When asked what makes the No. 1 ranked Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship competitive for students, Executive Director David Cook has many answers.
Real-life execution. Mentoring. Character development. Curriculum updates. Personal investment.
Some students apply to the C. T. Bauer College of <a href="https://bitcomme.com/business-intelligence-engineer-2026-career-salary-guide/” title=”Business Intelligence Engineer: 2026 Career + Salary Guide”>Business from other states in hopes of joining the Wolff Center. Others have lived in Houston for their entire lives and are hungry to make a change in their hometown.
No matter their reason, hundreds of students apply to the Wolff Center every year, dreaming of joining the legacy.
Just in time for the Wolff Center Class of 2028 applications to open, Cook and Program Director of Community Outreach Danna Ceron are sharing five ways to stand out when applying to the program.
Be Yourself
Each year, students interested in the Wolff Center submit a video introducing themselves as part of the application.
Cook spends an entire day each fall reviewing the submissions. While watching, Cook said he’s not looking for the most polished applicant, but rather someone who isn’t afraid to be themselves.
In years past, applicants have pulled out all the stops to stand out, from skydiving to filming in the style of an informercial.
“The purpose of the video is for us to get to know you,” Ceron said. “We want to see you and feel your personality a little bit more. This is a great opportunity for you to show your creative side. If you have a business, it’s great to demonstrate that in your video.”
Don’t be Afraid to Fail
When selecting the newest Wolff Center cohort, the program looks for people from various walks of life with an array of different experiences.
Perhaps the most formative experience a student can have (according to Cook) is to fail.
“If you were perfect, you wouldn’t need to get into the Wolff Center,” he said.
Cook describes the Wolff Center as a living and breathing organism. By bringing their past failures with them, he believes students provide an enrichment that helps their classmates learn from their mistakes.
“We look for the ability to own past failures,” Cook said. “This elevates their opportunity to have a really great and productive experience.”
Show Them You’re Interested
There are many ways applicants can get their name out to the program before the selection process.
In spring semesters, students can get on the program’s radar by volunteering at Wolffest. Students can also introduce themselves to the program faculty and staff throughout the year, including at any of the information sessions.
Information sessions are scheduled this fall on Aug. 27, Sept. 2 and Sept. 8. It’s recommended that applicants attend one of the sessions happening in person between 4-6 p.m. in Classroom and Business Building room 328.
“There will be WCE alumni and staff there,” Ceron said. “It’s a great opportunity to ask questions about the program and get some last-minute tips on your application.”
Take Action
When reviewing applicants, the Wolff Center is looking for students who can talk the talk and walk the walk.
In other words, the program is looking for students who have experience taking action on business ideas.
“We’re not looking for a perfect business,” Ceron said. “We’re not looking for a business that’s making a lot of money. We’re just looking for someone that has an entrepreneurial spirit and is willing to take risks. That’s what entrepreneurship is all about.”
Dream Big
Joining the Wolff Center is a major time commitment that comes with sacrifices, Cook said.
While students go through the program, he believes they must have a drive and purpose for wanting to be there to stay motivated.
“Let us know your dreams,” Cook said. “Whatever it is, if you come here, we’ll propel you out into that future. If you come in not knowing what you want to do, we’ll help you figure it out. The point is that WCE is hard, but finding your purpose is really important. Even if you’re not sure, I encourage you to apply and get to know us.”
Class of 2028 applications open Aug. 3 and close Sept. 18.
