| Round | Application due by 11:59 PM (EST) | Interviews Conducted | Decisions Released | Deposit Deadline |
| Early Action | Nov. 1, 2007 | Dec. 17-21, 2007 Jan. 7-18, 2008 | Feb. 1, 2008 | Mar. 17, 2008 |
| 2 | Jan. 3, 2008 | Feb. 20-Mar. 4, 2008 | Mar. 24, 2008 | May 5, 2008 |
| 3 | Feb. 28, 2008 | Apr. 11-18, 2008 | May 7, 2008 | May 22, 2008 |
*Interview notification can take place at any time up until the decision release date for the deadline in which you have applied.
http://www.darden.virginia.edu/html/standard.aspx?menu_id=27&styleid=4&id=576
Core Data
GMAT Scores
TOEFL Scores
Résumé
Essays
Recommendations
Interviews
Self-reported Transcripts
Residency/In-State Status
Visa Information
Application Fee
Honor Code
The Darden School MBA application begins with a request for demographic information, address, education, professional history, etc. The instructions are straightforward and self-explanatory. Return to Top
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 If discrepancies are found between self-reported and official scores, the offer of admission will be withdrawn. Return to Top
As much as 50% of a student's grade at Darden depends upon active oral participation in the classroom. The University of Virginia requires demonstrated English proficiency. The recommended way to demonstrate English proficiency is to submit a TOEFL score. Ask the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to report your TOEFL score to Darden. Darden's ETS code is 5820. The department code is 02. Return to Top
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. Return to Top
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. Return to Top
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. Return to Top
An evaluative interview is conducted by invitation only after your application has been submitted and reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Interviews play a critical role in our assessment of candidates and are required prior to acceptance into the program. An invitation to interview is a positive indicator no matter when you receive it. Candidates living in the U.S. must interview on the Darden grounds with a member of the Admissions staff or Student Admissions Committee. Candidates living abroad are encouraged to visit Darden for an interview, but are not expected to do so. International interviews are conducted by alumni or Admissions Committee members during recruiting trips. Return to Top
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. Offers of admission are not binding until academic records are verified. Return to Top
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. Return to Top
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 Incoming Student Website, 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:
International Studies Office
Attention: Richard Tanson
University of Virginia
208 Minor Hall
P.O. Box 400165
Charlottesville, VA 22904
434-982-3010
http://www.virginia.edu/iso/issp/
A non-refundable application fee of $190 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. Return to Top
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. Return to Top
NOTE: Tuition can be expected to increase approximately 7% each year, while living expense budgets rise approximately 3% each year.
The student budget is based on University approved allowances for Darden tuition/fees, books and living expenses for the academic year. The budget does not include allowances for car payments, various types of insurance premiums, undergraduate debts or consumer or other personal debt. The 2007-2008 tuition and required fees are $37,500 for Virginians and $42,500 for residents of other states and countries.
2007-2008 Student Living Expense Budget Estimate
Student Living Expenses Monthly 9 month Rent $700 $6,300 Food $326 $2,934 Health Insurance/ UVA $236 $2,125 Utilities $200 $1,800 Entertainment $115 $1,035 Conference/ Job Search $111 $999 Misc. $60 $540 Laundry $35 $315 Personal/Health $35 $315 Household Supplies $25 $225 Renters Insurance $18 $162 Total $1,861 $16,750 Books and Supplies $2,750 Living Expense Budget $19,500 FY Computer $3,250
Budget Notes:
**The rent and utility figures are calculated for a single student sharing a two-bedroom apartment.
The expected cost (tuition /fees plus living expenses) for Virginia resident is $57,000 and non-residents is $62,000. The books and supplies category above includes cases and textbooks.
Special Note to International Students using these figures for your budget. The Financial Guarantee Form will require that you allot an additional $7,000 for a spouse and $3,000 for each additional dependent in your budgeting process.
Student Budgets upon which Financial Aid eligibility is determined in accordance with the rules of the Federal Government are not allowed to support any family dependents.
