The final deadline for our next Part-Time MBA class is 1 June.
As this date quickly approaches, we wanted to share a few tips as you prepare your application. 
Here are five things to keep in mind as you approach the final Part-Time MBA deadline:
1. It’s not too late.
We are accepting applications because seats remain in our class. In addition, we still have scholarship money to award. There is no set time to apply, and we meet great candidates throughout the year. For many of our June applicants, their application timing is driven by the realization they want to start their MBA now rather than waiting another year.
2. The application process isn’t as complicated as you may think.
For many prospective students, the idea of applying to business school seems daunting. However, take a few minutes to review our Application Process webpage, and you will realize that assembling your Part-Time MBA application is pretty straightforward. Once you open your application, take a moment to read through everything, noting what’s required. The slowest parts of the application process are gathering transcripts, identifying a recommender and taking a standardized test (if applicable). Start with these tasks and remember – The application is just an initial introduction to who you are.
3. What if you haven’t taken a standardized test?
In our Part-Time MBA application process, applicants have a choice – Apply with a test waiver request or submit a standardized test score with their materials.
In a typical Part-Time MBA class, about 45% of matriculated students submit a test waiver request with their application. We offer test waivers because there are candidates who can make a strong case for their academic readiness based on their existing academic and professional background. The test waiver request can be found in the Test Scores section of the application, and waiver requests are evaluated along with the full application. An update is provided at the time of decision release. 
We accept a number of standardized tests – GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, Executive Assessment (EA), MCAT and LSAT – and we view these tests equivalently. Candidates applying in our June round with a test score may want to explore the Executive Assessment (EA). The EA is a 40-question, 90-minute test and typically requires on average 20-30 hours of preparation. This test was initially designed with a busy working professional audience in mind.
4. Take some time to get to know us. (and give us a chance to get to know you!)
We offer several application fee waivers, including an engagement-based fee waiver (a $250 value). While most of our fee waivers focus on students from specific backgrounds, our engagement-based fee waiver is available to all Part-Time MBA applicants. It requires just two steps – 1) Participate in a Part-Time MBA conversation AND 2) Join us for an event.
We offer 1:1 conversations most days of the week and have a number of upcoming events: in-person mock classes, class visits, tours, webinars and more. Once you complete both steps, the fee waiver will be automatically added to your record. No code required!
5. Know your story.
Candidates often ask – “What makes a strong application?” The candidates who stand out in our application process know who they are, why they want to pursue an MBA, what’s exciting to them about Darden and how this step aligns with their career goals. The application process is your opportunity to help our Admissions Committee understand who you will be in the Darden classroom and community. Lean into what makes you distinctly you. The more you are yourself in the application process, the more differentiated you become from other candidates, and the stronger your application will be.
