How to Get Into Top Canadian Business and Commerce Programs

How to Get Into Top Canadian Business and Commerce Programs

Top undergraduate business programs in Canada — like Western Ivey AEO, U of T Rotman Commerce and UBC Sauder — are some of the most competitive programs in the country. These aren’t just degrees. They are career accelerators, networking hubs, and pipelines to finance, consulting, entrepreneurship, and beyond.

Thousands of students apply each year with excellent grades and impressive resumes, yet only a small fraction are accepted. Why? Because these programs are looking for more than academic excellence. They want applicants who demonstrate leadership, initiative, and strategic thinking — students who already show the qualities of tomorrow’s business leaders.

In this guide, we’ll break down what makes business applications different, what top programs are really looking for, and how Myls Interview mentors help students build competitive profiles, tell authentic stories, and stand out in a crowded field.

What Makes Commerce Applications Unique

Unlike many other programs, commerce programs in Canada often use multi-stage application processes that go far beyond transcripts.

You’ll typically be asked to submit:

• Supplementary application essays or personal profile responses
• Video interviews (especially for Rotman and Queen’s Commerce)
• Activity lists and leadership summaries
• Evidence of involvement in business-related or leadership-oriented roles

These components are used to evaluate qualities that can’t be captured in your grades: decision-making, communication, initiative, motivation, and fit.

In short, your supplementary application often carries as much weight — or more — than your academic average. That’s why it’s so important to understand what each school values and tailor your approach accordingly.

Academic and Extracurricular Expectations

To stay competitive academically, most applicants need:

• A minimum high 80s or 90+ average in Grade 12
• Strong performance in Math (Advanced Functions, and Calculus where required)
• Completion of prerequisites for each specific program (e.g., English for Ivey and Rotman, plus Calculus for UBC Sauder)

But academics alone won’t get you in. The real differentiator is what you’ve done outside the classroom — and how well you can communicate it.

Strong applicants often have a track record of:

• Leadership in school clubs, sports, student government, or entrepreneurship
• Participation in DECA, FBLA, Junior Achievement, or case competitions
• Volunteering in impactful roles, especially where you led or built something
• Work experience that shows responsibility, initiative, or growth

That said, it’s not about doing everything — it’s about doing a few things well. Programs are looking for candidates who’ve taken initiative, created value, and can explain their impact clearly.

How to Approach Supplementary Essays and Video Interviews

The supplementary application is your opportunity to tell your story. But writing and speaking effectively under pressure takes planning and practice.

For written responses:

• Answer the question directly and completely — don’t dodge or over-polish
• Be specific — use examples that illustrate your leadership, resilience, or motivation
• Show insight — what did you learn from the experience, and how has it shaped you?
• Avoid clichés — “I’m passionate about business” isn’t compelling without context

For video interviews:

• Practice speaking clearly and concisely within time limits
• Maintain eye contact and professional tone, even if it’s online
• Prepare key stories and talking points in advance, but don’t memorize scripts
• Show energy, structure, and authenticity — admissions officers want to know who you are

Each school has a slightly different tone and expectation. For example:

• Ivey AEO places strong emphasis on leadership and personal initiative
• Rotman Commerce values professionalism, maturity, and clear long-term thinking
• UBC Sauder looks closely at motivation, fit, and self-awareness

Understanding these nuances — and reflecting them in your responses — makes a big difference.

Common Pitfalls in Business Applications

Even strong students make avoidable mistakes. Here are some of the most common:

Lack of structure. Applicants rush through their responses without planning clear introductions, development, and conclusions. This leaves essays feeling flat and unmemorable.

Too much fluff. Students try to sound impressive instead of being real. Generic statements, buzzwords, or trying to “say what they want to hear” can backfire.

Overemphasis on quantity over quality. Listing 15 activities won’t help if none of them show meaningful contribution. Admissions officers care more about impact and growth than just participation.

Neglecting video practice. Students assume video interviews are casual or optional — but unprepared answers, weak delivery, or awkward pacing can hurt even an excellent application.

Ignoring the program’s unique identity. Each school has a distinct learning model and culture. If you don’t show that you’ve researched and understood the program, it can signal lack of fit.

Why Mentorship Is Key to Standing Out

Applying to commerce programs is both an academic and personal challenge. You’re not just presenting a transcript — you’re presenting yourself. That’s where mentorship can make a profound difference.

A mentor helps you:

• Clarify your goals and strengths
• Choose the right stories to highlight in your application
• Improve the structure, tone, and impact of your writing
• Prepare effectively for video interviews and practice under pressure
• Reflect on feedback and refine your approach without losing your voice
• Align your application with what each school is actually looking for

Most students don’t have access to this kind of strategic, tailored support through school or family. And without it, they risk submitting applications that are technically complete — but not competitive.

With the right mentorship, your application becomes more than just a form. It becomes a compelling, coherent, and confident expression of who you are and what you’re ready to do.

How Myls Interview Supports Commerce Applicants

Myls Interview, we help students apply to Canada’s top business programs with structure, insight, and expert support. We’ve worked with applicants to:

• Ivey AEO (Western)
• Rotman Commerce (University of Toronto)
• Queen’s Commerce (Smith School of Business)
• UBC Sauder School of Business
• Schulich BBA (York University)
• Other strong programs

Our mentorship includes:

• Academic planning to ensure you meet or exceed all entry requirements
• 1-on-1 coaching for supplementary application, including brainstorming, drafting, and editing
• Video interview preparation with mock sessions and actionable feedback on Myls Interview Platform
• Portfolio review to help you present your leadership and extracurriculars effectively
• Personalized timelines and strategy based on your goals and profile

We don’t just improve your answers — we help you sharpen your thinking, grow your confidence, and take full ownership of your application process.

Final Thoughts: Apply with Clarity, Confidence, and Strategy

Getting into a top business program isn’t just about being the smartest or the most involved — it’s about being intentional. It’s about knowing your story, presenting it with clarity, and connecting it authentically to the program you want to join.

The process can feel overwhelming, especially when the stakes are high and every word counts. But you don’t have to do it alone.

With the right plan, the right mindset, and the right support, you can transform your application into a powerful reflection of your future potential.

Let Myls Interview guide you through the process — and help you apply not just successfully, but strategically. Sign up at Myls Interview today!