October is usually known for pumpkin spice lattes and dressing up as your favourite characters; however, for grade 12s, October is often a stressful month. Suddenly, the idea of university is not so far away, and those pesky applications begin creeping up on you. For programs like Ivey’s Advanced Entry Opportunity (AEO), these applications can seem scarier than any haunted house. I remember that feeling of anxiety, staring blankly at a Word document hoping my essay would write itself. It’s hard to know where to start, what to highlight and what to skim past. It’s important to know you're not alone in this feeling, that every current AEO started in your same position. In hopes of easing some of that anxiety, here are some words of advice from current AEOs who were in your spot less than a year ago.
Divnoor: Business Management and Organizational Studies
Divnoor is in her first year of Western’s Business Management and Organizational Studies (BMOS) program. She has a passion for social justice and business; two she tries to mix. In her application, she highlighted her work as her student council’s President and as an advisor for a non-for-profit raising awareness about human trafficking.
Q: What is one part of your application that you think made you stand out?
A: My application had a theme that I was able to articulate. I chose key words that would help me stand out. I wanted admission councillors to understand that even if she’s not saying the words directly, she’s bringing those concepts to Western/Ivey.
Q: If you could go back to high school, what is one thing you would do differently?
A: I think I would be more open to opportunities that don’t exactly line up with what I want to do in the future. I would try new things like astronomy or robotics to learn rather than do something I already know.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to grade 11s/12s applying to Ivey?
A: I would recommend making a map before starting your application. Treat the map like a brain dump and write down everything you’ve done and accomplished.
Sahara: Health Sciences
As a first-year Health Sciences student, Sahara has found a way to mix her love of science with her passion for business at Western. Through her AEO application, she discussed her role on a med-tech project and the founding of a women’s mentorship program with her school board. In her spare time, Sahara loves discussing and learning about philosophy.
Q: What is one part of your application that you think made you stand out?
A: I think I tried to emphasize the personal side of my application. I wrote my essays like a story and highlighted how I grew from that experience instead of the awards I won.
Q: If you could go back to high school, what is one thing you would do differently?
A: I would establish a better team and start connecting with people from the university/program I wanted to go. Getting that down in high school will take you far in university.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to grade 11s/12s applying to Ivey?
A: Ivey looks for creative minds and people from various backgrounds, so try to show off who you are in your application. If you can, talk about something other than DECA, HOSA, or MUN, most people will go for the obvious.
Ayden: Computer Science
Ayden joined Western this year as a Computer Science student. Before joining Western, Ayden played water polo, an experience he highlighted in his application. Ayden also worked to turn his passions into a meaningful experience, founding an E-Sports team which won a major competition.
Q: What is one part of your application that you think made you stand out?
A: I think my experience with e-sports made me stand out. It was unique and I was able to showcase my skills in leadership and initiative through something I’m passionate about.
Q: If you could go back to high school, what is one thing you would do differently?
A: I would enjoy my time. I spent a lot of time studying and focusing on grades and I forgot to have fun and spend time with my friends. I also would have joined more clubs at my school.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to grade 11s/12s applying to Ivey?
A: I would make sure your application showed breadth, try to highlight a diverse range of extracurriculars. Make sure you are showing how you made an impact as a leader.
Every AEO or Ivey student will give you a unique perspective and few tips to guide you on your application. While these are helpful, the most important thing to remember is to be true to you. Your application reflects your accomplishments, your personality. You know yourself and your story best, so trust your judgement in what you think is important. Take your time with every step of the process, from planning to writing to editing. Believe in yourself and all your amazing achievements. Best of luck during this new chapter!