Apply to the Dean's Business Fellows Program
How to apply
Applying to the Dean’s Business Fellows Program is a separate process from your KU application. You must first be admitted to the School of Business before applying to the program.
Before you begin, please review the following eligibility requirements and application details so that you can prepare your materials in advance.
Eligibility
Who should apply?
The Dean’s Business Fellows Program is designed for high‑achieving, motivated incoming freshmen admitted to the KU School of Business. We’re looking for students who are eager to challenge themselves, engage deeply in their coursework, and contribute to a collaborative cohort experience. If you’re ready to push your thinking, take part in an enhanced first‑year curriculum, and explore business through experiential learning, this is your launchpad.
You may apply to the Dean’s Business Fellows Program if you meet all of the following criteria:
- High school senior directly admitted to the KU School of Business
- One of the eight business majors indicated on your KU application
- Minimum 3.7 high school GPA (official or unofficial transcript accepted)
- ACT score of 27 or higher, or SAT score of 1260 or higher (official test scores required)
- Completion of all required application essays
Only students who meet the eligibility requirements and submit a complete application will be considered.
What to know before you apply
A selection committee comprehensively reviews each application based on three primary pillars:
- Academic excellence: Your cumulative GPA reflects your consistency, work ethic, and readiness for college‑level coursework
- Analytical readiness: Standardized test scores help demonstrate your quantitative and analytical foundation
- Voice and vision: Your essays provide insight into your curiosity, communication skills, and the perspective you would bring to the Business Fellows community.
Applications cannot be saved once started. We strongly recommend reviewing the essay questions and preparing your responses before beginning the online application.
By applying, you grant permission for the selection committee to review all academically relevant information submitted as part of your KU application.
Short-answer essay questions
In the business world, a "Red String" is the unifying concept that connects a brand’s purpose to its experience. Describe your personal Red String — the core values that connect your past actions to your present identity and your future aspirations as a Business Fellow. (400 word maximum)
Identify a specific concept, discovery, or theory from your high school curriculum that sparked a profound sense of intellectual curiosity. How did this new knowledge challenge your existing mindset, and in what specific ways did it drive you to seek further understanding outside the traditional classroom environment? (400 word maximum)