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Alpha Admissions

Everything you need to know (that Queen’s won’t tell you)

Queen’s Commerce supplementary application

After working with 450+ Queen’s Commerce applicants over the past 13+ years, we’ve built a process that helps strong students craft standout applications. This guide walks you through what to expect and how to prepare with intention — so you’re not just guessing or Googling your way through.

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Step 01

After You Apply on OUAC

Once you submit your OUAC application, Queen’s will email you in 1 to 2 weeks with a link to complete your supplemental. Most students also apply to Queen’s Arts & Science as a backup. That program must be selected during your OUAC application — it cannot be added later.

The supplemental portal opens on or after November 1 each year. Some years it arrives a few days later than expected.

For 2026/27, the deadline to submit the supplemental is February 15, 2027. Queen’s has said all admission decisions will be posted on SOLUS by May 21, 2027.

Your Alpha advisor will keep you informed of key dates and deadlines, so you’re never caught off guard.

Step 02

How You’re Evaluated

Queen’s evaluates you holistically — but grades are just the starting point. Once you meet the academic threshold, what matters most is your supplemental.

Queen’s does not consider

  • Academic grades above the cut off of 90%
  • Club titles, or how many activities you list (there is no preferred type or number)
  • Your name, school, or gender (they don’t see any of it during review)

They do consider

  • At least 80% in English, Calculus, and one other U-level math (Functions or Data Management)
  • Minimum 90% average including the three pre-requisites above + your next three highest 4U or M courses
  • Your timed written response and two video responses

We help you understand the evaluation process and build your application around what actually matters.

Step 03

What’s New This Year

Smith has completely changed the supplemental. The single 10-minute essay and one video question used for the past few years are gone. Here’s the new format:

  • One two-part written response, 15 minutes. You list up to five meaningful activities outside academics, then discuss them.
  • Two video responses. For each, 2 minutes to think and 2 minutes to answer.
  • A verifier. Someone who can confirm every activity you list. Smith contacts verifiers at random.

Smith says it is looking for evidence of collaboration, initiative, impact, and a passion for business, plus self-awareness, told in your own voice.

Last year’s written rubric

  • A compelling and authentic account of a significant challenge.
  • Exceptional initiative, adaptability, & persistence when addressing this challenge.
  • Problem-solving is appropriate, thoughtful, and shows planning or creativity.
  • Demonstrates meaningful reflection on what they learned.
  • How this experience has shaped their perspective or behavior going forward.
Queen's Commerce 2025/2026 Admissions Essay Rubric

Last year’s video rubric

  • Presents a vivid, authentic, and reflective example.
  • Demonstrates maturity, self-direction, and creativity or composure under pressure.
  • Handles setbacks or complexity with clarity and purpose.
Queen's Commerce 2025/2026 Admissions Video Rubric

Rubrics for the new format aren’t public yet. Last year’s still show what reviewers reward: initiative, reflection, and specific examples.

We’ve tracked every change to this application for 13+ years. Your Alpha advisor will walk you through exactly what the new format asks for.

Step 04

The Written Response

One two-part question, completed within 15 minutes:

  • Part one: list up to five activities with the full name (National Honour Society, not NHS), the dates you took part, and your hours per week
  • Part two: discuss what you did, what you learned, and the choices and contributions you made
  • Any activity counts: work, volunteering, community involvement, family responsibilities, sports, clubs, the arts, or a business you started. It doesn’t need to relate to business.
  • Fewer than five is fine. There is no preferred type or number.
  • One chance only. No copy-paste, no AI, no help from anyone, and don’t refresh the browser, or the assessment can be terminated.

We help you choose and order your activities, gather the dates and hours ahead of time, and practise the full response under a 15-minute timer.

Step 05

Your Verifier

New this year: you’ll name one verifier who can confirm all the activities and experiences in your supplemental. Smith contacts verifiers at random. Have this ready before you begin:

  • First and last name
  • Role or position
  • Email address
  • Phone number

Choose someone who knows your activities well, and let them know Smith may reach out.

We help you pick the right verifier and make sure every activity you list is one they can confirm.

Step 06

The Video Responses

There are now two video questions about your experiences, ideas, contributions, and growth. For each one:

  • 2 minutes to think
  • 2 minutes to record your answer
  • One chance per question

Smith wants to hear how you communicate and think. Speak clearly to the camera and don’t recite a script. Stumbles are fine: just keep going.

We run mock video sessions with past questions and give detailed feedback to help you speak with clarity, stay on track, and show up as your best self.

Step 07

Final Tips + Accommodations

  • Be specific: use concrete examples and focus on your own actions
  • Answer the question you’re asked, even if you have other stories to share
  • Reflect on your goals and how studying business helps you reach them
  • Try the practice questions as many times as you like before the real assessment
  • If you have an IEP or disability, you can request accommodations

We help you tailor your approach — from accommodation requests to integrating personal context — so that what matters most is clearly reflected in your application.

Step 08

Work With Us

At Alpha Admissions, we don’t use templates or copy-paste answers. We work one-on-one with each student to help you:

  • Identify strong, authentic stories
  • Choose the right activities and verifier
  • Build clarity, confidence, and depth
  • Avoid generic, repetitive answers that admissions reviewers see every day

With limited spots each cycle, we focus on helping each student deliver their strongest possible application.

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Free download

See how Queen’s Commerce has scored applications.

Get last year’s official written and video rubrics, or book a free consultation to see if we’re the right fit.

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