Why Janelle Bigio Chose Babson College?

College/University: Babson College

Major: Finance

Year: 2025

1. What led to your decision to attend a college that focuses on entrepreneurial education?

As a student and daughter with an important role in my family, financial independence is one of my top priorities and I think an entrepreneurial education is a great first step to achieve this.

2. Can you describe what kind of support/communities exist for minority students at Babson?

Other than the inclusive atmosphere here at Babson, there is a support club for everyone from first-generation to Latinx students and a wide range of counseling support for all students. Additionally, there is a club on campus, dedicated to providing an unforgettable on-campus experience for all students with fun activities and events on-campus, ensuring students from all backgrounds can bond.

3. In what ways can a student of Color find her niche at Babson? Feel supported?

A student of color should join at least two clubs, one for a stronger sense of community and another stemmed from specific interests to engage as well as meet with advisors to communicate interests and desires, granted they are participating in campus activities, connecting with faculty, and exploring the different spaces provided on campus for such ventures (self-exploration).

4. What advice do you have for Juniors and Seniors in high school who want to attend Babson and…

a. … are from a big city and curious about living in the smaller town of Wellesley?

Coming from New York and arriving to the smaller town of Wellesley myself, you will definitely come to observe the distinguishing factors of a city and a small town but I would say the prime components to settle the change is to stay active within the community through the people and the setting. I have come to love the beautiful nature on my walks and the essence of a peaceful neighborhood despite missing my neighborhood back at home and meet people from different walks of life everyday.

b. …are worried about the cost of attending a private university?

As a student who had finances at the forefront of my college decision process, the worry of cost of attendance was always on my mind. However, this worry motivated me to tap into my resources rather than shy away from private colleges. Truly taking advantage of your demographic background and merit status through scholarships and connections can absolutely make it possible for minority students like myself to afford to attend a private university like Babson College. For example, I was able to earn a full tuition scholarship to Babson through the Posse Foundation for my leadership merit, nominated by someone I connected with from a program I joined in high school. There are opportunities out there and it takes your action and attitude to seize them.

c. … want their application to stand out?

My advice for any student doing their college applications is to truly explore during the process as an application that stands out is an application unique to that student’s identity. Expressing one’s true identity always combines past experiences with future endeavors, as these motivate current actions and desires. This means, for students interested in Babson, it is important to consider the alignment of those past experiences and future endeavors with Babson students and essentially Babson as a college, so that you are fitting to the college but most importantly, the college is fitting for you and your college journey. For students and colleges that are fitting, all it takes is letting the college admissions know who you are. Start with questions like, What past experiences help me define who I am now? Who do I identify myself as? (using the role you have in your family or the role you take on in a team project as reference points) and Who do you want to become? (utilizing how you may want to help people in the future and who you want to be remembered kickstart ideas) to explore expressing yourself to college admissions.

5. What are some of Babson’s most notable programs? (Programs of study, extracurriculars, etc.).

As the #1 entrepreneurship college in the country, one of Babson’s most notable programs incorporated into the curriculum is the mandatory FME course every student takes throughout their first year. The Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship course allows for students to gain access to true business insight as well as apply it in their business as all students are required to create a business in this course! This course is derived from one of Babson’s principles of learning at Babson, motivated by entrepreneurship thought and action and pushing the students out of the traditional classroom. Additionally, it is encouraged to study abroad as Babson has a wide variety of abroad programs in support of students to become business-minded and truly explore their interests, seizing all opportunities and resources here at Babson.

6. What advice would you offer a student who is considering attending Babson, but is on the fence about it?

Consider your true desires and make sure Babson has that for you. This may take some deep research or meeting up with a College representative (faculty or students) but the more you know the school can cater to your interests and educational needs, the more confident you will be in knowing this is a good fit for you (and not to mention confidence in your application to the school).

7. One word to describe a Babson student?

Problem-Solvers. Students at Babson want to help people in the world in some way and they believe learning through business and entrepreneurship at Babson is a great place to start.