Western Ivey Supplementary Application Examples for 2024

You’re strolling down the walkway at Western, the sun at its peak above the iconic Richard Ivey building towering ahead.

The energy and ambition of the students bustling in and out is palpable.

You're a future leader in the making, a freshman with coveted Ivey AEO status and a lifetime of options ahead of you.

But let’s rewind, what got you here?

You know well it was more than just the good grades. It was a spark, a passion, a unique way of looking at the world – your “Ivey mindset.”

In this guide, we're unveiling the secrets behind successful Ivey AEO supplementary applications, drawing from our experience working with over 1702 Western applicants.

We'll dissect Western Ivey AEO essay examples, give you proven frameworks, and help you craft an application that screams to the admissions committee that you’ve got the Ivey mindset.

The Ivey Mindset

The Ivey HBA program is unlike any other undergrad business program. Instead of locking you into a single path, it actively encourages you to explore your many passions outside the classroom – and even the boardroom.

Their unique approach is a fit for top-tier students, those who think differently and have the drive to create change in the world. If you’re someone who loves pushing boundaries, taking bold steps forward, and continually iterating, then you’re exactly who Ivey is looking for.

The most strategic route to acceptance is to apply for Ivey Advanced Entry Opportunity (AEO) status in grade 12, as that’s how two-thirds of each year's Ivey HBA class gets in. The AEO application is supplemental to your main Western University application through OUAC.

The key to success with the AEO supplementary essay goes much deeper than just perfect grades – it requires you to showcase your Ivey mindset.

GrantMe’s team of expert education consultants understands the Ivey mindset inside and out. We'll help you tackle the AEO supplementary application and ensure your essay is Ivey HBA material. Take our free admissions eligibility quiz to see if you qualify.

The Ivey AEO Essay Challenge

This year's Ivey AEO supplementary application essay prompt puts a strong focus on your leadership and extracurricular experiences:

Consider all the extracurricular activities (community involvement, paid and/or volunteer work experience, entrepreneurial ventures), that you have been involved in during the past four years. Select two (2) activities that you feel demonstrate your leadership abilities best. Focus your description on elements that demonstrate: leadership, teamwork, initiative, achievement, commitment, and breadth. Each description should focus on one activity only (500 words).

500 words to distinguish yourself from the herd. Don’t just use it to list off your experiences, showcase your mindset. This is your personal pitch to the admissions committee, your chance to demonstrate how your unique accomplishments line up with Ivey’s values.

Specifically, highlight these qualities:

• Leadership: How do you inspire and motivate others?
• Teamwork: How do you collaborate with others to achieve shared goals?
• Initiative: Are you proactive and resourceful in solving problems?
• Achievement: What measurable results have you achieved?
• Commitment: Do you push through challenges?
• Breadth: Do you have a diverse range of skill sets, interests and experiences?

The STAR Method: Your Secret to the Perfect Ivey AEO Essay

You embody the Ivey mindset – you're a leader, problem-solver, and business mogul in the making. But how do you take that energy and put it onto paper?

The STAR method is your secret weapon. It’s a proven framework that makes your essay stand out by highlighting the unique qualities Ivey HBA values.

STAR stands for:

• Situation: Describe the context of your experience. Where and when did this experience occur? Who was involved?
• Task: Explain your role in facing a challenge or reaching a goal. What did you do to improve or get through the situation?
• Action: What steps did you take to reach the goal? Highlight the skills you utilized to  achieve it.
• Result: What outcomes or accomplishments did your actions bring? Describe these outcomes, what you accomplished and learned, and how it affected others.

STAR works wonders for Ivey AEO supplementary essays because it helps take the tangible evidence of your skills and mindset and turn those experiences into a compelling narrative.

Ivey AEO Essay Examples

Here we’ll break down a few examples of successful Ivey AEO supplementary application essays, revealing why they work and how you can apply the same strategies to your own writing.

Example 1: The Student Council President

Activity: Elected school council president

As the elected Student Council President of Crestwood Secondary School, I inherited a disengaged student body and an underperforming council. I know how crucial a positive school spirit can be during our teenage years, so I decided it was time for us all to come together and reinvigorate our environment.

My first mission was to understand the root causes of the disengagement. I set up focus groups, had 1-1 conversations with as many students as I could, and scheduled meetings with club and team leaders. It became evident there was a clear pattern: many students felt disconnected because there was a distinct lack of diversity and inclusivity in school events and decision-making processes.

Addressing these challenges required me to implement several different strategies at once. Leading the council's event planning, I organized a diverse range of activities that catered to everyone’s interests. We threw a lively multicultural festival where everyone got to celebrate their diverse backgrounds and lean into where they came from. There was also an exciting talent show that let people showcase hidden skills, and a "Shark Tank" style competition to bolster and showcase entrepreneurial spirit.

I also spearheaded the "Student Voice" initiative. Every month, we hold forums so students can share their thoughts and worries directly with those in charge at our school.

Looking back, it’s incredible how much everything has improved. Attendance at school events shot up, and the student satisfaction surveys we conducted showed that students reported feeling 97% happier and more connected with the school environment. The hallways were buzzing with a renewed sense of school pride.

Heading this effort really honed my ability to lead others and work as part of a larger team. More importantly, it sparked a strong dedication in me for creating positive impacts within our community. It ended up being the catalyst I needed to start up the social enterprise that I’ve been working on for the past 6 months.

STAR Breakdown:

• Situation: Inherited a disengaged student body and ineffective student council.
• Task: Revitalize student life to create a more inclusive and engaging school community.
• Action: Conducted research, organized diverse events, and established platforms for student voice.
• Result: Increased event attendance, improved student satisfaction, and renewed school pride. Honed leadership skills and a commitment toward constructive change.

Why this essay works:

• Demonstrates a clear sense of initiative, leadership, teamwork, and commitment to understanding and solving for diverse needs – all key aspects of the Ivey mindset.
• Quantifiable results showcase the tangible impact of the student's actions.
• Highlights the student's problem-solving abilities and passion for creating positive change at a community level.

Example 2: The Founder of "Let's Stop AIDS"

Activity: Founded and led a youth-driven charity focused on HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.

I was really bothered by how little people knew about HIV/AIDS and all the false information being spread in my community. At the same time, it was obvious to me how my classmates were missing out on the right information and support to make smart decisions about their health. The lack of discussion around this issue felt painful to me. I couldn't just stand by and watch, I felt compelled to take action.

As a teenager at sixteen, I took the initiative to create "Let's Stop AIDS," aiming to educate peers with up-to-date information and raise awareness about this virus through our non-profit efforts. It wasn't easy. I had to convince my school to let me use a classroom for meetings, rally a group of like-minded friends to join me, and even face some pushback from adults who thought I was "too young" to tackle such a sensitive issue. It was hard, but something inside me told me to keep pushing.

Our first challenge was figuring out how to reach our target audience – other high school students. Traditional awareness campaigns felt outdated and ineffective. So, I chose to go with a more imaginative route instead. We held various workshops where people learned through doing – whether it was role-playing real life situations or creating artwork related to what they studied. It really helped everyone find the info relatable. By tapping into social media, we spread our message far and wide. Partnering with local schools allowed us to give lively presentations that did much more than list statistics.

All that effort turned out to be worth it in the end. In just one year, we managed to share our message of learning and self-confidence with over 2000 young minds. The awareness event we organized was a resounding success. Local groups joined forces with health professionals and individuals living with HIV/AIDS to share personal stories that really opened up conversations in our community. But perhaps the most impactful initiative we launched was a peer-to-peer mentorship program. Mentors who understood their struggles reached out to help our HIV-positive youth by offering guidance along with fostering a strong sense of community. Seeing the difference these relationships made for young folks grappling with such hard news was really something special.

I discovered through "Let's Stop AIDS" that true leadership isn't just about holding a position. It's recognizing when something needs to be done, stepping up to address it, and inspiring others to join you in the effort. Pushing through tough times, thinking outside the box, and genuinely making a positive impact are what it's all about. 

Going through all of this solidified how much I care about health services. It's inspired me not just academically but also personally. I'm ready now more than ever before to fight hard on behalf of patients while pushing forward real progress.

STAR Breakdown:

• Situation: Identified a lack of HIV/AIDS awareness and support in the community.
• Task: Founded and led a youth-focused organization to address the issue.
• Action: Developed creative workshops, partnered with schools, and established a mentorship program.
• Result: Reached over 500 students, organized a community event, and created a supportive network for HIV-positive youth.

Why This Essay Works:

• Showcases initiative, leadership, social responsibility, and a commitment to tackling real-world problems.
• Highlights the student's ability to overcome obstacles and implement creative solutions.
• Emphasizes the importance of community building and peer support, aligning with Ivey's values.

Want more essay examples along with detailed critiques and editing of your own writing? Take our free eligibility quiz to learn how GrantMe can help you bring your application to the next level.

Showcasing Your Ivey AEO Mindset

The Ivey AEO essay isn’t just about sharing your experiences, it’s about connecting them to your story. It’s about conveying your unique mindset.

By crafting a narrative that showcases your leadership, teamwork, initiative, achievement, commitment, and breadth of experience, you’ll paint a vivid picture in the minds of the Ivey HBA admissions committee.

These qualities are much more than just buzzwords – they’re what make up your character as a future business leader. Use your 500 words to demonstrate who you are as a person, both in and outside the classroom.

Want a helping hand with the Western Ivey AEO supplementary applications? 

GrantMe’s mentors can help you reflect, distill your narrative, and craft essays that perfectly convey the Ivey mindset. Take our free eligibility quiz to see if you qualify for personalized guidance and support along your journey to Ivey HBA.