UPDATE: The tips for the 2010 UVA Darden MBA Application are now available online. Please post questions or comments to the new post.

UVA Darden 2009 MBA Deadlines

              Application Due      Decisions Released
Round 1   Oct. 28, 2008        Jan. 30, 2008

Round 2   Jan. 7, 2009          Mar. 25, 2009

Round 3   Mar. 4, 2009          May 8, 2009

* Application Due By 11:59 PM (EST)

UVA Darden 2009 MBA Essay Questions

My comments are in red:

1)What pivotal choice(s) have you made in your life that have influenced your decision to pursue an MBA?  (500 words)

Think about a crossroad or a fork in the road of your life. You made a choice when you arrived at that pivotal point. The result led you down a path that has brought you to your computer this evening where you are preparing to apply to Darden's MBA program.  What were you options? Why did you choose that path? And how has that choice influenced your decision to obtain an MBA?

The best answers will show you in a leadership role and thinking strategically -- analyzing your options and then acting on your conclusions. Although the question doesn't limit you to one choice, it would be difficult in 500 words to do justice to two unrelated decisions.

2)From the following categories, describe the one that has taught you the most: a creative challenge, an ethical dilemma or an experience of failure.  Why?  (250 words) 

A lot to do in 250 words. Briefly present a snapshot of the situation and describe what you learned and why this particular event was so educational. Make sure that the essays complement each other. Don't discuss the same event in more than one essay.

3)Describe how you are a fit with the case study method.  (250 words)

Before you answer this question, please see Earning an MBA at Darden and The Case Method. If you can, talk to a Darden student or recent alum. Review student blogs, for example Case Method Learning and Case Method. Note the importance of individual preparation, combined with learning team discussion, and enhanced by classroom debate. Do you value the clash of multiple perspectives in pursuit of excellence? Can you present an example of you thriving in this kind of dynamic environment?

If you would like help with your Darden application, please consider Accepted's Darden MBA Packages or our MBA Essay Editing .