I was just your average Soldier/Sailor/Air Man/Marine. Do I even have a shot? What types of veterans are a good fit for an MBA? For Darden?

Kathleen Grant
Assistant Director of Admissions
Darden School of Business

I think I speak on behalf of most admission committee members when I say none of you is “just average”.  You have had life experiences most people your ages have never had including “real world” leadership, international exposure and cultural awareness.  You have learned to deal with ambiguity, high stress and on the spot decision-making.  The strength of your character and determination has been tested in ways we cannot imagine.  You are a world-class volunteer and a person of compassion, tenacity and optimism tinged with wearied realism.  Do not ever sell these life skills short.

Visit schools and make sure that the school fits you!  If it does, then you will have an easier time selling yourself to us.  Research, research, research then put boots to the ground.  Talk to people, visit a class and reach out to student veterans.  Ask if their schools and classmates respect and value the skills that the veterans bring to the program.  Confirm that your needs will be met and that the environment rigorously challenges you and makes you stretch beyond your comfort zone.  And, finally, ask yourself if you want to spend the next two years (and a lot of money) in that community and culture.  Reach for the best school you can attend, but as our Dean cautions, “you must define “best” in your terms and not just settle for the opinion of an impersonal ranking.”  Once you are settled in and working on your application, do your best to define yourself; entice us to keep reading.  We really do want to know where life has taken you and what expectations you have moving forward.  Are we the best choice to help you meet your goals?

Finally, be realistic in your approach to applying.   Check out the student profiles for each school and consider your competitiveness.  The holistic nature of the application is important, but there are tangibles that must be considered.  It is admirable to aim high, but proceed with caution.