Changes in Undergraduate Admission Processes

February 11, 2021

A number of changes to the undergraduate admission process were fast-tracked for this cycle, with more to come in the next year:

The focus of the application is on the supplemental essays. We no longer ask for extra-curricular activities. The essay topics are designed to capture a wider range of experiences and perspectives from applicants. The same essay process is being used by other Faculties and Schools at Queen’s including the Faculty of Health Sciences.
The essay topics selection has changed multiple times through the admission period.
The Commerce essay submissions will be read by Smith and Queen’s staff who have been trained by Queen’s Human Rights and Equity Office to reduce likelihood of bias in assessment. Readers are still being finalized. An invitation is being sent to Smith faculty and staff, including those with diverse voices and those with lived experience as a member of BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+ or differently abled communities, or professional experience and skills in EDII.
In prior years, a portion of the Commerce essay reads (typically 10 to 15 per cent) were done by Smith alumni via in-person events in the Greater Toronto Region. That component was suspended this cycle due to COVID restrictions. A new approach and secure content sharing system is being developed to engage a much broader range of alumni for the next application cycle.

Other initiatives underway on a Queen’s-wide basis, which build on the work of the Undergraduate Admission & Recruitment EDII Task Force, include:

Queen’s Undergraduate Admission has been encouraging eligible applicants to complete the Equity Admission Self-Identification form and over 5000 applicants have completed the form as of early February.
Queen’s has launched the Commitment Scholars Award and the Commitment Bursary, which provide financial assistance and other supports to eligible incoming students who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, racialized, LGBTQ2S+, or as a person with a disability. More information can be found here at Student Awards.
The Indigenous Students Admission Pathway and First Generation Admission Pathway provide support and assistance to relevant applicants.
Queen’s has also launched the Promise Scholars program to reduce financial barriers and increase access for local, first-generation students. The program provides dedicated financial, academic, and career support to help students complete their degree.