Apply HN: A program for elite business students before college | Hacker News Reader

Apply HN: A program for elite business students before college

1 pointKevin_S5 comments

Basically the idea is for a curriculum that will be delivered through various means (summer camp program, weekend retreats, high school visits) that is designed for college students interested in BUSINESS in the summer before their freshman year. The curriculum will be designed to greatly increase the likelihood of student success in school, social life, professional career, and personal life. It will cover topics such as study habits, personal training/fitness, how to dress well, productivity habits, networking/presentation skills, career/goal planning, entrepreneurship skills, etc. Much of the value comes from the network created (similar to YC). There are many technology camps like this (that are really expensive) for really smart kids that are hosted by universities. I believe if you offered a strong programming for students interested in business, a lot of value can be brought to them for spending a few weeks.

While not a billion dollar business, I believe if it were grown beyond just an in person camp for 50 students, substantial profits could be made delivering the product online or through mini camps spread out in different regions.

There is more than this, but I wanted to keep it short. I can expand if necessary.

I can see how this might be helpful to new students. How will you convince students that your course is better than your competitors?

I thought the critical success factors for getting into a management programme in a university would be one's grades and one's SAT scores? Also what constitutes an "elite business student" especially since the student has not provided themselves in a business school setting yet? The proposal sounds more like some form of life coaching for someone who is not "elite."

I would consider "elite" in this context to be taking in the students most likely to actually succeed. Accepted into Ivy League schools, high ACT/SAT/GPA, volunteer experience. The business part is just that they are wanting to study business.

It is basically life coaching, getting the best students possible and giving them a leg up on their competition (peers in program). I believe a few weeks would give them a considerable leg up which could lead to greater success manifesting itself as higher GPA, better internships, early leadership experience etc. Plus, joining a network of other elite students could lead to substantial value.

Who will teach these classes? Who will design the curriculum? How will you get the word out to interested students?

Great questions!

Who will teach the classes? Well in theory the curriculum would be well made enough to not require an expert to teach. But, I envision having a few different instructors on staff for the different areas. For example, bringing in a personal trainer would help with fitness/nutrition.

The curriculum I have kinda dabbled with working on, but it would have to be adjusted for the actual "class" that is being taught. I bet with some time I could put together a really solid foundation of a curriculum just from my own experience and a good amount of research. For example, I spent a week with a freshman at the beginning of the year last year and was able to provide substantial value with just my general knowledge and experiences. With success, considerable time could go into putting it together, consulting with experts in each area would make the material much stronger.

Getting the word out to interested students is also a good one. Depends on which vehicle is being done. Could sell weekend camps to a high school directly or for the summer camp, advertising at elite high schools and the elite colleges students are getting into would work. I think filling a first group would be difficult, but a decent reputation and only... 50 available slots for a summer would be filled easily.

Thanks for reading!

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