Sophia AlexanderContents
1=Why colleges are drawn to entrepreneurs
2=Making your college application stand out
3=How to apply as an entrepreneur
4=Winning the scholarship: The Vermont Pitch Challenge
5=Simplify your college search with Appily
What if that side hustle you’ve been juggling between homework and sports could actually boost your college application? It might sound unexpected, but colleges love students who take charge, think outside the box, and tackle real-world problems.
Entrepreneurship is not a buzzword—how to demonstrate to admissions officers that you have grit, creativity, and leadership qualities. If you know how to pitch your business the correct way, it may become the highlight of your application.
This guide will assist you in highlighting your entrepreneurial path, covering questions such as, “Where do I place this on my application?” and introducing you to a fantastic international opportunity for high school students—the Vermont Pitch Challenge—where you might receive a full-ride scholarship. Let’s dive in.
Why colleges are attracted to entrepreneurs
Starting a business, whether small or large, is a serious matter. If you’ve been selling your crafts on Etsy, teaching other students, or developing an app for neighborhood stores, you have demonstrated that you are able to identify a problem and develop a solution.
Colleges love this because it proves you’re the type of person who does, not merely imagines. You make things happen—just the type of student who thrives in college. Entrepreneurship also learns important skills such as leadership, financial management, communication, and perseverance. These aren’t only beneficial to entrepreneurship—they’re life skills.
Making your college application stand out
College apps often make you feel like you’re brought down to a numerical level: GPA, scores, AP courses. But speaking about your entrepreneurial experience is an incredibly effective means of differentiation and shining the light on what makes you unique.
Your business has a story behind it—about your creativity, problem-solving ability, and social impact. If, for instance, you started an enterprise to assist local restaurants in cutting down food waste, that’s not only smart—it’s evidence of how you’ve created a tangible impact. Admissions officers adore stories like these because they get to see who you are outside of your grades.
How to apply as an entrepreneur
Being an entrepreneur is about learning from every challenge. Colleges value that development, so don’t shy away. Did you change your business model? Balance school and your business? Collaborate with a team? These experiences develop the same skills colleges are looking for.
Here’s how to highlight them:
Be specific: Use active verbs like “founded,” “managed,” “created,” or “developed” to explain your role.
Demonstrate leadership & innovation: Describe how you were in charge, fixed issues, or guided others.
Put numbers: If you can, include figures such as revenue increases, customers reached, or hours spent.
Put it strategically: Highlight your business in the Common App’s activity section or elaborate on it in a supplement essay.
Winning the scholarship: The Vermont Pitch Challenge
University of Vermont’s Vermont Pitch Challenge is an amazing opportunity for young entrepreneurs—regardless of where you reside. Pitch your business idea to student judges for a chance at a full-tuition scholarship to UVM.
Here’s how it works:
Available to high school students globally (grades 10–12).
Compete as an individual or as a team.
Create a brief video, audio, or written pitch detailing your idea.
Judges seek out innovation, impact, and execution—solutions to real problems. Even if you don’t take home the grand prize, there are cash prizes for 2nd–5th place. And the experience alone is worth it.
Recent winners pitched everything from mental health projects to environmentally friendly companies. Their success shows that this competition can launch your entrepreneurial journey and set you up for college admissions success.
Note: Submissions for the 2025 Vermont Pitch Challenge have now closed. Stay tuned for the 2026 application!
Visit their site for information, submission guides, and preparation tips. It’s all there.
Why a Vermont pitch competition?
The state is quickly becoming an innovation hub—from its recent designation to being a U.S. Tech Hub to its bustling startup culture. Vermont might be just the place to ignite your entrepreneurial spark.
Streamline your college search on Apply
Your startup isn’t a side hustle—it’s evidence of your creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and ability to solve complex problems. Now it’s time to discover colleges that will help you take it to the next level.
Appily simplifies the search for best business programs, such as UVM’s. Begin today and discover schools that align with your aspirations. Your future is calling.
