Program Overview
B-BAY is UC Berkeley Haas School of Business’s flagship pre-college program where 50 high school students globally spend two intensive weeks developing comprehensive business plans and presenting to industry panels in a competitive final pitch.
Haas School of Business Integration
Third-Party Validation
Faculty & Industry Access
Program Statistics (The Below May Change)
Administrative Details (The Below May Change)
Overall: 3.8/5 – Good for students seeking prestigious UC Berkeley experience but with significant operational and value concerns
This program offers the prestige of studying at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, one of the nation’s top business programs. Students gain exposure to genuine Haas faculty and develop a comprehensive business plan through team collaboration. The final presentation component provides a tangible deliverable for college applications.
However, the program’s execution has received mixed reviews, with some participants reporting significant organizational issues, cancelled activities, and concerns about value for the premium price point. One review noted “the program was extremely unorganized for the price that we paid” with many promised activities not happening and hours wasted due to poor planning.
The extremely limited enrollment of just 50 students globally does create exclusivity, but this scarcity doesn’t necessarily translate to superior educational value compared to programs with more robust operational infrastructure.
+ Recommended for: Students who prioritize the UC Berkeley brand and want exposure to a top business school environment. Good for those who can afford the premium pricing without financial stress and value the small cohort size. Best suited for self-directed learners who can extract value despite potential organizational challenges.
× Not recommended for: Families needing any financial flexibility or refund options. Not ideal for students expecting polished, professionally-run programs given the operational concerns. Avoid if you’re comparing value-per-dollar as there are longer, better-organized programs at similar or lower price points.
When evaluating business academies, we typically recommend several alternatives:
Wharton LBW (Leadership in the Business World)
NYU Stern Business & Finance Academy
Babson Summer Study Entrepreneurship
UCLA Anderson Summer Business Institute
We have connected with several B-BAY alumni who have shared candid feedback about their experiences. While many appreciated the Berkeley brand and peer connections, consistent concerns about organization and value have informed our assessment. Zenith receives no financial incentives for program recommendations.
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