Welcome back to UVA Darden’s application tip video/podcast series for the 2025–26 application cycle!
Whether you’re planning to apply to the Full-Time, Part-Time or Executive MBA program, we encourage you to watch or listen this episode about crafting your short answer responses.
There are three short answer questions included in the application, each with a limit of 200 words. The Admissions Committee was extremely intentional in writing the short answer questions, and we encourage you to approach them with authenticity.
Watch or listen below:
Approaching the Short Answer Questions
Admissions Committee members Brett Twitty and Christian West encourage applicants to craft their short answer responses to showcase personality and authentic voice.
Before you start writing, make a list that prioritizes the elements of your academic, personal and professional narrative that you want to ensure the Admissions Committee know about you. Developing this list will allow you approach the application with intention, and ensure you are leveraging the various elements of the application to tell your story.
- Make sure the information in your responses adds new context to your application narrative.
- This may sound counterintuitive, but don’t focus too much on describing Darden. This is space to share your specific goals and passions.
- Edit. The responses reflect your professionalism and thoughtful approach to the application process.
- Use AI tools wisely. Read your responses out loud to make sure they sound like you!
- Remember that there are no “right” answers to the short answer questions.
The short answer questions allow us to have more context and learn about the applicant in their own words, in their own voice. I always think about the short answer questions as amplifying other components of the application. So maybe there is a bullet line in their resume, and the short answer question follows up and tells that full story of an accomplishment.
Upcoming Full-Time MBA Application Deadlines
- Round 1: 1 October 2025
- Round 2: 7 January 2026
- Round 3: 1 April 2026
We look forward to receiving your application!
