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  2. Supplementary Application Evaluation Criteria

Supplementary Application Evaluation Criteria

The following outlines the evaluation criteria for the Health Sciences, Nursing and Commerce Supplementary Applications.

 

Health Sciences & Nursing

Rating Criteria 

Developing
  • The applicant provides a vague or superficial account of a challenge or does not address the specific question being asked. 
  • Shows little to no evidence of initiative adaptability, and/or persistence.
  • Little attempt at problem-solving.
  • Lacks meaningful reflection or learning.
Basic
  • The applicant identifies a challenge with some detail but gives a limited or surface-level description of their actions. 
  • Demonstrates minimal initiative, adaptability and/or persistence.
  • There is an attempt at problem-solving.
  • Minimal reflection and/or connection to personal growth.
Competent
  • The applicant describes a clear and relevant challenge. 
  • Demonstrates some initiative, adaptability and/or persistence.
  • Problem-solving that shows some effort and thought, as appropriate. 
  • Reflection includes a few insights into what they learned and/or connection to personal growth.

Strong
  • The applicant presents a specific, well-articulated example of a significant challenge. 
  • Demonstrates clear initiative, adaptability, and/or persistence in overcoming obstacles. 
  • Problem-solving is thoughtful and appropriate. 
  • Demonstrates some reflection on what they learned and how it shaped their perspective or behaviour going forward.
Exceptional 
  • The applicant shares a compelling, authentic account of a significant challenge. 
  • Demonstrates exceptional initiative, adaptability, persistence.
  • Problem-solving is appropriate, thoughtful, and shows planning or creativity.
  • Reflects meaningfully on what they learned and how it shaped their perspective or behaviour going forward.

 

Rating Criteria 

Developing
  • Provides a vague or superficial example or does not address the specific questions being asked.
  • Shows little appreciation of others' perspectives.
  • Little awareness of their own contributions or impact on the team. 
  • Lacks meaningful reflection or learning.
Basic
  • Describes an example with limited detail or does not directly answer the question.
  • Shows some ability to appreciate others’ perspectives. 
  • Shows some awareness of their own contributions and impact to the team.
  • Minimal reflection and/or connection to personal growth.
Competent
  • Provides a clear and relevant example. 
  • Demonstrates reasonable adaptability and respect for others’ contributions. 
  • Takes some responsibility for their actions and understands their impact on the team. 
  • Reflection includes a few insights into what they learned and/or connection to personal growth.

Strong
  • Shares a thoughtful, specific example. 
  • Shows strong initiative, adaptability, and appreciation for the perspectives of others. 
  • Takes ownership of their actions and has a strong understanding of their impact on the team. 
  • Demonstrates some reflection on what they learned and how it shaped their perspective or behaviour going forward.
Exceptional 
  • Presents a vivid, authentic, and reflective example. 
  • Demonstrates maturity, self-direction, and creativity or composure under pressure. 
  • Handles setbacks or complexity with clarity and purpose. 
  • Reflects meaningfully on what they learned and how it shaped their perspective or behaviour going forward.

 

Commerce

The Smith School of Business Commerce program is looking for a combination of strong academic performance, aptitude for qualitative and quantitative subjects, demonstrations of self-awareness, and potential for leadership and teamwork. 

The supplementary application is a window into your experiences and potential to make an impact. Beyond your strong academic foundations and comfort with both qualitative and quantitative subjects, we are looking for evidence of collaboration, initiative, impact, and a passion for business. Self-awareness is also important. We want to hear about the impact of your experiences in your own voice. 

Format 

There is one two-part written response, to be completed within 15 minutes. In this question, you will be asked to list and discuss meaningful activities you have participated in outside your academics. These activities can be work, volunteering, community involvement, family responsibilities, sports, clubs, the arts, entrepreneurial activities, or anything else that you have spent your time doing. 

There are two video responses. For each question, you will have two minutes to think about your response, and then two minutes to answer. In these questions, you’ll be asked about your experiences, ideas, contributions, and growth. 

Note: In your assessment you will also be asked to provide a verifier's name, title, phone number and/or email address. Your verifier should be someone who can speak to and confirm all activities and experiences listed in your supplementary application. Please have this information ready when you begin your assessment. 

Before you begin 

Choose activities you want to share. You may describe up to five experiences/activities; it’s okay to share fewer. 

  • You will be asked to list your activities (up to five) in a list format including the name of the activity, the dates that you participated, and the number of hours per week that you dedicated to the activity. 

  • Ensure that you input the full name of the activity, not just the acronym (for example, National Honour Society, not NHS). 

Consider what experiences you would like to reflect on. Think about what you learned and the choices or contributions you made. 

Consider your goals. Reflect on your future goals and how your studies may help you work toward them. 

Prepare your verifier’s information. You’ll be asked to provide contact information for someone who can confirm the experiences you reference. We will be randomly contacting verifiers. Have the following information about your verifier ready: 

  • First and last name 

  • Role/position 

  • Email address 

  • Phone number 

Review the instructions and practice. Take time to read the assessment instructions and try the practice questions. You may complete them as many times as you like before starting the formal assessment. 

What makes a strong Supplementary Application response? 

Be authentic. Share your experiences and ideas in your own words. 

Be specific. Use concrete examples. Focus on your own actions, choices, and contributions. 

Answer the question. Keep your response focused on what you’ve been asked, even if you have other answers you’d like to share. 

Speak naturally. For video responses, speak clearly to the camera. Avoid reciting a script; we want to hear how you communicate and think. 

Important to know 

  • Once you begin a question, you only have one chance to complete it. 

  • Perfection isn’t expected. We want to hear your thoughts and ideas in your own words. Even if you make a mistake or stumble, just move on and complete your response. 

  • All kinds of experiences and activities are valued. There is no preferred type or number of experiences, and your experiences do not need to be related to business. 

  • Integrity matters. At Smith Commerce, we expect you to do your own work and represent yourself honestly. If we determine that any of the following have occurred, it may result in the assessment being terminated without notice. 

    • Using AI-generated content or unauthorized aids 

    • Copying and pasting text 

    • Repeatedly refreshing the browser 

    • Receiving help from another person