Startup Launchpad 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 students who are interested in attending a rigorous business academy. Academic Year Startup Launchpad is for students who want to develop their knowledge of business and entrepreneurship 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. Students are recommended to submit their application materials within 7 days of their application fee payment
  4. Once application materials are submitted, B-BAY will reach out to your teachers, mentors, or coaches for their recommendations

Application Requirements

Essay

Respond to the following three prompts in a single cohesive essay in 400 words or less, noting their name and word count in the header.

  1. One of the defining leadership principles of UC Berkeley-Haas is “Beyond Yourself” What does this principle mean to you?
  2. Share an experience where you chose to go “Beyond Yourself.” Why was this experience impactful, and what did you learn about yourself?
  3. How will participating in the UC Berkeley Business Academy for Youth help you achieve your academic and professional goals?

If English is not their first language, they will include an additional short paragraph describing their English educational background and experience. This paragraph is not considered in the word count.

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 Recommendations

  • One academic teacher and one coach or mentor recommendation
  • B-BAY will send the teacher recommendation form to your teachers and coaches via email submitted in the application form.
  • Please speak to your teachers and coaches in advance and share your interest. We will not accept forms submitted by the student.
  • B-BAY does not accept letters, the recommendation should be filled in the form format as shared
  • 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 and school name

Video Essay

  • Briefly introduce yourself to the admissions committee
  • Briefly introduce yourself to the admissions committee.
  • One of the defining leadership principles of UC Berkeley-Haas is to “Confidence Without Attitude” What does this principle mean to you, and how have you demonstrated it in team work?
  • Upload the video as a publicly viewable Google Drive file 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 $100 application fee must accompany the completed application.

Applications submitted without payment will not be reviewed. Applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis.

Refer to Program Dates for decision timeline and key dates.

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

Next Steps

Once decisions are released, admitted students have 10 calendar days from their acceptance date to enroll online and pay the program fees. Students are not enrolled until full payment is received.