Admission

At Smith School of Business, we’re looking for a combination of strong academic performance and a well-rounded approach to life including demonstration of leadership and teamwork skills.

Admission is a two-stage process consisting of academic records being reviewed first, followed by an assessment of the Supplementary Application. Once the minimum academic requirements are met, the admission decision is based on the assessment of the Supplementary Application.

Who Should Apply

We want to know who you are beyond your marks. Once you qualify academically, it is up to you to show us who you really are and why you want to study business at Smith. We receive approximately 9,000 applications per year for 500 first-year positions and we make offers to those applicants who are able to effectively convey the qualities we are seeking.

We are looking for students who demonstrate clear thinking, an interest in international studies, enthusiasm, ambition, team skills, and a keen interest or some experience in business.

We are seeking students who are:

Well-rounded academically with diverse interests
Bright, enthusiastic, and inclusive
People who make a difference, in class, in their school, or in their community

We are seeking students who have:

Strong leadership skills, combined with the ability to thrive in a team environment
An aptitude for both quantitative and qualitative subjects
A passion to effect positive change

How to Apply

All applications are made online through the Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC).

After you submit your application to OUAC, you are required to complete a Supplementary Application. This year’s Supplementary Application is being delivered through a new platform for an improved user experience, with additional functionality to allow applicants to practice and prepare for the submission of their Supplementary Application. Applicants applying to Commerce will be required to complete one written response and one video response.

The Supplementary Application will act as your personal portfolio that will be reviewed by the Commerce admission team, and will factor heavily into all admission decisions.

Start your application

Any Questions?

If you have any questions about the application process, please email admission@queensu.ca or visit Queen's Undergraduate Admissions.

2023-2024 Supplementary Application

As part of their application to Smith Commerce, each applicant will be required to complete a Supplementary Application, consisting of the following two components:

Timed written response
Applicants will have 10 minutes to write and submit their written response
Timed video response
Applicants will have 2 minutes to prepare, followed by 2 minutes to record their video response

Supplementary Application Rubrics

Written Response

Score	Criteria
Poor (2)	Rarely takes initiative when faced with difficulties. Demonstrates little independent problem-solving ability. Fails to seek out support or resources when navigating challenges, when appropriate. Fails to demonstrate application of lessons and/or skills learned from past experiences. Lacks consideration of how lived experience impacts perspectives and choices. Applicant does not provide a response to the question directly.
Fair (4)	Occasionally takes initiative when faced with difficulties. Demonstrates limited independent problem-solving ability. Rarely seeks out appropriate supports/resources when navigating challenges, when appropriate. Demonstrates little application of lessons and/or skills learned from past experiences with little consideration of how lived experience impacts perspectives and choices.
Good (6)	Shows consistent initiative when faced with difficulties. Demonstrates independence in approaching and solving problems. Seeks out appropriate supports/resources when navigating challenges, as appropriate. Demonstrates some application of lessons and/or skills learned from past experiences with some consideration of how lived experience impacts perspectives and choices.
Great (8)	Demonstrates strong initiative when confronting challenges. Applicant excels in autonomously pursuing challenging situations to push themselves. Proactively seeks help to address challenges when needed. Demonstrates application of lessons and/or skills learned from past experiences with adequate consideration of how lived experience impacts perspectives and choices.
Exceptional (10)	Takes exceptional initiative in all situations consistently going above and beyond when tackling obstacles. Exceptional level of embracing challenges and demonstrating a high level of resourcefulness to overcome obstacles. Effectively and consistently understands when to leverage available resources. Demonstrates clear application of lessons and/or skills learned from past experiences with significant and thoughtful consideration of how lived experience impacts perspectives and choices.

Video Recorded Response

Score	Criteria
Poor (2)	Demonstrates no appreciation of diverse perspectives. Fails to consider how lived experience shaped their approach to the situation. Shows limited signs of understanding towards different viewpoints. No articulation of the importance of inclusivity. Fails to demonstrate effort to create a welcoming and safe environment for diverse perspectives. Demonstrates poor conflict resolution skills. Applicant does not provide a response to the question directly.
Fair (4)	Demonstrates limited appreciation of diverse perspectives. Articulates little consideration of how lived experience shaped their approach to the situation. Demonstrates limited understanding towards different viewpoints. Minimal articulation of importance of inclusivity. Demonstrates little effort to create a welcoming and safe environment for diverse perspectives. Displays some conflict resolution skills.
Good (6)	Demonstrates some appreciation of diverse perspectives. Articulates minimal consideration of how lived experience shaped their approach to the situation. Demonstrates a moderate level of understanding towards different viewpoints. Some articulation of importance of inclusivity. Demonstrates limited effort to create a welcoming and safe environment for diverse perspectives. Displays adequate conflict resolution skills.
Great (8)	Demonstrates reasonable appreciation of diverse perspectives. Effectively considers how lived experience shaped their approach to the situation. Shows a strong ability to engage with diverse viewpoints. Clear articulation of importance of inclusivity. Demonstrates moderate effort to create a welcoming and safe environment for diverse perspectives. Demonstrates excellent conflict resolution skills.
Exceptional (10)	Demonstrates strong appreciation of diverse perspectives. Clearly and thoughtfully articulates how lived experience shaped their approach to the situation. Clear articulation of importance of inclusivity. Demonstrates strong effort to create a welcoming and safe environment for diverse perspectives. Establishes an inclusive environment. Demonstrates exemplary conflict resolution skills.