The 2026 Application Portal 

The Most Promising Students program is an opportunity for you to launch a career in advertising, marketing, media, or communications. You'll receive the invaluable experience of networking with leading industry professionals and feel the excitement of the ad business by visiting the nation’s top ad agencies, advertisers, and media companies. See key dates below:

Key Dates

• Info Session #1: TBA
• Info Session #2: TBA
• Application Deadline: TBA
• Interviews: TBA\
• Judging: TBA
• MPMS Class Notified: TBA
• Programming in New York City: TBA

Eligibility Requirements

• Undergraduate student with senior standing, who will graduate in December 2025, May 2026, and August 2026.
• Current dues-paying AAF college chapter or an unaffiliated Student member. (Dues must be received by or before January 31, 2026.) If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Erica Blake at eblake@aaf.org
• Committed to attending all facets of the Most Promising Students Program in February 2026, in New York City.

Required Submission Materials

All materials outlined below must be submitted online (with the exception of the official transcript). The name on the application must match the name on the resumé, transcript, and ID.

Written Essay
Each written response should be a maximum of 300 words.

Resume + Community Involvement/Volunteering
Applicants must submit a two-page max PDF of their resume and any current community/volunteer service. For community/volunteer service, please include the organization's name, the length of service, the estimated number of volunteer hours per month, and contact information for advisors, where applicable. Do not include a photo on your resumé

Recommendation Letter
Submissions must include at least one (1) recommendation letter in PDF format from a faculty advisor or nominator. Advisors must be from an AAF-affiliated College Chapter, a College/University Advisor, a College/University Professor, a Local Advertising Chapter Member, or a Senior-Level Ad Professional.

Elevator Pitch
The student must write a 75-word introduction pitch.

Professional Headshot
One professional photo in business attire must be submitted for publication and promotional purposes. The selected committee will not view the photos. Specs: 300 dpi, approximately 4" x 6" JPG format only.

Portfolio
Applicants interested in creative positions MUST submit 3-5 pieces from their portfolios in JPG or PDF format only. Portfolio: (Optional) Samples of work or projects related to their field of study.  

VCU Brandcenter Samples

Academic Standing

• All students must submit proof of their academic standing when submitting their application. This may be in the form of an unofficial transcript.
• If accepted into the Most Promising program, all students are required to submit an official electronic transcript. You may request an official electronic version of the transcript from your school website and have it sent directly to eblake@aaf.org

Need Help?

If you have any questions, please contact Erica Blake at eblake@aaf.org.