As the No. 1 Public MBA program based on the top five ranking publications in 2024 (Poets & Quants), the University of Virginia Darden School of Business is highly competitive. On the decision release date following your application deadline, you will receive one of three decisions: “Admit,” “Deny” or “Waitlist”.
While a “Waitlisted” decision does not guarantee a future offer of admission, there are certain steps you can take to increase the likelihood of joining Darden’s Full-Time Class of 2027. Continue reading to learn more from Merav Frazier and Brett Twitty, two Admissions Committee members, and listen to their podcast episode below for further insights!
What Does a “Waitlisted” Decision Mean?
“The Admissions Committee sees potential in your candidacy…It’s an opportunity to send additional updates and create a more compelling case for [yourself].” – Merav Frazier
Waitlist Timeline
The Class of 2027 heads to Grounds for Quarter 1 at the end of August 2025, with international students arriving a bit earlier for the International Student Orientation Program. The waitlist is typically open until July, but international students are informed no later than mid-May to give them extra time with the Visa application process.
Please note that the waitlist process may be lengthy. We review candidates holistically, and it takes a while for the committee to make decisions.
How You are Evaluated
“Do you rank the waitlist? Where do I fall on the waitlist? And the truth is, we don’t rank the waitlist. We just go back through and reevaluate all of the candidates that we have on the waitlist, within the context of the next round.” – Merav Frazier
Next Steps for Waitlisted Candidates
If Darden is your first choice for business school, here are the steps you should take to better your chances of an offer of admission:
- Accept your offer to remain on the waitlist
- You’ll be invited to schedule a call with an Admissions officer
- Prior to that call, reflect on the parts of your application that you could strengthen.
- The admissions officer will provide case-by-case guidance for your situation, and a date by which you need to submit your waitlist update form to us in the application portal.
- Wait, which we acknowledge can be the most difficult part.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Each MBA candidate on the waitlist has unique strengths and areas for improvement. You are encouraged to reflect on your application and take advice from the AdCom member during your waitlist call. Some examples include re-testing to achieve a higher standardized test score or taking additional courses. You may also submit a Letter of Continued Interest, connect with current students and alumni or attend Darden events.
