Crafting a Winning Application for LaunchX

‍This article was written by Danielle Jones, a LaunchX mentor and founder of The Faithful Oak. Danielle is an author, entrepreneur, and mentor passionate about creativity and meaningful work. Based in South Carolina’s sea islands, she leads The Faithful Oak, a creative studio dedicated to fine art, storytelling, and helping others bring their ideas to life.

As a LaunchX mentor for the past two summers, I’ve had the privilege of working with bright, ambitious students who are eager to embrace entrepreneurship. LaunchX isn’t just about creating businesses; it’s about fostering the mindset and skills that will help you thrive in entrepreneurial ventures. Your application is your opportunity to show how you embody these qualities and what you bring to the program. Here are some tips to help you stand out.

1. Show Your Entrepreneurial Drive

LaunchX seeks students who are creative, collaborative, and ambitious—traits that are vital to entrepreneurship. Even if you don’t have your own startup, you can still demonstrate these qualities through your experiences. Think about times when you identified a problem and took the initiative to solve it. Did you collaborate with others on a project? Did you step up as a leader in your school or community? Share specific examples that highlight your ability to think creatively, lead effectively, and work as part of a team.

2. Highlight How You Contribute to a Team

LaunchX teams are made up of students with diverse skills and perspectives. Reflect on what makes you unique. Are you a strategic thinker who excels in planning and organizing? A creative visionary with bold ideas? Or perhaps you’re a builder who thrives on bringing concepts to life through practical skills. Whatever your strengths, explain how they make you a valuable asset to a team. Be honest and authentic—there’s no single “right” way to contribute.

3. Be Personal and Specific

Generic statements like “I’m a hard worker” won’t set you apart. Instead, use stories and examples to illustrate your qualities. For example, if you’re passionate about sustainability, describe how you started an initiative to reduce waste in your school. If you’re a natural networker, share how you’ve used your connections to create opportunities. These details will make your application memorable and help the LaunchX team understand who you are.

4. Demonstrate Growth Potential

LaunchX values students who are eager to learn and grow. Reflect on challenges you’ve faced and how you’ve overcome them. What lessons did you learn? How have those experiences shaped your approach to new opportunities? Highlighting your resilience and adaptability shows that you’re ready to thrive in an intensive program like LaunchX. Share your goals for the program and how you hope to grow as an entrepreneur.

5. Keep It Clear and Polished

Clarity is key. Organize your thoughts and make sure your writing flows logically. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. Proofread your application to ensure it’s free from grammatical errors, and if possible, ask someone you trust to review it for feedback. Remember, the goal is to communicate your story effectively and authentically.

Your LaunchX application is your chance to showcase not just your achievements, but also your potential and passion for entrepreneurship. By demonstrating your unique strengths, sharing specific examples, and showing your eagerness to learn, you can make a compelling case for why you’d thrive in the program.

Best of luck with your application—I’m excited to see the incredible ideas and energy this year’s cohort will bring to LaunchX!

Danielle Jones