This admissions path is by invite only. High school students who apply to the University of Oregon and list their intended major as business are considered for direct admission into the business administration major.
Direct admission is only offered to first-year students who are entering in the fall term. The University of Oregon considers a number of factors when making direct admission decisions, including high school GPA, strength of academic coursework, test scores, and ability to enhance the diversity of the university. Students selected for direct admission will need to complete the lower-division course requirements, but will not need to apply to the major like others students interested in business or accounting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure my application is considered for the first-year direct-admit option?
When you apply to the University of Oregon, you need to select “business” as your intended major.
How are students selected for first-year direct admission?
The University of Oregon considers a number of factors when making direct admission decisions, including high school GPA, strength of academic coursework, test scores, and ability to enhance the diversity of the university. Students who apply to the University of Oregon and list their intended major as business are considered for freshman direct admission.
I’ve been invited to join the Lundquist College of Business as a first-year direct admit and have decided to accept the offer. How do I accept the invitation?
Simply confirm your decision to attend the University of Oregon. We encourage you to submit your form and your deposit as soon as you know the University of Oregon is the place for you. The national deadline is May 1.
Confirm Your Decision
What is the difference between first-year direct admission and standard admission?
There are two ways to be admitted to the business or accounting major at the Lundquist College of Business: first-year direct admission and standard admission. Direct admit means that you were selected to be admitted into the major right away, based mostly on your high school performance. Direct admission is only offered to first-year students who are entering in the fall term. Direct-admit students need to complete the lower-division course requirements so they will be prepared to take upper-division coursework, but will not need to apply for admission to the major like the students pursuing the standard admission path.
Most students apply for admission to the major near the end of their sophomore year (based on number of credits completed). Students seeking standard admission will need to complete the lower-division business coursework, meet the GPA requirements, and apply to become a business administration or accounting major around the time they complete 90 credits.
Learn More About the Standard Admissions Process
Do direct-admit students take additional or different courses from standard admit students?
No. Direct-admit students still need to complete all the lower division business requirements (BA101, EC201, EC202, ACTG211, ACTG213, MATH241, MATH243, WR121, WR122/23, BA240), but they may take them in a different sequence than students who are still working towards admission to the business major. Upper-division requirements are the same.
Should direct-admit students live in the Business Academic Residential Community (Business ARC or BizARC)?
We encourage all students interested in business and accounting to consider the Business Academic Residential Community (Business ARC or BizARC) for their campus housing. First-year direct-admit students receive preference when registering to live in the Business Academic Residential Community.
Students who live in the BizARC have rooms in Earl Hall, register for BA101: Introduction to Business (4 credits) and BA199: Maximizing Your Business Education (1 credit) courses, and have access to an innovation lab and additional programming and events to support their personal, academic, and professional success. Most students who indicate the residential community as their first priority in their housing registration are placed there. We encourage you to read more about the residential community as you register for housing.
Learn More about the Residential Community
Is there a direct admit for the accounting major?
First-year direct-admit business majors can switch to an accounting major once they arrive on campus. It doesn’t require a separate application, just a simple online form. Additionally, if you enter your first year with more than 25 credit hours of advanced placement, international baccalaureate, or transfer credit hours, please consider applying for the Accounting 3+1 program in your first term.
Learn More About Accounting 3+1
Is direct admit the same as the Business Honors Program?
No. Our Business Honors Program is a competitive, cohort program designed for students taking upper-division business courses. Students typically start the Business Honors Program in fall term of their “junior” year (by credits, not by years). If you enter the University of Oregon with advanced credits, you may apply for the program during your first year in order to start during your second year. Students interested in the business honors program should discuss this with an advisor once they are on campus.
Learn More About Business Honors
Can students change their major after being admitted as a direct admit?
Yes. We encourage students to find the major that fits their interests, skills, or passions. We hope direct-admit students will explore the opportunities available for them in the Lundquist College of Business for a term or two as they explore all their interests. Academic advisors can help students explore and find the best fit once they are here on campus.
Are there specific scholarships available for students who are invited as first-year direct admits?
Yes. Students who are offered first-year direct admission into the Lundquist College of Business will automatically be considered for a limited number of direct-admit scholarships. There is no additional application or paperwork to submit. Recipients will be notified in early April if they will receive a scholarship. At that time, recipients will be asked to complete a brief scholarship agreement form. During their subsequent years on campus, direct-admit students will be eligible to apply for the general Lundquist College of Business scholarships. Applications for general scholarships are due in February.
For more information on general financial aid and scholarships visit the university's financial aid website.
Can direct-admit students have more than one major?
Yes. Students can’t major in both business administration and accounting, but students could select a second major outside the Lundquist College of Business. Academic advisors can discuss options and help students plan to make the most of their time at the University of Oregon.
Could a first-year direct admit lose their major status?
This is a possibility should students not make satisfactory academic progress. The University of Oregon and the Lundquist College of Business offer many resources to help students succeed academically. Advisors will work with students on their path towards success.
