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The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024

‘our common wealth’.

The theme for the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which will take place in Samoa in October 2024, is ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth’.    

Nearly half of Commonwealth countries are Small Island Developing States like Samoa that are disproportionately affected by climate change. Communities across the Commonwealth are also facing a range of challenges, including economic growth, peace and security. Creating strong and resilient societies is now more important than ever.   

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 asks entrants to consider how they deal with adversity, and how community and culture can be used to encourage resilience and hope in a world with a growing number of global issues.  

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 is now open for entries until 15 May 2024. Please use the widget below or  this link to submit your entries. 

[continue reading here ]

Enquiries about submissions should be directed to the Royal Commonwealth Society. Please always refer to their website  for complete details and information.

Please note, this competition is run by the Royal Commonwealth Society, not  the Commonwealth Foundation.

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Cambridge University Library Special Collections

Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition: write around the world

The RCS Library is delighted to announce that a significant recent deposit of essays from The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition has been added to its on-line catalogue (ARCS 20). The competition, originally established in 1883 by the Royal Commonwealth Society, and now run in partnership with Cambridge University Press, is the world’s oldest international schools’ writing contest. It reflects the society’s enduring aim to foster the creative talent of young people throughout the Commonwealth by encouraging literacy, self-expression and imagination.  Last year’s competition, which attracted almost 13,500 entries from primary to Sixth Form students from virtually every Commonwealth country, emphasises its continuing success. The theme of the 2017 competition is ‘A Commonwealth for Peace.’ The library already holds essays from 1922 to 1985 (with some gaps), and all surviving prize winning entries from these years have been digitised and are freely available on the Apollo digital repository .

The latest deposit includes prize winners from the years 1991 to 2009, and a very large collection of commended and other essays for the years 2002-09, totalling more than 20,000. The essays represent an excellent resource for many fields of research relating to education, and for assessing the opinions of intelligent, articulate and engaged young adults throughout the Commonwealth on a host of contemporary political, social and cultural issues. It is impossible here to list all the topics for each year, which range from the light-hearted to the serious, or to single out individual essays. The essays are occasionally accompanied by examiners’ reports, which contain insightful comparative analysis of entries, as an example from 2009 illustrates. One examiner of essays written by thirteen to sixteen year olds (Class B) commented upon the originality, insight and eloquence with which many responded to the themes ‘Tracks’ and ‘The Long Way Home.’  Many reflected upon the theme of war: its aftermath, consequences and the return to a home country after fighting abroad, while others addressed concerns of especial relevance to young adults such as unwanted pregnancies, abortion and abusive relationships.  The examiner concluded, ‘It is remarkable to see such young writers master such sophisticated themes and topics spurred by such vague titles.’

A dedicated and conscientious team of Reader Services Assistants in the Rare Books Department have listed each essay, recording name of author, age, school, country, gender and essay topic. Thanks to their hard work, it will be easy for researchers to quickly sort through the essays, identifying for example, how many students from a particular country or gender answered individual questions, whether they lived in the developed or developing worlds, or studied in state or private schools. In the Class B examiner’s group discussed above, for example, 62 of 150 writers (almost half), were inspired by the theme ‘The Long Way Home.’  They represented thirty different countries, with the three largest numbers of entries drawn from Singapore, Pakistan and India.  Many of the essays are illustrated, especially by younger authors, accompanied by beautiful original art work or photographs, which reinforce their themes. The three examples shown here were the work of eleven and twelve year olds from Class D 2009.

Researchers wishing to view these recently-acquired essays and their listings, and to request reproductions, must first consult staff in the Royal Commonwealth Society Department.

A catalogue of the full collection may be found here .

10 comments

Hi there.. I received a highly commended for Category D (?) in 1997 and was wondering if there are any records of it in the archives? I remember the RCS had a physical book listing all names of prize winners, and my name was in it at the local library many years ago. I would like to know if there is any formal record as such and if the essays are still available?

Hi there, I’d like to know if there were entries from Nigeria between 1984 and 1986. Would also like to know the year Nigeria began to participate in the Queen’s commonwealth essays.

The University Library is currently closed as part of the COVID-19 lockdown, but I will reply as soon as I have access to the essay competition archives.

All the best, John

Thank you so very much!

Hello, I would like to know if we can type the essays, or have to write them.

If you are thinking about participating in the current competition, information about submitting essays may be found here, https://www.royalcwsociety.org/essay-competition .

Hello John, Thank you.

Hello, I would like to know where can I see the winners’ written essays? Are they published?

The entries from 1922-1985 have been scanned and are available in our Apollo repository: https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/225222 Copyright in the essays resides with the Royal Commonwealth Society. If you wish to re-publish the essays in any format you will need to seek permission from the Society. The most recent winning entries are available on the RCS website: https://www.royalcwsociety.org/essay-competition

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Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 (Prize + Certificate)

If you have good essay-writing skills and want to participate in an international competition. Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is for you to show your skills and is currently open. In this article, we will explain in detail about this competition, its prize and step by step application process.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 is the world’s oldest international writing competition for schools, established in 1883. With thousands of young people taking part each year, it is an important way to recognize achievement, elevate youth voices and develop key skills through creative writing.

To mark the 50th Anniversary of the Commonwealth Youth Programme, Commonwealth Heads of Government declared 2023 a year dedicated to youth-led action for sustainable and inclusive development and called on renewal and strengthening of our commitment to youth engagement and empowerment.

Of the Commonwealth’s population of almost 2.5 billion people, 60% are under the age of 30. This young demographic represents a dynamic ‘youth force for change’, made up of exceptional young people who are increasingly involved in advocacy, decision-making and action.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2023 asks entrants to explore the power young people hold within the global community and consider how this power can be harnessed to make a meaningful impact in the world.

The Society has a rich history of nurturing the creative talents of young people around the Commonwealth and we endeavour to promote literacy, expression and creativity by celebrating excellence and imagination. The Competition invites all young Commonwealth citizens and residents, regardless of region, education or background, to share ideas, celebrate their story and have their voice heard. Through partnerships with Book Aid International, Worldreader and the National Literacy Trust, the Society is working to increase access to this opportunity for a wider range of young people.

Scholarship Summary

• Level of Study: Competition
• Institution(s): The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS)
• Study in: UK
• Deadline: May 15, 2024

Essay Topics

The theme for the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which will take place in Samoa in October 2024, is ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth’.    

Nearly half of Commonwealth countries are Small Island Developing States like Samoa that are disproportionately affected by climate change. Communities across the Commonwealth are also facing a range of challenges, including economic growth, peace and security. Creating strong and resilient societies is now more important than ever.   

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 asks entrants to consider how they deal with adversity, and how community and culture can be used to encourage resilience and hope in a world with a growing number of global issues.  

SENIOR CATEGORY

(Born between 16 May 2005 and 15 May 2010 (14-18 years of age)) 

• “It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.”– Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. What small steps can you take to help tackle the climate crisis?   
• Write a speech highlighting what you think is the most challenging issue facing the world today, and how Commonwealth values can be used to solve it.      
• At the heart of Samoan way of life is ‘aiga’, meaning ‘family’ values including selflessness, hospitality, co-operation, respect and dignity. What core values and ideas from your culture can be used to enhance co-operation and community in the Commonwealth?  
• The Commonwealth’s London Declaration aimed to strive for peace, liberty and progress. Write a letter to your President or Prime Minister about how to achieve those aims. 

JUNIOR CATEGORY

(Born on or after 16 May 2010 (under 14 years of age))

• What new habit could you adopt to positively contribute towards a greener Commonwealth?   
• Write a dialogue between yourself and a grandparent about resilience and hope. What can you share with the older generation, and what can you learn from them?  
• You are taking part in a beach clean-up and discover that you can speak to sea creatures. What are they saying, and how do you respond?
• You’re on a school exchange in a Commonwealth country different to your own. How do you make friends with people your age? (Consider similarities and differences in culture that may unite you).

Scholarship Coverage/Prize

Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition provides the recipient with the following benefits:

– All entrants receive a Certificate of Participation and one Winner and Runner-up from the Senior and Junior categories will win a trip to London for a week of educational and cultural events.

– Prizes have traditionally been awarded only to the first prize winners in the Senior and Junior categories and also vary year by year. This means they are not able to confirm what the prizes will be until after the winners are announced in August 2024. Past prizes have included:

• Resources for winner’s school
• Certificates
• Visits to Cambridge University
• A trip to London and a week of activities
• Having your entry featured in worldwide media
• Work experience at international organisations, and
• RCS regional and branch offices often hold ceremonies or offer prizes. Please contact your nearest RCS branch after the competition closes on June 30, 2024, to inquire about any activities planned.

Eligibility Criteria for Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition

To participate in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, following is the criteria:

• Required Language:  All entries must be written in English.
• Eligible Countries: Nationals and residents of all Commonwealth countries and territories aged 18 and under are eligible to enter the competition, including entrants from Zimbabwe.
• Entries are accepted from residents of non-Commonwealth countries who submit through their local RCS branch.
• Entrants can be presented in any form/method of creative writing. Pictures/Illustrations are particularly encouraged in the Junior Category.

How to Apply for Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition?

Please follow the following important application instructions to participate in Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition:

Online Submission:

• The Royal Commonwealth Society is building a new online platform that will be much easier to use and accessible on all devices, but it’s not quite ready yet.
• They are encouraging young people to begin writing their pieces and will open the new platform for submissions in early 2024.
• Please note: They do not accept essays sent by email.

Offline Submissio n  ( P ost):  (Check the  How to Enter  section in the official website for more details)

• Offline submissions are very difficult to process and can mean that your entry arrives after the Competition closing date. They will only accept an offline entry where the person submitting has no access to internet and is unable to submit online.
• If you are submitting your entry by post, please complete an entry form (Can be found in the official website) in block capitals and attach it to the front of your essay. Entries should be sent to your nearest postal hub, details of which are listed below.
• Please note that for postal entries, your essay must be received by June 30, 2023 in order to be eligible. They, therefore, suggest that you send your essay with plenty of time for delivery, as essays received by a postal hub after June 30 will not be considered in the competition.
• Check the official website for posting address.

To know more about Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, please visit the official website:

Official Website

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The queen’s commonwealth essay competition 2024 is now open for entries .

‘Our Common Wealth’

The theme for the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which will take place in Samoa in October 2024, is ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth’.    

Nearly half of Commonwealth countries are Small Island Developing States like Samoa that are disproportionately affected by climate change. Communities across the Commonwealth are also facing a range of challenges, including economic growth, peace and security. Creating strong and resilient societies is now more important than ever.   

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 asks entrants to consider how they deal with adversity, and how community and culture can be used to encourage resilience and hope in a world with a growing number of global issues.  

​ The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 is now open for entries until 15 May 2024.  Please use the widget below or  this link to submit your entries. 

​ SENIOR CATEGORY 

(Born between 16 May 2005 and 15 May 2010 (14-18 years of age)) 

​”It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.”– Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. What small steps can you take to help tackle the climate crisis?   

• Write a speech highlighting what you think is the most challenging issue facing the world today, and how Commonwealth values can be used to solve it.      
• At the heart of Samoan way of life is ‘aiga’, meaning ‘family’ values including selflessness, hospitality, co-operation, respect and dignity. What core values and ideas from your culture can be used to enhance co-operation and community in the Commonwealth?  
• The Commonwealth’s London Declaration aimed to strive for peace, liberty and progress. Write a letter to your President or Prime Minister about how to achieve those aims. 

JUNIOR CATEGORY 

(Born on or after 16 May 2010 (under 14 years of age))

​What new habit could you adopt to positively contribute towards a greener Commonwealth?   

• Write a dialogue between yourself and a grandparent about resilience and hope. What can you share with the older generation, and what can you learn from them?  
• You are taking part in a beach clean-up and discover that you can speak to sea creatures. What are they saying, and how do you respond?
• You’re on a school exchange in a Commonwealth country different to your own. How do you make friends with people your age? (Consider similarities and differences in culture that may unite you).

Download the QCEC 2024 Flyer

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 is now open for entries until 15 May 2024.  

Please use  this link to submit your entries

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The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) is now open for entries

• Westminster News

In 2022, on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee year, Her Majesty The Queen will celebrate 70 years as Head of the Commonwealth.

The Queen’s seven decades of service to the Commonwealth are an inspiring example of the steadfast commitment and important contribution we can all make to our societies.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2022  (QCEC) will ask entrants to explore the positive impact that can be achieved through dedication and selfless commitment to our Commonwealth.

• Click here for more details and to enter the competition

The QCEC, delivered by the Royal Commonwealth Society, is the world’s oldest international writing competition for schools. It offers thousands of young people, whatever their background, the opportunity to make their voices heard on a global platform.  In this Platinum Jubilee year of our Sovereign, Her Majesty The Queen, young Commonwealth writers are asked to reflect on inspirational leadership and to explore the positive impact that can be achieved through commitment to their communities within the theme ‘Our Commonwealth’.

Open to all UK residents, aged 18 and under, the competition has two age categories for those aged 14 – 18 years, and those under 14 years. Winners from each category will win a trip to London for a week of educational and cultural activities, culminating in an awards ceremony, usually held at Buckingham Palace and hosted by the Society’s Vice-Patron, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall. All successful entries are recognised for their participation.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition will close for submissions on the 30 June 2022. For more information please visit, www.royalcwsociety.org .

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The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition

An opportunity for young Commonwealth citizens to share their thoughts, ideas and experiences on key global issues and have their hard work and achievement celebrated internationally.

The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition is the world's oldest international writing competition for schools, established in 1883.

Each year, youth under the age of 18  are asked to write on a theme that explores the Commonwealth’s values and principles, fostering an empathetic and open-minded worldview in the next generation of Commonwealth leaders. 

Recent themes have focused on the environment, inclusion, the role of youth leadership, and gender equality.  

All entrants and all participating schools receive a Certificate of Participation and one Winner and Runner-up from the Senior (aged 14-18)  and Junior (under 14) categories will travel to the United Kingdom for a week of educational and cultural activities, which culminates in a special Awards Ceremony, usually held at Buckingham Palace, that is hosted by the Society’s Patron, Her Majesty, The Queen Consort. 

Past winners have gone on to become prominent leaders, including the Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Mei Fong, and the renowned author, Elspeth Huxley. 

The competition will launch during Commonwealth Week the second week in March and close in June. 

QCEC FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who can enter.

The competition is open to nationals or residents of all Commonwealth countries and territories, as well as residents of Hong Kong, Ireland, and Zimbabwe. Residents of non-Commonwealth countries where there is an operating RCS branch or affiliated/partner organisation are also eligible; however, entries must be submitted via the local RCS branch or affiliated/partner organisation.

Tips from the Judges

The following guidelines provide some useful insights from previous judges who have had experience recognising what makes a good piece of writing, and may help you get started on your submission:  

Choose to answer one of the topics, and you are encouraged to interpret this in any way you wish. 

Think carefully about the form of writing you use to answer the topic. There are a variety of forms and styles to play with.

Make sure to use your own voice and your own words. Judges are very good at spotting work that is not original.

We understand that English is a diverse language and there are different and innovative ways of using it around the Commonwealth. We encourage diversity and creativity of language in submissions.

Ensure you take into account grammar and punctuation whilst writing your piece. Do not submit an entry without proof-reading.

Presentation is important: think about the visual appearance of the entry as well as the quality of the content.

Guidance Notes

Participants are expected to show originality and flair, linked to sound academic standards and competent use of English as a written language. This includes a good standard of spelling and punctuation, neat presentation and clear hand-writing or word-processing.

Entries must respond to the topic. Each year a number of good entrants must be disregarded because they do not fully answer/reflect on what the topic has asked them to do.

Entrants are encouraged to be creative in their response to a topic. Entries can be submitted in a number of different formats: for example, a poem, letter, article, story, essay or a short play/script.

Illustrations are welcomed, particularly in Junior entries, but they must enhance the written text and add to the overall quality of the entry.

Winning Categories

Junior Awards Categories (Under 14s)

Junior Winner

Junior Runner-up

Gold Awards

Silver Awards

Bronze Awards

Certificate of Participation

Senior Awards Categories (Under 14-18)

Senior Winner

Senior Runner-up

What if I'm too old to participate?

If you're over 18 by the deadline, you'll still be eligible to compete for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize .

Are there prizes for the winners?

One Winner and Runner Up will be chosen from each category. Winners and Runners Up (accompanied by one adult/guardian) will be brought to London for a week of educational and cultural events, culminating in a special Awards Ceremony. A number of Gold Finalist, Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards will be given in both the Senior and Junior categories, rewarding excellence in writing. All successful entries will receive a Certificate of Participation. Local RCS branches often hold local and regional ceremonies or offer prizes so if you were made aware of the competition by your local RCS branch, please contact them after the competition closes on 15 May to inquire about any activities they might have planned.

Is there a word limit?

Yes, different word count rules apply to Junior and Senior categories. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more details.

Can I write on more than one topic?

No, students may only submit one essay each, which means that you have to choose one of the four topics in your relevant category.

Where can I find the topics for the 2024 competition?

Topics for The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 can be read online or downloaded.

How do I know if my entry was successfully submitted?

At the end of the online submission process, you will receive a notice that your entry has been successfully submitted. This notice will contain a unique identification number, which will also be emailed to your nominated email address. If you are encountering difficulties, please email [email protected] for assistance.

How do I download my certificate?

Certificates are no longer able to be downloaded by entrants. Entrants to the QCEC 2024 will have their certificates sent to their nominated email address at the end of the judging process in September 2024.

How do I submit my essay online?

Please click here to submit your entry online. Please note that we do not accept entries sent by email.

Queen’s Commerce: Supplementary Application Essay Examples & Templates 2023/2024

If you are looking for guidance on the Queen’s (Smith) Commerce supplementary application , as well as Queen’s Commerce essay examples and templates, then you’ve come to the right place. 

This Application Prep guide is fully updated with this year’s 2022/2023 application (i.e. for applicants planning on starting the program in Fall 2023 ), as well as past applications for reference.

IMPORTANT : The Queen’s (Smith) Commerce Supplementary Essays will be available starting November 1, 2023 . This year’s application, students will write 2 SUPPLEMENTARY ESSAYS from 3 randomly selected questions . Keep reading to learn how to approach these.

Before you dive in, it’s important to understand that the admissions committee receives thousands of applications every year. To help you stand out from the crowd , you need to demonstrate a clear sense of self , strong life experience , and exemplary communication skills .

Our ‘full student’ coaching process does exactly that. If you’re not working with a coach, be sure to read the Self-Awareness , Goal-Setting , and Narrative Communication Skills Guides.

The Narrative Communication Approach™ is a particularly useful storytelling framework that helps you tell a clear and concise story, while creating an emotional connection with the reader. All Queen’s Commerce essay examples and templates use this approach.

We use essay templates to show you a suggested essay structure that uses the Narrative Communication Approach™. Using this structure does not mean your essays will be the same as other students. That’s like saying using the 3 Act Structure makes every play, movie, and novel the same. The content of that story makes it unique.

We also suggest following the 5-step essay writing process we teach, seen here .

If you’re serious about getting into Queen’s Commerce and reaching your fullest post-secondary potential, connect with a coach . It’s never too early to receive coaching.

For more information about Queen’s Commerce, check out our Queen’s Commerce Program Guide and this informative video that one of our coaches, a QC program alumnus, created to help students just like you.

Table of Contents

• 2023/2024 Supplementary Essays: Questions; Tips for Writing; Templates; Examples; and More.
• 2022/2023 Supplementary Essays: Questions; Tips for Writing; Templates; Examples; and More.
• 2021/2022 Supplementary Essays : Questions; Tips for Writing; Templates; Examples; and More.
• 2020/2021 Supplementary Essays : Questions; Tips for Writing; Templates; Examples; and More.
• 2019/2020 Supplementary Essays : PSE List and Essay; SE Questions; Tips for Writing; Templates; Examples; and More.

2023/2024 Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application 

This year, applicants are required to:

• complete a written response in 10 minutes (285 word limit)
• and a video response with 2 minutes or preparation and 2 minutes of speaking.

The written response should be completed first, followed by the video response.

While there are no official dress code requirements, you should dress appropriately and have a stable internet connection in a quiet, comfortable space.

Accommodations and technical support are available to those who require them (reach out to [email protected] ). We recommend you practice with your coach for optimal performance.

Queens Commerce Application Evaluation

In the 2024 admissions process, Queen’s is primarily looking at five factors in an applicant (rated across scores of poor, fair, good, great, and excellent):

• Initiative : The extent to which an applicant takes action, especially in the face of challenges.
• Problem-solving ability : The applicant’s capability to independently address and overcome issues.
• Resourcefulness : How well the applicant seeks out and uses supports or resources when navigating challenges.
• Application of Past Lessons/Skills : The ability to apply knowledge, lessons, or skills learned from previous experiences.
• Answers the Question : Whether the applicant addresses the posed question directly in their essay.

Here’s what the evaluation rubric looks like: 

There is also a final evaluation area , called ‘Communication Clarity’ , rated either Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. Improving real-world skills like communication is an essential part of our ‘full student’ coaching methodology. To make sure you get a ‘Satisfactory’ on the Communication Clarity part of your evaluation, read our Narrative Communication Approach™ Guide and our Deductive Communication Approach™ Guide .

Want to learn how to articulate how your unique skills, interests, and experiences are aligned with these evaluation criteria? Connect with a coach for support.

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application: Written – Possible Questions 2023/2024

Below are Queen’s Commerce questions. The questions you receive will be randomly generated.

As you’ll see, most of the questions prompt you to tie in your own experiences with values of inclusivity and diversity.

Types of questions may look something like:

Having trouble choosing an experience, interest, person, or issue (depending on the question you’re asked)?

Select questions that will allow you to: 

• Highlight key skills that are fundamental to who you are, like leadership, problem solving, time management etc.
• Draw upon the specific traits that Queen’s looks for like commitment and dedication.
• Showcases your values , like making an impact on the world, or connecting with people around you. 
• Be unique and authentic .
• Discuss how you evolved as a person because of the learning outcome that the experience/person initiated.

Keep reading for breakdowns/tips, templates, and examples for both types of questions. If you have questions about this year’s application and need help writing your essays, connect with a coach for 1-on-1 support.

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Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application: Written – Tips

Having a clear structure is key for answering questions on a time-crunch. Preparation is key, and practicing with your coach will help you break down the possible questions that could arise and prepare responses for them. You can then adjust them based on the actual question being asked. The worst situation is when the clock is counting down and you are fumbling over thoughts and words, leading to an incoherent and chaotic response – “uhhh, soooo”, “umm, maybe this one will work?”. To prevent this, read some of the example questions below and practice some of them with your coach. Make sure to follow a structured approach when answering.

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application: Written – Breakdown

Queen’ questions are all open-ended and are designed to help the admissions committee learn more about you and your experiences, values, skills, interests, and goals (learn more about how to answer personal questions in our Interview Prep Guide here — these can be used for written or video/in-person questions).

Remember that your reviewers only know the surface level information , like your name and high school grades — they know nothing about who you are as a person , where you come from, and how your experiences have shaped your personality, interests, and goals.

These questions are your chance to make a lasting first impression and show what makes you unique and a perfect fit for the Queen’s BHSc program. 

You need to go beyond the surface and provide deep insight about who you are. The admissions committee wants to see that you know where you’ve come from (and where you want to go). You might not realize it, but displaying your strong self-awareness will help set you apart from other applicants — that’s why we’ve written a whole blog about it here .

If you have completed your Student Identity Blueprint™ and gone through the Discovery phase of our coaching process, these types of questions will be easy for you to answer (if you haven’t, connect with a coach to get started). 

The most important thing to remember when writing these essays is to constantly refer back to the Supplementary Essay Rubric we discussed above.

Using these criteria, the Personal Questions should draw upon a significant life experience , circumstance , or person that helped you form your identity and impacted your life to such an extent you experienced deep learning (Connection) and set yourself on the path to where you are today to accomplish your personal, academic, and career goals (Personal Growth). 

If you need help answering a Personal Question and creating an essay that gets you a “Distinguished” mark in these three criteria, connect with a coach now (and keep reading for templates and examples to help you as you’re writing your essays).

Find the mentor you’ve been looking for.

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application: Written – Template

Here’s a Queens Commerce template for the question: “Tell us about an experience that shaped who you are today.”

COACH’S TIP: While each template will change depending on the question, you can easily form your own template by reading our Narrative Communication Approach™ and breaking down the question into the 5 components listed below. Connect with a coach to talk out your storyline and get started on your template and essay.

• Talk about the initiative you took and why, preferably related to a challenge you were experiencing related to this.
• This is where you talk about how you had to problem solve when you were launching the initiative. Incorporate an example of past experiences or skills you leveraged.
• This is where you can mention how resourceful you had to be to achieve the outcomes you did.
• Summarize and conclude the essay, ensuring answer to question is very clear and coherent and capture any learnings that you want to bring forward for future experiences, such as at Queen’s.

As mentioned above, if you prefer to use a more problem-based approach, use our Deductive Communication Approach™ . Before getting started on your essay, connect with a coach to determine which approach is best for your interests, experiences, and goals.

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application: Written – Sample Response

Here’s a sample Queens Commerce essay example response for the question: “Tell us about an experience that made an impact on the world around you.”

REMEMBER : This is an EXAMPLE ONLY and is NOT meant for you to copy. Why? First and foremost, this is plagiarism and is a serious offense . Plagiarizing these essays will result in immediate disqualification from the admissions process . This can be easily detected using technology and application reviewers are usually trained and/or able to spot when an application isn’t original and does not align with an applicant’s background, personality, values, etc.

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application: Video – Possible Questions

Here are some of the sample questions that applicants might encounter.

Some examples include:

• Describe how you ensure an inclusive environment that respects diverse perspectives in a team or group.
• Share an instance where you played a significant role in resolving a conflict, promoting a sense of inclusivity and respect.
• Discuss a situation where you have fostered a welcoming and safe environment, respecting diverse viewpoints.

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application: Video – Tips

Before starting your actual video response, practice a little in front of the mirror to get into the mood of talking. Also try speaking into a recording camera beforehand as it is different from speaking directly with other people.

You could even watch this recording several times to find areas in which you could improve on. Make sure to be engaging and thoughtful by maintaining eye contact and using facial expressions.

Practicing with your coach with this is especially important as they can help you identify areas of improvement from an admissions’ perspective.

Most students estimate their interview abilities, but interviewing is a critical skill that requires a ton of practice. Leverage our interview preparation guide , find a mentor, a friend, or work with a coach, to make sure that you are prepared to answer any question.

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application: Video – Evaluation

This is the same evaluation criteria as the written response portion. 

• Resourcefulness : How well the applicant seeks out and uses support or resources when navigating challenges.

See how an applicant might be scored based on their level of initiative :

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application: Video – Template

• Introduction to the activity or organization and its foundational principles or goals.
• A specific challenge or experience faced that highlights the core criteria or theme in focus.
• Steps taken and the results achieved, showcasing growth, learning, and impact.
• Reflection on the experience and its broader implications or lessons learned.

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application: Video – Sample Response

Here’s an example for the question “ Discuss a situation where you have fostered a welcoming and safe environment, respecting diverse viewpoints .”

Remember , these examples are purely illustrative and are not meant to be copied. Your authenticity and originality are key to creating a compelling application. As you prepare your application, our coaching process can offer significant support, guiding you through every step and helping you craft an application that truly resonates with the admissions committee. With our expert guidance, you can approach the application process with confidence, knowing you have a dedicated team supporting your journey to success.

2022/2023 Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application 

Similar to last year, the 2022/2023 Queen’s (Smith) Commerce Supplementary Application is made up of 3 randomly generated questions . You must answer 2 of the 3 questions.

Each essay must be 2,000 characters or less (including spaces). 

Here are the important dates and deadlines for your Queen’s (Smith) Commerce 2023 Application:

• On October 1, 2022 , you can start applying to Queen’s through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) (and you must complete your OUAC application by February 1, 2023 ).
• The Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Essay (SE) is available starting November 1, 2023 .
• The deadline to submit the Supplementary Application is February 15, 2023 . 

For more information about the Supplementary Application and deadlines, visit this page , and for other key dates and deadlines, click here . If you need some help with the application process, connect with a coach any time for support.

IMPORTANT : Queen’s Commerce no longer follows the previous November, December, and January submission cycles as it did for all applications before 2021. Instead, you will have 30 days from when you access the questions on SOLUS to complete and submit your essays . If you do not submit the first randomly generated set of questions by 30 days, another set of 3 questions will appear for you to complete. The last day to submit your essays is February 15, even if you received the questions less than 30 days before that (i.e. if you got the questions on January 30, the deadline is February 15, February 29 even though that’s 30 days).

You can see how many days you have left to complete the questions on SOLUS, shown here:

Queen’s (Smith) Commerce Application Evaluation

Many students ask us how the Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application is evaluated. 

Similar to last year, Smith Commerce makes their evaluation rubric public to all applicants so that they can submit the strongest possible application. 

You will see that there are 3 main evaluation criteria , each of which are rated across 4 possible scores (Distinguished, Capable, Basic, and Unsatisfactory):

• Positionality and Lived Experience . Positionality is the understanding of how your identity (e.g. race, socioeconomic, gender, sexuality, etc.) influences your biases in the world. Lived Experience is more commonly understood as ‘life experience’. Queen’s is looking for applicants who can connect their understanding of their position in life with significant experiences they’ve encountered.
• Connection . Connection appears to simply be defined as answering the question clearly and identifying a clear learning outcome within that answer.
• Personal Growth. Personal Growth is the demonstrated ability to understand one’s strengths and development areas, and pursue 

There is also a final evaluation area, called ‘Communication Clarity’ , rated either Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. Improving real-world skills like communication is an essential part of our ‘full student’ coaching methodology. 

To make sure you get a ‘Satisfactory’ on the Communication Clarity part of your evaluation, read our Narrative Communication Approach™ Guide and connect with a coach today.

You are also encouraged to complete and submit your Equity Self-Identification Form by February 15th.

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application: Possible Questions 2022/2023

There are 2 types of Queen’s (Smith) Commerce SE questions : Personal Questions and Moral Questions. 

Here are a few examples of questions from 2022/2023.

• What is important to you? Why is it important?
• Tell us about an experience that shaped who you are today.
• What challenges do you find rewarding.

Click here to access the full list.

Personal questions focus on you : your experiences, the people you know, your interests, etc. 

Moral questions prompt you to discuss issues like diversity, inclusion, injustice, and equity, and discuss how your experiences, learnings, and identity influence your opinions, beliefs, and biases.

IMPORTANT: While the questions come out in a random batch of 3 questions from the above list, we notice applicants will almost always receive 1 Personal Question, 1 Moral Question, and 1 either Personal OR Moral Question . 

• Draw upon specific traits that Queen’s looks for like commitment and dedication.

Keep reading for breakdowns/tips, templates, and examples for both types of questions. If you have questions about this year’s application and need help writing your essays, connect with a coach for 1-on-1 support. 

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Essay Examples: Personal Questions – Breakdown

The Personal Questions are all open-ended and are designed to help the admissions committee learn more about you and your experiences, values, skills, interests, and goals (learn more about how to answer personal questions in our Interview Prep Guide here — these can be used for written or video/in-person questions). 

As mentioned above, here are some examples of Personal Questions:

• Tell us about an experience that you did not expect to enjoy, but did.
• Reflect on your background, identity, an interest, or talent. Explain why it is so meaningful that your application would be incomplete without it.
• Describe an influential person in your life or someone you admire. Why?
• Tell us about an accomplishment you are proud of. Why?

These questions are your chance to make a lasting first impression and show what makes you unique and a perfect fit for the Smith Commerce program. 

The most important thing to remember when writing these essays is to constantly refer back to the Supplementary Essay Rubric we discussed above. Your essay must have all 3 evaluation criteria: Positionality and Lived Experience, Connection, and Personal Growth.

Using these criteria, the Personal Questions should draw upon a significant life experience , circumstance , or person that helped you form your identity (Positionality and Lived Experience) and impacted your life to such an extent you experienced deep learning (Connection) and set yourself on the path to where you are today to accomplish your personal, academic, and career goals (Personal Growth). 

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Essay Examples: Personal Questions – Template

Here’s a Queen’s Commerce SE template for the question: “Tell us about an experience that shaped who you are today.”

• Quickly capture the reader’s attention and set up the essay so they know what to expect.
• Set the scene with who you were before this transformational experience and focus on explaining your Positionality (aka position in life). Use a lot of the insights from your Student Identity Blueprint™ here.
• Introduce the experience and details about how it happened. Preface what the experience caused you to do, so it naturally flows to the next section, which should discuss the impact the experience had on you. This is the Connection criteria they are looking for.
• Discuss 1-2 ways this experience shaped you for the better over time and what was the direct result of this in your life. This is the Personal Growth criteria.
• Tie what you’ve said to the big picture. How will the impact this experience had affect your future and how you see the world?

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application: Personal Questions – Example

Here’s a sample Queen’s Commerce essay example response for the question: “Tell us about an experience that shaped who you are today.”.

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Essay Examples: Moral Questions – Breakdown  

The moral questions give you the opportunity to discuss your worldview and beliefs.  

They are meant to gauge how you interact with others , question and challenge certain assumptions, and apply your beliefs and values to your experiences and use them for personal growth . 

As mentioned above, some examples of Moral Questions include:

• Share an example of how you have worked to better understand or experience diverse perspectives.
• Describe a time when you witnessed something unjust. How would you respond to that situation now?
• What advantages or privileges do you have in life and how can you use them to advocate for change?
• What kind of impact or change do you want to create?
• How has a challenge that you have experienced shaped the way you approach life?
• Discuss the theme of equity and how it has influenced your life.

In your personal questions, you talked about your experiences and relationships, and learnings/growth you’ve had from those. The moral questions take it one step further to see how these things have shaped your actions, identity, and outlook over time . The admissions committee wants to know what your position in life is (and how it’s different from other applicants).

Just like the Personal Questions, you want to make sure your answers focus on the Supplementary Essay Rubric. Your essay must have all 3 evaluation criteria: Positionality and Lived Experience, Connection, and Personal Growth.

Using these criteria, the Moral Questions should draw upon a significant experience , circumstance , or dilemma that shaped your identity (Positionality and Lived Experience) and caused you to form, change, or reinforce your beliefs and/or values based on what the impact it had (Connection). These beliefs have shaped how you interact with the world and have influenced the personal, academic, and career path you want to take (Personal Growth). 

If you need help answering a moral question and creating an essay that gets you a “Distinguished” mark in these three criteria, connect with a coach now.

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Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Essay Examples: Moral Questions: Template

Here’s a Queen’s Commerce SE template for the question: “Describe a time when you witnessed something unjust. How would you respond to that situation now?”.

• Set the scene with who you were before this experience happened and and focus on explaining your Positionality (aka position in life) like your values, beliefs, identity, and/or moral assumptions. Use a lot of the insights from your Student Identity Blueprint™ here.
• Introduce the experience where you witnessed something unjust and give details about how it happened. Discuss how you responded to the situation at the time (think of this as you ‘before’ you had the chance to reconsider how you’d react). Finally, talk about how the impact of this experience caused you to react (this is the Connection criteria they are looking for).
• State how you would respond to the situation now (this is the ‘after’ scenario introduced above). Discuss 1-2 ways this experience changed you and how you view justice, and discuss how you’ve applied this to your life now. This is the Personal Growth criteria.
• Provide the takeaway (or the moral) of the story. How does it relate to your life at Queen’s or your career?

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application: Moral Questions – Example

Here’s a sample Queen’s Commerce essay example response for the question: “Describe a time when you witnessed something unjust. How would you respond to that situation now?”.

Need help creating standout Supplementary Application essays? Connect with a coach now to learn how to communicate your unique experiences, interests, and skills.

If you want to learn more of the specifics about the Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application, including number of apps, deadlines, and evaluation, check out our Queen’s Commerce Program Guide and check out our Queen’s Commerce YouTube playlist for help writing your essays, program information, and much more.

Submit a memorable Smith Commerce app.

Queen’s BCom Youth Coach

2021/2022 Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application 

There are some changes to the 2021/2022 Queen’s Commerce application.

First, there are no longer the November, December, and January submission cycles from the 2020/2021 application. Instead, each student receives 3 “randomly generated” essay questions . Each student needs to complete 2 questions . 

Similar to past years, each essay must be less than 2,000 characters in length with spaces.

You have 30 days from when you access the questions on SOLUS to complete them. If you do not complete the first randomly generated set of questions by 30 days, another set of three questions will appear for your completion.

You cannot submit your essays past February 15, so even if you access the questions on, say February 14, you must submit before February 15 rather than the 30-day auto-renew deadline.

The evaluation rubric is now made public to all applicants. The rubric has three main evaluation criteria , each of which are rated across four possible scores:

• Personal Growth. Personal Growth is the demonstrated ability to understand one’s strengths and development areas, and then work to reach their full potential in all areas of their life. 

Here’s what the essay evaluation rubric looks like:

There is also a final evaluation area, ‘Communication Clarity’, rated either Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. Improving real-world skills like communication is an essential part of our ‘full student’ coaching methodology. To make sure you get a ‘Satisfactory’ on the Communication Clarity part of your evaluation, read our Narrative Communication Approach™ Guide and connect with a coach today.

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application: Possible Questions 2021/2022

Below are Queen’s Commerce essay examples of randomly generated Supplementary Essay questions that came up.

As you’ll see, there are two types of questions: Personal Questions and Moral Questions. 

For a complete list of possible questions for the 2021/2022 Queen’s Commerce Application, as well as supplementary application essay templates and examples , see the 2022/2023 application section above .

2020/2021 Queen’s Commerce Application 

For the 2020/2021 application, Queen’s Commerce released their SE questions in stages:

• November 2020/2021 Questions : Available November 1, 2020 and due November 30 at 11:59pm
• December Questions : Available December 1, 2020 and due December 30 at 11:59pm
• January Questions : Available January 1, 2021 and due January 31 at 11:59pm

Once the question period closes, applicants could no longer submit questions from the previous month. For example, you cannot submit November questions on December 1. 

Applicants had to select TWO of the three questions and write an essay for each. Unlike the 2021/2022 application, the questions were the same for all applicants.

2020/2021 Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application: November Questions

Queen’s commerce supplementary essay examples – question 1.

“Choose a person who has influenced you and discuss the impact they have made on your life.” 

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Essay: Nov. Question 1 – Template

Get started on your template here (Click File > Make a copy).

The general structure of your answer to this question should have these five parts (get a detailed breakdown of these components here ):

• Quickly capture the reader’s attention and set up the essay so they know what to expect
• Give some background about you, like who you are before you met this person, where you were at in life, etc.
• Introduce the person and talk about why you chose them. Was there a moment when this person began to have an impact on you? How did your relationship evolve? 
• Discuss 1-2 ways this person impacted you using two ‘themes’. Discuss how this person helped you change for the better over time and what was the direct result of your relationship with them. 
• Tie what you’ve said to the big picture. How will the impact this person made on you support you in your future (in life, at Queen’s, in your career, etc.)

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Essay: Nov. Question 1 – Examples

Here’s an example of an essay for this question.

REMEMBER : Please note that all of the examples below are EXAMPLES ONLY and are NOT meant for you to copy.

Need some extra help on questions like this? Check out this video by one of our coaches:

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Essay Examples – Question 2

“Describe an activity or initiative that you are involved in. Share successes and challenges you experienced during your involvement.”

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Essay: Nov. Question 2 – Template

The general structure of your answer to this question should have these five parts:

• Give some background about the activity, like when and why you got involved, who was involved with you, where did it take place. Discuss at least one emotion you had through this experience.
• Talk about 1-2 conflicts, struggles, or setbacks that you had to overcome. Use detail and storytelling to convey how hard this was for you.
• Discuss the successes you achieved from this initiative. 
• Describe the ONE thing you learned from this experience and discuss how this shifted your perspective of the world and of yourself. Tie this learning back to Queen’s, while connecting it to the other paragraphs in your essay. 

COACH’S TIP : When thinking about what to write in the Outcome section, choose successes that are completely aligned to your values so the admissions committee can see what you truly believe in. Not sure what your values are? Connect with a coach and get started on our Discovery process, which will help you when applying to Queen’s, no matter what the SE question is. 

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Essay: Nov. Question 2 – Examples

Here’s an essay example for this question:

Still need help writing an essay for questions like this one? Connect with a coach and check out this video:

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Essay Examples – Question 3

“Tell us about who you are. What elements have shaped who you are today?”

Queen’ Commerce Supplementary Essay: Nov. Question 3 – Template

The general structure of your answer to this question should have these four parts:

• Discuss clearly what makes you unique, what you value, what you’re good at, what you love, etc. Focus on 1-2 traits that are unique and well-thought out.
• This section should be longer in this essay than others, with each element being 1 paragraph (aim for 2). These elements should be connected to key traits you just mentioned in the Context section as well as aspects of your life that have impacted you. 
• Describe how you will continue to grow your unique trait(s) that defines who you are. Try to include how Queen’s Commerce will help shape and evolve who you are as you described above (and who you want to become).

COACH’S TIP : The biggest thing that will help you stand out for most Queen’s Commerce essay questions is showing the admissions committee that you have self-awareness and are fully in touch with your interests, skills, and goals. Haven’t thought about this much? Don’t worry, most students haven’t. The good news is that we can help you discover who you really are so you can ace these types of essay questions and go after the life you want. Connect with a coach to complete your Student Identity Blueprint™ and start your journey to success today.

Queen’ Commerce Supplementary Essay: Nov. Question 3 – Examples

Here is an essay example for this question:

Still need help writing an essay for a question like this? Connect with a coach and check out this video:

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2020/2021 Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application: December Questions

“What is important to you? Why is it important?”

Queen’ Commerce Supplementary Essay: Dec. Question 1 – Template

The general structure of your answer to this question should have these five parts (get the detailed breakdown of these components here ):

• Describe your value in a unique way as well as the background that led to this value becoming important to you. 
• Talk about why this value is important. Did you realise it was important during a tough time in your life? Was this value put in jeopardy? Use the 5 Whys method to get to the root of why this value is important.
• Use an experience or story to prove why this value is important. Give the reader personal insight and provide some credibility.
• Briefly summarize how this value has helped you learn and grow as a person and talk about how you plan on continuing to employ this value in the future.

COACH’S TIP : Sometimes it can be super difficult to understand what values are, why they’re important, and what values are unique to you. As a part of our Discover process, you’ll complete a Self-Aware Student Assessment, so you can find out exactly what your values are and how they align to your interests and who you are as a person. Check out this free resource to learn more about your values and skills, and connect with a coach to become more self-aware and give yourself an edge over other applicants on questions like the one above.

Queen’ Commerce Supplementary Essay: Dec. Question 1 – Examples

Here’s a Queen’s Commerce essay example for this question.

Need some extra help with questions like this one? Check out this video from one of our coaches:

“If you could start an organization to help a cause or community in need, what issue would it address and why?”

Queen’ Commerce Supplementary Essay: Dec. Question 2 – Template

• Answer the “Why” part of the question by giving the reader background about the issue that is important to you (and discuss why it’s important to you). Use the 5 Whys technique to provide as much of an insight as possible to the reader.
• Talk about the organization specifically that you would start. Discuss the cause it would help and reiterate the issues it would address. 
• Talk about the efforts you’ve made to address this issue. You don’t need to have started the organization you referred to above, but you should show that you are addressing this issue somehow in your life. 
• Explain how you would continue the commitment to this issue going forward during your time at Queen’s Commerce/university and in your future career. 

Queen’ Commerce Supplementary Essay: Dec. Question 2 – Examples

Need some extra help with questions like this? Check out this video from one of our coaches:

“Describe a transformative experience that led to a better understanding of yourself or others.”

Queen’ Commerce Supplementary Essay: Dec. Question 3 – Template

The general structure of your answer to this question should have these four parts (get the detailed breakdown of these components here ):

• Give some context about you and set the scene of who you were before the transformative experience happened.
• Talk about the transformative experience and give some details about how it happened. 
• Talk about what you learned and how this experience impacted you for the better (this is the ‘after’ part of your experience). Focus on 1-2 themes, while providing specific examples of the impact of this experience on your life today.

Queen’ Commerce Supplementary Essay: Dec. Question 3 – Example

Here’s an essay example for this Queen’s Commerce essay question:

Need some extra help with questions like this one? Check out this video from one of our coaches: 

2020/2021 Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application: January Questions

Queen’s commerce supplementary essay example – question 1.

“Tell us something about you (background, an interest, a talent, etc.) that is an integral part of your identity, and why.”

Queen’ Commerce Supplementary Essay: Jan. Question 1 – Template

• Describe the one part about you that you feel represents who you are. This can be a passion, interest, EC, etc. Briefly discuss how you learned about it and why it’s so important to you. 
• Talk about why this one thing is part of who you are (or who you want to be). Give as much personal insight as possible, so the reader can really connect with you and understand more about who you are. 
• Discuss how this impacts who you are today and what impact it allows you to have other others (especially at Queen’s Commerce). Dig deep into the value that this brings to your peers, teachers, etc.
• In two sentences, summarize the bigger picture and how this one thing will help you progress in the future.

Queen’ Commerce Supplementary Essay: Jan. Question 1 – Example

Here’s an example of how to answer this question.

Still need help on how to answer questions like this one? Connect with a coach and watch this helpful video:

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Essay Example – Question 2

“Describe a problem you’ve solved or one you’d like to solve. Why did or do you feel it is important and what steps did or would you take to solve it?” 

Queen’ Commerce Supplementary Essay: Jan. Question 2 – Template

• Describe the one problem and why it’s important to you. Make sure you’re really specific here and try to use the 5 Whys Approach to give the reader deeper insight into who you are and why this is important.
• Talk about an action you’ve taken on this problem. It doesn’t have to be complicated (like starting a non-profit from the ground up), but simply show some progress that you’ve made to address this problem. 
• Discuss the tangible impact you’ve taken so far. Use specific examples and numbers to measure your impact.
• Explain how you will remain committed to this issue moving forward. Do you have plans to address it at Queen’s Commerce or in your career? If so, talk about that here. 

Queen’ Commerce Supplementary Essay: Jan. Question 2 – Example

Here’s a Queen’s Commerce essay example for this question:

Need some help answering questions like this one? Check out this video:

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Essay Example – Question 3

“Think about a time where you questioned something you once thought to be true. Why did your beliefs come into question and what was the result of this reflection?”

Queen’ Commerce Supplementary Essay: Jan. Question 3 – Template

• Describe who you were before your beliefs came into question. Who were you as a person then? Where were you at in life? Give some examples to make it real and foreshadow what’s to come.
• Talk about the experience that made you question the belief. Really paint the picture of the situation here, describing how it happened, why, etc. Then, discuss how this experience forced you to reflect or question your belief. 
• Highlight ways that this experience changed your belief and what you learned from it. The Context section was the ‘Before’ and this section is the ‘After’. Mention how you’ve grown and what you’ve learned, and then how it will impact your life as a student at Queen’s Commerce.

Queen’ Commerce Supplementary Essay: Jan. Question 3 – Example

Here’s a Queen’s Commerce essay example for this question: 

Need help answering questions like this? Watch this helpful video: 

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2019/2020 Queen’s Commerce Application 

The 2019/2020 Queen’s Commerce applicant asked prospective students to complete two supplementary essay questions, as well as the PSE List and Essay. 

In this section, we’ll provide a breakdown of exactly what the PSE is, and we’ll give you templates and examples for the two essay questions. 

The PSE is an essential component of your application. 

It contains two parts:

• List of your achievements

In the PSE List, you can list up to 5 awards, 5 extracurricular activities, and 5 paid/unpaid work experiences within the last 4 years . 

Within each category, list the most recent activities first . You will have a maximum of 200 characters (including spaces) for each item on the List to discuss the context and the impact. 

Queen’s Commerce – PSE List

Queen’s commerce supplementary application: pse list – template.

Get started on your template here (Click File > Make a Copy).

There are 3 types of achievements you can include on your List:

• (1) Award or Distinction: this is something you’ve been recognized for, like winning a competition, completing a certification, a sports award, or another way you’ve been recognized. 
• (2) Extracurricular Activities: an activity that you do outside of your normal academics, like being part of a club or club, starting a non-profit, writing a book, etc.
• (3) Paid/Unpaid Work: these experiences can include paid or volunteer work, like volunteering as a coach for a softball team, working part-time at your local museum, doing freelance writing work, etc.

Still have questions? Check out this video for more information on how to write your PSE List:

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application: PSE List – Example

Here’s an example of an award, extracurricular, and paid/unpaid work experience.

REMEMBER : Please note that all of the examples in this guide are EXAMPLES ONLY and are NOT meant for you to copy. 

(1) Award 

Example: Competition

(2) Extracurricular Activity

Example: Club

(3)Paid/Unpaid Work

Example: Customer Service

Not sure how to write about the context and impact for your awards, activities, and work experiences? Connect with a Youth Coach to learn how to articulate your commitment, leadership, and impact and create a standout application. 

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary PSE Essay

The question for the PSE Essay was:

“Choose one extracurricular activity or one employment opportunity you have listed on your Personal Statement of Experience. In 2,000 characters, or fewer, describe the impact of this experience and the greatest learning outcome for you. Your answer will be evaluated for content and writing style.”

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application: PSE Essay – Template

The general structure of your essay should have 5 components: 

• Capture the reader’s attention and give a preview of what’s to come. 
• Write some background information about your extracurricular/work experience. Answer the 5 Ws: who, what, when, where, why? Discuss at least one emotion you had through this experience.
• Discuss an event/opportunity that happened which made you change you want to change the activity you were involved in. What steps did you take to make that change?
• Write about the impact on other people and the changes you made by doing this activity. Be as specific as possible, while clearly explaining how it is now vs. how it used to be.
• Describe ONE thing you learned from this experience. Try to dig deeper and think about a learning what isn’t obvious. 

As you’re working on your PSE Essay and Supplementary Essays, check out our Narrative Communication Approach™ Guide for a step-by-step breakdown of each of these components.

Not sure which extracurricular/employment opportunity to choose? By working 1-on-1 with a Youth Coach, you’ll learn which experience can help you showcase your leadership, problem solving, and communication skills so you can write a truly memorable essay.

Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Essay Example – PSE Essay

Here’s what an essay to this question might look like.

REMEMBER : Please note that all of the examples below are EXAMPLES ONLY and are NOT meant for you to copy.  

Still have questions? Check out this video about the Queen’s Commerce PSE Essay. 

2019/2020 Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application: November Questions

“Tell us a story that illustrates who you are.” 

Queen’ Commerce Supplementary Essay: Nov. Question 1 – Template

The essay template for this question follows the five components of our Narrative Communication Approach™ to create memorable and unique essays using storytelling.

These components are:

• Set the scene, answer the 5Ws (who, what, when, where, and why?). You can use a lot of the insights from your Student Identity Blueprint™ here.
• An event or opportunity that caused a shift or change from what was normal.
• The impact and result of the event or opportunity that occurred in the Catalyst section. Focus on intrinsic and extrinsic outcomes here.
• The moral of the story. This is where you discuss what you learned and the continued impact of your experience.  

Queen’ Commerce Supplementary Essay: Nov. Question 1 – Example

Here’s a possible answer to this essay question.

REMEMBER : Please note that all of the examples below are EXAMPLES ONLY and are NOT meant for you to copy. 

“Reflect on something you wish had been different about your high school experience and why.” 

Queen’ Commerce Supplementary Essay: Nov. Question 2 – Template

Queen’ commerce supplementary essay: nov. question 2 – example.

Here’s an example of an answer for this essay question:

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2019/2020 Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application: December Questions 

“What makes you unique?”

Queen’ Commerce Supplementary Essay: Dec. Question 1 – Example

Here’s an essay example for this question.

“Reflect on a time when you were treated unfairly and what that experience taught you.”

Queen’ Commerce Supplementary Essay: Dec. Question 2 – Example

Here’s an example of an answer to this essay question:

2019/2020 Queen’s Commerce Supplementary Application: January Questions

“Describe an experience that influenced the person you are today.”

‘“You Belong.” Reflect on what this means to you.’ 

Here’s an essay example for this essay question:

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2023/2024 Essays

• Sample Response
• Possible Questions

2022/2023 Essays

• Personal Q - Breakdown
• Personal Q - Template
• Personal Q - Example
• Moral Q - Breakdown
• Moral Q - Template
• Moral Q - Example

2021/2022 Essays

2020/2021 Essays

• Nov. Question 1
• Nov. Question 2
• Nov. Question 3
• Dec. Question 1
• Dec. Question 2
• Dec. Question 3
• Jan. Question 1
• Jan. Question 2
• Jan. Question 3

2019/2020 PSE/Essays

• PSE Overview

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