York University Schulich BBA Supplementary Application Guide

Understanding the Schulich BBA and Its Admission Criteria

The Schulich School of Business at York University is one of Canada’s most respected institutions for undergraduate business education. Its Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program combines rigorous academic instruction with global awareness and leadership development. Admission to the BBA program is highly competitive, not only in terms of grades but also in personal qualities. In addition to meeting academic prerequisites, applicants must complete a supplementary application designed to assess their readiness for the professional business world.

This guide outlines the Schulich BBA supplementary application process, including interview formats, essay expectations, key competencies, sample questions, and preparation strategies. It also discusses how students can use Myls Interview to prepare effectively through realistic simulations and structured feedback.

Academic Requirements and Prerequisite Courses

All Schulich BBA applicants must satisfy York University's general admission requirements and demonstrate strong performance in senior-level courses. Ontario applicants are required to complete the following prerequisite subjects:

• ENG4U (English, University Preparation)
• MHF4U (Advanced Functions)

A second mathematics course, such as MCV4U (Calculus and Vectors), is highly recommended for applicants intending to pursue quantitative business fields such as finance or analytics. While the average cut-off varies slightly from year to year, competitive applicants typically present an overall average in the low-to-mid 90s.

Understanding the York Schulich BBA Supplementary Application Format

The Schulich supplementary application evaluates a candidate’s interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills through a standardized online platform. It consists of three main components: video interview responses, a timed written essay, and a leadership profile.

The application requires candidates to complete:

Video Interview

• 4 Video Interview Essay Questions: Each question provides 45 seconds for preparation and 90 seconds for a response.

Applicants complete four video-recorded responses using the Kira Talent platform. Each question is randomly generated. Students are given 45 seconds to read and prepare, followed by 90 seconds to deliver a recorded answer. The entire video interview process is completed in approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

Written Essay

• 1 Written Question: Allows five minutes to prepare and answer the essay questions.

Following the video interview, applicants are prompted with a written question and are given five minutes to type and submit their response. This section is designed to assess written communication, clarity of thought, and the ability to structure arguments within time constraints.

This structured interview's question format provides applicants with 20-30 minutes to demonstrate their qualifications effectively and concisely.

Leadership Profile

Applicants are asked to describe up to five high school activities that demonstrate involvement, leadership, and personal growth. For each activity, the student describes their role, key responsibilities, and what they learned. Each entry is limited to 1,000 characters. This profile serves as a concise résumé that complements the video and written responses.

Leadership Profile Template: Suhulich Leadership Profile Example

York Schulich Supplementary Application Sample Interview Questions

Although each applicant receives randomized prompts, past examples provide insight into the themes and expectations of the interview process.

Example Written Question:

"Imagine you are in a group where members disagree on an important decision. What do you do?"

This prompt invites the applicant to explore conflict resolution, communication, and ethical leadership. Effective answers are those that analyze group dynamics, recognize diverse viewpoints, and demonstrate maturity in decision-making.

Example Video Questions:

• "How do you recover from setbacks or failures?"
• "What is a recent situation where you demonstrated leadership?"
• "Tell us about a time you worked with someone very different from yourself."

Answers are evaluated not just for content, but for structure, delivery, and reflection. The strongest responses are personal, honest, and anchored in specific, real-life examples.

York Schulich Supplementary Application Deadlines

• Ontario High School Applicants (Direct Entry): February 3, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST
• Non-Ontario High School Applicants: February 3, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST

All supplementary components must be submitted by February 3, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST for both Ontario and non-Ontario applicants. See Schulich's official supplementary application guide for the latest updates.

What Schulich Values in an Applicant

The Schulich admissions team adopts a holistic review model. In addition to academic excellence, the committee evaluates qualities that indicate a student’s potential to succeed in a rigorous and collaborative business environment.

Successful applicants often demonstrate:

• Leadership: Evidence of initiating or guiding group efforts, whether through student council, entrepreneurship, school clubs, or community organizations.
• Resilience: A capacity to overcome adversity and learn from setbacks, particularly when navigating academic, personal, or interpersonal challenges.
• Integrity: A commitment to honesty, accountability, and ethical decision-making in real-world contexts.
• Teamwork: The ability to collaborate with others, respect differing perspectives, and achieve shared objectives.

These characteristics are essential for academic success at Schulich and align closely with the program’s broader mission of developing socially responsible business leaders.

How to Prepare for the Schulich BBA Supplementary Application

Preparing for the Schulich supplementary application should be treated with the same rigor as preparing for a major assessment or exam. Applicants are encouraged to adopt a structured approach that emphasizes both self-reflection and performance under time constraints.

Reflect on Core Competencies

Applicants should begin by identifying life experiences that reflect leadership, resilience, collaboration, and ethical thinking. These experiences do not have to be extraordinary; what matters is the depth of reflection and the clarity with which they are communicated.

Practice with Timed Conditions

Because both the video and written sections are strictly timed, it is crucial to rehearse within those constraints. Practicing 90-second responses using a webcam, or writing timed essays within five minutes, will improve fluency, pacing, and confidence.

Prepare the Leadership Profile Thoughtfully

Rather than simply listing titles or memberships, applicants should explain their actual contributions. For instance, instead of writing “member of debate club,” it is more effective to say “organized school-wide debate event, mentoring junior participants and overseeing logistics.”

Clarity, brevity, and insight are key. Avoid vague descriptions and instead highlight tangible achievements and personal learning outcomes.

How Myls Interview Helps Students Prepare for Schulich

Myls Interview is a purpose-built platform that enables students to prepare for university admissions interviews, including the York Schulich BBA supplementary application. It is especially useful for students who are unfamiliar with Kira Talent or video-based assessments.

Key Benefits:

• Realistic Practice Simulations: Myls Interview mirrors the structure of the Schulich interview, allowing users to practice timed video and written questions under authentic conditions.
• Targeted Feedback and Scoring: After each response, students receive performance analytics and written evaluations based on clarity, structure, and alignment with Schulich’s key values.
• Curated Question Bank: The platform provides access to past and sample interview prompts, organized by competency area (e.g., leadership, teamwork, ethics).
• Mentor Support (Unlimited Plan): Students on the Unlimited Plan can schedule one-on-one review sessions with mentors, receive personalized coaching, and gain insight into improving delivery and structure.

To begin preparing today, start practicing at Myls Interview today!

Final Thoughts and Academic Recommendation

The Schulich supplementary application is a critical component of the admissions process. It offers applicants the opportunity to express who they are beyond grades—how they think, lead, and work with others. Students should approach this application as a reflective exercise, combining preparation with authenticity and clarity.

For students aspiring to join one of Canada’s most forward-thinking business programs, early and structured preparation is essential. With mock interview tools such as Myls Interview, applicants can simulate real assessment conditions, refine their responses, and present themselves as strong candidates to the Schulich School of Business.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Schulich BBA Supplementary Application

How hard is the York Schulich BBA Supplementary Application?

The Schulich Supplementary Application is not academically difficult in the traditional sense, but it is highly evaluative. It assesses an applicant’s personal competencies such as leadership, ethical reasoning, resilience, and communication under time pressure. The challenge lies in articulating thoughtful and structured responses within strict time limits. Applicants who do not prepare may find it difficult to effectively demonstrate their full potential.

Can you fail the Schulich BBA video interview?

There is no formal “pass” or “fail.” However, weak responses—those lacking structure, clarity, or relevance to the question—can significantly reduce an applicant’s chances of admission. The interview is a critical component of the admissions decision and may differentiate candidates with similar academic profiles. Practicing under timed conditions can substantially improve performance.

How do I make my leadership profile stand out?
Rather than listing titles, focus on specific responsibilities, personal impact, and measurable outcomes. Use each activity to reflect on your growth and the skills you bring to a team-oriented business environment.

Is the Schulich Supplementary Application video interview scored?
Yes. Responses are reviewed by trained assessors and evaluated holistically. Applicants are rated on communication skills, depth of reflection, and alignment with the Schulich BBA learning objectives.

Can I redo my responses or re-record any video?
No. Once submitted, your responses are final. Applicants should prepare by simulating the real environment and practicing with interview tools like Myls Interview.