Darden (UVA) 2006 MBA Application Toolbox

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Darden (UVA)

Official website
http://admissions.darden.virginia.edu/

Class Size:
Approximately 300

Admission Criteria
The Darden Admissions Committee evaluates three broad areas in considering candidates for admission:

Academics
The Committee looks for evidence of superior academic performance and intellectual ability, and for non-native English speakers, evidence of proficient English skills for success in the program.

While no specific undergraduate major is required for admission, coursework in accounting and statistics is highly recommended prior to matriculation.  Transfer credits from other institutions cannot be used to satisfy the requirements of the Darden MBA degree.

Professional Experience
Darden seeks students who demonstrate potential for action-oriented leadership in the world of practical affairs.  Competitive applicants have at least two years of professional work experience upon matriculation.  A specific number of years of work experience are less important in our assessment than the level of responsibility a candidate has attained.  

Personal Qualities & Characteristics
The Admissions Committee looks for breadth of life experiences, as well as characteristics that cannot be quantitatively measured, such as motivation, maturity, integrity, and self-awareness. Factors such as international exposure, diversity, and culture/gender sensitivity are also taken into consideration.  In addition, we value a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.

Interviews play a critical role in assessing candidates for admission. We look for individuals with strong interpersonal and communication skills, as these are essential for success in a case-method pedagogy as well as positions of broad managerial responsibility.

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Application Requirements

• Core Data


• GMAT Scores


• TOEFL Scores


• Résumé


• Essays


• Recommendations


• Interviews


• Self-reported Transcripts


• Residency/In-State Status


• Visa Information


• Application Fee


• Honor Code

The Online Application: Data
The Darden School MBA application begins with a request for demographic information, address, education, professional history, etc.  The instructions are straightforward and self-explanatory.

GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test)
All applicants are required to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). The GMAT is offered only as a computer adaptive test in the U.S. If applying prior to January 3, 2006, request that the Educational Testing Service (ETS) report your GMAT score to Darden. Darden's ETS code is 5820.  Effective Jaunuary 3, 2006, Pearson VUE will begin administering the GMAT, and Darden's Program Code is KC7-0X-86. We evaluate only GMAT results from tests taken prior to submission of the application. The highest score is used, but we do not combine scores from multiple tests. Scores are valid for five years. Unofficial, self-reported scores will be used for evaluation purposes. However, offers of admission are not binding until official scores are received. If discrepancies are found between self-reported and official scores, the offer of admission will be withdrawn.

TOEFL
All international candidates whose native language (the language first learned and spoken at home) is not English are required to take the TOEFL. Ask the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to report your TOEFL score to Darden. Darden's ETS code is 5820. The department code is 02. If you believe that your situation warrants a waiver of the TOEFL, please email a detailed explanation of your circumstances. The Admissions Committee will review the request and notify you by email whether or not we are able to grant the waiver.

Résumé
Please prepare a business résumé (as opposed to an academic c.v.) that includes your employment history in reverse chronological order, with titles, dates, and whether you worked part-time or full-time. As part of this résumé, also include a similar education history that includes dates and degrees, listed in reverse chronological order. The résumé should not be more than one page long.

Essays
Use your best judgment in determining the appropriate length of your essays. The essay question fields are large enough for you to answer each question thoroughly. Use the essays to display your writing skills and tell us more about yourself. You will be asked to organize a persuasive argument to show us how you think about and approach business challenges. Emphasize those experiences, values, and goals that are most important and meaningful to you. Be sincere and be specific. Tell us what particular experiences and expertise you will bring to the mix.

Recommendations
We require two recommendations which address the questions asked on our Recommendation Form. Additional recommendations may be submitted, but they should offer additional and valuable insight. Generally, work-related recommendations are more valuable than academic-related recommendations. We prefer that recommenders with web access and an email address submit their recommendations electronically. After you have contacted the recommenders about providing the recommendation, complete the form on the Recommender's page and check the "Please email this person a recommendation request" beneath each recommender you wish us to contact. They will be sent an email message with instructions and a web address to go to in order to complete your recommendation. To submit paper-based recommendations, you should download the Recommendation Form, print one copy for each recommender, and follow the directions provided on the form.

Interviews
Interviews play a critical role in our evaluation of candidates. For this reason, an interview is required prior to matriculation.  Applicant-initiated interviews, conducted only on the Darden grounds, may be scheduled online. Interviews are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The application is not considered complete and will not be evaluated until the applicant-initiated interview has been completed. Candidates who are not able to schedule an interview prior to applying or who prefer that the Admissions Committee review their application first, will be notified by Committee if an interview is necessary. Note that you cannot self-schedule an interview after the application has been submitted. Candidates living abroad are encouraged to visit Darden for an interview, but are not expected to do so. Application review is required before an international interview will be requested and scheduled. International interviews are conducted by Admissions Committee members during recruiting trips and by alumni.

Self-reported Transcripts
Submitting unofficial transcripts of your academic work using the Microsoft Word Transcript Template in the online application substantially accelerates application processing. Note that we have included a generous section for additional information you may use to explain your institution's grading system, list examination marks, special certificates, etc. As an alternative to using the online Transcript Template, have your academic records sent to us from the institutions where you studied. Applicants who completed their education in a non-English-speaking institution will need to make arrangements to have their academic records translated and sent with the official transcript. All translations must be complete and literal versions of the original records. If you use the Transcript Template and are offered admission, you will be required to provide official transcripts of all previous academic work. If there are discrepancies between self-reported academic information and official transcripts, the offer of admission will be withdrawn.  Transcripts can be mailed to the above-mentioned address. Offers of admission are not binding until academic records are verified.

Residency/In-State Status
The Residency section of the application requests information related to verification of residency to establish in-state status for Virginia residents. Residency status is assigned by the Virginia Status Office at the University. Visit the Virginia Status Office at the University or call (434) 982-3391 if you need more information.

Visa Information
While not a required part of the application, admitted international applicants are required to submit a supplemental Darden Request for Form I-20 outlining the financial resources available for their study in the United States. The Form I-20 must show that a student has the financial resources necessary for both years of study. Timely submission of the Darden Request for Form I-20 expedites issuance of the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for the F-1 Student Visa. An I-20 cannot be issued until the Darden Request for Form I-20, which can be downloaded from the Darden Financial Aid web site, has been submitted. All I-20 documentation must be original; no photocopies or faxes are accepted. The completed Darden Request for Form I-20 and supporting documents should be express mailed to:

Barbara A. Millar (last names starting with A-L)
Foreign Student Advisor
millarb@virginia.edu

Marsh Pattie (last names starting with M-Z)
Foreign Student Advisor
pattiejm@darden.virginia.edu

The Darden School
100 Darden Boulevard
Charlottesville, VA 22903
434-924-3655

Application Fee
A non-refundable application fee of $140 must accompany the application. Online application fees must be paid by credit card (Visa or MasterCard). Credit card payments are processed through Darden's secure server using ViaKlix. Also, the application fee can be paid by check, money order or cashier's check.  

Honor Code
Founded in 1842, the Honor System is one of the University’s most cherished institutions. Based on the principle that University students want to be trusted, the Honor System helps create and strengthen a school-wide community of trust. Students who enroll at the University benefit from the freedom and security provided by the Honor System; every student must agree to live by and support the spirit of honor. Applicants who are not prepared to embrace this freedom and accept this responsibility should not apply for admission. If you have further questions, please call the Committee at (434) 924-7602 or visit the Honor Committee Web page: www.student.virginia.edu/~honor. Further information on the Honor System can be found in the Darden Record. Details of the background and operation of the Honor System are fully explained during Darden Orientation.

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Application Status Updates
The Admissions Committee prefers that applicants monitor the progress of their application online instead of contacting the office.

When your application status changes, you will be notified by email to check your status online. Login using your username and password and follow the "Application Status" link. Those submitting paper applications will be emailed a login and password to access their status.

Please allow 10 to 14 days after submission of your application for the initial status update.

Notification of Decision
Requests for decisions prior to the end of the Decision Deadline week will not be granted. Decisions will not be disclosed by telephone or fax.

Candidates offered admission with be notified through their online account and will also receive an official letter by mail. (Please allow 14 days for letter preparation and mail delivery.)

Candidates receiving a decision other than an offer will be notified through their online accounts only. No letters will be sent.

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Application Deadlines
Although we attempt to allocate offers of admission evenly throughout the admissions process, it is an advantage to submit your application as early in the admissions process as possible. The final admission round is often particularly competitive. Applications will be reviewed and candidates will be notified according to the following schedule.

In order to meet a given deadline, a complete application must be received by the specified date. The Admissions Committee will not review incomplete applications. Applications received or completed after a given deadline will be evaluated as part of the next round.

The interview (if scheduled) must be complete and all supplemental materials, such as recommendations and transcripts, received before an application will be considered complete. (If you choose to submit your application without an interview, the Admissions Committee will evaluate your application and then contact you if they determine an interview is necessary. You cannot self-schedule an interview once your application has been received.)

Round	Application due by 11:59 PM (EST)	Interview complete no later than	Decision Deadline Week of
1	19-Oct-05	19-Oct-05	December 5-9, 2005
2	1-Dec-05	1-Dec-05	February 6-10, 2006
3	12-Jan-06	12-Jan-06	March 20-24, 2006
4	1-Mar-06	1-Mar-06	April 17-21, 2006

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Schedule An Interview
We schedule and conduct candidate-initiated interviews from August 29, 2005 through March 1, 2006. Interviews are conducted only on the grounds of the Darden School in Charlottesville, VA. Interviews are typically conducted Monday - Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm. Interview times are: 8:30 am, 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:30 pm and last approximately 45 minutes.

Click here to schedule an interview

Dates may not appear for interviews because the schedule is already full. Please check back frequently as spots may become available due to cancellations. Unfortunately, interview slots are limited; you may only schedule one interview.

After you have scheduled an interview, you will receive an email confirmation with the date and time of your interview. We will also send you information on traveling to and staying in Charlottesville.

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Essay Questions
Use your best judgment in determining the appropriate length of the following essays.

1. What led you to pursue an MBA? How do you plan to leverage your MBA in meeting your short- and long-term goals?

2. How does Darden fit with your background, personality, and learning style?

3. Describe how your experiences have shaped your leadership philosophy and style.

4. (Optional) Please use this opportunity to present any pertinent information not previously addressed.

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Frequently Asked Questions: International Applicants
What is the average TOEFL? Do you keep scores submitted in prior years?
For international students entering Darden, the average TOEFL score is 270. We keep TOEFL scores submitted within the previous two years, or as long as they are valid (two years from the test date.).

Is the TOEFL required? Can I waive the TOEFL?
Candidates whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). International students are eligible to waive the TOEFL exam. You must contact the Admissions Office at arden@Virginia.edu" target="_blank" >Darden@Virginia.edu to request a TOEFL waiver. In your email please present evidence as to why you are making the request.  

I already have an MBA. Can I apply to Darden?
You can apply if your MBA was earned from an international program. You should, however, explain your reasons for desiring a second MBA in your application.

I earned an undergraduate degree that required only three years of study. Am I eligible to apply to Darden?
There are a number of universities around the world that offer 3-year undergraduate programs. If you have received a Bachelor's degree upon completion of such an undergraduate program, you are eligible to apply for our MBA program. Many of our candidates from these types of programs have a Master's degree and/or a one-year diploma, but it is not required.  

How can I contact students/alumni from my country/region of the world?
There are many ways to make contact with and find out more about Darden’s international community.  One way is to visit the Ambassador's page.   Another great option is to look at the clubs at Darden and see if any of them interest you.  Most of the sites have a "Contact Us" link.  

It is difficult to obtain official transcripts from my undergraduate institution. What can I do?
If you plan to apply on-line, you can self-report your transcript information using our convenient transcript template. If you are admitted, you will be required to send in official transcripts before you can matriculate.

If you apply by using the downloadable PDF file, you will have to send in your official transcripts along with the remainder of your application. We will accept copies of unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. If you are subsequently offered admission, you will be required to provide official transcripts of all previous academic work. If there are discrepancies between the unofficial and official records, the offer of admission will be withdrawn.

I live outside the US and will be able to visit Charlottesville, but not on a day designated for interviews and class visits (or the schedule is full on that day). Can you help?
You can contact our interview co-coordinator at (434) 924-7281, who will try to assist you in making your plans.

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Basic Admissions Questions
How do I get a Login Account? Why do I need one?
You will need a login account to schedule an interview or class visit, register for events, request admissions materials, and complete the online application.  

When will the new view book and application be available and how can I request these materials?
The materials and application for the Fall 2004 admissions cycle are now available. The 2004 Darden application will not be available in printed form, but can be downloaded from a PDF file or completed on-line. The 2005 view book is also available to view on-line.  

How long will it take for the view book to arrive?
Your material should arrive by mail in about 14 days.

When should I apply, and what are the application deadlines?
We try to distribute our offers of admissions in proportion to the percentage of applications we receive at each deadline. For example, if we get an estimated 10% of our total applications at the first deadline, we will try to make 10% of our offers. While this is a general rule, in fact, we tend to make slightly more offers of admission in the first two rounds. While the quality of the applicant pool is relatively consistent among the deadlines, greater numbers of applicants in the first two rounds who are offered admissions accept our offers. This makes intuitive sense; early applications tend to come from those who make us their first choice school.
Our deadlines for this year are listed under Admissions Basics.

What are my options for payment of the application fee?
On-line application: CREDIT CARD ONLY (Visa or Mastercard)
Downloaded application: CHECK, MONEY ORDER or CASHIER'S CHECK -- NO CREDIT CARD.

May I request an application fee waiver?
Yes. To request an application fee waiver, you need to submit a letter by email detailing why you should be considered for the waiver. This waiver is only granted under extreme circumstances related to financial need. The request should be sent to arden@virginia.edu" target="_blank" >Darden@virginia.edu.   

How can I learn more about the Darden MBA curriculum?
For more information about the MBA program design, as well as a list of course offerings and descriptions, please access the Academics section in our online view book.   

Does Darden have any pre-requisites?
There are no specific prerequisites in terms of prior academic, professional or personal preparation. However, the Admissions Committee looks for a variety of personal and professional skills and accomplishments in evaluating all applicants. A complete explanation of our admission criteria is listed under Admissions Criteria.  Graduation from a three-year undergraduate is sufficient for admission.

Does Darden offer a one-year, a part-time, an evening, or a distance-learning MBA?
Darden offers only a 2-year, full-time MBA program. The program is based in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Can I begin the MBA Program in the Spring?
Darden offers only fall admission.   

Do I need to take the GMAT and if so, when should I take the GMAT? How long are scores valid? What is the average GMAT score? Is there a minimum score required to be able to apply? What happens if I have taken the test two or more times?
All applicants are required to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). The GMAT is offered only as a computer adaptive test in the U.S. GMAT scores are valid for 5 years from your test date. To see information on our average GMAT score please see our class profiles. There is no minimum score to be able to apply. If you take the GMAT multiple times, Darden will look at your highest score.  

Do I need an interview, and how can I arrange an interview?
Darden schedules applicant-initiated interviews on weekdays from late August through early March. Applicant-initiated interviews must be scheduled and completed by March 1. After March 1, interviews will be scheduled only at the request of the Admissions Committee.

What is the application procedure for Darden's dual-degree programs?
Admission to all joint degree programs requires that the applicant gain admission to both Darden and the participating joint program through each school's normal admissions process. A committee of representatives from each school then grants admission to the specific joint program. Follow this link to more information regarding Joint Degrees.

If I applied before and was denied admission can I reapply? If so, what do I need to do?
If you applied to Darden more than two years ago, you will need to submit a totally new application.

Make sure to check that you are a re-applicant. This will cue the Admissions Committee to reference your previous application. The Committee will use your previously submitted GMAT (and TOEFL, if appropriate) and your academic transcripts. If you have taken the GMAT (or TOEFL) since your last application, or if you have completed additional academic work since you last applied, you will need to submit the updated information.

Though the Committee will review your previously submitted recommendations, you have the option of supplying additional recommendations if you think they will provide a better picture of your recent accomplishments. If you choose this option, please be sure to select someone who can give insight into your supervisory skills and who can attest to your professional development since you last applied.

If you are reapplying, the essay requirement is the same as for first time applicants.
If you had an interview as part of your previous application process, the Committee will refer to notes taken during that meeting. However, you are welcome to visit with us again. You can schedule an interview and class visit online.
The reapplication fee is $140.  

Are there special resources or sources of information for minority applicants?
Minority students can contact current minority students through the Black Business Student Forum or the Hispanic Student Network. Also, Darden is a member of the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, an organization dedicated to encouraging minority students to attend MBA programs by providing the opportunity to receive a full-tuition and fees fellowship to one of the member schools. To find out more about the Consortium, visit www.cgsm.org. Darden also sponsors a minority-recruiting weekend, Discover Darden, in the fall. To find out more about Discover Darden, visit the Events section of the Admissions website.  

I worked for a business that failed/ had my own start-up that failed. Will this be held against me?
No, but you may want to address these issues in one of your essays. The Committee feels that experiences and lessons learned from an entrepreneurial venture, even an unsuccessful one, can add value and enrich the contributions you make to both classroom and learning team discussions.

I have just taken the GMAT and wish to meet the next deadline. I'm concerned that the official scores will not reach Darden in time. What should I do?
You can fax your "unofficial" scores to us at: Darden Admissions (434) 243-5033 or you can email the information to darden@virginia.edu. The committee will review your application with the unofficial scores. Any offer of admission would be contingent upon the receipt of and validation of your official scores.

What resources are available for my spouse/significant other to find employment and to learn more about Charlottesville?
One of the best resources for your spouse/significant other would be the Darden Partners Association. Browse their website at http://student.darden.virginia.edu/dpa/index.htm. Your spouse can contact a member of the Association through the website to ask more specific questions. If your spouse or significant other will be accompanying you on a visit to Darden and would like to meet with a Darden partner please contact our interview coordinator at (434) 924-7281.

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Application FAQ
My grades suffered during my undergraduate experience due to special circumstances. Should I address this?If you are reapplying, the essay requirement is the same as for first time applicants
You should address this in Essay 5 of the application.

How long should my essays be?
Use your best judgment in determining the appropriate length for your essays. You should try to tell your story as succinctly and as thoroughly as possible. Keep in mind the large volume of essays the committee members read.

I am from a country/region where participation in community service activities is rare. Will this be held against me?
The Admissions Committee realizes that there are regional differences for applicants; however, participation in community service is part of our evaluation criteria.

The institution from which I earned my undergraduate degree has a different grading system from that used in the US. Should I elaborate on this in the application? How?
The Admissions Committee realizes that there are a variety of grading scales and methodologies from around the world. There is no real reason to explain the grading system unless it is highly unusual. If you feel the need to explain, you can either do so in essay 5 of the application or if you are applying on line and using the transcript template, there is a place to explain the grading system.

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Eligibility
I do not have an undergraduate business degree nor do I work in a "business" functional area. Am I eligible for admission? Do you have recommendations on preparation for the application and the MBA program?
The Darden School looks for a variety of work experience and academic backgrounds in all applicants. Typically, fewer than 50% of our students were undergraduate business majors. However, applicants should possess dexterity with mathematics as well as some background in accounting, economics, and statistics. In a typical Darden class, more than 99 percent of the students have gained full-time work experience. They come from a variety of settings including, non-profit, governmental, entrepreneurial/start-ups as well as traditional business settings.

How do I determine if I am officially considered a Virginia resident?
The Virginia Status Office at UVA assigns residency. You should visit: http://www.virginia.edu/%7Eadmiss/ugadmiss/status.html. or call (434) 982-3391 for more information.

Does graduate education count as work experience? Do you consider the GPA from graduate work?
While we recognize the value of graduate academic work, we do not count academic work towards professional work experience.

While the Committee may look at your graduate school transcript, we do not consider the GPA in our evaluation.

Are transfer credits accepted?
Darden does not accept transfer credits or waive course work.

Profiles
How many applications do you receive for a given class?
We generally receive 3,000 to 3,500 applications in a given year. Of these, we generally admit about 600 candidates and enroll approximately 300 incoming students.  

How much work experience do most accepted students have? Does Darden seek particular type of work experience?
Most incoming Darden students have between 3-5 years post-graduate work experience. What the Admissions Committee looks for, however, are individuals who exhibit professional maturity. In other words, we evaluate work experience not in terms of years but the depth and breadth of an individual's position, his or her contributions to the work environment, and level of responsibility and progression. Darden also seeks diversity in the professional backgrounds of its admitted students just as it does in all other parts of our applicants' profiles. No one industry is favored over another, and experience in a Fortune 500 company does not have higher value than experience in a small business or public or non-profit organization. For more information see the Student Profile section of our website.

What is the average GPA and GMAT?
Over the past few years, the average GPA for the entering class is between a 3.2 and 3.4 and the average GMAT between 670 and 685. To find out more regarding our most recent entering class visit Student Profiles.

How can I determine whether or not I am a competitive candidate?
The best thing to do is compare your credentials to previously admitted applicants. Visit http://www.darden.edu/mba/mba_profiles.htm to find out more about this year's entering MBA class.  

Financial Aid
What is the cost of the MBA Program, and is financial aid available?
For information on tuition and financial aid please visit the Financial Aid section of our website.

Process
Can I get my decision over the web, telephone, or via fax?
All applicants will receive their decision over the web, regardless of how they applied (Darden's online system or via PDF). To learn how to do this, access our online application system FAQ. We do not give decisions over the telephone, via email, or fax. If offered admission, you will receive additional information, along with an official letter of admission via regular mail or express mail if you live outside of the United States.

How do you assess candidates for the Darden MBA?
Darden's application review process is extensive and thorough. For details on what we look for, access the Admissions Basics section of our website.

Does Darden allow candidates to defer after they are admitted to the program?
Under special circumstances, we allow admitted candidates to defer enrollment by one year. All defer requests should be sent in writing to the Director of Admissions at ClarkeD@Darden.virginia.edu.

What is the median compensation package for graduating MBA students?
For detailed information, please see Career Services.

Technical
I've forgotten my login and password. How can I get it?
Please email darden@virginia.edu to verify your login and password.

I applied using the PDF application. Can I follow my status online? How?
Yes, all you need to do is click on Login/out on the Admissions menu. You will be sent to a site that asks you to enter and confirm your name and date of birth. Click the "register here" link. You will be asked to enter some basic information. After entering this information, you will be sent back to the site where you can re-enter and confirm your name and birth date. After you enter this information you will be given a username and password. We will also email you this information. You can change your password to something more easily remembered by clicking the Password link on the Admissions menu.

How do I know if my application has been received and is complete?
Once you have submitted your application, you can track the status of your application by returning to this site, logging in using your username and password, and following the "Application Status" link. Please allow 10 to 14 days from the date on which you submitted your application for the initial status change.

Can I get my decision over the web, telephone, or via fax?
All applicants will receive their decision over the web, regardless of how they applied (Darden's online system or via PDF). To learn how to do this, access our online application system FAQ. We do not give decisions over the telephone, via email, or fax. If offered admission, you will receive additional information, along with an official letter of admission via regular mail or express mail if you live outside of the United States.