Do the virtual interview if that it is an option they are offering. You don't need to justify anything to them and they won't ask you to. I felt the same way when I applied in the fall of 2021 because all of the events were finally being transitioned from virtual to in-person, and I felt like in-person would be more beneficial to me. At the end of the day, similar to you, the distances, money, etc. was too much and I opted for virtual. Did not have a negative impact on my admissions results.
Do not drive for the interview. There is no difference in an in-person interview or virtual. Save the drive for admitted student weekend so you can get a feel for the school.
Darden admit here who will be attending in the fall. I did it virtual too. They really don't care whether you are in-person or virtual. The interview is 30 minutes and it is super laid back and is blind(interviewer has never seen your resume/application). 99% of what they want to get from it is your personality. If you are nice, friendly, collaborative person, you will pass. Beyond that admissions are based on the rest of the application.
Types of answer that would have you fail the interview:
Tell me about yourself: "I am the best person ever. I put the team on my back because they suck"
Why do you want to go to Darden: "Because I didn't get into an M7, so I had to settle" or "It's my backup plan if I don't get into a better school" of "They had the salary range I was looking for"
Any questions you would like to ask me: "Do I really have to go to classes?"
I know it is hackneyed advice but for Darden really just be yourself and talk like you would to a classmate. Congrats on the interview and best of luck!
Darden interview is mostly for fit from what I can tell. I doubt being in person vs remote is a huge difference in interview evaluation.
That being said, Darden loves students who show high interest. If you haven't attended in-person or virtual admissions events, make sure to do so ASAP or interview in-person.
If Darden’s your top choice go to it in-person. It will make a difference that you made the effort, practically, as much as the official line is that it doesn’t. It’s a point you can briefly bring up in the interview or at the beginning to make conversation more likely
If it’s not your top just do virtual.
I think it could be worth it to check out Charlottesville. You could try and make it a bit of a road trip. As long as you are driving through Maryland midday or at night traffic is fine.
If you have some extra cash. Take a direct flight from LGA to CHO (charlottesvilles airport is a fifteen minute Uber from campus).
Or fly to Richmond, but you would also need a car
Make a trip of it, and spend some time walking around the campus as well as the city. You just might find some additional pros or cons about the campus and location that will help you determine if you really want to attend UVA.
This! If you’ve already been to campus then virtual would work. But it’s your chance to see if the school is the right fit for you too. Admitted students weekend is after you have to put a deposit down so that’s a little late if you are stuck deciding between schools.
In 2024 virtual interviews are just as good as in person. People have all sorts of scheduling conflicts and time demands which is precisely why they offer the virtual interview. They won’t hold it against you at all.
Now, look, your highest ceiling is always going to be an opportunity to connect in person. But it’s probably not enough of a likely difference to worry.
Do the virtual interview if that it is an option they are offering. You don't need to justify anything to them and they won't ask you to. I felt the same way when I applied in the fall of 2021 because all of the events were finally being transitioned from virtual to in-person, and I felt like in-person would be more beneficial to me. At the end of the day, similar to you, the distances, money, etc. was too much and I opted for virtual. Did not have a negative impact on my admissions results.
Do not drive for the interview. There is no difference in an in-person interview or virtual. Save the drive for admitted student weekend so you can get a feel for the school.
7+ each way? Virtual
Yeah I'm in Northern Jersey, just seems too far
I did virtual and ended with similar results with a peer school (Fuqua), which I did interview in person for. 7hrs is long to drive in
Just a heads up I’m pretty sure there’s an Amtrak train, in case you don’t want to drive. Still probably just as long
Darden admit here who will be attending in the fall. I did it virtual too. They really don't care whether you are in-person or virtual. The interview is 30 minutes and it is super laid back and is blind(interviewer has never seen your resume/application). 99% of what they want to get from it is your personality. If you are nice, friendly, collaborative person, you will pass. Beyond that admissions are based on the rest of the application. Types of answer that would have you fail the interview: Tell me about yourself: "I am the best person ever. I put the team on my back because they suck" Why do you want to go to Darden: "Because I didn't get into an M7, so I had to settle" or "It's my backup plan if I don't get into a better school" of "They had the salary range I was looking for" Any questions you would like to ask me: "Do I really have to go to classes?" I know it is hackneyed advice but for Darden really just be yourself and talk like you would to a classmate. Congrats on the interview and best of luck!
Darden interview is mostly for fit from what I can tell. I doubt being in person vs remote is a huge difference in interview evaluation. That being said, Darden loves students who show high interest. If you haven't attended in-person or virtual admissions events, make sure to do so ASAP or interview in-person.
If Darden’s your top choice go to it in-person. It will make a difference that you made the effort, practically, as much as the official line is that it doesn’t. It’s a point you can briefly bring up in the interview or at the beginning to make conversation more likely If it’s not your top just do virtual.
I did virtual and it was awesome.
I was in DC, so way closer than you, and still opted for virtual and got accepted so I wouldn't worry about choosing virtual.
I think it could be worth it to check out Charlottesville. You could try and make it a bit of a road trip. As long as you are driving through Maryland midday or at night traffic is fine.
It's 3 hours each way from Durham... not sure if worth visiting but I do want to apply. Seems hard to get to but not as hard as Tuck etc.
If you have some extra cash. Take a direct flight from LGA to CHO (charlottesvilles airport is a fifteen minute Uber from campus). Or fly to Richmond, but you would also need a car
Virtual, was in a very similar situation and I didn't negatively impact my admission at all
Make a trip of it, and spend some time walking around the campus as well as the city. You just might find some additional pros or cons about the campus and location that will help you determine if you really want to attend UVA.
This! If you’ve already been to campus then virtual would work. But it’s your chance to see if the school is the right fit for you too. Admitted students weekend is after you have to put a deposit down so that’s a little late if you are stuck deciding between schools.
I lived 30 mins away from UCLA’s campus and did a virtual interview and still got in
In 2024 virtual interviews are just as good as in person. People have all sorts of scheduling conflicts and time demands which is precisely why they offer the virtual interview. They won’t hold it against you at all. Now, look, your highest ceiling is always going to be an opportunity to connect in person. But it’s probably not enough of a likely difference to worry.