If you are a high school student who is interested in studying business, it is important to understand the two primary pathways into undergraduate business programs. The first option is to apply directly to a business school during your senior year of high school. The second option is to begin college in a general program and apply to the business school internally after one or two years of study.
Several highly ranked undergraduate business programs allow students to apply directly from high school. These include the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton), University of Michigan (Ross), New York University (Stern), Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper), and Cornell University (Dyson or SC Johnson). These programs are extremely selective and seek applicants who can demonstrate academic excellence, maturity, and leadership potential.
Other top business programs such as those at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan), University of California, Berkeley (Haas), University of Virginia (McIntire), and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler) admit students after one or two years of undergraduate coursework. These programs evaluate applicants based on their college performance, leadership development, and clarity of purpose.
Regardless of the path you intend to pursue, there are several key areas that high school students should focus on if they are considering business school.
Complete Advanced Quantitative Coursework
A strong foundation in mathematics is essential for success in business programs. Admissions officers expect applicants to challenge themselves by taking the highest level of math offered at their high school. If possible, students should take calculus, either through AP, IB, or dual enrollment. High performance in these courses provides evidence of the analytical and problem-solving skills needed for success in business-related subjects such as finance, accounting, and economics.
Pursue Meaningful Leadership Opportunities
Leadership is a central component of business education. Many courses rely on collaboration, discussion, and group projects. Therefore, students must be able to contribute effectively to teams and articulate their perspectives clearly. Demonstrating leadership experience is one way to show readiness for this type of learning environment.
Leadership does not require holding a formal title. In fact, if a leadership role lacks substance, admissions committees will quickly recognize that. Instead, students should think about leadership as the ability to initiate change or create value within a community. For example, if you take the initiative to organize a field trip to a local company to expose classmates to real-world business insights, that demonstrates leadership. Similarly, collaborating with a teacher to design a new program or opportunity for students can also serve as a compelling example.
Leadership should reflect genuine interests and a desire to make a positive impact. Admissions officers value authenticity and the initiative to create meaningful change more than titles or credentials.
Demonstrate a Sustained Interest in Business
Business is a broad and dynamic field that touches many aspects of daily life. Students who demonstrate curiosity about the business world can stand out in the admissions process. This curiosity can take many forms, such as enrolling in elective courses related to economics, marketing, or finance if they are available at your school, or pursuing these subjects independently at a local community college.
Students can also build business acumen by reading books written by entrepreneurs or industry leaders, following business news in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, or The Economist, or listening to business-related podcasts. A habit of engaging with real-world business topics can enhance essays and interviews and show admissions committees that you are already thinking like a future business student.
Articulate Clear Reasons for Studying Business
Applying directly to a business program from high school means that you must have reflected deeply on your academic and career goals. While it is understandable not to know exactly what you want to do after college, you should be able to explain why you are interested in business and what you hope to gain from the experience.
This explanation might include how you became interested in business, what specific experiences shaped that interest, and what concentration you are most excited about, such as entrepreneurship, marketing, accounting, or finance. You should also research each school’s offerings and be prepared to describe how its resources, faculty, or community align with your goals. Demonstrating this kind of clarity and focus is an important part of the admissions process.
Students who engage with the schools by attending virtual sessions, campus tours, or admissions events can also deepen their understanding and show genuine interest. If you are able to reference specific programs or opportunities in your essays, it demonstrates maturity and seriousness of purpose.
Work with an Expert in Business School Admissions
Rona Aydin, the founder of Oriel Admissions, holds an MBA from the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School and has extensive experience guiding students who are applying to undergraduate business programs. Her background in business gives her a unique perspective on what these programs are looking for, and how students can best position themselves.
Oriel Admissions specializes in helping students apply to highly selective business schools, including Wharton, Stern, Ross, Tepper, and beyond. Our team provides personalized guidance that helps students build strong profiles, craft compelling essays, and approach the application process with confidence. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!
