School guides · 2026-27

UVA Darden

The essay prompts, word limits and deadlines for 2026-27, and what UVA Darden says it looks for. Always check the official site before you submit.

Essays

Relationships Matter Here

200 words

Relationships Matter Here: What would you want your classmates to know about you that is not on your resume?

Careers With Purpose

200 words

Careers With Purpose: 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?

Video essay

Video

Answer one question drawn at random from a pool written by the Admissions Committee. You have 10 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to record your answer.

Deadlines

EASeptember 9, 2026
R1October 7, 2026
R2January 7, 2027
R3 MarchMarch 1, 2027
R3 AprilApril 1, 2027
R3 MayMay 1, 2027

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Sources

Last checked November 7, 2026. Storylode is not affiliated with Darden School of Business, University of Virginia.