UVA Darden School of Business MBA Essays 2026-27: Short Answer Questions and Video Essay
The two 2026-27 Darden short answer questions verbatim with word limits, plus the video essay format.
Essay overview
The 2026-27 Darden Full-Time MBA application has two short answer questions of 200 words each and one video essay. The video essay is new this cycle. Reapplicants also complete a reapplicant short answer.
2026-27 short answer questions
| Question | Prompt (verbatim) | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Relationships Matter Here | What would you want your classmates to know about you that is not on your resume? | 200 words |
| 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? How does it align with the long-term vision you have for your career? | 200 words |
Video essay
Applicants have 90 seconds to respond to a randomly generated question drawn from a pool written by the Admissions Committee. Darden does not publish the question pool.
Additional comments
The application has an Additional Comments section for context on gaps or ambiguities. Darden states it is not an additional essay.