FAQ

Admission is a two-stage process pertaining to academic records reviewal and grading of the Supplementary Application. When the minimum academic requirements of an applicant are met (Ontario: 87% minimum in top 6 courses), the admission decision is based on the assessment of the Supplementary Application. The Supplementary Application is comprise of a video and written component. For information regarding program requirements click here. For information regarding the scoring process click here.

Students will have a set amount of time to complete each of the questions. They will have the opportunity to look at a video that introduces them to the platform, what's required of them, the rubric will be posted, etc. For the video response they have a short amount of time for prep, and then a set amount of time to answer the question in. The written response does not have “prep” time, but instead gives them a set amount of time to respond and it will have a character maximum. More information can be found here.

The applicant is recorded when they answer the question, and then that video recording is saved to their file to be assessed by the reviewers. No one will be watching the applicant complete their verbal submission.

Applicants will have 45 seconds after the question is asked to prep, and then they have 2 minutes to record their response.

They will have 10 minutes to write and submit their written response.

The written and video submission do not have to be submitted all at once. In fact, when an applicant signs in and creates their account in Kira Talent, they do not have to start their submission at that time. If they wish to complete their written assessment and then take a break and come back to do their verbal response at a different time, they can do that. If they have not started the process of answering the question (the system gives them plenty of warning before they start the “real thing”), they are not required to submit. However, if they receive the view the question on the screen (for written or verbal) and they start responding, and then exit the system, their submission would be incomplete and result in a low score.

It will be recorded in one shot. Faculties are looking for thoughtful reflection, not perfection. The rubric will also accurately reflect what they're looking for, and if reviewed by the applicant, will help to set them up for success.

No, there will be no choice of topics. They are chosen at random for the applicant when they sign into the system and indicate they want to start their submission.

Practice questions and demos will be available to the applicant when they sign onto the platform for the first time.

If a student experiences an issue while submitting their Supplementary Application such as the internet connection goes down, they should reach out to suppapp@queensu.ca to let us know about the issue. From there, we can confirm with Kira what happened and where appropriate, we can grant the student access to the system again (we are in the process of getting this email set up and operational).

If an applicants need more time with their submission, or another type of accommodation, they should reach out to suppapp@queensu.ca and we can work with them to get the documentation we need to accommodate the request.

There could be times where two applicants receive the same questions, however, they are randomized. It will be a brand-new bank of questions, so nothing that we asked in the past will be included in this year's questions. There is a bank of verbal questions, and a bank of written questions.

There are no majors in the Smith Commerce program, but students can stream in an area of interest in their third and fourth year (e.g. Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Consulting, International Business, etc.) if they want to. Students can also be generalists if they choose.

Students have the option to choose a minor after their first year in the program. Certain programs have limited capacity. All Minors will be from the Faculty of Arts and Science. Degree plans are available here along with possible Arts and Science Minors.

Queen's offers dual degrees in a number of different disciplines through the Faculty of Arts & Science. Students can apply as early as the end of first year. Engineering and Medicine cannot be combined with Commerce. Additionally, students can also complete a second degree after completing their BCom. These degrees can be explore here.

Smith does not offer a co-op program. However, the Career Advancement Centre (CAC) helps students to find both internship positions (during their time in the program) and full-time positions (after graduation).

There are many ways to get involved on campus. Campus-wide clubs are overseen by the Alma Mater Society (AMS) and Commerce specific clubs are overseen by the Commerce Society (ComSoc). Clubs within the Commerce Society include businesses, conferences/competitions, industry associations, social initiatives, professional development, student life, and more. Furthermore, intramurals are a great way to stay active and meet new people as organized through the Queen's Athletics and Recreation Centre ARC.

No, it is not mandatory to be on club however, it is a great opportunity to try something new and meet other Smith Students. Do not feel pressured to join a club as there are countless ways to be apart of leadership activities and have fun at Smith without an executive position!

Most Commerce Society clubs release applications in late-September where applicants complete a written application and interview. Students are allowed to accept only one Commerce Society club position in the first semester of first year. An additional hiring cycle occurs in March each year.