Applying and Interviewing

Selected high-achieving students are invited to the University of Cincinnati campus to explore Lindner’s distinctive academic and experiential opportunities and to participate in an interview for the Lindner Business Honors (LBH) program. The interview component is one portion of the event and consists of a one-on-one conversation with a Lindner faculty or staff member. All students offered admission to LBH will receive a scholarship award. The interview experience requires approximately 2.5 hours for students and 1.5 hours for parents or guests. Multiple interview start times are offered to accommodate varying schedules; please select the option that best fits your availability.

The 2026 Lindner Business Honors Interviews will be held December 5, 2026. To ensure an equitable and consistent review process for all applicants, the Lindner Business Honors interview event is offered on a single date. Hosting the experience on one date allows the admissions committee to evaluate students within the same timeframe and make admission decisions in a timely manner. We recognize that students may have other academic, extracurricular, or athletic commitments, including competitions; however, alternative interview opportunities are not available. We encourage families to carefully consider availability when confirming participation.

There is no separate Lindner Business Honors application. The UC Freshman Application (Common App) is the only application needed. The Lindner Undergraduate Admissions team will review all applications submitted by the November 1 deadline and extend offers to interview by mid-November.

Lindner Business Honors interviews take place in the Lindner College of Business at the University of Cincinnati, Carl H. Lindner Hall, 2906 Woodside Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45221. Parking is available in the Campus Green Garage, and each family will be given one parking voucher to cover parking costs. You will be directed to the Lindner College of Business atrium to check-in for your Honors interview. Additional details will be in your confirmation and reminder emails.

The goal is business casual, confident and ready to show us your best self. The staff of Lindner will be in red & black business casual attire. Our clothes will range from dress pants, button-up shirts with a collar, polos, dress shirts and dresses. Please wear something you are comfortable in. Lindner Career Services created a dress code guide if it’s helpful to you. 

You have a critical decision to make about college and we feel that it is important to visualize yourself as a Bearcat. You will meet with current students, faculty and staff to see if the Lindner College of Business is a good fit for you. A face-to-face conversation gives you the chance to elaborate on why you believe Lindner Business Honors would be a good fit for you.

During your campus visit, you will engage with Lindner faculty, staff, and current Business Honors students through a thoughtfully designed interview-day experience that includes:

• A welcome session and overview of the Lindner Business Honors program.
• For parents and guests: Following the welcome session, a student and alumni panel lasting approximately 45 minutes to one hour.
• For student attendees following the welcome session:
  • A mock class experience with Lindner Business Honors faculty members.
  • A one-on-one interview with a Lindner faculty or staff member (approximately 8–10 minutes).
  • A student panel with current Lindner Business Honors students.
  • A guided tour of the Lindner College of Business.

The full interview-day experience is designed to last approximately two and a half hours.

As part of the interview experience, students should prepare a concise elevator pitch that introduces who they are in approximately 60 seconds. This is not a recitation of your application or résumé; rather, it is an opportunity to thoughtfully articulate how you would present yourself if given just one minute. You should include content form your application materials and assume your interviewer did not review your full application. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the concept of an elevator pitch and practice in advance, as this introduction serves as your first impression with the interviewer.

The one-on-one interview is approximately 10 minutes, students are encouraged to use the time intentionally. Respond fully to each question, take a moment to reflect if needed, and ensure that all aspects of each prompt are addressed.

The interview will explore the following areas:

Leadership & Collaboration 
Lindner Business Honors students demonstrate an interest in leadership development and understand the value of collaboration and teamwork. While students are not expected to arrive as fully formed leaders, LBH seeks individuals who are self-aware, recognize their strengths, and actively pursue opportunities to grow as leaders.

Resiliency & Adaptability 
Students are encouraged to reflect on how they have navigated challenges or setbacks and what they have learned from those experiences. Resiliency and adaptability are essential to personal growth and leadership development.

Motivation & Engagement 
Successful candidates understand what motivates them and how they engage academically, professionally, and co-curricularly in ways that support their educational and career goals.

Professional Presence 
Lindner students recognize the importance of building relationships and networks that support both personal and community success. They demonstrate confidence, authenticity, and the ability to thoughtfully discuss their experiences and aspirations.

You will have a Lindner Ambassador guiding you around for the entire day. Ask them questions about classes, work experience (co-op), study abroad, campus life and more. The time for questions will be during your sessions or downtime with current students. This will help you determine if UC and the Lindner College of Business are right for you!

Students are welcome to bring one parent or supporter to the event. After the welcome session, parents or supporters will have the opportunity to attend a student and alumni panel designed specifically for guests. Attendance by a parent or supporter is optional and not required for a student’s participation.

Lindner Business Honors decisions will be extended by late-December; the official date for release will be included in your materials during interviews. Currently, there is no wait list for LBH.