MBA - Admissions - Apply - Consortium

Meet Amari Brown 

Hometown: Springfield, MA

Undergrad Institution: Morehouse College

Undergrad Major: Economics

Pre-MBA Industry/Functional Area: Technology Consulting

Areas of Career Interest: Corporate Finance, Investment Banking, Entrepreneurship through Acquisition

Darden Clubs and/or Leadership Roles: VP of Marketing and Communications, BBSA and VP of Finance, Darden Basketball Club

Why Darden? I chose Darden because the rigorous core curriculum prepares you to tackle challenges across all business areas in a comprehensive and ethical way. The supportive Darden community, with its diverse backgrounds and collaborative spirit, made me feel at home. I knew it was the place where I could learn, grow, and develop the skills to lead with integrity.

What does the Consortium mean to you? The Consortium represents a close-knit family that emphasizes mutual support and collaboration. It has provided me with a network of like-minded individuals committed to advancing diversity in business. This community has not only helped me professionally, but it has also enabled me to form meaningful, lasting connections beyond Darden.

What is a Consortium Liaison and what are you looking forward to most in this role? As a Consortium Liaison, my role is to advocate for the Consortium's mission and foster inclusivity within Darden. I’m excited to bridge connections between first-year and second-year students, helping to build a community that supports each member's success and celebrates diversity.

Meet Beth Siyoum (She/Her/Hers)

Hometown: Denver, CO

Undergrad Institution: American University

Undergrad Major: International Studies and Business Administration

Pre-MBA Industry/Functional Area: Investment Management

Areas of Career Interest: Consulting

Darden Clubs and/or Leadership Roles: Consortium Social Chair, BBSA, DABO

Why Darden? I selected Darden to push myself academically with its case-based learning environment. I also wanted to get involved on campus and Darden provides numerous opportunities to get involved with existing clubs and initiatives.

What does the Consortium mean to you? Consortium is like a second family to me. We have a strong bond and support each other in all aspects.  Through this community, I have formed connections that will extend beyond Darden, and I am grateful for the individuals that have shaped my MBA experience. 

What is a Consortium Liaison and what are you looking forward to most in this role? As Consortium Liaison’s our goal is to: promote the Consortium’s mission by fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. I look forward to cultivating stronger bonds within both the first year and the second year students, enriching our experience at Darden.

Meet Camilla Zhang (She/Her/Hers)

Hometown: Beijing, China

Undergrad Institution: Michigan State University

Undergrad Major: Human Resources Management; Economics

Pre-MBA Industry/Functional Area: Manufacturing / Human Resources

Areas of Career Interest: Brand Management / General Management

Darden Clubs and/or Leadership Roles: VP of DEI for Business Ethics at Darden Club, Asia Business Club at Darden, Outdoors Club, Global Business and Culture Club, Marketing & General Management Club

Why Darden? Valuing learning and personal growth highly, I sought a school that would not only challenge me academically but also foster my individual development. Darden's case method provides more than just education—it offers a platform for critical and strategic thinking, continually pushing me to become more adaptable and insightful. Moreover, I deeply appreciate the inclusive and supportive community at Darden, which I believe will enrich my experience and forge lasting connections. 

What does the Consortium mean to you? To me, the Darden Consortium embodies strength, diversity, and unwavering support. In this community, leaning on one another isn’t just encouraged — it’s instinctual. We are not just peers — we are friends, and we are family. This community is what made Darden home to me. 

What is a Consortium Liaison and what are you looking forward to most in this role? As a Consortium Liaison, my role involves guiding prospective students to learn more about the organization, supporting incoming Consortium members as they transition to Darden, and promoting the Consortium's mission within the Darden community. I'm looking forward to connecting with the newest members of the Consortium, providing support as they navigate their transition to school, and empowering them to make the most of their Darden experience. 

Meet Chris Woodfolk (He/Him)

Hometown: Keswick, VA

Undergrad Institution: The University of Virginia

Undergrad Major: Leadership and Public Policy

Pre-MBA Industry/Functional Area: Financial Services

Areas of Career Interest: Enterprise and Membership Strategy

Darden Clubs and/or Leadership Roles: VP Business Development, Community Consultants of Darden; VP Membership, Retail and Luxury Goods Club 

Why Darden? At Darden, there is an inherent belief that success occurs when preparation meets opportunity. This principle is embodied through the school's intense, purpose-driven curriculum, designed to mirror the pressures of modern business. As students, we are continually immersed in the role of executives, tasked with making critical management decisions that impact a variety of stakeholders. We are also held to the same standards as those executives, emulating a genuine, high stakes learning environment. It’s for this exact reason that Darden emerged as the ideal setting for my MBA journey. 

What does the Consortium mean to you? For me, Consortium provides a confidence and network that will persist throughout my remaining professional journey. I also align with its commitment to dismantling barriers and fostering equal opportunities for underrepresented minorities in business. Creating equitable and diverse corporate landscapes, where varying perspectives and backgrounds are recognized, is a continuous, community-wide responsibility that demands daily attention and action. 

What is a Consortium Liaison and what are you looking forward to most in this role? As Consortium Liaison, I am most looking forward to forging meaningful relationships with the incoming class of 2026 and bridging the gap between incoming students and the vast opportunities Darden has to offer. The role of Liaisons is to guide students towards success, advocating for and empowering them along their journey. We are so excited to welcome the next set of diverse business leaders to Charlottesville - committed to making a significant impact in the global marketplace! 

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. 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 an FAQ on their website 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.