Thinking about applying to UVA Darden this year? Darden has revised the essay questions to three simple prompts for the 2022–2023 application cycle. Their goal is to learn about all the facets of your background and personality. Note that Darden has also extended test flexibility this year which means applicants can request a test waiver or submit a range of tests, including MCAT, LSAT, GRE, and GMAT.
To paint a picture, Darden is a small, close-knit community and therefore, demonstrating teamwork and leadership is essential in your application. Highlighting these personal qualities in your Darden MBA essay application is important. You will also need to commune who you are and what motivates you (in both your personal life and professional life). You also need to demonstrate your leadership and sense of passion and purpose.
More importantly, keep in mind, similar to Harvard, the case method is their primary teaching tool. Engaging with the case method requires the ability to communicate clearly and bringing your perspective to the conversation. So staying focused and precise in your responses but also staying within the word count can be challenging but rewarding.
UVA Darden MBA Essay 1:
Given that you will be forming lifelong connections with your classmates that extend beyond the classroom, what is important for your classmates to know about you that is not on your resumé? (200 words)
Your classmates at Darden are an essential part of your education. Your team of various classmates will be allocated, and you will meet before class to go over your case assignments. These conversations are meant to make sure that everyone is ready to engage in the class discussion. Your peers should ideally be a part of a supportive group.
Darden gives you the opportunity to introduce yourself to their community through this essay. What particulars of your unusual history ought your classmates to be aware of? What different viewpoint will you offer to the classroom? Maybe you have special professional experiences that the students won't have heard about before?
You might come from a minority group in the world or have an interesting personal story. Describe what you believe will make you stand out from your peers and be interesting for the class to know about, as well as how you believe this special characteristic will allow you to contribute to the class.
By speaking with a student ambassador or reading Darden's MBA Student Stories, you can find out more about your possible classmates.
UVA Darden MBA Essay 2:
Please describe a tangible example that illuminates your experience promoting an inclusive environment and what you would bring to creating an inclusive global community at Darden. (300 words)
The focus of this essay question is diversity and inclusion. The past is an excellent indicator of future performance, and in this case, you can give particular examples that give the most context for your actions. You may give an example of how you interacted with other cultures and identities.
If you haven't traveled far from your home country or culture, consider your education or professional experiences. Maybe you created a mentoring program or provided funding for internships for workers from underrepresented groups. It's possible that only your division or company was impacted by that action, but it demonstrates your morals and gives you the chance to explain how you would dramatically influence change at Darden.
It's also possible that you discovered new things about yourself. Maybe you developed a more nuanced perspective on a group of people or a community. Or perhaps you've become aware of your own biases and blind spots. This question encourages introspection.
Make sure to provide historical context and skillfully describe power relations when writing your story. Darden is interested in learning how you plan to integrate your activism to the MBA curriculum. What have you discovered about yourself, and how do you support an inclusive team? How will your particular background help ensure that everyone is included?
UVA Darden MBA Essay 3:
At this time how would you describe your short-term, post-MBA goal in terms of industry, function, geography, company size and/or mission and how does it align with the long-term vision you have for your career? (200 words)
This question is about your short-term goals. However, it also questions this in the context of your long-term goals. Your professional aspirations should flow naturally from your personal story.
Don't be scared by this question if you're still figuring out what you want to do with your life. Darden provides extensive career advice, and you will have the opportunity to explore a variety of professional possibilities while in school.
This essay simply asks why you are taking this path and what you intend to gain from it. The purpose of this question is to obtain insight into how you think and plan for your career, as well as what motivates your career decisions. If your experiences as a leader and as someone who has a positive impact on others have inspired you, that should be part of your career goals. Darden will assist you in refining your objectives and learning the necessary skills.
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