MBA - Admissions - Apply - Consortium
Consortium Application Process
The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management
The mission of the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management is to enhance diversity in business education and leadership by helping to reduce the serious underrepresentation of African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans in both our member schools’ enrollment, and the ranks of management.
Darden is proud to be a member school of the Consortium. The value offered in an alliance with the Consortium aligns with Darden’s mission to improve the world by developing and inspiring responsible leaders and by advancing knowledge. We believe that a diverse community helps broaden understanding and elevate performance. Responsible leaders understand this by helping to foster diversity in their organizations.
Consortium offers fellowships to Full-Time MBA students who demonstrate academic excellence and have committed themselves to promoting diversity in their community and/or workplace.
Learn More About Consortium & Darden Admissions
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Darden's Consortium Liaisons
Sarah Rumps (She/Her/Hers)
Sarah Rumps, Class of 2022 Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Undergrad Institution: University of Notre Dame Undergrad Major: Management
Pre-MBA Industry/Functional Area: Retail, eCommerce
Areas of Career Interest: Consulting
Darden Clubs and/or Leadership Roles: Consortium Liaison, Graduate Women in Business (GWIB), Consulting Club, Wine and Cuisine Club, Darden Outdoors Club
Why Darden? The community and learning experience at Darden are unlike any other program. The case method was what initially interested me in Darden but in spending more time talking to alumni and Admissions, it really was the people that separated it from the crowd.
What does the Consortium mean to you? I connect with the mission of the Consortium of enhancing diversity and inclusion in business as a Native American woman, but at Darden specifically, it really is about the community the Consortium builds; it brings together a group of diverse people with a common passion to build a strong, supportive foundation of allies to lean on during the challenges of Darden and beyond.
What does a Consortium Liaison do and what are you looking forward to most in this role? As a Consortium Liaison with my 2 co-liaisons, it is our role to represent the Consortium at Darden and build community. I am most looking forward to getting to know our incoming class and helping them on their Darden journey, starting before they even get to Grounds with preparation for Orientation Program!
Chisom Omenyinma (He/Him/His)
Chisom Omenyinma, Class of 2022 Hometown: Louisville, KY
Undergrad Institution: University of Kentucky Undergrad Major: Accounting & Finance
Pre-MBA Industry/Functional Area: Real Estate Finance/Investment Banking
Areas of Career Interest: Tech and Impact Investing
Darden Clubs and/or Leadership Roles: Black Business Student Association (BBSA) VP of Finance, Darden African Business Organization, Darden Tech Club, Fintech Club, Wine and Cuisine Club, Darden Outdoors Club
Why Darden? I chose Darden because it’s the best at cultivating an environment that allows students to be confident, competitive, humble and teachable at the same time, through the case method. Life in a Darden classroom is a transformational process that helps students change the way they view themselves, as they build confidence, polish and intellectual ability. Darden constantly champions the importance of a growth mindset, while developing leaders and I was certain it would provide the challenging environment I needed to grow and be successful post MBA.
What does the Consortium mean to you? The Consortium means family. It’s a family I am fortunate to have, that is deeply committed to building diverse communities, reaching out, and connecting them, so people of diverse backgrounds are excited to bring all of who they are to business school’s and the work place.
What is a Consortium Liaison and what are you looking forward to most in this role?
A Consortium Liaison is responsible for helping the next class of talented individuals transition seamlessly into business school and helping them make the most out of their Consortium membership. I am looking forward most to building relationships and strong bonds with the class of 2023 and helping them recruit into their dream jobs.Rafa Rivera (He/Him/His)
Rafa Rivera, Class of 2022 Hometown: Carolina, Puerto Rico
Undergrad Institution: University of Notre Dame Undergrad Major: Accounting
Pre-MBA Industry/Functional Area: Public Accounting / Taxation – Private Equity / Finance
Areas of Career Interest: Consulting, Management and Strategy
Darden Clubs and/or Leadership Roles: VP Admissions, Consulting Club; Liaison, Darden Consortium
Why Darden? The community and caliber of education are second to none. I aspire to be a genuine, thoughtful, and well-rounded leader, which is exactly the kind of person Darden fosters.
What does the Consortium mean to you? The Consortium at Darden is and will always be my first family in Charlottesville. The opportunity to be a part of such a strong, diverse, and driven community is one that I will be eternally grateful for.
What does a Consortium Liaison do and what are you looking forward to most in this role? The Consortium Liaisons at Darden are the bridge between all Darden Consortium members and the greater community. They are individuals who embrace the mission set forth by Consortium leadership and want to work towards ensuring that all of their community members feel supported, heard, and most importantly, empowered.
I look forward to being a resource to my fellow members and classmates in order to help develop meaningful coalitions and help combat the racial equity gap we are collectively looking to eliminate in our society.
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Eligibility and Application Criteria
Where can I find details on eligibility and application criteria?
Please visit the Consortium website. Darden welcomes all Consortium applicants who meet the mission and application requirements for the Consortium.
If I plan to apply through the Consortium, will my Darden test waiver apply - therefore exempting me from the Consortium's test requirement?
You are able to apply directly to the Consortium if you received a test waiver from Darden. Once you receive that test waiver confirmation, please share that with the Consortium prior to the deadline so that they can process your application as ‘complete’ so that your application will be sent to Darden in a timely manner.
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Darden Admissions and the Consortium Application Process
The Consortium Interview
Interviews will be conducted according to each school’s specific policy. Darden has an invitation-only admissions interview process. Upon review of applications, Darden will invite Consortium applicants to interview at Darden. Please follow the application deadlines section for timeline estimations for interviews.
Consortium Events
We host a variety of on-grounds events throughout the fall, including an annual Diversity Conference. During these sessions, attendees have the opportunity to connect with current students, faculty and staff and explore life in Charlottesville. Each of our Fall Open House events includes a session to address Consortium topics and questions related to applying to Darden. You also have the opportunity to meet students in our Affinity Clubs over dinner and attend a social gathering hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
In addition, Darden will have admissions and/or alumni representation at all of the Consortium MAPS events, as well as some of the other Consortium events held throughout the country during the summer and fall.
Consortium Application Deadlines
Darden accepts and reviews all Consortium applications that meet the Consortium application deadlines. The Darden Office of Admissions will determine each year the review timeline and decision deadlines that the Consortium applications will follow once received. This information will be posted in our application deadlines section. Membership notification will come directly from the Consortium. Fellowship notification will come directly from the Darden School Foundation and will occur after the Membership and Selection Committee meeting in early March.
Access the Consortium application.
Consortium Fellowships
Candidates who apply to Darden through the Consortium that are admitted compete for full tuition fellowships. The Darden School Foundation Scholarship Committee awards several fellowships each year. Learn more about Darden’s fellowships and scholarships.
Consortium Application FAQs
The Consortium put together a Frequently Asked Questions PDF to help answer questions about the Consortium application process.
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Consortium Membership at Darden
The Orientation Program
Once a Consortium admitted applicant’s deposit has been received by the Office of Admissions, notification of and preparation for the Consortium’s Orientation Program (scheduled in late spring or early summer) will begin immediately. Admitted students are invited and expected to fully participate in the Orientation Program as well as all the preparation activities offered through Darden.
Community Engagement and Leadership
Darden’s Consortium students are very active and engaged within the Darden, UVA and Charlottesville communities. They participate in a variety of clubs, organize events and volunteer their time to give back to the School as well as the Consortium. Whether leading from where they are or in an official capacity, Consortium students are expected to be leaders in the community.
Darden students represent national organizations as well. Darden has student members and scholars representing the Forté Foundation, the National Black MBA Association, the National Society of Hispanic MBAs and the Toigo Foundation to name a few.
Alumni
Darden Consortium alumni remain connected with Darden in a variety of ways. Alumni support the School and the students by serving as support resources for students, attending events at Darden throughout the year, supporting the alumni chapters in their home cities and representing Darden at partner and recruiting events.
Sarah Rumps (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Undergrad Institution: University of Notre Dame Undergrad Major: Management
Pre-MBA Industry/Functional Area: Retail, eCommerce
Areas of Career Interest: Consulting
Darden Clubs and/or Leadership Roles: Consortium Liaison, Graduate Women in Business (GWIB), Consulting Club, Wine and Cuisine Club, Darden Outdoors Club
Why Darden? The community and learning experience at Darden are unlike any other program. The case method was what initially interested me in Darden but in spending more time talking to alumni and Admissions, it really was the people that separated it from the crowd.
What does the Consortium mean to you? I connect with the mission of the Consortium of enhancing diversity and inclusion in business as a Native American woman, but at Darden specifically, it really is about the community the Consortium builds; it brings together a group of diverse people with a common passion to build a strong, supportive foundation of allies to lean on during the challenges of Darden and beyond.
What does a Consortium Liaison do and what are you looking forward to most in this role? As a Consortium Liaison with my 2 co-liaisons, it is our role to represent the Consortium at Darden and build community. I am most looking forward to getting to know our incoming class and helping them on their Darden journey, starting before they even get to Grounds with preparation for Orientation Program!
Chisom Omenyinma (He/Him/His)
Hometown: Louisville, KY
Undergrad Institution: University of Kentucky Undergrad Major: Accounting & Finance
Pre-MBA Industry/Functional Area: Real Estate Finance/Investment Banking
Areas of Career Interest: Tech and Impact Investing
Darden Clubs and/or Leadership Roles: Black Business Student Association (BBSA) VP of Finance, Darden African Business Organization, Darden Tech Club, Fintech Club, Wine and Cuisine Club, Darden Outdoors Club
Why Darden? I chose Darden because it’s the best at cultivating an environment that allows students to be confident, competitive, humble and teachable at the same time, through the case method. Life in a Darden classroom is a transformational process that helps students change the way they view themselves, as they build confidence, polish and intellectual ability. Darden constantly champions the importance of a growth mindset, while developing leaders and I was certain it would provide the challenging environment I needed to grow and be successful post MBA.
What does the Consortium mean to you? The Consortium means family. It’s a family I am fortunate to have, that is deeply committed to building diverse communities, reaching out, and connecting them, so people of diverse backgrounds are excited to bring all of who they are to business school’s and the work place.
What is a Consortium Liaison and what are you looking forward to most in this role?
A Consortium Liaison is responsible for helping the next class of talented individuals transition seamlessly into business school and helping them make the most out of their Consortium membership. I am looking forward most to building relationships and strong bonds with the class of 2023 and helping them recruit into their dream jobs.
Rafa Rivera (He/Him/His)
Hometown: Carolina, Puerto Rico
Undergrad Institution: University of Notre Dame Undergrad Major: Accounting
Pre-MBA Industry/Functional Area: Public Accounting / Taxation – Private Equity / Finance
Areas of Career Interest: Consulting, Management and Strategy
Darden Clubs and/or Leadership Roles: VP Admissions, Consulting Club; Liaison, Darden Consortium
Why Darden? The community and caliber of education are second to none. I aspire to be a genuine, thoughtful, and well-rounded leader, which is exactly the kind of person Darden fosters.
What does the Consortium mean to you? The Consortium at Darden is and will always be my first family in Charlottesville. The opportunity to be a part of such a strong, diverse, and driven community is one that I will be eternally grateful for.
What does a Consortium Liaison do and what are you looking forward to most in this role? The Consortium Liaisons at Darden are the bridge between all Darden Consortium members and the greater community. They are individuals who embrace the mission set forth by Consortium leadership and want to work towards ensuring that all of their community members feel supported, heard, and most importantly, empowered.
I look forward to being a resource to my fellow members and classmates in order to help develop meaningful coalitions and help combat the racial equity gap we are collectively looking to eliminate in our society.
Where can I find details on eligibility and application criteria?
Please visit the Consortium website. Darden welcomes all Consortium applicants who meet the mission and application requirements for the Consortium.
If I plan to apply through the Consortium, will my Darden test waiver apply - therefore exempting me from the Consortium's test requirement?
You are able to apply directly to the Consortium if you received a test waiver from Darden. Once you receive that test waiver confirmation, please share that with the Consortium prior to the deadline so that they can process your application as ‘complete’ so that your application will be sent to Darden in a timely manner.
The Consortium Interview
Interviews will be conducted according to each school’s specific policy. Darden has an invitation-only admissions interview process. Upon review of applications, Darden will invite Consortium applicants to interview at Darden. Please follow the application deadlines section for timeline estimations for interviews.
Consortium Events
We host a variety of on-grounds events throughout the fall, including an annual Diversity Conference. During these sessions, attendees have the opportunity to connect with current students, faculty and staff and explore life in Charlottesville. Each of our Fall Open House events includes a session to address Consortium topics and questions related to applying to Darden. You also have the opportunity to meet students in our Affinity Clubs over dinner and attend a social gathering hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
In addition, Darden will have admissions and/or alumni representation at all of the Consortium MAPS events, as well as some of the other Consortium events held throughout the country during the summer and fall.
Consortium Application Deadlines
Darden accepts and reviews all Consortium applications that meet the Consortium application deadlines. The Darden Office of Admissions will determine each year the review timeline and decision deadlines that the Consortium applications will follow once received. This information will be posted in our application deadlines section. Membership notification will come directly from the Consortium. Fellowship notification will come directly from the Darden School Foundation and will occur after the Membership and Selection Committee meeting in early March.
Access the Consortium application.
Consortium Fellowships
Candidates who apply to Darden through the Consortium that are admitted compete for full tuition fellowships. The Darden School Foundation Scholarship Committee awards several fellowships each year. Learn more about Darden’s fellowships and scholarships.
Consortium Application FAQs
The Consortium put together a Frequently Asked Questions PDF to help answer questions about the Consortium application process.
The Orientation Program
Once a Consortium admitted applicant’s deposit has been received by the Office of Admissions, notification of and preparation for the Consortium’s Orientation Program (scheduled in late spring or early summer) will begin immediately. Admitted students are invited and expected to fully participate in the Orientation Program as well as all the preparation activities offered through Darden.
Community Engagement and Leadership
Darden’s Consortium students are very active and engaged within the Darden, UVA and Charlottesville communities. They participate in a variety of clubs, organize events and volunteer their time to give back to the School as well as the Consortium. Whether leading from where they are or in an official capacity, Consortium students are expected to be leaders in the community.
Darden students represent national organizations as well. Darden has student members and scholars representing the Forté Foundation, the National Black MBA Association, the National Society of Hispanic MBAs and the Toigo Foundation to name a few.
Alumni
Darden Consortium alumni remain connected with Darden in a variety of ways. Alumni support the School and the students by serving as support resources for students, attending events at Darden throughout the year, supporting the alumni chapters in their home cities and representing Darden at partner and recruiting events.
Darden Consortium Information Session
(Recorded August 2020)
