Requirements at colleges around the country are getting harder to meet. Most business schools have required prerequisites, minimum GPAs, and other requirements to meet. The application process is also more competitive with many students getting rejected during applications. Even some undergraduate programs have competitive application processes, more so than other majors. The best way to get accepted into the program of your choice is to plan ahead. If you’re still in high school, now is the time to prepare.
Look into Your Options
If you want to major in business, it’s not into early to look into your options. Research schools, careers, and ways of paying for your degree. Apply for as many scholarships as you can and look at your other financial aid options, such as grants. Many students decide to borrow money to pay for their expenses. Federal loans are one option, but there’s a limit to how much you can get each year. Luckily, that isn’t your only option. You can take out private student loans without a cosigner to make up the difference.
You can find many resources around the web. You can also speak to the guidance counselor at your school. They’ll have information to help you create a plan. Often, you’ll be more likely to be accepted if the school fits your career aspirations, academic abilities, and learning style. Not every program is equal. Each one has different opportunities, learning environments, and curriculums. The earlier you start researching your options, the more likely it is that you’ll find one that fits your needs.
Take the Best Classes
As a business major, the classes you’ll need vary depending on the college and the area you choose to focus on. But there are some classes that every business student has to take. Preparing for them while you’re still in high school can make things easier. That also gives you an advantage over other applicants when you want to get into a competitive program. Even if not all of these classes are needed for graduation, you will want to take:
- Speech and communication
- English
- Accounting
- Math
Communication is especially important because you might have to go through interviews at the schools you’re applying to, and you want to make your best impression. If you can, look into business law or computer classes. If they offer other classes related to business, you should take those as well.
Develop Your Leadership Skills
Your high school years are the times to develop your leadership skills. This goes for any college program, but admissions committees at business schools especially value applicants who have leadership potential. They want to teach the next great leader. You can get leadership experience by working in volunteer programs, getting a summer job or internship, and joining clubs at school. For instance, do they offer business or entrepreneurship-oriented clubs? If not, see if you can start one. Remember that many business programs are looking for applicants who have an entrepreneurial spirit. Consider starting your own company before you graduate.
