Business Leadership Program FAQs

Students do not have to receive an invitation to apply. Students who meet the eligibility criteria and have been admitted to the University of Kansas School of Business by Dec. 1 will receive invitations. Students who decide to become business majors after Dec. 1, however, may be eligible to apply and will not have directly received an invitation.

Any student who meets the eligibility criteria may apply, regardless of whether the student received an invitation.

Students must meet the ACT and GPA minimums in order to apply by the Jan. 2 deadline, unless they meet the test-optional GPA requirement.

Students who increase test scores or GPA by Jan. 2 may apply as long as they do so before the deadline. Students should contact Jennifer Harrison, Director of the Business Leadership Program, at JTKharrison@ku.edu if they have any questions about eligibility.

The deadline is 11:59 p.m. Jan. 2.

No. Students will typically apply to the Jack Dicus Business Honors program during the second semester of their freshman or sophomore year. While participation in the BLP can certainly help students build a strong application, admission to the Business Honors program is an independent process and candidates are evaluated based on their academic achievements and experiences at KU.

We have a broad definition of leadership. We view a leader as a person who uses their own skills and strengths to motivate others toward positive change. The way that any particular leader accomplishes that feat will depend very much on that leader’s own strengths, style and aims.  One key goal of the program is to help you develop your own leadership strengths, style and aims. 

Absolutely! Current students involved in both programs have successfully balanced the classroom and co-curricular requirements. Being associated with either or both programs at KU will enhance your educational experience. However, you do not need to be admitted to the University Honors Program to apply for BLP. In fact, part of our application mirrors part of the Honors Program application.

Yes. Students must meet the program requirements after their first fall semester to receive the second half of their first-year scholarship.

Feel free to contact Director Jennifer Harrison at JTKHarrison@ku.edu or, for the student perspective, contact Julia Denny, BLP’s recruitment chair, at Julia.denny@ku.edu.