Apply in Early Action, Start Strong

UVA Darden recently opened the 2026–27 Full-Time MBA application to prospective students, and we know that some of you are already hard at work completing your materials! 

If you are eager to submit and feel confident about the readiness of your application materials, we encourage you to finalize everything by 9 September to make the Early Action deadline. 

Early Action Quick Facts 

• Application deadline: 9 September  

• Open interviews: Available through the deadline (limited availability)  

• Interview format: Virtual via Zoom  

• Decision release: 28 October  

• Scholarships: All applicants automatically considered for merit scholarships 

Early Action offers several advantages beyond simply submitting your application first. Today we’re sharing four reasons to take advantage of our first deadline of the year:  

4 Reasons to Apply in Early Action 

1. Open Interview Format 

The MBA interview is a crucial part of the Darden admissions process. Throughout the cycle, the Admissions Committee invites prospective students to interview if we see potential in your candidacy. However, Early Action is the only round that has an open interview period — this means that you can schedule your own interview during this time instead of waiting for an invitation. 

The 2026–27 open interview period for Early Action candidates is 24 August and 8 September 2026. Before scheduling an Early Action open interview, applicants must submit a resume, a response to the "Relationships Matter Here" short answer essay question and a verified test score. If we already have this information in our system, it will automatically display in the registration form.  Learn how to schedule your interview here. 

2. Maximize Scholarship Opportunities 

Every Darden applicant will be considered for our robust portfolio of merit scholarships at the time of admission. At the beginning of the application cycle, especially in the Early Action round, the scholarship pool has been reset, and the full suite of scholarship awards is available. 

3. It Shows Your Intention 

At Darden, we want people who want to be here! Darden’s residential community — the traditions, rigorous case method learning, our location in Charlottesville, etc. — is a special place. Candidates who apply in Early Action know this, and we applaud your intention to take advantage of everything Darden has to offer. 

4. Early Action = Early Decision + Community Benefits 

In addition to being admitted to the No. 1 public MBA program in the U.S., applying in Early Action has practical benefits. You will receive a decision on 28 October, which gives you eight months to plan your transition back to student life. With this long timeline, you will have more time to plan around relocation and housing, finances, your current job and other things that come along with a big life transition.  

As soon as you are admitted, you will become a member of the Darden community and receive invitations to network with fellow admitted students, faculty, alumni and staff at in-person and virtual events. 

Connect With Admissions

We can't wait to get to know you and introduce you to the Darden community during the admissions process. There are many in-person and virtual opportunities to learn more about the MBA experience, Charlottesville and what makes Darden special throughout the year.

We invite you to visit us on Grounds at a Day With Darden open house event for the most comprehensive "day-in-the-life" of a Darden student. Learn more about Day With Darden and register here.