Darden releases app dates and essays for 06-07

They just put this up a few hours ago. The essays are a bit different from last year. As I recall, one question last year asked "Why is Darden unique" - I thought it was highly controversial and unfairly difficult on applicants. This year, the question of uniqueness is turned back onto the applicant because the essay now asks why you are unique. - Dave

















Application
Early Action/Rd 1 app deadline(11:59pm(EST)): October 19, 2006
Early Action/Rd 1 Interview by: October 19, 2006
Early Action/Rd 1 Response Week: December 8, 2006

Round 2 app deadline(11:59pm(EST)): December 5, 2006
Round 2 Interview by: December 5, 2006
Round 2 Response Week: February 9, 2007

Round 3 app deadline(11:59pm(EST)): January 11, 2007
Round 3 Interview by: January 11, 2007
Round 3 Response Week: March 23, 2007

Round 4 app deadline(11:59pm(EST)): March 1, 2007
Round 4 Interview by: March 1, 2007
Round 4 Response Week: April 20, 2007

*In order to meet a given deadline, a complete application must be received by the specified date. This includes completion of interview (if scheduled) and receipt of all supplemental materials such as transcripts and recommendations. The Admissions Committee will not review incomplete applications. Applications received after the deadline will be evaluated as part of the next admissions round.

Candidates will be notified of their application status 10 to 14 days after receipt of a completed application. Those submitting paper applications will be emailed a login and password to access their status. The Admissions Committee prefers that applicants monitor the progress of their application through Darden Admissions Online (http://admissions.darden.virginia.edu/), which is updated regularly, instead of contacting the office.

Requests for decisions prior to the notification date will not be granted. Decisions will not be disclosed by phone or fax. At the time a decision is posted, the applicant will receive notification by email to check their status. Candidates receiving offers of admission will be notified through their online account and will also receive an official letter by mail. (Please allow 14 days for the decision letter to reach you by mail.) Other decisions are posted to the applicant’s online account only.

The section below is new this year:(Read carefully - Dave)

EARLY ACTION

The Early Action round is ideal for applicants/reapplicants that have completed their research about MBA programs and have decided that Darden is their first choice. Early Action allows applicants to secure their offer of admission to Darden by December 8, 2006. A distinct feature of Darden’s Early Action program is that applicants will automatically compete for up to 30 two-year scholarships ranging from $10,000 to full tuition per year.

Candidates must ensure that all required supporting materials (e.g. interview, GMAT score, TOEFL score, if applicable) are received by the Admissions Office no later than October 19, 2006. Early Action applications are restricted to Round 1 and will receive a decision to admit, deny admission, or hold for reconsideration in subsequent application rounds by December 8, 2006. Scholarships not accepted in the Early Action process will be offered through the regular application process.


2006-2007 MBA Application Essay Questions

1. Why is an MBA a critical next step toward your short- and long-term career goals? (500 word limit)

2. Each of our applicants is unique. Describe how your background, values, education, activities and/or leadership skills will enhance the experience of other Darden students. (500 word limit)

3. Choose one of the following questions. (250 word limit)


a. What would you do if you didn’t have to work for a living?
b. Describe a significant maturing experience.
c. What have been the most satisfying aspects of your work life thus far and the most dissatisfying?

4. (Optional) If there is further information that you believe would be helpful to the Admissions Committee, please provide it below. (250 word limit)