The series of short questions featured in Darden’s EMBA application generates a conversation of sorts. The Q&A really becomes a dialogue between you and the adcom, almost like an interview. The conversation these questions produce encompasses Darden’s perspective and values and reveals how you view and align with them. This dialogue approach exemplifies and facilitates the website’s point that the adcom wants to get to know you through these mini-essays. I would add – they want to know you and how well you understand and fit with Darden.
Darden Executive MBA 2021-22 Short Answer Questions
Darden EMBA short answer question #1
Tell us what you would want your learning team to know about you that is not on your resume. (150 words)
By asking you to consider the learning team, the adcom can gauge how well you understand and connect with your Darden EMBA peers, a critical point for a program that is small and close-knit. It would be helpful therefore to show clear awareness of this peer audience.
And “not on your resume” indicates you should focus on non-work experiences or influences. The key to making this essay shine is to root the message in actual experience – and clarify what that experience says about you that is relevant to your learning team peers.
Darden EMBA short answer question #2
Darden strives to identify and cultivate responsible leaders who follow their purpose. Please respond to one of the following prompts. (200 words)
Q1: Tell us about a time when you acted with a team to solve a problem or seize an opportunity. What role did you play? What did you learn from this experience?
Q2: Tell us about a time you acted to solve a problem for the greater good. What drew you to this issue? What did you learn from this experience?
This question is a great opportunity to show that you are a person of significant impact, a person who leaves a mark. It’s also a chance to let the adcom see you in action, performing at a high level with significant stakes.
To decide which question to answer, first listen to your instinct: does one of the questions immediately suggest a strong topic for the essay? If it portrays a fresh dimension of your candidacy, go for it. That natural enthusiasm will energize the essay. Otherwise, consider the possible topics you might use for both options, and how each topic story would enhance your application and candidacy.
Tell the story straight, and end by reflecting on what you learned from the experience. The story itself should comprise the bulk of the essay – the reflection can be a sentence or two.
Darden EMBA short answer question #3
Diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission and they work best when they are an integral and celebrated part of our community. Review the University of Virginia’s Commitment to Diversity.
Diversity stands with ethics, integrity, and academic excellence, as a cornerstone of University culture. The University promotes an inclusive and welcoming environment that embraces the full spectrum of human attributes, perspectives, and disciplines. When people of different backgrounds come together, they exchange ideas, question assumptions (including their own), and broaden the horizons for us all. A University of Virginia community rich in diversity affords every member equal respect and provides a forum for understanding our differences as well as our commonalities.
The Darden School develops, practices and cultivates a culture that reflects and incorporates the worldviews of its many community members. In this inclusive culture, the community learns important — and sometimes uncomfortable — lessons from one another, resulting in more conscientious global leaders and citizens. Please respond to one of the following prompts (200 words)
Q1: Share a time when you learned something related to diversity, equity or inclusion that was previously unknown to you? How did this experience impact your perspective?
Q2: Share a time when you advocated for a perspective, identity, or community different from your own. How did this experience impact your worldview?
Both of these options address your willingness to change – both ask you to share an experience related to diversity and/or inclusion that in some way impacted your perspective. When you select your story, be sure there is a clear line of causation between the experience itself and your changed – expanded, deepened, sharpened, maybe confirmed but more nuanced, etc. – perspective.
As with the previous question, make the story itself the majority of the essay; the story itself should actually make your point. Then conclude with a confirming, reflective sentence or two, explicitly stating the impact.
Darden EMBA short answer question #4
What is your short-term, post-MBA career goal and how does it align with the long-term vision you have for your career? (150 words)
For your short-term goal, give the facts: what position(s), company or types of company, industry, location, expected scope of accountability. And for your long-term vision, summarize what do you hope to achieve in terms of external impact, what you hope your footprint will be – this should be shorter and less-detailed than your post-MBA goal. Explain how your short-term goal prepares you for the longer-term career vision, both in practical terms and consistency of purpose.
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UVA Darden Executive MBA 2021-22 remaining application deadlines
| Application deadline* | Decisions released |
|---|---|
| 10 Jan. 2022 | 28 Jan. 2022 |
| 10 Feb. 2022 | 25 Feb. 2022 |
| 10 Mar. 2022 | 25 Mar. 2022 |
| 10 Apr. 2022 | 29 Apr. 2022 |
| 10 May 2022 | 27 May 2022 |
| 10 June 2022 | 24 June 2022 |
| 25 June 2022 | 8 July 2022 |
*Note: At UVA Darden, we offer monthly deadlines – from August through April – and we will continue to accept applications until the class fills. Each deadline functions as a discrete round – with a target interview period, decision release date and deposit deadline. All deadlines are focused on our class starting in August.
Which deadline is right for you? Our general advice is to apply as soon as you feel like you can put together a strong application. With each passing deadline, fewer seats in our class will be available, and we will have less scholarship money to award. Most applicants will apply between October and March. However, we have monthly deadlines to provide you maximum flexibility.
Source: Darden EMBA website
***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***
Cindy Tokumitsu has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 20 years with Accepted. She would love to help you too. Want Cindy to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!
Related Resources:
• School-Specific Executive MBA Essay Tips
• 3 Tips for Highlighting Your Strengths in Your Application Essays
• EMBA: The Ultimate Guide for Applicants
