Risky Business

A word about intended majors. Everyone wants to apply to business school. This means that it's tougher than ever before to get directly admitted into an undergraduate business program at many colleges, such as Indiana University - Bloomington and the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

Indiana University's Kelley School of Business has seen an astronomical influx in applications during the past two cycles. More here and an excerpt below:

"[For Fall 2024], a record 27,000 candidates applied for admission, up from last year’s record 21,000 and 18,000 two years ago. Those 27,000 applicants are vying for 2,000 open class seats or 13.5 candidates for every open slot. The 28.6% year-over-year increase in apps at Kelley compares to a 6% increase in applicants at undergraduate colleges overall this year.

"'It is staggering,' says Patrick Hopkins, vice dean at Kelley. 'And on top of that the quality is up and off the charts. So we are selecting the cream of the crop. Our admissions team is working around the clock to get the apps processed.'"

"Kelley has an undergraduate admissions team of eight but is drafting additional staffers to handle the bump in applications. 'Everyone chips in at this time,' says Hopkins. 'We use AI to assist on certain components of what we do, but we have 100 staff members in the undergrad program and at this point it’s all hands on deck.'" <-- My guess is that they are using AI to evaluate course rigor and core GPA. And, yes, you read that correctly: IU Kelley has traditionally relied on only EIGHT admissions officers to read THOUSANDS of applications! Those additional staff members who have been recruited to read your application likely have another job responsibility altogether. 

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My suggestion is for students to truly consider what they LOVE learning about, and then to pursue a major that authentically represents those interests. While in college, pursue an internship in that field, make connections, take classes that unlock your intellectual curiosity and then you will thrive. When students say that they want to major in entrepreneurship, I ask how they can start a small business of their own in their local area. My students have taken the initiative to tutor middle schoolers, to run neighborhood soccer workshops, and to sell handmade jewelry, for instance.

I was an English major and Art History minor. And now I run a business. The dots don't always seem like they will connect at first, but if you're driven by authenticity and passion, you will be fulfilled and successful.