Apply to Ivey from Secondary School
The Ivey Advanced Entry Opportunity (AEO) extends conditional, pre-admission status to the HBA Program to exceptional high school students.
Ivey AEO status is available to seconday school students who are admitted to Western University or one of its affiliated university colleges (Huron or King's), in a faculty of their choice, for their first two years of university.
Approximately 75% of our Ivey HBA class are formerly Ivey AEOs and the remaining students are from Western and other universities who discover an interest in business during their first two years of study.
What we look for in our Ivey AEO applicants
A competitive Ivey AEO application includes:
How to Apply for Ivey AEO
To apply for Ivey AEO status:
- Apply for admission to Western University or its afiliates through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).
- Applicants may choose any faculty or program at Western or its affiliates for the first two years of study. Please note that Ivey AEO is not a program choice, it is a status and requires a separate application (see #2). Please indicate your intention to apply for Ivey AEO on your OUAC application by clicking 'yes' on the radio button stating, 'Ivey Advanced Entry Opportunity'.
- Applicants may choose any faculty or program at Western or its affiliates for the first two years of study. Please note that Ivey AEO is not a program choice, it is a status and requires a separate application (see #2). Please indicate your intention to apply for Ivey AEO on your OUAC application by clicking 'yes' on the radio button stating, 'Ivey Advanced Entry Opportunity'.
- Apply for Ivey AEO by completing the Ivey AEO supplemental application on the Ivey website.
- This application includes an essay component and video assessment.
- You must create a username and password for the Ivey portal to begin or edit your AEO application. Please refrain from using your high school e-mail address.
- Applicants granted AEO status must maintain Progression Requirements in order to maintain their conditional acceptance to the HBA program. These progression requirements are maintained over your first and second years of university at Western or its affiliates.
Please note: Ivey AEO admission is a separate decision from your admission to Western or its affiliates, and as such, your offer will be received separately. An offer of admission from Western or an affiliate is required before a decision on AEO status can be made.
Questions about applying? Contact us.
AEO Supplemental Application
At Ivey, we take a holistic approach to admissions. We evaluate applicants based on both academic performance and leadership experience, with each component weighed equally. This 50/50 balance is unique to Ivey and reflects our belief that leadership outside the classroom is just as important as success within it.
The AEO Supplemental Application is one of two required steps to apply for Ivey’s Advanced Entry Opportunity (AEO). It allows you to showcase your achievements, experiences, and personal qualities beyond your academic record. Below is an overview of what to expect.
Awards
In this section, you will be asked to list and briefly describe any non-academic awards, certificates, or distinctions you have received during secondary school. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
- Community service or leadership awards
- Competition placements
- Recognitions such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award
Do not list academic awards here.
Extracurricular Activities
This section highlights your involvement outside the classroom and is a key part of the supplemental application.
You are required to submit:
- Two activities in essay format (maximum 500 words each)
- Up to five additional activities in point form
In total, you may list up to seven activities. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
- Volunteer work
- Paid employment
- Entrepreneurial ventures
- Participation in clubs, sports, or other organized groups
Activities that earn academic credit, such as co-op placements, are not eligible.
Each activity should be described individually and should demonstrate qualities such as leadership, teamwork, initiative, achievement, commitment, integrity, resilience, and breadth of involvement. You are encouraged to use the full word limit to provide a thoughtful and detailed reflection.
For each activity, you must include a reference who can verify your involvement. Please provide the reference’s name, role or position, phone number, and e-mail address. Applications without verified references will not be considered. A sample activity essay is available on the application portal to assist you.
Video Interview (Kira Talent)
All applicants are required to complete a short video interview through the Kira Talent platform. This component is mandatory and can be completed at any time before the application deadline — no scheduling is required.
The interview consists of five questions, each with preparation time and a timed response. The entire interview process typically takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete and must be completed in one sitting.
To complete the interview, you will need:
- A desktop or laptop computer
- A functioning webcam and microphone
- A stable internet connection
You may practice as many times as you like before starting the formal interview. Once you begin, all five questions must be completed in one attempt.
This video interview component allows the admissions team to better understand your personality, communication skills, and experiences that may not be captured in the written portion of your application.
Accommodations
If you require accommodations for any part of the application process, please contact the admissions team at hba@ivey.ca.
Maintain Ivey AEO Status
To progress to the Ivey HBA program after earning Ivey AEO status, students must maintain progression requirements over their first two years of university. For a list of AEO progression requirements, please refer to the Ivey AEO Student Handbook.
Ivey Business Courses for First and Second Year Students
At Western, pre-Ivey business courses are offered to students in their first and second year.