[Neo2000]

Hi everyone,

We are proud to have on board Ms Sara Neher, Director of Admissions of University of Virginia,Darden School of Business.

Ms Sara would be answering all your queries related to admissions to Darden on this thread.You can post all your queries regarding Darden here, whether about admissions process, criteria, faculty, course content, placements and so on.

Darden's 3rd Round application deadline is 28th Feb, so for a few of you'll this is your last chance at getting some inside info. Others can seek her advice on how best to plan your MBA application to Darden for next year.

Please note that asking Questions(such as ave/median GMAT score, placement stats), the answers to which can be found on their website is strictly frowned upon. It shows lack of application on your part and I will happily delete such posts. To know more about Darden's MBA program, click here

Read an earlier interview ([PaGaLGuY.com Exclusive Interview] The Darden Admissions Director Interview)

How does it work?

1. You can post your questions about Darden here by hitting the 'Post Reply' button on top
2. Ms Sara (and her team) will watch this thread will answer all your queries on a regular basis.
3. So once you post your question, you can come back to this thread in a couple of days to find your answer or even better, Subscribe to this thread by clicking on the 'Thread tools' link on the top-right side at the top of the thread.

Ms Sara's PG user-ID is Sara@Darden

Good luck to Ms Sara and all of you!

Cheers!

[2008mba]

Originally Posted by Neo2000

Hi everyone,

We are proud to have on board Ms Sara Neher, Director of Admissions of University of Virginia,Darden School of Business.
....
Ms Sara's PG user-ID is Sara@Darden
Good luck to Ms Sara and all of you!
Cheers!
p.s. Suggestions about making this thread better (Feedback/Suggestions on Official Bschool Query Threads featuring Admission Directors)?

Dear Ms Sara Neher
I want to apply for the 3rd round for Darden
I know the visa issue with international candidates
I dont have a great GMAT (lower end of the 80% range) but extra curri and acads are good
Should i apply to Darden now
I can complete the application before 28th feb 2008
Thanks

[raghu86]

Respected Maam,

I am in the proceess of completing my final year graduation. I have got decent acads(8 cgpa) and good extra curs(wit a few leadership positions)..now once into the corporate life..how can i build my profile to get into darden...i hope the question is not very arbit...waiting hopefully for your reply...

[b9gr8ness]

Dear Ms Sara

I have two specific questions, one on the B-school you represent and other as a general advice to any MBA applicant:
1)What would be 3 reasons for any candidate to consider Darden for its MBA program?
2) Should anyone consider MBA in the US if at all , one wants to work in th emerging markets (Asia pacific) in the long run?

Thank you!

[Sara@Darden]

First, thank you for the opportunity to interact with PaGaLGuY users! I am very excited to be able to answer your questions here and I'll do my best to do so in a timely manner.

I'm going to try to collect the questions below and group them to answer them more effectively.

1. Round 3 Deadline - the Round 3 deadline is officially February 28, but we will still accept your submission through Monday, March 3. So, you've got a few more days to work on that application.

Specifically to this question:

"Dear Ms Sara Neher
I want to apply for the 3rd round for Darden
I know the visa issue with international candidates
I dont have a great GMAT (lower end of the 80% range) but extra curri and acads are good
Should i apply to Darden now
I can complete the application before 28th feb 2008
Thanks"

We are not having any visa issues right now, so that should not be a reason not to apply. In terms of GMAT, I really do mean it when I say that we review the entire file holistically and do not make decisions on the basis of GMAT alone. However, if your gmat is lower, your undergrad academics, extracurriculars, and most importantly work experience have got to be stellar.

Thank you!

[Sara@Darden]

Originally Posted by b9gr8ness

Dear Ms Sara

I have two specific questions, one on the B-school you represent and other as a general advice to any MBA applicant:
1)What would be 3 reasons for any candidate to consider Darden for its MBA program?
2) Should anyone consider MBA in the US if at all , one wants to work in th emerging markets (Asia pacific) in the long run?

Thank you!

Excellent Questions!

1. When deciding where to apply, all candidates should carefully consider their fit with the school in question. For Darden, our mission statement is "to improve society by developing leaders in the world of practical affairs." The 3 reasons you should consider Darden are the same:
a) Improve Society. If you are interested in making a true and genuine impact on the world, which we can be done through private or public enterprise, then you should consider Darden.
b) Develop Leaders. If you want to be a leader in business, especially a CEO or entrepreneur, then Darden could be the place for you. The case method and high engagement learning of Darden are designed to develop our students into action-oriented decision-makers. Leadership potential and experience are also key components of our application criteria.
c) The World of Practical Affairs. Darden is global - one-third of our students are international and our cases, our faculty, and our Dean all have a global vision for the School. The other key part of the statement is "practical" - the curriculum and the focus of our faculty research is on the practical side of business and the desire to make an impact today, rather than on the theoretical. If you want to attend a school where being close to today's business leaders is important, Darden is for you!

2) No matter where you want to work in the long run, an American MBA will support and enhance your career path. One of the cornerstones of Darden is that we present our students with learning on global best practice, whether that is by GE or Tata. You should expect that the skills you develop at any American MBA will serve you well in any future business environment.

Thank you for the questions!

Sara Neher

[Sara@Darden]

Originally Posted by raghu86

Respected Maam,

I am in the proceess of completing my final year graduation. I have got decent acads(8 cgpa) and good extra curs(wit a few leadership positions)..now once into the corporate life..how can i build my profile to get into darden...i hope the question is not very arbit...waiting hopefully for your reply...

Good question - and I am glad that you are thinking about it now!

When I am evaluating potential applicants, I look at three broad categories:

1. Leadership in the classroom - what will you have to say in our case method classroom?
Here we evaluate your undergrad academics, your GMAT, your essays, and what your recommenders have said about your communication skills. The biggest mistake people make here is to ask their recommenders too late. Start communicating with your recommenders as soon as possible. Sit down with them and go over your resume, your biggest accomplishments, and what you want them to know about you. They will still write what they want, but the more you have built a relationship with them, the more likely they are to write a strong and genuine recommendation.
2. Leadership in the community - are you genuinely interested in the world around you. You should volunteer or serve on boards of community organizations or schools, or if your work is too demanding, at a minimum you should be able to articulate that your goals for the future include a view of having an impact on society.
3. Leadership in the workplace - what potential do you have to be a business leader in the future. We will consider your current progression in the workplace as an indicator here, so be clear about promotions/additions to your workload. Ask your supervisor for more responsibility! Ask to manage or mentor new hires to your office!

Hopefully that is enough to clarify things for you.

Sara Neher

[Sara@Darden]

Originally Posted by sharkon

Hi,

My Profile is as follows:
Nationality :Indian
.....
Regards,
Sharkon

Skarkon,

Thank you very much for your post. Because of our holistic process, I don't think it would be appropriate for me to comment on your profile without reading your essays and perhaps offering you the opportunity to interview.

However, I will comment on some things you could to be more competitive. In terms of GMAT score, the reality is that the GMAT score is something that you can improve. Your undergraduate record is already written and cannot be changed. Anything any candidate can do to improve the GMAT is a good thing. Although, I would not recommend taking it too many times.

In terms of your work experience, I would definitely recommend taking advantage of an international opportunity, as long as it shows progression in your career and with your company. We are consistently seeking students who have worked in more than one country/region of the world. It should also be a broadening experience for you that will enrich your essays.

Hope that helps!

Sara Neher

[rowhun]

hi,

Thank you for taking the time to clarify so many queries. Really appreciate this exercise by you and pagalguy.com

I have a query regarding Darden's stand on a 2nd MBA. does Darden accept applicants with a prior MBA?

And also, is a Post Graduate Diploma in Management considered as an MBA?
And are applicants from India/Asia expected to have a Masters degree in some field preferably?

thanks and regards

[abhishekh_82]

Hello Miss Sara,

My 2 queries are regarding application
1) Isn't 3 round too late for international applicants to apply considering that most of the seats in classroom are already full by that time.
2) I am a Marine Engineer and I want to pursue Supply Chain Mngmt./ Operations , how good you consider Darden's Management Viz a Viz other Business Schools