Hey everyone,

I have been accepted to the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and I was wondering if anyone on this forum has attended Darden. I am really excited to go to their "sell weekend" next month to get a better sense of the school. The funny thing is that I know students at the other schools to which I've applied - Kellogg, Duke (Fuqua), Dartmouth (Tuck), Wharton, and Harvard, but none at Darden. So, I've not gotten a first-hand account of the classes, case-method approach, and overall culture. Figures, the school I get into is the one I know the least about.

Still waiting on a decision from Kellogg, but I am really interested in opinions/experiences with Darden. Also, for any employers who have hired Darden grads, what is your experience with their preparedness, analytical abilities, maturity, and overall success in the workplace?

Thanks to all who respond!

-happs

 

Congratulations! I know this isn't the "Five Degrees of UVA", but my brother went to UVA law and I asked him about the business school. It's a top notch school and if the law school is any indication, great teachers. I went to Duke for undergrad over UVA, which was a bad decision for me (only two years), and am familiar with Fuqua as well. Charlottesville is a great town with a great atmosphere, so you can't go wrong in that aspect. I don't think you could go wrong with Darden, in fact, I would encourage UVA as a strong choice.

Noticing the other schools you applied to and being from Philadelphia, I will say that Wharton is a premier business school. However, I personally hate the area and safety can be an issue (I worked around there once upon a time). Harvard is obviously #1.

edit: I just noticed you're from Philly so you don't need my opinion on UPenn.

I spent a week with my brother several years ago when he was at UVA law (and actually went to classes with him), and was very impressed with the atmosphere (social and academic) and people (very down to earth). It sounds like you have several options though and I wish you luck!

 

Good school. We hired several of our Assistant Buyers/Buyers from UVA. Very well adjusted recruits.

That said, if you've got an in to Wharton, that's the sure bet. Wharton should be your #1 pick if you're looking for quality and reputation.

 

Thanks guys. I didn't get into Wharton (damn), so that's not an option, and I didn't apply to HBS (not sure why not). If I get into Kellogg its a no brainer, but if not, I like the culture and learning environment at Darden. Just wanted to get some new opinions on the school, so I appreciate the input. C'ville would be a great place to spend 2 years.

Thanks again!

 

Just glanced through one of those meg in my business flight, and Darden was one of the featured school along with few others...and looked like a pretty solid choise. BUT, have you considered UT McComb School of Business? Being a Longhorn, just couldn' resist sorry...hehe....and it's supposed to be one of the best (I'm an engineer *thinking* about MBA), anyhoo...best of luck to ya .

 

I was going to apply to UT in the 3rd round if I didn't get into Darden. I work with a few UT MBAs and they're all sharp and easy to hang out with (except one, dorky guy). The biggest draw to UT (for me) is the female undergrad population. Oh, and sports.

As far as rankings go, Darden has been ranked anywhere from #5-14 on various lists over the past decade. I'm fine with the "brand" of the MBA, but I'm interested to know if anyone has worked directly with, or even has gone to Darden. Trying to collect real-life experience has been harder with this school than some of the others (probably due to smaller alumni base and the fact that I don't know anyone there).

 

congrats on your acceptance to darden. i went to UVA for medical school, so can tell you about charlottesville too. i knew some darden students during my time there too and from what i've heard it's a top notch business school. facilities at darden at great and i've heard good things about their case-based learning.

charlottesville is a great college town. will definitely be smaller and different than philly, but it'd be a great place for 2 years. i also came to charlottesville from a big city and i love charlottesville.

congrats again and feel free to pm or email me if you have questions about charlottesville.

 

I'd take C-Ville over Philly 8 days a week. Littlejohn's and White Spot, mmm.....

 

Thanks! Any suggestions on where to live? Huntington Village? Ivy Garden? Jefferson Ridge?

I do love the grounds at UVA, and the facilities at Darden are definitely to notch.

 

My brother lived in Ivy Gardens and had no problems. I thought it was a nice enough place too. There was a complex next to it that was fairly new at the time and more upscale but I forget the name of it