Apply to the 2025-2026 High School Academic Year Program

Academic Year Application Requirements

You will be spending a year with B-BAY, learning and building in teams. Your essays will help us learn about you as a person, your values and passion, and how your experiences will add to our community.

We look for academically motivated, mature students who are interested in attending a rigorous business academy. Academic Year is for students who want to develop their knowledge of business and want to take it to the next level.

The application and accompanying materials should convey your level of maturity and motivation. Essays are evaluated for writing and critical thinking ability, skill in organizing and presenting thoughts, and the relevance of your answer to the questions posed.

We encourage you to reflect on your experiences so you can share authentic responses that align with the Defining Leadership Principles of the Haas School of Business.

Application Process

  1. At the main application page you will submit your official information and application fee
  2. Once you submit the fee, you will receive a link and password to a form to upload all application materials
  3. B-BAY will reach out to your teachers for their recommendations

Application Requirements

Essay

Write one cohesive essay (400 words or less) addressing all the following questions:

Question 1: One of the defining principles of Berkeley Haas is “Student Always.” What does this principle mean to you?

Question 2: Share an experience working on a team where you demonstrated being “Student Always.” Why was this experience impactful, and what did you learn about yourself and working in a team?

Question 3: How will participating in the Berkeley Business Academy for Youth help you achieve your academic and professional goals?

English Proficiency Section: If English is not your first language, include a short paragraph describing your English educational background and experience. This section will not count toward your word limit.

The essay questions are designed to incite honest, thoughtful responses to help us get to know  you, your interests and reasons for applying to the B-BAY program. In addition to content, essays are evaluated for writing and critical thinking ability, skill in organizing and presenting thoughts, and the relevance of your answer to the questions posed.

  • Essays must be written by the applicant.
  • Please write ONE essay of no more than 400 words/1-page. You should address all three questions and it should flow as a singular essay.
  • Essay should be written in 12-point font, singled spaced.
  • Include an essay header in the upper right corner that includes Last Name, First Name, and Word Count.
  • Essay should be written in English.

Two Teacher Recommendations

  • B-BAY will send the teacher recommendation form to your teachers via email submitted in the application form.
  • Please speak to your teachers in advance and share your interest. We will not accept forms submitted by the student.
  • Follow up with your teachers for their submission.

Transcript

  • Students must upload a transcript including grades from the past 2 years (can be unofficial). The transcript must display the student’s name.

Graded Coursework (Round 1 Requirement Only)

  • Please submit an essay, video, presentation or other project that was evaluated by an instructor that you think represents you and your work to the best of your ability.
  • For coursework consisting of multiple pages, compile them in a document.
    • For videos, upload them on Google Drive or as an unlisted video on YouTube and paste the link in a document.
    • The title page of the document should include:
      •  The class the work is from
      • The class assignment that the work responds to
      • The grade the work was given
      • Any teacher comments in addition to the grade

Video Essay (Round 2 Requirement Only)

  • Briefly introduce yourself to the admissions committee
  • Explain how the Haas Defining Leadership Principle, Question the Status Quo resonates with you and tell us you have exemplified it in your personal or professional life?
  • Upload the video on Google Drive or an unlisted YouTube video, and share the link
  • Video essays should last 1-2 minutes and may not exceed 2 minutes.

Interviews (If Applicable)

You may be asked to do a virtual interview with a member of the Admissions Committee to determine admission to the program. If you are selected for an interview, more information will be sent to you at the time of review.

Application Fee

A non-refundable $85 application fee must accompany the completed application. Applications submitted without payment will not be reviewed.

Applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a competitive program. Spots may fill up and applications may close early.

Next Steps

When we receive your complete application:

  • Application Form & Fee
  • Essay
  • Transcript
  • Two Teacher Recommendations
  • Graded Work (Round 1) or Video Essay (Round 2)

An admissions decision will be made and emailed to you.

Round 1 Decisions will be emailed between May 31, 2025 – June 30, 2025

Round 2 Decisions will be emailed between July 15, 2025 – August 20, 2025

Enrolling Students admitted into the Berkeley Business Academy for Youth have 10 days (weekends included) from your acceptance date to enroll online and pay the program fees. You are not enrolled until full payment is received.