Given the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, the University of Virginia Darden School of Business is offering more flexibility – a lot more flexibility – for students applying for their full-time MBA program class of 2022.
Darden is immediately changing to rolling admissions through July 15, 2020 for the last round of full-time MBA admissions. Applications will remain open until this date to allow applicants to submit missing parts of their applications.
In a Poets & Quants article, Darden Dean Scott Beardsley states that he believes the recession will motivate some students who have been unsure about applying to b-school to apply now. “The situation is very fast-moving and it has created a lot of uncertainty. When there is higher volatility and uncertainty, option value goes up and education is a form of an option. I think an MBA will be a very strong option for many people who are unsure of what will happen in the next few years.”
Applicants should be aware of the following:
- The sooner you apply, the sooner you will hear a decision. It is recommended that any student who has completed their application submit all materials by the original Round 3 deadline of April 6, 2020. Applications will be evaluated in the order that they are received.
- Darden already accepts multiple standardized tests. Under the current circumstances, undergrad entrance exam scores will also be accepted as part of their long-time holistic admissions process. Darden currently accepts GMAT, GRE, LSAT, and MCAT exams. If you have not been able to take one of these tests, you are encouraged to submit SAT, ACT, or a country-specific college entrance exam.
- Recommendation writers will be given flexibility and sent reminders. Writers of recommendations are encouraged to submit the online form within two weeks of application submission. Reminders will be sent out to any writers who have not submitted recommendations.
- Submit your application even if you are missing some elements. You are encouraged to submit your application as early as possible so that the evaluation process can begin. An admissions decision will be held until all of the requirements are received.
- Round 3 interviews will be by invitation via Zoom. This will ensure safe social distancing.
The Future Year Scholar’s Program, Darden’s deferred admissions program, has announced a June 1 deadline in addition to the April 6 and August 1 application deadlines. This is to give applicants extra time to take standardized tests.
According to Dawna Clarke, Darden’s Executive Director of Admissions, “Our message to prospective students is one of caring and flexibility. We know how stressful applying to business school can be in the best of times; in a time of unprecedented disruption, we stand ready to work with applicants to make this process as flexible as possible.”
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