Application Process

BCI is for anyone between the ages of 18-26.  Applicants from Jewish communities all over the world are welcome to apply.

Process

1. Applying to BCI includes the submission of an application, two (2) letters of reference, and a phone interview.
2. Since there is limited space available, we begin the rolling admission process in December, the sooner we receive your Application and the two (2) reference letters, the better your chances are of acceptance into the program.
3. Deadlines are provided below, but applications can (and should) be submitted anytime prior to these dates. A deadline is considered to be met when BCI receives a completed application and two reference letters by the designated date. Interviews do not have to be completed by the deadline.
4. Once we receive your application online, someone from our office will contact you to schedule a phone interview.
5. Applicants will be notified of program acceptance within four weeks of the deadlines provided. Accepted applicants will be sent the link to the online payment form to pay their BCI tuition in order to secure their spot ($250 for domestic applicants; $100 for international applicants).
6. Once the Early Bird deadline has passed, applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis as space allows. We encourage you to apply as early as possible for the best chances of acceptance.

International Applicants

BCI welcomes applicants from all over the world. In addition to the rest of the information included in this application, international applicants should also note the following:

1. Visas are required for entry into the United States from most countries. We will supply a letter of support - the rest of the application process is in your hands. Once you have applied, please start the Visa process immediately. In some countries, the process can be quite lengthy. Some countries qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. Click here to see a list of qualifying countries. Please note that this visa letter of support does NOT guarantee acceptance to BCI.
2. International participants are expected to book and pay for their own travel to and from California. We will provide you with the average price of a round-trip ticket to/from your country of origin. At the end of BCI we will reimburse you for the full cost of your round-trip ticket up to that specified amount. The exchange rate will be calculated on the day you submit your FULL flight information via email to our office (bci@ajula.edu). Please note that the exchange rates we use are based on figures provided by www.xe.com.

Reference Letters

Two reference letters must be submitted in order to complete this application. References may be provided by teachers, counselors, advisors, mentors, former BCIers, employers, rabbis, or Jewish professionals. Reference letters should be able to accurately assess your character, strengths, and abilities and should be referrals specific to the BCI program. Family members may NOT submit one of your letters of recommendation.

Reference forms must be submitted to us directly from your recommender.  Please cut and paste the link below and email it to the two (2) people you are asking to write the letter for you.  Letters will not be accepted if they are sent from anyone but the person writing the letter of recommendation.

Letter of recommendation online 

Please Note: If your references prefer, they can print the form and mail it directly to Navah Becker, BCI Director, American Jewish University, 15600 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90077. Faxed letters will not be accepted.  No applicant can be accepted to BCI without both completed references in their application file.