University of Virginia Darden
Why UVA Darden?
At Darden, learning isn't passive. The case method sits at the heart of the classroom experience, but what makes it stand out is how relentlessly interactive it is. Professors expect you to be ready, your classmates push you to think sharper, and every day feels like practice for real-world leadership. This isn't a place where you fade into the back row. It's high energy, high engagement, and it builds the kind of confidence you can't fake.
Outside the classroom, Darden's culture is defined by its closeness. With a smaller class size and a setting in scenic Charlottesville, the experience feels personal. Students support each other, professors know your name, and the town itself adds to the sense of calm and focus. It's the kind of place where strong bonds form quickly and last well beyond graduation.
🎓 MBA Class Profile (Class of 2026)
Key Demographics
- Enrolled Students: 355
- Acceptance Rate: 33.9%
- Yield Rate: 31.4%
- Women: 38%
- International Students: 30%
Academic Profile
- Average GMAT Score: 718
- GRE Total: 320
- Average Undergraduate GPA: 3.56
- Average Work Experience: 5.7 years
💼 Employment Statistics (Class of 2024)
Job Placement
- Median Base Salary: $175,000
- Median Signing Bonus: $30,000
- Received Offers (within 3 months): 93%
*Not all offers included a signing bonus
Top Industries
- Consulting: 43%
- Financial Services: 27%
- Technology: 9%
- CPG / Retail: 6%
- Healthcare: 5%
🎤 Interview Tips
Interview Format:
Darden interviews are typically conducted by admissions committee members or second-year students. They are blind, meaning the interviewer has not reviewed your application, and are designed to be conversational. Interviews often begin with an open-ended "Tell me about yourself" prompt that may run longer than other interviews, allowing you to share your personal and professional journey in detail.
| Unique Questions Common to Darden | Prep Tips |
|---|---|
| Have you ever struggled working with someone from a different background? What did you learn? | Focus on a moment when cultural, personal, or identity-based differences led to misunderstanding or friction, whether in school, work, or volunteer settings. For example, you might describe collaborating with someone whose communication style or values differed significantly from your own, how you worked through the tension, and what it taught you about empathy and inclusive leadership. Be ready to reflect not just on the outcome but on how the experience changed your perspective. |
| Describe a time when you faced a significant challenge at work. | Choose a moment that tested your leadership or problem-solving abilities, such as managing a cross-functional team on a tight deadline and explain how you navigated ambiguity, what actions you took, and what you learned. Focus on how the challenge helped you grow professionally. |
Note: For a full list of potential interview questions, check out our MBA interview guide.
📅 Application Deadlines
| Round | Application Deadline | Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action | September 8, 2024 | October 10, 2024 |
| Round 1 | October 5, 2024 | December 17, 2024 |
| Round 2 | January 5, 2025 | March 18, 2025 |
| Round 3 | April 2, 2025 | May 7, 2025 |
Note: All deadlines are at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Early Action is binding for admitted students.