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Online Application (Résumé and Video Introductions Required) The online application includes a form, résumé and video introductions; all three must be submitted together. The Neeley Fellows application opens on February 2, 2026.

1. Acknowledgement of Commitment – After reviewing the Neeley Fellows Statement of Values, the Dr. Rob Rhodes Learning Mantra and program requirements, enter your digital signature to confirm your understanding and commitment to the expectations of being a Neeley Fellow, if selected.
2. Complete the Application – Provide the requested information, attach your résumé and video introduction, and answer the short-answer questions:
   1. Short Answer Questions – Respond thoughtfully to the provided prompts using 2,000 characters or less:
      1. Describe what inspired your interest in business and how you plan to use your Neeley education to achieve your career aspirations and make a positive impact.
      2. Reflect on the Dr. Rob Rhodes Learning Mantra. After reviewing the mantra and video, provide an example of one of its pillars that illustrates your passion for learning. 
   2. Résumé – Upload your résumé using the provided template and sample format.
      1. Your one-page résumé should emphasize your most significant experiences, focusing on post-high school activities. Prioritize quality over quantity.
      2. Name your PDF file as: “LastName, FirstName Resume” before uploading.
   3. Video Introduction
      1. Submit a 2-3 minute video introducing yourself. Demonstrate that you have researched the program and thoughtfully considered your commitment and fit for Neeley Fellows. Be authentic and communicate your traits, values and interests in the way you approach the video and examples that you provide.
      2. Videos must not exceed 3 minutes; content beyond 3 minutes will not be reviewed.
      3. Name your MP4 file as: “LastName, FirstName Video Intro” before uploading.
      4. Record your video in horizontal (landscape) orientation for best viewing. 

Create an account when the application opens February 2 to submit your recommender’s name and contact information. Submit this early to give your recommender ample time to complete your recommendation before the March 1 deadline.

Provide recommenders with a brief introduction to the Neeley Fellows program and direct them to the Neeley Fellows website fordetails to ensure thoughtful recommendations addressing your fit for the program.

Important: Contact your recommender before submitting their information to confirm their willingness to provide a recommendation.

Question-Based Format:
This year, recommendations will be submitted through the application platform by answering questions about your relationship, accomplishments, and personal attributes, including academic potential, dedication, work ethic, resilience, leadership, initiative, attitude, integrity, passion for learning, teamwork, and growth mindset.

Recommender Selection:
Choose someone familiar with your strengths, accomplishments and specific traits and attributes, such as a high school or college instructor, counselor, employer or community leader. Family members, friends and paid independent college counselors are not suitable recommenders. A minister or spiritual leader may be acceptable only if you have been involved with them as an employee, intern or community volunteer.

Timing:
Ask your recommender at the start of your application process to allow enough time to research the program and submit the recommendation.

Deadline:
Recommendations must be submitted by March 1, 2026. You are responsible for ensuring your recommendation is received by this date.

After submitting your application, you will be assigned two current Neeley Fellows who will conduct informational interviews between March 23 and April 2, 2026. These conversations help explore your fit and interest in the program. Casual attire is appropriate. 

By invitation only. Applicants will be notified on April 17, 2026, if invited to proceed.

1. Interviews take place Sunday, April 26, 2026, via Zoom with alumni and faculty/staff. Applicants are required to attend in person at the Neeley Fellows office, using designated interview rooms. 
2. You will be notified of your interview time before this date; keep the day open until the time assignments are shared. 
3. Attire is business professional.

You do not need to be currently in the Honors College to apply to Neeley Fellows. While being in the Honors College is one facet a candidate’s application, our review of candidates is holistic and considers many factors. Honors College status does not preclude a candidate from being selected. In fact, we have accepted students each year that were not currently in the Honors College. Those students reapply to the Honors College their sophomore year.

Yes, you can apply to Neeley Fellows and Honors College concurrently. If you are not currently in the Honors College and plan to apply to Neeley Fellows, you should apply to the Honors College as part of the fall 2025 and/or spring 2026 application process. If you are applying to the Honors College, please review the college’s important dates, deadlines and application process and put as much care and effort into your Honors College application as you do your Neeley Fellows application. 

If you applied to the Honors College in the past and were not accepted, you may apply again, but are encouraged to revisit your initial application to identify areas of improvement.

You reapply to the Honors College your sophomore year. In that situation, your Neeley Fellows invitation is contingent on successful completion of Honors College application and invitation to join the Honors College the following year.

Neeley Fellows and the BNSF Neeley Leadership Program are both three-year, cohort-based programs. You're encouraged to explore both, but are only able to apply to one.

In the past, we have not accepted applications from transfer students as most have already taken courses that make up the Neeley Fellows curriculum.  In addition, we require students to have a minimum 3.5 GPA both semesters of the first-year and it is difficult to compare GPAs from various institutions.  With Neeley Fellows being a three year, cohort based program, it’s really not designed to be a transfer program.

With that being said, we will consider applications from transfer students with the following caveats:

• The applicant cannot have taken any of the courses in the Neeley Fellows curriculum at TCU or other institutions – the lower division courses where there is typically conflict are the following: Fundamentals of Accounting, Marketing Management, Entrepreneurial & Business Regulatory Environment, Financial Management and Business Information Systems.
• Plan to graduate in May 2028 (preferred) or December 2027 as it’s a three year, cohort based program.
• Meet 3.5 GPA minimum in the spring semester.
• Apply to the Honors College.

Applicants cannot have taken any of the courses in the Neeley Fellows curriculum at TCU or other institutions. The lower division courses where there is potential conflict are the following: Fundamentals of Accounting, Marketing Management, Entrepreneurial & Business Regulatory Environment, Financial Management and Business Information Systems. Consult with your academic advisor and carefully review the information listed on the Benefits and Curriculum page to prevent enrolling in courses in the Neeley Fellows curriculum which would preclude you from applying.