Western Ivey HBA - AEO Supplementary Application Guide
Prepare for Western Ivey’s AEO application with “Myls Interview”! Get tailored coaching, real-world practice for video essays, and expert feedback to showcase leadership, impact, and innovation. Align your experiences with Ivey’s values and stand out in your interview with confidence!
Ivey Program, Ivey HBA AEO and Ivey Supplementary Application
The Ivey Business School at Western University offers the Honours Business Administration (HBA) program, a prestigious undergraduate business degree in Canada. For high school students, the Advanced Entry Opportunity (AEO) provides a conditional pre-admission pathway. Successful AEO applicants begin their first two years in any discipline at Western (e.g., Economics, Social Science, Science) before transitioning into Ivey’s HBA in third year.
Admission is highly competitive, and academic excellence alone is not enough. The Western Ivey AEO Supplementary Application assesses leadership, communication, initiative, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic business environment through a combination of:
- Two 500-word Activities Essays
- A Video Essay via Kira Talent
- A list of Awards and Additional Activities
- An optional Special Circumstances Essay
Ivey AEO Admission Structure
To be eligible for AEO status, students must:
- Apply to any undergraduate program at Western through OUAC
- Select Ivey HBA AEO as a choice in the application
- Submit the Ivey AEO Supplementary Application by the deadline
- Achieve a competitive academic average (typically low to mid-90s in top six Grade 12 U/M courses, including English and a university-level Math)
Once admitted, students must meet specific progression requirements (e.g., minimum GPA, extracurricular involvement) during their first two years to retain their HBA spot.
Western Ivey AEO Supplementary Application Question Format
Activities Essays
The Activities Essays are a key component of the Western Ivey Supplementary Application, requiring applicants to submit two 500-word essays. Ivey expects depth, reflection, and alignment with its core values: leadership, impact, resilience, innovation, and collaboration.
Your essay should:
- Be narrative-driven (use STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result)
- Reflect genuine leadership or initiative
- Connect clearly to personal growth or outcomes
- Avoid repetition—highlight different aspects in each essay
Sample prompts include:
- Describe a time when you made a meaningful impact in your school or community.
- Share a leadership experience and what it taught you.
Video Essay (via Kira Talent)
The Video Essay involves a live, timed video interview with five randomly generated questions. This section tests the applicant’s ability to:
- Think critically and respond under pressure
- Communicate clearly and authentically
- Reflect on challenges, collaboration, and adaptability
Common video themes include:
- How you handle disagreement in a team
- What leadership means to you
- A setback or failure you learned from
You’ll have a short preparation period (e.g., 30 seconds) and a limited time to respond (e.g., 90 seconds). Questions are not technical but assess business-minded thinking and self-awareness.
Awards and Additional Activities
Applicants can also list Awards and Additional Activities, with space for up to 10 awards and 5 additional activities. Each entry should include a brief description of its significance to highlight the applicant’s achievements and experiences.
Be strategic:
- Highlight breadth and depth
- Use metrics or outcomes when possible (e.g., “raised $2,000,” “led team of 12”)
- Show commitment and consistency over time
Special Circumstances Essay (Optional)
A 500-word essay allowing applicants to explain any challenges that may have affected their academic or personal journey. (e.g., illness, family obligations, school disruptions). While optional, it can contextualize dips in academic performance or explain unique life circumstances.
Timeline/Deadline for Western Ivey Program
Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) deadline: January 15, 2025
Western Ivey AEO Supplementary Application: January 15, 2025
What is Ivey Looking For Western Ivey Program
Ivey HBA seeks candidates who demonstrate a combination of academic excellence, leadership, and diverse experiences. Academic performance is a key criterion, with competitive applicants typically achieving a low 90% average in their best Grade 12 high school courses, including English, and completing a mathematics course suitable for university-bound students. Beyond academics, Ivey values demonstrated leadership through extracurricular activities, community involvement, and work experience. Applicants should also bring diverse perspectives and a strong commitment to personal interests, whether in student government, athletics, music, or community initiatives, showcasing qualities that align with Ivey’s core values.
Career Outcomes After Ivey HBA
Graduates of the Ivey HBA program go on to pursue careers in:
- Management Consulting (e.g., McKinsey, Bain, BCG)
- Investment Banking and Finance (e.g., RBC, TD, Goldman Sachs)
- Entrepreneurship and Startups
- Corporate Strategy and Product Management
- Marketing Leadership Roles
- Graduate Programs (e.g., MBA, Law, Public Policy)
Ivey’s alumni network and case-based training make it one of the most recognized brands in Canadian business education.
Strategic Preparation Tips
✅ Plan Early
Start preparing your activity list and brainstorming essay topics early in the school year. Reflect on how each experience demonstrates leadership, initiative, or personal growth.
✅ Use the STAR Method
For essays and video responses alike, structure your story as:
- Situation – What was the context?
- Task – What were you trying to achieve?
- Action – What did you do?
- Result – What was the outcome or lesson?
✅ Practice for Video Delivery
Record yourself answering timed practice questions. Pay attention to:
- Verbal clarity
- Pace and structure
- Confidence and tone (avoid sounding scripted)
How Myls Interview Helps You Succeed in Ivey Supplementary Application Video Interview?
Preparing for the Ivey HBA's interview requires thoughtful reflection and practice to effectively showcase leadership qualities, experiences, and alignment with Ivey’s values. Applicants should practice using platforms like Kira Talent to become familiar with the video interview format and structure. Reflecting on personal leadership experiences and crafting clear, concise responses is essential to effectively communicate achievements and growth. Additionally, seeking feedback from mentors or coaches can help refine answers and delivery to ensure confidence during the interview for Western Ivey Supplementary Application.
Myls Interview is an academic simulation platform that prepares students for high-stakes university interviews, including the Western Ivey AEO Supplementary Application. With tools tailored to the Ivey video essay and writing components, Myls helps you build clarity, structure, and confidence.
What You Can Do on Myls Interview:
- Practice with Ivey-style video interview questions (e.g., leadership, teamwork, resilience)
- Record and review your video responses under real time limits
- Receive AI-powered scoring and feedback on fluency, structure, and tone
- Access a curated library of essay prompts and examples
- Use templates to build award/activity descriptions strategically
- Get personalized coaching through the Unlimited Plan
Whether you need help organizing your thoughts, crafting impactful stories, or managing stress in video responses, Myls Interview supports your entire application journey.
