A serious perk for Darden’s Early Action applicants: EA is the only round in which we offer open interviews!
We have limited open interview availability, and the Admissions team will release additional availability on a weekly basis, so check back often.
You may choose your interview format! Applicants can choose to interview on-Grounds in Charlottesville, VA or virtually via Zoom. All interviews will be considered evenly — there is no admissions benefit to on-Grounds vs. virtual interviews. To schedule an EA interview, you must intend to apply by the Early Action deadline. All open interviews must be scheduled by 7 September (though we recommend scheduling for as soon as possible given limited availability).
You still have several weeks to round up your materials and brainstorm your short-answer essay questions! EA applicants will receive an admissions decision by 18 October 2023 – and how nice would it be to head into the holiday season knowing exactly where you stand with your application status?
Virtual Interviews
Open interview availability will be released on an ongoing basis from from 21 August through 15 September. Interviews must be scheduled by the Early Action deadline of 7 September. Again, all interviews are considered evenly in the admissions evaluation, regardless of which interview format you choose!
Virtual interviews will be conducted via Zoom. If you aren’t familiar with Zoom, practice using the platform and get familiar with the video and audio settings prior to your interview.
Schedule a virtual/remote interview
On-Grounds Interviews
On-Grounds Early Action open interviews will take place in Charlottesville, Virginia on the following dates:
- Thursday, 7 September
- Friday, 8 September
- Monday, 11 September
- Thursday, 14 September
- Friday, 15 September
- Thursday, 21 September
- Friday, 22 September
An on-Grounds interview day requires travel to Charlottesville, Virginia. Interviewees may also optionally observe a class on Mondays or Thursdays (space is limited), eat lunch with current students and take a tour of Darden.
Schedule an in-person interview
Early Action Binding Option
For the Class of 2026 admissions cycle, Darden is again offering an optional binding Early Action path. This binding option is a great way for applicants to signal that Darden is their top choice.
Interview Tips
- Watch Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions Dawna Clarke’s short video on Darden’s approach to interviews
- Check out Experience Darden podcast series, “Step-by-Step Application Guide,” including this bite-sized episode all about interviews
We’re Here to Help! Resources and Ways to Connect
Plus, don’t forget to check the Events page for plenty of ways to connect with Darden Admissions. Virtual coffee chats and online sessions featuring application tips, career insights and more are added regularly!
Considering Consortium?
If you know Darden is your top choice, or the only Consortium school to which you wish to apply, Early Action is a great option as an alternative to applying directly to the Consortium – plus you get the benefits of a guaranteed interview and maximized potential for admission and scholarship. Just check the box in the application that shares you’re interested in being referred to the Consortium. If you are admitted, we can then refer you to the Consortium for membership once their member referral process opens in February.
Ready to get started or complete your Darden MBA application? Apply now!
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