The University of Virginia is also referred to as Mr. Jefferson’s University since it was founded by Thomas Jefferson. Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, this public research university was established in 1819.
Its graduate business school, the Darden School of Business, was founded in 1954. The business school took its name from Colgate Whitehead Darden, Jr, a former Virginia governor and University of Virginia president.
Degrees offered
Darden is known for its 2-year MBA program that uses case study analysis as one of its teaching methods. This teaching style is also used in law schools and also at Harvard Business School. The case method does require serious preparation for discussions among groups.
The business school is also highly reputed for its Executive Education program, which features both open and custom programs. Among the focus of the program are service excellence, bargaining and negotiating, among others. It was in 2006 that Darden opened its MBA for Executives program, which can be completed in 22 months.
Alumni
Darden has produced b-school graduates who have successfully made a mark in different business industries. From industry leaders to prominent entrepreneurs and CEOs, its list of famous alumni includes:
* John Bryan – former Sara Lee CEO and Chairman
* George David – United Technologies Corporation CEO and Chairman
* John Shafer Jr. – Dunkin’ Donuts CEO
* Henri Termeer – Genzyme Corporation President, Chairman, and CEO
* John Strangfeld – Prudential Financial Chairman and CEO
* Charles de Mestral – Winstar Resources Inc. CEO
* Steven Reinemund – former PepsiCo. CEO and Chairman
* Frank Batten Jr. – Landmark Communications CEO
* Thomas Baltimore – RLJ Development Co-founder and President
* James Geisler – United Technologies Corporation Vice President Finance
Rankings and reviews
Darden often makes it to the list of top 15 business schools in the country. It is also highly reputed as a top business school in the world. The University of Virginia’s graduate business school was ranked 14th by the 2010 rankings of the US News and World Report. In 2009, it was ranked 14th, 12th in 2008, 13th in 2007, and 14th in 2006. Darden also made it to the top 9 by the Forbes ranking. For 4 straight years, Darden made it to the list of Forbes’ top 10. Wall Street Journal ranked the school 10th in 2007. It took the 4th place for the most improved b-school category and 5th for general management. In 2008, it was ranked 16th, 15th in 2006, and 12th in 2004 by Businessweek. In the US, it took the 14th spot for the best business schools and was ranked 31st in the world by Financial Times.
Admission tips
Darden, as one the top MBA schools in the country, is highly selective. To make the cut, applicants need to prepare well for the admissions process. They should present a competitive GMAT score and impressive resume with detailed work experiences. The MBA application essay is also very important, along with the letters of recommendation and official transcript. To get an edge over applicants, make sure that the admission essay is outstanding, one that digs deeper into the real meaning of MBA education to one’s career and personal goals.
Admission facts
Admissions data based on the full-time MBA profile by Businessweek (in an article published in 2009):
GMAT scores:
Mean: 701
Median: 700
Middle 80% range GMAT scores:
From: 660
To: 740
Relative Importance of Application Elements:
GMAT Score: Very Important
Resume/Work Experience: Very Important
Application Essays: Very Important
Interviews: Very Important
Recommendations: Very Important
Undergraduate Transcripts: Very Important
Contact info
University of Virginia
Darden School of Business
100 Darden Boulevard
Charlottesville, VA 22903 USA
(434) 924-3900
website: http://www.darden.virginia.edu/web/Home/