How to Prepare for Rotman Commerce’s Video Interview and Timed Essay

Why Rotman’s Supplementary Application Is So Important

The University of Toronto Rotman Commerce is one of Canada’s most selective undergraduate business programs. Each year, thousands of academically strong students apply, but only a fraction receive offers. Grades are just one part of the story.

U of T Rotman’s video interview and timed essay help the admissions team identify students who will succeed in a collaborative, fast-paced, and innovation-driven business environment. These components assess:

• Communication and clarity
• Self-awareness and personality
• Critical thinking under time pressure
• Your alignment with Rotman’s values

The strongest applicants approach this section strategically, not just reactively.

Rotman Supplementary Application Format (Supp App)

• 2 Video Questions
• 2 Written Questions

The Video Interview (Kira Talent Platform)

You’ll answer two short video questions, one at a time:

• 1 minute to prepare
• 1 minute to respond

The questions vary each year, but typically fall into categories like:

• Leadership and teamwork
• Overcoming challenges
• Motivation and decision-making
• Interest in Rotman or business

Example prompts:

• “Describe a time you worked on a diverse team. What did you learn?”
• “Tell us about a goal you set and how you achieved it.”
• “Why do you want to study commerce at Rotman?”

The Timed Written Response

You’ll be given one written prompt and 20 minutes to complete your response in a text box.

Prompts tend to explore:

• Business-related opinions
• Personal values or priorities
• Problem-solving approaches

Example writing prompts:

• “How would you define ethical leadership?”
• “Describe a decision you made quickly. Would you do the same again?”
• “How would you respond if a team member wasn’t contributing?”

U of T Rotman is testing how well you express your ideas under time constraints—not just what you say, but how clearly and logically you say it.

How to Prepare for the Rotman Video Interview

Practice in Real Format

Simulating the 1 minute of prep + 1 minute of response format is essential. Use a webcam or Myls Interview’s timed interview simulation to build confidence with timing and pacing.

Record yourself answering prompts like:

• “What does leadership mean to you?”
• “Describe a time you stepped out of your comfort zone.”
• “How would your peers describe you?”

Watch for clarity, warmth, and structure.

Use a Clear Answer Structure

Short answers still need shape. Try:

• PREP: Point – Reason – Example – Point
• SPEAR: Statement – Personal Example – Explanation – Application – Reflection

Example:

“To me, leadership means building trust. As president of our school’s tutoring club, I mentored new volunteers who lacked confidence. I made space for their ideas and modeled patience, which improved group performance. Leading with empathy is what I’d bring to Rotman’s team-based environment.”

Show Personality, Not Perfection

Rotman Commerce doesn’t expect rehearsed speeches. They’re looking for real, thoughtful responses. It’s okay to pause or rephrase slightly, just stay authentic.

Practice speaking as if to a mentor, not a panel. Smile, speak clearly, and be yourself.

How to Prepare for the Timed Essay

Train With a 20-Minute Clock

In practice, use real prompts and give yourself just 10 minutes:

1. Spend 4 minutes outlining (main point + support)
2. Spend 14 minutes writing
3. Spend 2 minute reviewing

Stick to a simple structure:

• 1–2 sentence intro
• 2–3 sentence body
• 1–2 sentence conclusion

Example:

“I define ethical leadership as prioritizing long-term impact over short-term recognition. When I co-led a charity fundraiser, we declined a high-visibility but ethically questionable sponsor. Though it limited our funding, it reinforced our values and built community trust. A strong leader knows when to say no.”

Focus on Clarity and Substance

No need for fancy words. Use simple, direct sentences. Get to the point quickly. Stay on topic. One strong example is more powerful than multiple vague ones.

Build a Bank of Ideas

Reflect on your past:

• A time you solved a problem
• A team you improved
• A mistake you learned from
• A project where you took initiative

Have 5–6 stories ready. You can adapt them to many questions.

What to Avoid

For Video:

• Speaking too fast or too slow
• Giving generic, cliché answers
• Reading from a script
• Staring off-camera or looking distracted

For Writing:

• Rambling without structure
• Trying to sound “impressive” instead of clear
• Skipping proofreading
• Repeating the same idea in multiple ways

Rotman is looking for thinkers, not performers. Be human—but prepared.

How Myls Interview Helps You Succeed

At Myls Interview, we give students the mock interview tool and coaching they need to stand out in competitive admissions, especially when it comes to interviews, timed responses, and reflection-based questions.

Simulate Rotman’s Real Format

Practice full mock interviews with:

• Kira-style timing (prep + recording)
• Rotman-style questions (values, leadership, decision-making)
• Instant replay for self-review

You’ll know exactly what to expect.

AI-Powered Feedback and Analysis

Myls mock interview platform reviews:

• Pacing and clarity in your video responses
• Word choice and structure in your timed writing
• Emotional tone, engagement, and flow

This helps you refine your communication and delivery quickly.

Mentor Review From Rotman and Business Students

Our mentors know the Rotman process. We’ll help you:

• Choose the right examples and stories
• Polish delivery without over-rehearsing
• Strengthen connections between resume, essay, and video
• Build confidence through mock sessions and feedback

You won’t be guessing, you’ll be guided.

Integrated Resume and Essay Strategy

Your video and writing responses should align with your resume and extracurricular list. Myls Interview helps you connect the dots and present a unified narrative that reflects your leadership, curiosity, and initiative.

Confidence Without Overthinking

We help you prepare in a focused, intentional way. That means less stress, fewer surprises, and better performance—because you know what you’re doing and why it matters.

Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Be Real

Rotman’s supplementary application isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing who you are—clearly, confidently, and thoughtfully.

With the right tools and practice, you can show admissions that you’re not only capable, you’re a great fit.

Start your preparation today with Myls Interview

Sign up for free to access supp app video simulations, writing support, and expert mentors who’ll help you present your best self.