The Darden experience is built around you, the student

Experience during the program

There is a reason Darden is consistently ranked at the top of student experience surveys; that is because the curriculum, extra-curriculars and even the selection of incoming classes of new Darden students rests on a foundation where that experience - your experience - comes first. What's more, students at Darden are empowered to take control of their experience, and can have a meaningful impact during their time in Charlottesville.
I came to Darden from a very non-traditional background, and found myself at home very quickly. I may not have been equipped to handle some of the rigorous courses out of the gate, but with the help of my learning team, faculty and a wealth of other resources, I was thriving in no time. That is what Darden's culture is all about - creating a positive environment in which "success" is not just an individual metric - it is a collective goal. When we at Darden say "trust the process," we really mean "trust your colleagues, your professors, and your own ability." It's an emphasis on teamwork and work ethic that underscores the entirety of the Darden curriculum.
From a preparatory standpoint, Darden excels at ensuring its students and alumni are equipped to handle ambiguity in virtually any business situation. We take the case method seriously, putting enormous weight on class contribution, forming an opinion, and taking action.
If you are an applicant, I encourage you to reach out to alumni, and if you can, make the trip to Charlottesville. Come see the grounds and sit in on a class, it will not disappoint. There is something special about our culture that can't be put into words, and while it's not for everyone, you might just find it's the best fit for you.
Good luck!

Overall BSchool experience (5.0)
Schools contribution (5.0)
Classmates rating (5.0)

Strengths of the program:

Curriculum, Classes, Professors
Student body, diversity
Culture & Student Support

Best fit at this program:

Consulting
Finance
Marketing
Investment Banking
Tech
Entrepreneurship
Management

Can be improved:

Brand/Ranking