The UVA Darden has announced its MBA application essays and deadlines for the upcoming application cycle. Do you want to attend an MBA program that puts collaboration and teamwork at the forefront of your experience? If so, UVA Darden School of Business may be a great choice for you.
Upcoming UVA Darden MBA Deadlines Are:
Early Action: September 4, 2025
Round 1: October 1, 2025
Round 2: January 7, 2026
Round 3: April 1, 2026
Once again, UVA Darden has an early action deadline. Applicants applying in this round can schedule an interview directly and do not need to wait for an invitation to interview. Applying during the early action round can be a great option for those who place Darden at the top of their list, and the school offers both a binding and a non-binding option.
2025-2026 Darden MBA Application Essays Are Below
UVA Darden MBA Essay 1: Relationships Matter Here: What Would You Want Your Classmates To Know About You That Is Not On Your Resume? (200 words)
Although this first question itself is not new, in previous years UVA Darden titled this question as “Community of Belonging,” and the question had a limit of 100 words.
Personal MBA Coach advises most applicants to use this first UVA Darden essay to share a personal aspect of their candidacy as opposed to talking about their professional leadership or track record. Topics discussed here should enhance (not repeat or conflict with) your “Personal Story” and should allow admissions committee members to learn more about you.
This is not the time to present a laundry list of hobbies, passions or accomplishments. Instead, focus on what makes you unique. Though it is not overtly asked, think about how you might add to the diversity of perspectives on your learning team.
Be specific and keep in mind that actions are the best predictors of future behavior, so provide examples wherever possible. Go beyond just sharing details about you and include the “so what?”
For example, if you were raised in a unique environment, explain this to the reader but then push further. Consider how this shaped who you are today, what makes you unique and what you will bring to the table for your learning team.
Regardless of the topic selected, show the reader that you are someone your peers will be excited to learn with!
UVA Darden MBA Essay 2: Community: Please describe an example of building community within your personal or professional life. What impact did this have on you and those around you? How will this experience contribute to the way you will build community at Darden? (200 words)
Darden has updated its second essay question, moving away from last year’s essay on inclusion.
While a personal or professional example would work here, Personal MBA Coach encourages candidates to look at their applications holistically when selecting a community to discuss. You want to ensure this story fits with who you are and that your Darden application includes a nice balance of personal and professional stories.
Be sure to select a community where you have been active and taken specific steps to enrich the lives of those around you. Ensure that you limit the amount of time spent on setup and instead focus on your thoughts and actions. While remaining authentic is important, think about the qualities Darden is looking for in applicants and make sure the story selected clearly SHOWS how you demonstrated them.
Once you have described this community and the value you have added to it, share the implications of this experience and how it has positioned you to contribute on campus.
UVA Darden Essay 3: Careers With Purpose: 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 is a straightforward career goals question. With this short essay, be specific and include both your ideal position and organization type. Articulate what you hope to accomplish in this desired role and why this objective is interesting and important to you.
Darden once again specifically asks candidates about their long-term vision. Given this, be sure to discuss what you hope to learn in the short term and how this experience will prepare you to achieve your long-term goals.
Struggling to articulate your goals? Watch this quick tips video with Scott Edinburgh, Personal MBA Coach’s founder, for advice:
Looking for one-on-one support developing a compelling Darden MBA Application? Contact us today to learn more about how Personal MBA Coach’s services can help you get into UVA Darden! You can also join our mailing list to download this presentation on How To Write Winning MBA Essays.
