UVA Darden Launches Application for Deferred MBA Admissions Program

School to Accept SAT or ACT Scores, Waive Application Fees

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business has launched its application for the Future Year Scholars Program, the School’s deferred MBA admissions program.

The program offers graduating undergraduate students or those in a fifth-year master’s degree program the opportunity to apply for admission into a future Darden full-time MBA class. If admitted, individuals complete two to four years of professional work experience before joining the Darden School.

First launched in 2016 as a way to encourage top undergraduates to consider an MBA earlier in their career deliberation, the Darden Class of 2022 is the first to include Future Year Scholars, with four students among the newest class. Darden, which has been named the best education experience in the U.S. by The Economist for nine years in a row, recently welcomed a diverse and talented class selected from a record-breaking number of applications.

“For those who know an MBA may be in their future, the Future Year Scholars Program offers an incredible opportunity,” said Darden Executive Director of Admissions Dawna Clarke. “Students admitted to the program will gain an inside track to a purpose-driven career.”

Those admitted immediately gain entry into the Darden network, which includes more than 17,000 alumni in 90 countries and more than 700 current full-time MBA students, and are able to access Darden career resources. Admitted students are afforded the ability to take risks or make bold moves early in their careers, knowing they have already secured a spot in a top MBA program.

Morgan Klausner (Class of 2022) majored in environmental thought and practice as an undergraduate at the University of Virginia and discovered an interest in the intersection of business, sustainability and corporate social responsibility. An MBA via the Future Year Scholars track seemed like an ideal solution.

“While working, I developed a passion for the intersection of consumer goods and marketing,” said Klausner. “After applying to a few of those jobs, I realized I did not have the necessary skillset to make me a competitive candidate. Knowing that an MBA would help me pivot my career, I was excited to know that Darden was my next step through the Future Year Scholars Program.”

Admitted Future Year Scholars are working in a wide variety of industries. New for 2020, Darden is offering Future Year Scholars the opportunity to apply for two new programs after gaining admission to the program:

• The Future Year Scholars Dean’s Fellow includes a merit scholarship and a full-time, two-year paid position supporting Darden and the dean’s office on the School’s current, highest priorities. Upon completion of the fellowship, the fellow will matriculate into the Darden MBA program.
• The Darden Focused Ultrasound Fellowship Program offers a full-time, paid fellowship with professional experience at the Focused Ultrasound Foundation in a number of potential avenues, exploring the business case for focused ultrasound therapies, researching in strategic areas and engaging in strategic consulting projects.

In an effort to make the application process as streamlined as possible, Darden is waiving the application fee and accepting SAT or ACT scores — in addition to GMAT, GRE, EA, LSAT and MCAT scores — as part of a holistic application process.

The application deadlines for the Future Year Scholars Program are 15 March and 7 June. Applicants are encouraged to choose the deadline they feel allows them to present their most competitive application.