Two-Year Program
Are you looking for a highly-selective and competitive business program that parallels that of the best business schools? The Macklin Business Institute (MBI) might be for you!
The two-year MBI honors business program was created for high school students in their senior year, applying to Montgomery College (MC) as freshman. Similar to the MBI Mid-Year program, you'll benefit from honors-level business courses, weekly seminars, guest speakers, mentoring opportunities, and putting your leadership skills to the test by managing the MBI Student-Run Cafe on Rockville campus. By managing an actual business on campus, you'll learn about what they don't teach you in your textbooks. You'll also be part of a close-knit community working to develop and implement projects that impact your community.
If you think you're the perfect fit for this selective program and wish to apply, you should seek specific advising prior to applying to MC or MBI. You can utilize your high school counselor, MC counselors, the Admissions office, and the MBI office.
Stay on track to apply to MBI by following MC's recommended coursework for first-year business students in the college catalog. Also, check your eligibility to be sure you meet the application requirements.
There will be opportunities for you to discover more about MBI prior to applying. You can watch our video orientation, ask your high school counselor of they can schedule a visit from MBI to your school, or come to campus for a tour to hear in-person about our program.
Email MBI@montgomerycollege.edu to receive notifications about MBI events throughout the year.
Do you meet the Requirements? Use our checklist below to find out
- Currently enrolled in your final year of high school and completing high school graduation requirements by June OR a returning MC student with 12 credits or less
- A score of 500 and above in both the New SAT 1 Critical Reading and Math sections or a composite score of 21 and above for the ACT. If you score below these levels, you should take complete the Montgomery College Remote Placement Process.
- If necessary, a TOEFL score of 575 and above (paper), 231 and above (computerized), or above 90 iBT
- A cumulative un weighted GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended to be considered an ideal candidate.
- Be able to maintain a full-time student course load (12 or more credits) per semester your freshman and sophomore years
- Be interested in transferring to a four-year school for completion of a baccalaureate
degree upon completion of the MBI program and graduation with your associate's degree
from MC
Be able to make a total commitment to, and priority of your business education and experiential learning components of the MBI program. You will be expected to contribute a maximum of 10-12 hours per week beyond classroom time.
If you are strongly considering applying to the MBI program, you should seek specific counseling prior to registering for classes at MC to ensure you are following the appropriate curriculum as outlined in the college catalog.
The application period begins each year in September, with applications due in January. You'll be notified by April 5 of your acceptance to MBI.
The downloadable MBI application is available here (PDF, 
) .
The following are frequently asked questions
Q: I was planning on taking my classes on Germantown or Takoma Park/Silver Spring
campus. Can I still apply?
A: Yes. While MBI is based on Rockville campus, you're only required to take your
honors core business courses on Rockville campus. In addition, you'll also be required
to participate in weekly seminar on Rockville campus, as well as other experiential
learning activities outside of your classroom commitments.
Q: What if I've already taken some classes at MC?
A: As long as you haven't completed more than 12 credits at MC, you're still eligible
to apply for the two-year program. You also won't need to pay the $25 application
fee again.
Q: What if my standardized test scores fall below the minimum requirement for eligibility?
A: If you're standardized test scores fall below the minimum levels advised, make
arrangements to take the appropriate placement test. Failure to take the appropriate
placement test could adversely affect your consideration for the program.
Q: Do I need to submit my senior year grades?
A: For best consideration, first semester senior year grades should be sent to the
Office of Admissions, Rockville Campus no later than March 1.
Q: How many letters of recommendation may I submit?
A: Two letters of recommendation from teachers are required. You may submit up to
four total. We accept additional recommendations from teachers, counselors, employers,
MC faculty, coaches, and internship coordinators.
Q: I've never written a resume. What should I include?
A: Consider including the following: your objective, academic standing, work experience,
internship experience, community service, extra curricular activities, volunteer activities,
awards, scholarships, and accomplishments.
Q: Will I get into the Robert H. Smith School of Business if I graduate from MBI?
A: We've developed a strong relationship with Smith, and while most students who apply
to Smith do get in, acceptance into Smith is not guaranteed. Ultimately, you're responsible
for your overall achievements and academic standing while enrolled at MC.
Admissions Process
Admission to the Macklin Business Institute (MBI) program is competitive. All candidates applying to the Macklin Business Institute program must submit a special Macklin Business Institute Application. In addition, the following documents must be submitted by the Macklin Business Institute application deadline:
1. MBI application
2. Official high school transcript (required)
3. A copy of your college entrance exam scores: either the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Testing Program (ACT) scores (optional)
4. Essays submitted with application (required)
5. Two (2) Teacher recommendation letters (required, they will submit letters separately)
6. Resume (required)
7. Transcript from Montgomery College or any other collegiate institution from which you earned credit while in high school (if applicable)
Part 1 – Montgomery College Credit Admissions Application: Apply online
Part 2 – The Macklin Business Institute Application (PDF, ) and Supporting Documents
The Macklin Business Institute Application Deadline for Part 1 and Part 2: Must be postmarked by January 31, 2024
Please refer to the Macklin Business Institute application for complete instructions about applying to the program for Fall 2024. Please email mbi@montgomerycollege.edu for specific questions about applying to the Macklin Business Institute.