Things to Know Before Applying to UVA Darden School of Business

Verified facts about the Darden MBA application and program that applicants often miss.

What to know

Darden interviews are anonymous: the interviewer has not read your application or resume. Early Action is the only round with open interview slots, available August through the end of September. The 2026-27 cycle has six deadlines, including three Round 3 deadlines in March, April and May 2027, and adds a 90-second video essay to the two 200-word short answers.

Teaching method

The first-year core curriculum is taught by the case method. Students work in learning teams of five to six drawn from different first-year sections and stay with their section and team through the core. The second year is electives, including Darden Worldwide Courses.

Class of 2027 snapshot

Average GMAT Focus 671, average classic GMAT 725, average GPA 3.54, average work experience 5.67 years. Top pre-MBA industries: financial services (22%), technology (14%), consulting (13%), government (11%). 30% international, 35% women, 12% military.

Application details applicants miss

Interview times in the Early Action open window are limited, and Darden asks applicants to book only if they will submit by the Early Action deadline.
Early Action can be binding or non-binding; the binding option carries a $6,000 first deposit.
Darden accepts the MCAT and LSAT in addition to the GMAT, GRE and Executive Assessment, and reviews test waivers case by case.
A verified test score must arrive within one week of the round deadline or the application stays incomplete.
Darden states that fewer seats and less scholarship money remain with each passing deadline.

Quick facts

Program length: 21 months
Tests accepted: 5 + waivers
Interview: Anonymous
Early Action: Open interviews
Avg GMAT Focus: 671
Accepted job by 3 months: 89.3%