It’s early September and we are just getting started with this year’s admissions cycle! If you would like to apply to be a member of UVA Darden’s Full-Time Class of 2027, please add one of the following deadlines to your calendar:
- Round 1: 2 October 2024
- Round 2: 7 January 2025
- Round 3: 2 April 2025
There is plenty of time to put together a compelling application!
As you embark on the application process, Senior Associate Dean of Admissions Dawna Clarke is always eager to lend a helping hand. Check out the quotes and videos below to hear her advice on three common application FAQs.
How should I approach my application?
The Admissions Committee often shares the importance of “crafting your narrative,” and looking at each element of your application — short answer essays, resume, recommendations, etc. — as important building blocks of your overall story.
We want to know you as a full person — not just who you are at work or who you were as an undergraduate. The additional comments section is a chance to share more information about anything you may want to clarify. When you consider your application as a narrative or a story, are there gaps along the way that may cause questions? This is an ideal place to explain a tough semester or a gap in employment
We encourage you to think about how each component of the application can help us get to know you as a person and who you will be in the Darden community. And if you feel like you need to explain something a bit further, please add context in the “Additional Comments” section.
What do I need to consider for my standardized test?
“We’re well aware that not all stellar applicants are stellar standardized test takers. We recognize that you are so much more than a test score.” — Dawna Clarke. That being said, they are important and might make a difference in scholarship consideration.
At Darden, we accept the GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment, MCAT and LSAT. If you’re not sure which test suits you best, take a few practice tests to see which one is the best for you!
Please note that while you may submit more than one score from a standardized test, we will not super-score. This means that we will look at your highest composite score, not the highest scores from different sections of more than one test.
Who should I ask to be my recommender?
The most “impressive” option may not be the best for you. Sure, a C-Suite recommender might sound appealing, but if they are not your current manager, they probably don’t know you as well.
We want to hear from someone who has worked with you on a regular basis and can be a champion for you in the admissions process. Other good recommender options might be a manager from a previous role or a client.
“Talk to your recommender in advance of starting you application. Share the reasons why you are pursing an MBA and why you are specifically interested in Darden.” — Dawna Clarke
