Supplementary Application

Overview

In the Smith School of Business Commerce program, we’re looking for a combination of: strong academic performance; aptitude for qualitative and quantitative subjects; demonstrations of self-awareness; and potential for leadership and teamwork.

The supplementary application is a window into your experiences and potential to make an impact. Beyond your strong academic foundations and comfort with both qualitative and quantitative subjects, we are looking for evidence of collaboration, initiative, impact, and a passion for business. Self-awareness is also important. We want to hear about the impact of your experiences in your own voice.

Format

There is one two-part written response, to be completed within 15 minutes. In this question, you will be asked to list and discuss meaningful activities you have participated in outside your academics. These activities can be work, volunteering, community involvement, family responsibilities, sports, clubs, the arts, entrepreneurial activities, or anything else that you have spent your time doing.

There are two video responses. For each question, you will have two minutes to think about your response, and then two minutes to answer. In these questions, you’ll be asked about your experiences, ideas, contributions, and growth.

Note that you will be required to provide the name and contact information of a person who can verify your responses.

Tips for Success

Before You Begin

• Choose activities you want to share. You may describe up to five experiences/activities; it’s okay to share fewer.
  • You will be asked to list your activities (up to five) in a list format including the name of the activity, the dates that you participated, and the number of hours per week that you dedicated to the activity.
  • Ensure that you input the full name of the activity, not just the acronym (for example, National Honour Society, not NHS).
• Consider what experiences you would like to reflect on. Think about what you learned and the choices or contributions you made.
• Consider your goals. Reflect on your future goals and how your studies may help you work toward them.
• Prepare your verifier’s information. You’ll be asked to provide contact information for someone who can confirm the experiences you reference. We will be randomly contacting verifiers. Have the following information about your verifier ready:
  • First and last name
  • Role/position
  • Email address
  • Phone number
• Review the instructions and practice. Take time to read the assessment instructions and try the practice questions. You may complete them as many times as you like before starting the formal assessment.

What Makes a Strong Supplementary Application Response?

• Be authentic. Share your experiences and ideas in your own words.
• Be specific. Use concrete examples. Focus on your own actions, choices, and contributions.
• Answer the question. Keep your response focused on what you’ve been asked, even if you have other answers you’d like to share.
• Speak naturally. For video responses, speak clearly to the camera. Avoid reciting a script; we want to hear how you communicate and think.

On The Day

• Choose a time when you feel rested and ready to focus.
• Find a quiet space with reliable internet access where you’re unlikely to be interrupted.
• Be aware of the time limit for each question. There is a timer that will help you stay within the limit. Aim to be concise. You don’t need to use the full time if you’ve finished your response.
• Take a breath and enjoy the opportunity to share your story!

Important To Know

• Once you begin a question, you only have one chance to complete it.
• Perfection isn’t expected. We want to hear your thoughts and ideas in your own words. Even if you make a mistake or stumble, just move on and complete your response.
• All kinds of experiences and activities are valued. There is no preferred type or number of experiences, and your experiences do not need to be related to business.
• Integrity matters. At Smith Commerce, we expect you to do your own work and represent yourself honestly. If we determine that any of the following have occurred, it may result in the assessment being terminated without notice.
  • Using AI-generated content or unauthorized aids
  • Copying and pasting text
  • Repeatedly refreshing the browser
  • Receiving help from another person

Check Your Device Before You Start

• Keep one browser window open for the assessment. We recommend closing other browser tables and applications.
• Disable external browser extensions
• Ensure your webcam and microphone are working

Accommodations

If you require an accommodation to complete the Supplementary Application, please contact us at suppapp@queensu.ca. In your email, please describe the accommodation you need, and include any supporting documentation you have to support your request.