Master the Application Process

By Bill O’Neill

efore you can be a “master of the universe,” as business titans are sometimes called, you have to master the college application process. “High school students seeking to earn their undergraduate degree from a business school need to plan ahead,” said Mandee Heller Adler, founder and CEO of International College Counselors and the author of “From Public School to the Ivy League: How to Get Into a Top School Without Top Dollar Resources.”

“Most undergraduate business schools are more competitive than other programs,” she said. “To gain the edge, students need to focus on math, show leadership, and try to accrue business experience.”

If you want to get into a top business school, it helps if you can find a way off to show off your business smarts.

Adler worked with a student who started a business that grew into a $2 million company. “She was featured on TV and in national magazines and was incredibly impressive,” she said.

“The things we value most are a student’s character, work ethic and commitment to their education.”

Not every teenager can create a multi-million start-up, but there are ways to show your leadership potential, by engaging in internships, jobs, sports, clubs and organizations, and volunteer work. You can make a big impression by showing initiative and running an event, raising money or managing a team.

Of course, colleges look most closely at your schoolwork. “Through course selection, teens can demonstrate genuine interest in business,” said Adler. “These classes may include accounting, computer science, public speaking, finance, economics, entrepreneurship, and any other business classes if they’re offered. Math is also key to most undergraduate business programs.

Need more insight into the mysteries of the business world? A mentor can offer valuable real-world insight. An internship or summer enrichment program can give you the kinds of experiences that will help you to decide whether you really want to pursue a career in business. “Participating in these activities will also give students needed content for their college admissions essays,” said Adler.

If you’re applying to a business college, you’ll probably be asked why you feel it’s the right major for you. “Aspiring business school students will more adequately answer these questions if they can demonstrate that they have pursued opportunities to learn business and that they understand what their future career will be like,” she said.

The COVID-19 pandemic left many students and their families wondering what it is that they should be doing to prepare for college. “We are all navigating this time of uncertainty together,” said Heidi Reigel, associate vice president for admissions at McDaniel College, Westminster, Md., where business administration is one of the most popular majors.

“What students and families really should know is that there is no magic formula for getting into a specific college,” Reigel said. “In a college application, admissions offices are looking for the things that help to paint a picture of who the student is. It is not just about test scores and high school grades. The things we value most are a student’s character, work ethic and commitment to their education.”

There’s no magical number or mix of extracurricular activities that propel students to the top of the applicant pool, she said, but meaningful contributions matter. “We also understand that many students’ plans have been impacted by the pandemic and that some students might be facing increased demands and responsibilities. You are going through what none of us have ever experienced and no doubt it will shape you.

“Admissions offices genuinely care, and we want to provide reassurance and reduce anxiety, not add additional stress during this time. Look to us as a resource and do not be afraid to reach out to the admissions staff if you have questions about the college admissions process. We are here to help you.”