From Military Academy Community Leader to Business Entrepreneur
Introduction
Tyler* attended a small private elementary school at his local church. Tyler changed schools several times because his father’s job transferred the family back and forth from the west coast to the east coast, and then back to the west coast again, where he attended a well-known private military academy with a diverse international student body for middle school and high school. Due to moving around, some of Tyler’s foundational math skills needed extra attention, but Tyler worked hard to overcome his learning obstacles. At the private military academy, Tyler excelled in positions of leadership and campus responsibility. Ultimately, Tyler decided that he wanted to transfer to a public high school to experience a traditional learning environment. Tyler transitioned into public high school after his sophomore year, and enjoyed making new friends and leading his local church youth group. Tyler envisioned himself as a future business leader and entrepreneur whose goals were to create jobs and affordable housing for his community.
*(name has been changed for confidentiality purposes)
Methodology
First, we analyzed what Tyler liked about the different learning environments that he had experienced so far. Then we examined his talents, passions, hobbies, and personal ideologies. After going through his transcripts, we were able to choose high school courses and extracurricular activities that supported his entrepreneurial path.
Solution
After exploring large state universities and smaller private colleges with business programs that featured entrepreneurial courses, Tyler was able to narrow his list of possible schools to 14 options that fit both his above-average GPA and lifestyle preferences.
Results
After writing all his college essays and applying to each of his chosen 14 schools, Tyler gained admission to over half. Some schools even offered him sizable discounts on tuition. Ultimately, Tyler decided to accept an offer from his #1 top choice school where he had applied for Early Decision. Interestingly, his top choice ended up being a university that was not initially on his radar before we started working together. Tyler chose to attend a mid-size private Christian university with a strong international and entrepreneurial business program where he was excited to continue as a student leader through fellowship and community service.
