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Darden School of Business

Batten Scholars Program Essay Analysis and Strategies

The Batten Scholars Program, administered by the Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Technology at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, is designed for students who aspire to be change-makers at the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology. 

By participating in the i.Lab Incubator, UVA Entrepreneurship Cup, and NSF i-Corps Program, scholars have the opportunity to work on impactful ventures, innovate, and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and leaders. 

Darden MBA Events - August 2025

In August 2025, the Darden School of Business will host a total of 17 events, comprising 12 virtual sessions and 5 in-person engagements.

Virtual Events 

Virtual events include multiple Full-Time MBA Overview sessions on August 12, 15, and 21, introducing prospective students to the program with a brief Q&A. 

Specialized webinars include All About the Application: Re-applicants on August 13 for 2025 cycle reapplicants, and Full-Time MBA Ask Us Anything on August 19 and 21, offering an open Q&A with the Admissions Committee. 

Darden MBA Essay Questions (2026 Entering Class)

Question 1: Community of Belonging: What would you want your classmates to know about you that is not on your resume? (100 words)

Question2: Inclusive Impact: Please describe a tangible example that illuminates your experience promoting an inclusive environment and what you would bring to creating a welcoming, global community at Darden. (300 words)

Business School

Darden MBA Events - May 2025

In May 2025, the University of Virginia Darden School of Business is organizing a total of 14 MBA events, including 7 virtual sessions and 7 in-person events.

Virtual Events 

The Full-Time MBA Virtual Coffee Chat, led by the assistant director of admissions, provides applicants an opportunity to learn more about Darden’s program and admissions process in an informal setting. This session will be held on May 2 and May 16. 

Darden MBA Events - February 2025

Darden will host 16 MBA events in February 2025, including 11 virtual and 5 in-person sessions.

Virtual Events 

Several Virtual Coffee Chats will take place on February 3, 7, 10, 18, 19, 21, and 25, offering prospective students a chance to engage with the Darden assistant director of admission to learn about the MBA program and application process. 

Specialized sessions include a Military Virtual Coffee Chat on February 11 and a Women’s Virtual Coffee Chat on February 13 and 21, with the latter featuring Graduate Women in Business (GWIB). 

Darden MBA Events - August 2024

In August 2024, the Darden MBA program has a packed schedule with a total of 39 events, including 17 virtual and 22 in-person sessions. 

These events are spread across various formats, such as coffee chats, information sessions, and major MBA forums, providing ample opportunities for prospective students to learn about Darden and connect with admissions representatives.

Darden MBA Events - June 2024

Darden MBA has 17 events for June 2024, featuring 7 in-person and 10 virtual events. The month kicks off with a Full-Time MBA Breakfast with Dawna Clarke in London on June 3, where prospective applicants can learn about the Darden MBA program and application process.

Darden will participate in the Top MBAs events in London, Atlanta, and Munich on June 4, 5, and 8, respectively, allowing prospective students to connect with admission representatives from top business schools worldwide. 

The Jefferson Fellowship Program – Darden MBA’s $180,000 Award

Established in the 1990s, the Jefferson Fellowship Program shortlists outstanding candidates from around the world who exhibit strong leadership qualities. 

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation's measures look closely at instances of ethical leadership, diplomatic intervention and decisive action, a proven ability to translate ideas into action, and a stellar academic record. 

Oculus Fellowship – The Full-Tuition Award at Darden (Merit-Based)

The Oculus Fellowships, started in 2020-21, recognizes exceptional leadership potential and academic competence in applicants. 

Named after the Oculus, the circular opening in the dome of the hall, the fellowships symbolize the impact of the presence of enlightened students in the university and the MBA program.  

Similar to most cohort-based fellowship programs, Oculus fellows enjoy exclusive access to famed Darden alum and receive mentorship from senior leadership and benefactors to the Oculus Fellowships.

Batten Scholars Selection – Entrepreneurial, Innovation or Technology

Darden’s Batten Institute presents the Batten Scholars program for candidates with exceptional potential to contribute towards entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation.

The scholarship is awarded as part of the MBA application. 

Batten Scholars program is competitive and structured as a cohort-based program, including networking opportunities with fellow scholars and alumni through events and facilitated conversations. 

Amount: Full tuition and fees for Full-Time MBA candidates.

Number of Awards: Not Specified

What is the Essay Question for the Darden MBA Batten Scholars Program?

MBA Funding

Prospective students interested in the scholarship must submit a supplemental essay as part of the Darden Full-Time MBA application. The essay should address how candidates meet the program criteria, contribute to the Darden community, and how the award would further their career ambitions in entrepreneurship, innovation, or technology. A 500-word essay is required, and candidates should choose one of the following criteria:

Batten Media Fellowships at Darden MBA: US Nationals (Merit Based)

Established in 1988 by Frank Batten, the founder of The Weather Channel and the former chairman of the Associated Press, the Batten Media Fellowships at Darden MBA aims to provide professionals with at least three years of experience in the news media with the opportunity to pursue an MBA. The program has welcomed Batten Media Fellows from renowned media outlets, such as ABC News, CNN, National Geographic, and The Washington Post.