Preparing Your High Schooler for a Business Major: Courses, Activities, and a Smart Timeline

Does Your High Schooler Have a Spark for Business?

Whether they are dreaming of a startup, curious about the stock market, or inspired by Shark Tank, now is the perfect time to help your student turn that passion into a standout college application.

Top undergraduate business programs are more competitive than ever, and the students who stand out aren’t just strong academically. They've built real-world experiences, made smart course choices, and shown initiative well before senior year.

Join Carlos (Former Application Reader at USC and UC San Diego) and Jared (Former Cornell Admissions Officer), for an info-packed session filled with expert tips and real-world advice.

What you’ll learn:

What is Trending in Admissions: A look at the latest strategies for students eyeing competitive business programs.
Activities That Shine: Simple ways for your student to explore their professional interests and stand out to admissions officers.
Purposeful Planning: Creative ways to turn school breaks into opportunities for growth and discovery.
The Inside Perspective: Expert advice on avoiding the typical missteps aspiring business students make during the application process.

✨ Register now to learn the factors that set successful business applicants apart.

Carlos Gooden

Former Director of Student Recruitment at the University of Chicago, and Application Reader at USC and UC San Diego

Carlos has spent more than 20 years in higher education, serving in admissions roles at nine institutions including the University of Chicago, University of Southern California, UC San Diego, and Xavier University. He holds a doctorate in Educational Administration and is currently publishing a peer-reviewed book on the subject. Carlos brings a research-based, student-centered approach to college counseling, grounded in both professional experience and academic study. Whether guiding students through applications or visiting campuses in his travels, he remains deeply committed to helping families make informed, meaningful choices.

Jared Rivers

Former Cornell Admissions Officer

With 22 years in college admissions, Jared Rivers has reviewed over 20,000 applications at top institutions, including Cornell University, where he served as Assistant Director and Multicultural Recruitment Coordinator. His extensive background also includes roles at Brandeis University, Bates College, and the University of Maine. Jared’s expertise in athletic admissions and his personalized counseling approach help students find the best match with their prospective colleges, ensuring they present themselves as compelling candidates. Known for his friendly and approachable style, Jared quickly builds rapport with students and reassures parents with his deep admissions knowledge. Outside of work, Jared is a dedicated fantasy football enthusiast, continuously strategizing to reclaim his 2018 championship title.