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Applications for the Kelley Business Honors Program will be open from January 15 to February 15 for first-year students.
Application process
The Business Honors Program is highly selective with space for about 25% of applicants. The application is a multi-step process and not something to save for the last minute. You begin the application process by attending one of our application kick-off meetings either in the Fall or Spring semester. Attending one of these meetings is the first requirement of the application process. Afterwards, the application opens online between January 15 and February 15 of your first year, and your application may go through a primary evaluation in early March. Candidates who advance can expect an interview assessment in late March or April. They are also invited to the second component of the online application that is available between April 1 and 15. Here you will be asked to enter names for your faculty and leadership evaluators. You also have an opportunity to share an updated resume. You will be notified of your acceptance to the honors program during the summer, normally in mid-July. Late applications are not accepted.
Online evaluations from faculty and peers are due by June 1.
Key values
When reviewing applications, the Kelley Honors Program prioritizes four key values:
- Intellectual curiosity: possessing an innate love of learning and a desire for academic challenge and rigor
- Independence: being self-motivated, having original ideas and the perseverance to see them to completion
- Citizenship: commitment to make a difference in one’s community and lead others by example
- Critical thinking: the ability to analyze underlying assumptions, ask probing questions, and maintain openness to others’ points of view
The components below will be evaluated for these four key values.
Mission
The mission of the Kelley School of Business Honors Program is to foster a sense of community among academically talented student leaders, stimulate and challenge them intellectually in and outside of the classroom, and encourage the development of their leadership skills.
Applications are reviewed based on the following criteria:
Transcript review. To be eligible for consideration, you are required to have a minimum cumulative 3.7 GPA and sophomore standing by the end of spring semester of the first year. Additionally, your first two semesters on the IUB campus should demonstrate success in both analytical and communications skills courses. Honors students are expected to embrace challenging coursework and candidates should show the committee a willingness to take on the Kelley curricular requirements.
Resume. Make clear the extent of your involvement in your extracurricular or work activities at IU. Visit Undergraduate Career Services for help preparing your resume. Resumes are expected to be in the traditional Kelley format as shown on Kelley Connect. Format and attention to detail are important considerations in the evaluation of your application as well as content. Resumes will be attached to the online application. If you have important changes or additions to your resume, you may update the resume in the second online application component April 1 -15.
Two short essays on predetermined topics. These gauge your critical thinking skill along with written communication, creativity, and – depending on the question – intellectual curiosity, independence, or citizenship. You will need to start these well before the deadline to ensure that you have time to proofread your final submissions.
Two recommendations from IU Bloomington faculty members. Two recommendations from IU Bloomington faculty members. In the second phase of the online application, applicants will indicate two faculty to submit an online evaluation form by June 1st. This gives the faculty more time to get to know you in class (and you should work to ensure you stand out!). One recommendation will come from a computational skills class, and the other from a class that enhances your verbal and/or written communication.
…. just be sure they complete the form by June 1.
Computational skills course examples: BUS-K201 or K204, BUS-K303 or K304, BUS-A 304 or A 307, BUS-A 306 or A 309, any MATH class, or any ECON course.
Communication skills course examples: BUS-C104 or C106, BUS-L201 or L293, BUS-T175, any ENG course, any course from the College of Arts and Sciences where you were reading critically, writing, or giving oral presentations in the English language.
At least one course you choose should have a teamwork component that your instructor can comment on. Please try to choose faculty who know you well enough to comment on your contributions in the classroom and how you interact with your peers. It’s okay to ask an instructor from spring semester and Associate Instructors may fill out the form if they know you best; just be sure they complete the form by June 1.
One evaluation of your leadership outside the classroom, using the same recommendation form. This evaluation may come from a club advisor, organization leader (older students are acceptable), or campus employer. The recommender should be someone with an IU username in order to access the online form.
Group interview. You may be invited to participate in a group interview in late March. This is an opportunity to tell us about yourself and showcase your communication and critical thinking skills. Instructions and information will be sent out after the application closes.
Be sure to apply between January 15 and February 15 of your first year. This is the only time you may apply. Late applications are not accepted.
The application closes at 5 p.m. on February 15 and late applications are not accepted. The online evaluation forms are due June 1. You will be notified of your acceptance during the summer by mid-July.
If you were not directly admitted to the Kelley School of Business but are interested in the honors program, you will file your Kelley School of Business application the same spring semester that you apply for the honors program.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact us at ksbhonor@iu.edu. Prospective honors applicants may also visit our virtual or in-person drop-ins that you can find on the Student Appointment Scheduler.
We are here to help you achieve success
Business Honors advisors are here to help you. Contact us to ask questions, plan your academic schedule, and talk about your career goals. We are happy to meet with students both virtually and in person.
Email us: ksbhonor@iu.edu
Drop-in hours are 10 to 11:30 a.m. ET Monday–Friday. You can find the Zoom link in the Student Appointment Scheduler through ONE.IU or stop by our office for an in-person chat.
Business Honors Program
Hodge Hall 3038
Bloomington, Indiana 47405
“The Business Honors Program made IU feel like home. It helped me grow professionally and make lasting friendships.”
Shelby Williams, BS'18Global Strategy & Design Program Manager at Uber
Honors leadership program
As an honors student, you’ll have the support of a senior mentor.
Real-world experience
Honors students must hold an internship or participate in a study abroad program.
Corporate partners
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To become a corporate partner or get involved with our exceptional honors students, please contact the Office of Development and Engagement.