Your Guide to a Strong Full-Time MBA Application: Preparing for Round 2 Deadline

The next application deadline for the Full-Time MBA program is January 7, 2025! As the end of the year approaches, UVA Darden admissions is gearing up to help you press “submit.” Here are our top recommendations for prospective students preparing for the Round 2 deadline:

The Application Checklist

If you have already started your application, you should receive a “Missing Materials” email from Darden Admissions within the next couple of weeks. This will tell you if any of the following application elements are incomplete:

1. Transcript
2. Standardized test score (or test waiver)
3. Resume
4. Recommender
5. Short answer essay questions
6. Application fee (or fee waiver)

Find details and helpful hints about every part of the application here.

Application Hotline Webinar

Senior Director of Admissions Christian West is hosting a Round 2 Application Hotline Webinar on Tuesday, 17 December at 10:00 a.m. Eastern. Whether you have a simple last-minute question or need a confidence boost, this webinar is tailored to support you and help you finalize your best application to Darden. Register here.

Video Resources 

1. Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions Dawna Clarke has created an application tip series on YouTube that covers a breadth of FAQs.
2. The Full-Time MBA Vimeo showcase contains advice from current students, faculty and staff.

Tried and True Tips

1. Focus on your narrative. As you reflect on your personal and professional experiences, what are your motivational throughlines? What is your “why” for business school? Use this scope to pinpoint your short answers.
2. Your recommender should be someone who knows your professional capabilities well and can write about why you are specifically interested in Darden.
3. It is okay to submit an unofficial version of your transcript for this application. If you matriculate, you will need to submit the official version.

FAQ’s

Find answers to frequently asked application questions on this web page.

If you’re still stumped after utilitizing these resources, register for the Round 2 Application Hotline Webinar or join an upcoming admissions coffee chat!