most urgent aspect of the application because it takes time to find the right recommenders. Who in your network can do the best job answering questions about what it is like to have you on their team? A mentor, internship supervisor, or someone who has seen you in a leadership role, perhaps? Faculty are often top of mind, but not always the best choice. We are trying to learn more about what it is like to work with you.
Read: All About the Application: Recommenders on Discover Darden
Listen: Darden Admissions Application Tips, Ep. 12: Recommendation(s) podcast with Director of Admissions, Women’s Recruiting Haley Whitlock Gyory
Watch: UVA Darden Admissions: Recommendations Advice with Senior Assistant Dean of Admission Dawna Clarke on YouTube
Application Tip 2: Work Experience/Resume 
As a FYSP applicant, we know you most likely don’t have full-time work experience yet. Submit a 1-page resume that focuses on the impact you’ve made rather than a list of everything you’ve done.
Listen: Darden Admissions Application Tips, Ep. 8: Employment History and Resume with Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions Dawna Clarke
Watch: UVA Darden Admissions: Resume Advice, Leadership with Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions Dawna Clarke
Application Tip 3: Test Scores
If you’re wondering when the best time is to take your GRE or GMAT, studies show that students test better when they’re still in school! This is the perfect time.
Read: Future Year Scholars Program: Let’s Talk About Standardized Tests with Director of Admissions for the Future Year Scholars Program Katherine Alford
Listen: Darden Admissions Application Tips, Ep. 10: Standardized Tests and Test Waivers* with Director of Admissions Catie Yeilding
* Please note that Future Year Scholars are not eligible for test waivers.
Watch: UVA Darden Admissions: Approaching Standardized Tests with Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions Dawna Clarke
Still stuck? Join Director of Admissions Katherine Alford and Senior Associate Director of Admissions Merav Frazier for an interactive admissions workshop on 27 March! Plenty of time before the first Future Year Scholars Program application deadline.
