Applying for UVA Darden’s Executive MBA and Part-Time MBA Programs is all about telling your story. We are sharing tips and insights on the best ways to use the application materials.
Crafting Your Narrative
Darden’s application process is a narrative exercise. Each element of the application serves to supplement your broader story. Admissions wants to learn who you are who you will be in the Darden classroom and community.
One of the best things about the application process? Everything matters. One of the most challenging things about the application process? Everything matters.
The Admissions Committee evaluates a candidates full application. Keep this in mind when assembling your application materials and give yourself plenty of time. While it is possible to complete our application in a day or two of focused work, we find the strongest applications are the product of thoughtful, reflective efforts.
Short answer questions
As you craft your narrative, take a step back and think objectively about your background and experience:
- What are your strengths?
- What aspects of your candidacy do you want to highlight and accentuate?
- What are those areas you may want to bolster?
Focus on what you want to share, rather than what you think the Admissions Committee wants to read.
There are no “perfect” candidates. One way to think about the application process is that you are building a case for your candidacy, and this case has personal, professional and academic dimensions.
As you begin your application, take a few minutes to think about your story across these various categories.
- Who are you and who will you be in the Darden community?
- What have you accomplished professionally and why do you want to pursue an MBA?
- How will you demonstrate your academic readiness and preparation for a rigorous MBA curriculum?
Our Admissions Committee considers a broad data set when evaluating your preparation for a rigorous MBA curriculum. This includes standardized test scores (GMAT, GRE, EA, MCAT, LSAT), prior coursework (both degree-related and non-degree-related), advanced degrees, professional certifications and work responsibilities.
Take time and double check
The more your authentic narrative comes through the application materials, the more you will stand out from other applicants.
The short answer questions are a great opportunity to craft your story, but don’t forget about the resume. The resume is often underutilized as part of our application. Take a moment to refresh your formatting and think about how the resume aligns with the other parts of your application.
Remember that your story encompasses your full life — not just your academic and professional achievements. Believe it or not, applicants often overlook their personal story when crafting their narrative. Utilize the spaces for you to share hobbies and interests, volunteer and community service activities, information about your family background and more. If you’ve joined our team for one of our recent Admissions Workshops, you likely remember the three-legged IKEA stool we often use to visualize the key dimensions of a strong application — personal, academic and professional.
Where are the gaps?
And last but not least, once you’ve finished your application, take a moment to think about your materials with the big picture in mind. Consider using the Additional Comments section of your application to provide additional context, if necessary. The Additional Comments section is not an additional essay, just a place to connect the dots.
