Why I Started APEX
I’m Michael Hanlon, founder of APEX. I help Indiana University pre-business freshmen build the weekly structure, study habits, and course strategies needed to stay on track for Kelley School of Business admission based on firsthand experience navigating the same path.
Michael Hanlon is the founder of APEX Collegiate, a 1:1 academic coaching program for Indiana University pre-business freshmen pursuing Kelley admission. APEX helps students build weekly study systems, prerequisite course strategy, and exam-prep routines—based on firsthand experience navigating the same path successfully.
My first week as a Pre-Business student, I realized effort alone might not be enough.
I needed to build study habits, learn test performance strategies and improve my time management skills as well as figure out what resources were available when I was struggling and where students typically experienced challenges to be better prepared.
After gaining admission, I realized what I built could help other students, so I started APEX.
If you’re looking for a support system and want to learn more I’d love to talk.
What students get from APEX
A weekly plan for Kelley prerequisites (no cramming, no guessing)
Course strategy for A100 / K201 / ECON‑B251 and the toughest prereqs
Accountability check-ins so small issues don’t become setbacks
Guidance on using IU resources early (office hours, tutoring, review support)
Then add one sentence under the bullets:
If you want a support system and a clear plan for freshman year, book a consultation and we’ll talk through your situation.
My Results
4.0 GPA Freshman Year
A or A+ in every Kelley Pre-Requisite
Admitted to Kelley
Understanding What
Matters Most
Learn what’s included in the program!
Campus Support and Connections
One of the most overlooked advantages at IU is knowing where to go for help before you need it. Throughout freshman year, I built relationships with students, tutors, campus organizations, and academic resources that all inspired program development.
Knowledge is power. Learning from experience what strategies work, what resources are most valuable and mistakes to avoid can make your path to Kelley easier.
The Advantage of Experience
Many of the lessons that contributed to my success were learned through costly trial and error. Our students begin with those lessons on day one, allowing them to avoid common mistakes and focus on what actually moves them closer to Kelley admission.