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40 Business Programs That’ll Supercharge Your College App

April 18, 2025 :: Admissionado

Dream of launching the next big thing—app, brand, movement—before you can even vote?

Cool. But let’s hit pause on the space dreams for a sec and talk summer. Specifically: summer business programs for high school students. Before you roll your eyes and imagine a bunch of wannabe stockbrokers in khakis talking about EBITDA, hold up. Today’s business programs for high schoolers are less “cubicle life simulator” and more “choose your own adventure.”

You don’t have to be a future CEO-in-training to belong here. Maybe you’re a marketing whiz who sees TikTok as a case study. Or a sneakerhead who flipped your kicks into cash. Or a nonprofit founder who turned school lunches into an equity issue. Or a spreadsheet-loving budget freak. (We see you. We are you.) Whether you’re dreaming of Silicon Valley, Madison Avenue, Wall Street, or just want to be the boss of your own thing, these programs are built for you.

What makes them actually awesome? Three things:

  1. Elite college prep – You’ll learn from profs who also teach undergrads at Wharton, Stanford, Berkeley, etc.
  2. Hands-on learning – Pitch decks. Simulations. Real consulting gigs.
  3. Network building – You’ll meet ambitious weirdos just like you. And some of ‘em will be your future co-founders.

TL;DR: It’s high school business class, reimagined as a launchpad.

And we’ve rounded up 40 of the best. Some of these are free. Some cost more than a used Corolla. Some are online. Some will drop you into a Wall Street simulator. But before we dive in, let’s figure out which program is right for you. 

What to Look for in a Business Summer Program (Before You Drop $$$ or Your Summer Plans)

Let’s get one thing straight: not all high school business programs are built the same. Some are designed to churn out the next Warren Buffett. Others? They’re grooming the next viral brand strategist or Shark Tank wunderkind. The best business summer programs for high school students are the ones that match you—your interests, your goals, your future admissions strategy.

So first up, know your type. Are you:

  • A startup junkie? Look for summer entrepreneurship programs with incubators, pitch competitions, and startup labs.
  • Obsessed with branding and consumer behavior? A marketing/branding track will be your playground.
  • Dreaming in dollar signs and derivatives? Go for finance and econ-focused sessions.
  • Curious but undecided? General management or pre-college business intensives offer broad exposure.

Now, filter smart. Ask:

  • Is it open to your grade level?
  • Is it worth the cost—or is it just a flex?
  • Does the school name carry clout?
  • Do you have to actually apply—or just show up?
  • Will you get to do something, or just sit through lectures?
  • Who else will be there, and can you grow your network?

Bottom line: this isn’t just summer. It’s a strategic move in your larger college admissions chess game. And guess what? Admissionado is pretty damn good at chess.

Not sure which program fits your long-term admissions story? That’s what we’re here for. Let’s go. 

1. Wharton Global Youth Program (Wharton Summer High School Programs)

  • Eligibility: Grades 9–12
  • Application Deadline: Varies by program
  • Cost: $$$ (Need-based aid available)
  • Location: University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) + Online

Think of this as business class with first-class vibes. Wharton’s high school suite isn’t just branded—it’s built to deliver. The professors? Legit Wharton faculty. The content? College-level. The clout? Real. If you’re gunning for a top-tier business school later on, this is resume rocket fuel. Just be ready to compete with other driven teens who treat LinkedIn like TikTok.

2. Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy

  • Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (juniors sometimes considered)
  • Application Deadline: Mid-January
  • Cost: $$$ (Need-based aid available)
  • Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Ross doesn’t mess around. You’re not just learning about business—you’re doing business. Expect team challenges, deep dives into strategy, and maybe even a new appreciation for PowerPoint. It’s ideal for students who are business-curious but still exploring their major. Bonus points if you’re into big-school energy, football culture, or Midwestern charm.

3. Babson Summer Study

  • Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
  • Application Deadline: Mid-March
  • Cost: $$$ (Need-based aid available)
  • Location: Babson College, Wellesley, MA

Babson’s entire thing is entrepreneurship. This isn’t a school that tacked on a business camp—it lives and breathes startup culture. You’ll learn design thinking, prototype like a boss, and maybe even meet your future co-founder in the dining hall. Less “case study,” more “launch something.” It’s like Shark Tank with less yelling and more mentorship.

4. LEANGap Summer Program

  • Eligibility: High school students, generally ages 15–18
  • Application Deadline: Rolling; Due late April
  • Cost: $$$ (Limited aid available)
  • Location: San Francisco, Boston, Miami, + Virtual

If the idea of building a startup in four weeks makes your heart race (in a good way), LEANGap is your adrenaline shot. This is for the hyper-motivated, self-starting teen who already has a “pitch deck” folder on their desktop. You’ll actually create and launch a business. It’s high-speed, no-fluff, and full-send entrepreneurial immersion.

5. LaunchX Entrepreneurship Summer Program

  • Eligibility: Ages 14–18
  • Application Deadline: Mid-February
  • Cost: $$$ (Need-based aid available)
  • Location: Boston, Bay Area, + Online

LaunchX isn’t for dabblers—it’s for the ones who read The Lean Startup for fun. This is a competitive, founder-centric experience with elite mentorship and real startup launches. You’ll be building prototypes, validating markets, and maybe even pitching to investors. The vibe? Intense. The ROI? Massive—especially if you’re trying to show colleges you’re more than a student… you’re a builder.

6. Harvard Pre-College Program – Business & Economics Tracks

  • Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (typically ages 16–18)
  • Application Deadline: Early March
  • Cost: $$$ (Limited financial aid available)
  • Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

Name brand? Off the charts. But don’t expect to build a unicorn startup here. This is more “let’s analyze market forces and economic theory” than “pitch your app.” Great for future business leaders who also want that sweet liberal arts seasoning. You’ll walk away smarter, savvier, and with a few envy-inducing Instagram stories from Harvard Yard.

7. Youth About Business Summer Business Camp

  • Eligibility: Grades 9–12
  • Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
  • Cost: $ (Many programs are free or low-cost; corporate sponsorships available)
  • Location: Various cities across the U.S.

No trust funds or shiny LinkedIn profiles required—just hustle. Youth About Business is one of the best-kept secrets in summer entrepreneurship programs. You’ll dive into mergers, acquisitions, and negotiations that feel straight outta Wall Street. Plus, it’s backed by big-name sponsors. This one’s for under-the-radar grinders who want substance over gloss.

8. Georgetown Entrepreneurship Academy for High Schoolers

  • Eligibility: Grades 9–12
  • Application Deadline: Early April
  • Cost: $$$ (Some need-based aid available)
  • Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

Startup brains meet policy hearts. This program threads business savvy through a global affairs lens—perfect for future founders with a conscience (and maybe a minor in international relations). You’ll ideate, collaborate, and maybe even shake hands with someone who passed a bill. Professional, polished, and a little bit power-suit energy.

9. Fordham University’s Summer Business Program

  • Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
  • Application Deadline: Rolling until late spring
  • Cost: $$ (Some aid available)
  • Location: Fordham University, New York, NY

Tucked into the heart of NYC, Fordham’s program blends business fundamentals with a big-city edge. You’ll study marketing, ethics, and finance from Jesuit-minded profs who also know the hustle. Not the flashiest on the list, but a solid value pick for students who want rigor and real-world access, minus the elite-program snobbery.

10. Berkeley Haas Pre-College Scholars: Entrepreneurship Focus

  • Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
  • Application Deadline: Mid-March
  • Cost: $$$ (Need-based aid available)
  • Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

Berkeley brings that crunchy, innovative, west-coast energy—minus the tech bro vibe. This program is big on thought leadership, entrepreneurial mindset, and systems thinking. You won’t just build a business—you’ll question whether the system it lives in should exist. Ideal for disruptors with brains and a conscience.

11. Penn State BOSS (Business Opportunities Summer Session)

  • Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from underrepresented backgrounds
  • Application Deadline: Early May
  • Cost: Free (including housing and meals)
  • Location: Penn State University, University Park, PA

If you want a real business education without paying Ivy prices, this program is a no-brainer. BOSS focuses on diversity, leadership, and giving underrepresented students a legit shot at the boardroom. Expect to be challenged—in a good way. The vibe is collaborative, empowering, and just the right kind of intense. Plus: it’s free. As in, why haven’t you applied yet?

12. Bentley University’s Wall Street 101

  • Eligibility: Grades 11–12
  • Application Deadline: Rolling (March–May recommended)
  • Cost: $$ (Some financial aid available)
  • Location: Bentley University, Waltham, MA

Bentley’s program is for the student who already color-codes their planner and actually likes data. This is a business camp that leans heavily into analytics, strategy, and practical skills. Not as flashy as some others, but Bentley walks the walk. If you’re serious about business as a discipline (not just a buzzword), this one delivers.

13. NYU Precollege: Business & Finance Courses

  • Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (typically ages 16–18)
  • Application Deadline: Early May
  • Cost: $$$ (Limited aid available)
  • Location: NYU, New York, NY

Think of this like Business School Lite—with a city that never sleeps. NYU Precollege lets you cherry-pick from college-level business and finance courses and earn real credit. Flex? Absolutely. Especially if you’re eyeing Stern or another top business program. Just know this one’s less “camp experience,” more “serious academic grind” with a subway soundtrack.

14. Drexel Camp Business

  • Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
  • Application Deadline: Rolling (closes mid-May)
  • Cost: $ (Relatively affordable; some aid available)
  • Location: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA

Camp Business has major “hidden gem” energy. It’s short (just a week), but packs a punch with real lectures, hands-on activities, and exposure to Drexel’s co-op model. If you’re Philly-based (or East Coast curious), this is a low-cost, high-value option. Think of it as business class with no fluff—and a soft pretzel on the side.

15. Columbia Business and Economics Summer Session

  • Eligibility: Grades 9–12 (varies by course)
  • Application Deadline: Late March to early May
  • Cost: $$$ (Some financial aid available)
  • Location: Columbia University, New York, NY

Columbia’s summer session doesn’t mess around. These are real-deal college courses, with the intensity (and prestige) you’d expect. Want to drop “macroeconomic theory” into casual conversation? This is your jam. Less startup, more academia—but very college-app friendly. And come on, it’s Columbia. Even your email signature will feel smarter after this.

16. Startup UCLA: Social Entrepreneurship Summer Institute

  • Eligibility: Grades 9–12
  • Application Deadline: Mid-May
  • Cost: $$$ (Need-based aid available)
  • Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA

Startup vibes, SoCal sun, and a conscience. This program is all about launching ventures that matter—think climate, equity, education. You’ll learn business fundamentals, pitch like a pro, and build something that makes the world a little better. UCLA gives it credibility. The mission gives it heart. Perfect for the Gen Z changemaker with Canva skills and convictions.

17. Boston University’s High School Honors Program (Business Track)

  • Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
  • Application Deadline: May
  • Cost: $$$ (Financial aid available)
  • Location: Boston University, Boston, MA

This one’s for students who want to play in the big leagues—now. You’ll take real BU business courses alongside undergrads, with the grades to prove it. It’s rigorous, it’s legit, and it will make your high school transcript look downright intimidating (in a good way). Expect a serious workload—but also a serious glow-up for your college app.

18. The Cornell Institute for China Economic Research (CICER) Summer Program

  • Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (and undergrads)
  • Application Deadline: Late April
  • Cost: $$$ (Limited aid available)
  • Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

This one’s for the globally minded econ nerds who salivate over GDP graphs and trade policy. CICER dives deep into China’s economic transformation—past, present, future. You’ll tackle topics most high schoolers can’t even pronounce, taught by Ivy League economists. Less “lemonade stand,” more “Belt and Road Initiative.” If your Common App essay starts with “I read The Economist for fun,” say no more. This one’s for you.

19. Brown Leadership Institute – Social Entrepreneurship

  • Eligibility: Grades 9–12
  • Application Deadline: Rolling, but fills early (apply by April)
  • Cost: $$$ (Need-based aid available)
  • Location: Brown University, Providence, RI

Business, but make it impactful. Brown’s Social Entrepreneurship track is for the idealist with a vision board. You’ll learn how to launch ventures that solve real-world problems—and get schooled in ethics, equity, and empathy while you’re at it. Less Shark Tank, more UN General Assembly. Perfect for future changemakers with hustle and heart.

20. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes – Business Track

  • Eligibility: Ages 14–17
  • Application Deadline: February 2025 (est.)
  • Cost: $$$ (Limited aid available)
  • Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Stanford’s Business track is equal parts prestige and practical. You’ll tackle case studies, simulations, and leadership theory under that signature Silicon Valley glow. This isn’t a startup incubator—it’s a thinker’s playground. If your idea of fun is game theory over brunch, or dissecting the business model of Netflix for fun, this one’s your vibe.

21. Oxford Summer Courses – Business and Entrepreneurship

  • Eligibility: Ages 16–18
  • Application Deadline: Rolling (apply early—spaces fill fast)
  • Cost: $$$$ (Some scholarships available)
  • Location: Oxford University, United Kingdom

Tea, tutorials, and a touch of capitalism. Studying biz at Oxford isn’t just a flex—it’s a full-body experience. Small group learning, case studies with a British twist, and living in dorms that look like Hogwarts. This one screams “worldly and intellectually serious” on a college app. Also great if you want to test-drive international study (and your tolerance for scones). Think: Downton Abbey… with pitch decks.

22. Summer at UChicago – Career Insight: Business and Entrepreneurship

  • Eligibility: Grades 10–12
  • Application Deadline: Early March
  • Cost: $$$ (Need-based aid available)
  • Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

UChicago’s take on business? Analytical, rigorous, and delightfully nerdy. This program blends entrepreneurship with econ, strategy, and good ol’ critical thinking. You won’t just pitch a business—you’ll question its assumptions, model its growth, and probably argue about ethics while you’re at it. Perfect for students who love business but crave intellectual depth (and maybe already own a TI-84).

23. Tufts Pre-College Program – Business Essentials

  • Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
  • Application Deadline: Rolling (early spring recommended)
  • Cost: $$$ (Some aid available)
  • Location: Tufts University, Medford, MA

This isn’t your standard “what is a business?” course. Tufts packs leadership, marketing, finance, and negotiation into a two-week power program with just the right mix of theory and practice. Think: crash course for the future exec who also wants to vibe with curious, offbeat classmates. Smart, efficient, and unmistakably Tufts—quirky brainpower meets real-world hustle.

24. The University of Kansas – Summer Venture in Business

  • Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders, with a focus on underrepresented students
  • Application Deadline: Early May
  • Cost: Free (includes housing, meals, and activities)
  • Location: University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS

This program has heart and hustle. KU’s Summer Venture in Business is all about access—introducing students from diverse backgrounds to the world of business, leadership, and college life. You’ll tour companies, meet faculty, and get hands-on with real-world business problems. Zero cost, high impact. If you’re a future leader in sneakers, this is your early start.

25. Yale Young Global Scholars (Innovation & Entrepreneurship)

  • Eligibility: Grades 10–11
  • Application Deadline: Early January
  • Cost: $$$ (Need-based aid available, including full scholarships)
  • Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT

YYGS is the Cadillac of pre-college programs—and the Innovation & Entrepreneurship track is as elite as it sounds. This isn’t “How to Start a Business 101.” It’s global, it’s interdisciplinary, and it pushes you to think like a changemaker. If you’re the kid who’s always asking “but how can we scale it?”—this one’s for you.

26. Indiana University Business Is Global

  • Eligibility: Grades 9–12
  • Application Deadline: Mid-April
  • Cost: $$ (Some scholarships available)
  • Location: Indiana University, Bloomington, IN

Global trade meets high school hustle. This one’s for the culturally curious who want to explore business through an international lens—think global markets, language immersion, and case studies from around the world. It’s less Shark Tank, more World Bank. Bonus: Kelley School of Business street cred. Underrated gem with a killer global twist.

27. The Knowledge Society (TKS)

  • Eligibility: Ages 13–17
  • Application Deadline: Rolling (apply early for major cities)
  • Cost: $$$ (Financial aid available)
  • Location: Major cities worldwide + Online

Imagine if TED, Y Combinator, and Elon’s Twitter feed had a baby. TKS is a futuristic, elite innovation incubator where students deep-dive into AI, blockchain, biotech—you name it. It’s not just a summer thing either; it’s a movement. Best for intellectually restless, hyper-ambitious teens who aren’t scared of buzzwords (or building moonshots).

28. Athena Summer Innovation Institute (Barnard)

  • Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who identify as female
  • Application Deadline: Late April
  • Cost: $$ (Some aid available)
  • Location: Barnard College, NYC

This is where bold, brilliant young women come to level up. At the Athena Institute, you’ll work in teams to solve real-world problems, develop a venture, and pitch it—Shark Tank-style. Except with better fashion and actual mentorship. It’s empowering, practical, and just the right kind of fierce.

29. Olin Gateway to Business

  • Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
  • Application Deadline: Early May
  • Cost: $$$ (Need-based aid available)
  • Location: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO

Olin’s Gateway is a sleek, one-week intro to business with just the right amount of depth and polish. Expect marketing simulations, design thinking labs, and a peek into startup culture—all on a campus that’s low-key gorgeous. It’s not just about “learning business”—it’s about building confidence and flexing problem-solving skills. Smart choice for students who want a compact, high-impact summer win (and maybe a WashU head start).

30. University of Colorado Boulder – Business Leadership Program

  • Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
  • Application Deadline: Late April
  • Cost: Free (includes housing, meals, and activities)
  • Location: University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO

Business with a view—and a mission. This one-week, all-expenses-paid program is designed for high-achieving students from diverse backgrounds who are ready to step into leadership roles. You’ll explore business disciplines, connect with faculty and corporate partners, and build soft skills with hard impact. Bonus: Boulder in the summer is basically nature’s LinkedIn background photo.

31. University of Georgia – Accelerated Business Program

  • Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from underrepresented backgrounds
  • Application Deadline: Early May
  • Cost: Free (includes housing, meals, and program materials)
  • Location: University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Terry College’s Accelerated Business Program isn’t just a primer—it’s a power-up. Designed to diversify the business pipeline, this weeklong intensive is all about access, exposure, and activation. You’ll engage with real case studies, meet industry pros, and get the inside track on college admissions. Great for future business leaders who want to start ahead, not just catch up. Plus, Athens brings serious charm.

32. UC Berkeley’s Business Academy for Youth

  • Eligibility: Grades 9–12
  • Application Deadline: Mid-May
  • Cost: $$$ (Need-based aid available)
  • Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

Run by the legendary Haas School of Business, this program introduces high schoolers to leadership, innovation, and the foundations of running a biz—Haas style. It’s collaborative, hands-on, and leans heavily into social impact. Ideal for students who want their capitalism with a conscience (and a dash of design thinking).

33. Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI)

  • Eligibility: Rising high school juniors (Chicago residents only)
  • Application Deadline: Early March
  • Cost: Free (includes paid internship component)
  • Location: Chicago, IL

One word: paid. CSBI pairs Chicago public school students with corporate internships and teaches them how business actually works. This one’s hyper-local, incredibly practical, and genuinely transformative. You’ll walk away with experience, a network, and a paycheck. That’s about as ROI-positive as it gets.

34. George Washington University – Caminos al Futuro

  • Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who identify as Latinx/Hispanic
  • Application Deadline: Early March
  • Cost: Free (includes housing, meals, and transportation stipend)
  • Location: George Washington University, Washington, D.C.

This isn’t your standard business camp—it’s leadership, policy, culture, and changemaking rolled into one high-octane D.C. experience. Caminos empowers Latinx students to explore their identity and influence through courses, site visits, and community-driven projects. If you’re a future founder, activist, or hybrid of the two, this one brings depth, impact, and visibility—with zero cost and maximum heart.

35. Economics for Leaders

  • Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
  • Application Deadline: Rolling (priority deadlines in spring)
  • Cost: $$ (Some sites free; financial aid available)
  • Location: Multiple university campuses nationwide

This isn’t just supply-and-demand 101—it’s econ with teeth. Run by the Foundation for Teaching Economics, this program blends economic thinking with leadership training in a way that actually sticks. You’ll work with professors, tackle simulations, and leave understanding why incentives run the world. For future policymakers, entrepreneurs, or Shark Tank addicts who want to lead with logic. Bonus: it’s offered at top schools coast to coast.

36. Marist Summer Pre-College – Business

  • Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
  • Application Deadline: Rolling (apply by mid-May recommended)
  • Cost: $$ (Some aid available)
  • Location: Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY

Marist keeps it practical and personal. This two-week program introduces high schoolers to the core pillars of business—management, marketing, finance—all through hands-on projects and simulations. You’ll build teamwork chops and even draft your first business plan. Solid pick for students who want a taste of the college biz life without the big-brand frenzy. Plus: Hudson River views for days.

37. Snider Enterprise and Leadership Fellows (SELF) Experience

  • Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (priority for underrepresented and first-gen students)
  • Application Deadline: Early May
  • Cost: Free (includes housing, meals, and materials)
  • Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD

SELF is the kind of program that delivers exactly what it promises: entrepreneurship, leadership, and confidence—on the house. Hosted by the Smith School of Business, it’s packed with real-world strategy sessions, business modeling, and peer collaboration. It’s got structure, energy, and impact without the intimidating sticker shock. If you’re ready to lead (and want the toolkit to back it up), this is a no-brainer.

38. Beta Bowl Entrepreneurship Program

  • Eligibility: Grades 8–12
  • Application Deadline: Rolling
  • Cost: $$–$$$ (Multiple tiers; financial aid available)
  • Location: Online

Beta Bowl is startup training wheels—except, like, tricked out with pitch decks and revenue models. This virtual program walks students through launching a business from scratch, complete with mentorship, weekly deliverables, and a final investor-style pitch. Great for self-starters who want structure, accountability, and brag-worthy output without leaving their bedroom. Think: hustle in hoodie form.

39. University of Rochester Pre-College: Business

  • Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
  • Application Deadline: Rolling (early spring recommended)
  • Cost: $$ (Some aid available)
  • Location: University of Rochester, Rochester, NY

Rochester’s biz program is short, sweet, and surprisingly strategic. In just a week or two, you’ll dive into entrepreneurship, business planning, and creative problem-solving—all with that signature Rochester interdisciplinary twist. It’s a great option for students dipping their toes into business without needing to commit their entire summer. Also: underrated school with a seriously smart edge.

40. Your Local Chamber of Commerce Youth Biz Camp (DIY-level programs!)

  • Eligibility: Varies (usually grades 6–12)
  • Application Deadline: Varies
  • Cost: Usually low-cost or free
  • Location: Check your local listings

These hometown heroes may not be sexy, but they get the job done. Local biz camps run by Chambers of Commerce are often hands-on, low-cost, and community-powered. You’ll meet real entrepreneurs, solve real problems, and probably learn more than in your high school econ class. Bonus: they show initiative, grit, and hometown pride on a college app. DIY, but in the best way.

What These Programs Actually Do for You (and Your College App)

Let’s get something straight: these aren’t just résumé stickers. Colleges don’t care that you went to a fancy program—they care what you did with it. That Wharton certificate? Cool. But if it’s not connected to your larger story, it’s just digital wallpaper.

Here’s the real play: top high school entrepreneurship programs give you something to write about. Killer essays come from students who took an idea—sparked during a summer course or late-night group chat—and ran with it. You started a social venture. Built a prototype. Created a budgeting workshop for middle schoolers. Now that moves the needle.

Letters of rec? Better when your instructor watched you pitch an app idea to investors or lead a stubborn group to glory. Demonstrated interest? Stronger when you’ve studied on the very campus you’re applying to. These programs can also point you toward legit business certifications for high school students, laying the groundwork for long-term goals that scream ambition.

The trick? Fit matters more than flex. Not every high school business program needs to say “Ivy” to give you Ivy-level clarity.

At Admissionado, we help students translate these experiences into compelling application narratives. Because launching your first venture is great—but knowing how to pitch yourself to elite colleges? That’s where the real ROI lives.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Pick a Program. Pick a Path.

Too many students obsess over choosing the right summer program. Wrong question. The better one? “What story am I trying to tell colleges—and how does this summer move that story forward?”

The best high school business experiences aren’t just strategic resume fuel. They’re the moments that feel electric. A project that lights you up. A mentor who challenges your thinking. A class that forces you to rewrite what you thought you wanted. When it’s the right fit, you’ll come out sharper, more focused, and a little more you.

That one summer could spark a decade-long arc—launching a business, starting a nonprofit, majoring in something you’d never heard of six months ago. So yeah, pick smart. But don’t pick safe.

Want help picking the right program—and mapping out how it fits into your college admissions strategy? Book a free consultation with one of our experts. Let’s build your future.