Business is a popular college major, and it’s not hard to see why! It offers a pathway to a wide range of careers in finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, management, and many more.
What do you need to know to be a compelling business applicant? Here’s a hint: colleges aren’t just looking for students who want to make money! Today’s business programs emphasize problem-solving, collaboration, initiative, and using business strategies to create positive change in communities and industries.
If you’re considering a future in business, here’s what you need to know to get started!
Understanding Business Majors
Business isn’t just one field—it’s an umbrella for a variety of specialized areas, including:
Accounting
Business Administration
Data Science & Information Systems
Economics
Entrepreneurship
Finance
International Business
Management
Marketing
Real Estate
Supply Chain Management
Business majors are structured differently from college to college. Some colleges opt for a general business administration degree (perhaps with a concentration in one of the areas mentioned above), while others choose a major in a specific area.
What Are Colleges Looking For?
While every business program has its own approach (just like how every college is unique), there are some common themes that they look for in applicants. We’ll talk about how to best prepare yourself academically and extracurricularly next, but first, let’s take a look at how colleges describe their business programs and the students they want to attract.
Pay attention to the language colleges use in information sessions, on tours, or when speaking with admissions representatives. You can also learn a lot from how business programs represent themselves on their websites, particularly on their admissions pages. The way a school talks about its business program can give you insight into the values and qualities it prioritizes in applicants.
Check out these examples:
Business is the most powerful force on the planet for positive change.
Michigan Ross is committed to building a better world through business. Through our powerful ideas, purpose-driven leaders, and positive impact, we empower business leaders to make a positive difference in the world.
University of Michigan, Ross School of Business
—
Work for something even bigger than success.
At UNC Kenan-Flagler you learn to lead for a better world. Our values-driven culture, commitment to real-world learning experiences and deep expertise with today’s increasingly unpredictable business dynamics ready you for long-term career success.
UNC Chapel Hill, Kenan-Flagler Business School
—
Explore ideas, think strategically, make an impact.
Business makes things happen and affects every part of society. At Wharton, the world’s premier business school, you will gain knowledge and experience you need to become a leader in business and make a positive impact on today’s challenging economic and social issues.
University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School
—
The School believes that future business leaders must develop both a rigorous, real-world skill set and a human-centered mindset, one characterized by empathy, work ethic, agency, accountability, and impact.
University of Virginia, McEntire School of Commerce
Notice what’s missing? These schools aren’t emphasizing personal wealth, individual success, or competition.
Instead, they’re looking for students who are strategic thinkers, problem-solvers, and leaders who want to create meaningful change.
High School Course Planning
As always, strong academic preparation in high school is one of the best ways to set yourself up for success. This doesn’t mean you need a curriculum filled with business classes, especially if they are not offered at your high school.
Colleges are looking to admit students with a solid foundation in math, communication, and analytical thinking.
Math matters. Most business programs require calculus or statistics in college, so it’s a good idea to take at least pre-calculus in high school (and calculus if you can). Statistics can also be a great option for students interested in data analysis or marketing.
Economics is helpful, but not required. If your school offers economics (especially AP Macro or Microeconomics), these courses can give you an introduction to key business concepts.
Communication skills are important too! Strong writing and public speaking skills will help you, both as a business major and out in the business world. Courses like English or public speaking can help you develop these.
Business electives are great options, if available. Some high schools offer introductory courses in business fields like marketing or entrepreneurship. These can be great elective options if you have access to them, but they’re not a requirement for college admissions nor do they take the place of strong rigor in your core classes.
Extracurricular Activities for Business Students
Academics are important, but college business programs also want to see how you apply your skills and interests outside the classroom. “Business” happens in the “real world, after all!
Look for ways to showcase your initiative, creativity, and problem-solving—all qualities that are essential in the business world.
Traditional business-related activities:
Many high schools offer clubs and organizations that directly connect to business. Some of the most common are:
DECA and FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America): These programs focus on business, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship, often with competitions that allow students to apply real-world skills.
Other Business-Focused Clubs: Some schools have investment clubs, marketing teams, or school-run opportunities for students to manage budgeting and operations.
Leadership in Large Clubs or Organizations: Many student clubs—whether it’s yearbook, student government, or a service club—have marketing, fundraising, or budgeting opportunities. If you’re handling the budget for a club or leading a fundraiser, that’s business experience!
Beyond the obvious choices:
If your school doesn’t offer business-specific clubs, or if you want to expand beyond the typical options, there are plenty of other ways to build and demonstrate business skills:
Part-Time Jobs: Work experience shows leadership and responsibility, especially if you take on new responsibilities over time.
Speech and Debate: Strong communication skills are essential in business. Speech and debate help students learn how to craft a persuasive argument, think critically, and present ideas with confidence.
Entrepreneurship: We’ve had students build their entrepreneurial skills through pet sitting, car detailing, landscaping, tutoring, babysitting, real estate photography, and even running an Etsy shop… just to name a few!
Meaningful Volunteering: Many nonprofits need help with fundraising, marketing, or event planning. Getting involved in a cause you care about—whether that’s organizing a donation drive or managing social media for a local nonprofit—can grow business skills and demonstrate community involvement.
And remember—leadership doesn’t just come from a title. You don’t have to be a club president or treasurer for your role to matter. If you’ve started an initiative, introduced a new idea, or taken on more responsibility in an activity, that’s leadership.
Colleges value students who take action, solve problems, and make an impact, no matter where they do it.
The College Search for Business Students
Not all business programs are structured the same way. As you research colleges, keep in mind how different colleges design their business options and what that means for your experience as a student.
Business Schools vs Business Departments
Some universities have standalone business schools (like Poole College of Management at NC State or Kenan-Flagler Business School at UNC Chapel Hill), while others offer business majors within a larger college. The way a program is structured can impact both admission and course requirements for business students.
Admissions Requirements
Some colleges require students to apply directly to the business major when applying to the college (like Poole at NC State), while others allow students to declare a business major after enrolling.
Some, like Kenan-Flagler at UNC or McIntire at UVA, have an additional application process once you’re already a student.
In general, business programs with separate admissions—whether as a high school applicant or after enrollment—tend to be more competitive for entry.
Accreditation
Look for AACSB-accredited business programs. This designation signals that the program meets high academic and industry standards.
Unique Programs
Does the school offer strong programs or specific resources in areas you’re interested in? If you want to study entrepreneurship, for example, does the school have an incubator program for students starting their own businesses? Or if you’re interested in international business, how does the college support students away from campus? These offerings can make a big difference in your college experience!
Special Opportunities in Business
Many colleges offer additional ways for business students to gain hands-on experience, develop leadership skills, and build professional networks. These opportunities can provide mentorship, financial support, and real-world learning experiences to enhance your education.
Business honors programs or learning communities: These may offer benefits like smaller class sizes, mentorship from faculty or alumni, and specific networking opportunities.
Business-specific scholarships and funding: Some programs provide funding for internships, research, study abroad, or other experiential learning opportunities.
Accelerated degree programs: 4+1 or 3+2 programs allow students to earn a bachelor’s and MBA in a shorter time frame. These programs can be a great option for students who want to save time and money on an additional degree!
These opportunities can enhance your experience, but they might have separate applications or requirements, so be sure to research them early!
Preparing a Strong Application as a Business Student
Because business majors are extremely popular right now, admissions to business programs can be competitive. Let’s discuss how to strengthen different parts of your application:
Essays: Business programs want problem-solvers, not just future executives. Avoid generic essays about "wanting to be successful" or "always being interested in money." Instead, focus on experiences where you’ve solved problems, taken initiative, or learned something meaningful about leadership and collaboration.
Letters of Recommendation: While you will need strong academic recommendations, a recommendation from a mentor who’s seen you in a business or leadership role, like a work supervisor or club advisor, can also add valuable insight.
Activity List: Highlight leadership, innovation, and impact wherever possible.
Lastly, be sure you have a balanced college list with a mix of Likely, Target, and Reach schools. If you have colleges that require you to apply directly into the business major as a high school applicant, add a few colleges that don’t admit by major as well. And if a college requires a separate business application after you enroll, be sure there are other majors at the college that interest you just in case!
Wrapping Up
College planning for business students isn’t just about coursework and leadership titles. It’s also about problem-solving, impact, and initiative.
Remember that college business programs are looking for creative thinkers, leaders, and people who want to make a difference—not just students who want a high salary.
Not Interested in Business?
This is just one part of our series! Stay tuned for future posts on college planning for the arts, pre-health students, and more. No matter your path, we’re here to help you find the best college fit for your goals.