Darden Class of 2028 Essay Analysis

UVA Darden has released its short answer questions for the 2025-26 application cycle.

2025/26 essay questions

1. What would you want your classmates to know about you that is not on your resume? (200 words)

2. Please describe an example of building community within your personal or professional life. What impact did this have on you and those around you? How will this experience contribute to the way you will build community at Darden? (200 words)

3. At this time how would you describe your short-term, post-MBA goal in terms of industry, function, geography, company size and/or mission and how does it align with the long-term vision you have for your career? (200 words)

2025/26 essay analysis

The key to Darden’s essays is to provide direct, focused answers that touch on a single theme, rather than trying to spread your story too thin. This is especially true for Essay 1; 200 words will go by fast! Given the tight word limits, avoid details that might already be well-known to a reader. For instance, if working on a banking deal with a tight timeline, you won’t need to dwell on the fact you were working long hours. It will be taken as a given by the reader.

In answering this question, consider what makes you truly unique. It is an opportunity to share personal passions, such as musical or other artistic talents, or break down misconceptions that people may have about you. This is likely your best opportunity to surprise the Admissions Committee when learning about you.

While the wording of Essay 2 changed from Darden's previous focus on inclusion/DEI, recent discussions with admissions suggest their desire for people who will contribute to a vibrant, diverse class has not changed. Building a community can still mean fostering diversity across gender, sexual orientation/identity, race, nationality, age, disabilities, and mental health. If you have an example involving including someone who had traditionally been excluded for reasons beyond their control, that could be a great example of building community.

As for essay 3, discussion of your short-term goals will likely overlap with what you write for other schools. Given the tight word limit, we suggest being concise regarding your goals. Instead of differentiating yourself on what your goals are (difficult to do when discussing your first 1-5 years after business school, unless you are starting a business), explain why your short-term goals are what they are. Explaining your motivation will help create separation based on what other applicants write.

Other application details

Click here for school interaction opportunities.

The online application is live.

Re-applicant?

Check out the information here.

School resources

Check out our links to several of school's resources, including blogs, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.