University of Virginia Darden Executive MBA 2013 Admissions Tips

Given that the Darden EMBA application presents only one essay question to answer, the balance of your application – the online form, the resume, the recommendations, the interview – all carry even more weight than they do in most EMBA applications that contain several questions (usually including one pertaining to your goals).  The application as a whole must show that you are at the appropriate level in terms of organizational position and experience to both benefit from the Darden EMBA and contribute substantially to its program.  Moreover, to be competitive you should also show that you are a high performer within this level. 

 Question

Share your thought process as you encountered a challenging work situation or complex problem. How did this experience change your perspective? (500 words maximum)

 The question may sound a bit daunting, but it is essentially asking for a story.  “Your thought process” is simply your narrating an experience – the story – through the lens of your perspective as it happened.  Key aspects of this narrative will be the “pivot points,” i.e., your decision points.  So when you go to the “therefore I decided to do B” parts, add a phrase or sentence about why you decided to do B.  The story will culminate in the changing of your perspective based on the experience you describe (this change may happen at the time or at a later point following some reflection).  With only 500 words to work with, I suggest keeping the structure simple: narrate the story (about two-thirds of the content) and conclude with some reflection on the change of perspective – e.g., how did it alter your behavior or goals going forward; what were the ramifications of this change?

Also, with only one essay, selecting the topic – the work situation or complex problem – should be done strategically.  The topic can show you advantageously – perhaps working in an underrepresented industry or function, or shouldering a difficult decision, or influencing executive decision makers, or grappling with issues of high importance.  Ideally it will not be too far back in time, although because it involves a change of perspective it can’t be yesterday either.  One reason I suggest the topic be within the last several years is that recency will help the adcom glean what you’ll bring to the table.

If you would like help with Darden’s executive MBA essay, please consider Accepted.com’s MBA admissions consulting and MBA essay editing services.

By Cindy Tokumitsu, co-author of The EMBA Edge, and author of the free special report, “Ace the EMBA.”

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