Using Your Business Idea to Get into College (& Get a Scholarship)

What if the side hustle you’ve been working on between homework and sports practice could actually help you get into college? It might sound surprising, but colleges look for students who take initiative, think creatively, and solve real-world problems.

Entrepreneurship is more than a buzzword—it’s a way to show admissions officers you have grit, creativity, and leadership skills. If you know how to talk about your business, it could become one of the most impressive parts of your college application.

This guide will help you highlight your entrepreneurial journey, answer common questions like, “Where do I put this on my application?” and introduce you to an exciting opportunity open to high school students across the globe—the Vermont Pitch Challenge—that could earn you a full-ride scholarship. Let’s dive in.

Why colleges love entrepreneurs

Running a business, no matter how small, is a huge accomplishment. Whether you’ve been selling handmade jewelry on Etsy, running a tutoring service, or developing an app for local businesses, you’ve shown initiative by identifying a need and coming up with a solution.

Colleges appreciate this because it shows you’re a doer, not just a dreamer. You’re someone who turns ideas into action, and that’s the kind of student who thrives on campus. Entrepreneurship also teaches essential skills like leadership, financial management, communication, and resilience. These aren’t just useful in business—they’re valuable life skills.

Standing out on college applications

Applying to college can sometimes feel like you’re just a number: GPA, test scores, AP classes. But sharing your entrepreneurial experience is a powerful way to stand out and show what makes you unique.

Your business tells a story—about your creativity, problem-solving, and impact. For example, if you started a business to help local restaurants cut food waste, that’s not just a smart idea. It’s a way to show how you’ve made a tangible difference in your community. Admissions officers love stories like this because they reveal who you are beyond the numbers.

Tips for applying as an entrepreneur

Being an entrepreneur means learning from every challenge. Colleges value that growth, so be sure to share it. Did you have to change your business model? Balance studying and running your venture? Collaborate with others? These experiences build the kind of skills colleges look for.

Here’s how to highlight them in your application:

• Be specific: Use action verbs like “founded,” “managed,” “created,” or “developed” to describe your role.
• Focus on leadership and innovation: Show how you took initiative, solved problems, or led a team.
• Quantify results: Include data, when possible, like revenue growth, users served, or hours spent.
• Place it strategically: Highlight your business in the activities section of the Common App or elaborate in a supplemental essay.

Getting the scholarship: The Vermont Pitch Challenge

The Vermont Pitch Challenge at the University of Vermont is an incredible opportunity for young entrepreneurs like you–no matter where in the world you live. It’s your chance to pitch your business idea to a panel of student judges and compete for a full-tuition scholarship to UVM.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Open to high school students worldwide (grades 10–12).
• You can participate individually or as part of a team.
• Submit a short video, audio, or written pitch explaining your idea.

The judges are looking for innovation, impact, and effectiveness. They want to see ideas that solve real problems and make a difference. Even if you don’t win the grand prize, second through fifth-place cash awards. And besides, the experience itself is invaluable.

Past winners pitched ideas ranging from mental health initiatives to sustainability-focused businesses. Their success stories show how this competition can jumpstart your entrepreneurial journey and give you a leg up in college admissions.

But don’t wait too long!
Submissions for the Vermont Pitch Challenge are open until February 15, 2025.

Visit their website for details, submission guides, and tips to help you prepare. Everything you need to know is there and waiting for you.

Why enter a business pitch competition in Vermont? It’s a state quickly becoming a hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurship. From its recent designation by the U.S. Department of Development Administration as a Tech Hub to its flourishing startup scene, Vermont is one of the best places to help you on your entrepreneurial journey.

The college search process is easier with Appily

Your business idea is more than just a side project—it’s proof of your creativity, determination, and problem-solving skills. Now it’s time to find the colleges that will help you take it to the next level.

Appily makes exploring schools with top business programs, like the University of Vermont’s, easy. Start your search today and discover the programs that align with your goals. Your future is waiting.