Queens University Complete Guide
Your complete guide to Queens University admissions. PSE strategies, Commerce program insights, campus culture, and Kingston lifestyle.
Queen's University is a Medical/Doctoral university in Kingston, Ontario. It ranks #9 among Canadian Medical/Doctoral universities. Its current world ranking is #191.
Top Programs
Commerce
Prestige business option
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Engineering
Strong community and outcomes
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Health Sciences
Fast-rising pre-med route
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Queen's University Complete Guide
Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario is known for its strong school spirit, excellent Commerce program, and beautiful campus on the shores of Lake Ontario.
Quick Facts
- Ranking: Top 5 in Canada consistently
- Founded: 1841 (one of Canada's oldest)
- Undergraduate Enrollment: ~18,000
- Location: Kingston, Ontario (2.5 hours from Toronto)
- Notable: Commerce, Engineering, Law School
Campus and Culture
Queen's offers a distinctive university experience:
The Kingston Advantage
- University town - Kingston revolves around Queen's
- Walkable campus - Everything within 15 minutes
- Lake Ontario waterfront - Beautiful setting year-round
- Safe community - Low crime, tight-knit atmosphere
School Spirit
Queen's is legendary for school spirit:
- Homecoming: One of Canada's largest
- Gaels athletics: Passionate fanbase
- Frosh Week: Iconic traditions
- Purple pride: You'll bleed tricolour
Smith School of Business (Commerce)
Queen's Commerce is one of Canada's most prestigious business programs:
Admission Requirements
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Average | 87%+ (competitive: 92%+) |
| PSE Required | Yes (Personal Statement of Experience) |
| Video Interview | Yes (via Kira Talent) |
| Application Deadline | February 1 |
Personal Statement of Experience (PSE)
The PSE is crucial for Commerce admission:
- Format: Online essays + video responses
- Topics: Leadership, teamwork, problem-solving
- Weight: Significant - can make or break applications
- Tip: Be specific, use real examples
Career Outcomes
- Employment rate: 95%+ within 6 months
- Starting salary: $65,000-$85,000+
- Top employers: Big 5 banks, consulting firms, tech
Engineering
Queen's Engineering (Applied Science) offers:
Programs
- Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical Engineering
- Engineering Chemistry, Engineering Physics
- Geological, Mathematics & Engineering
- Mechanical, Mining Engineering
Key Features
- Average: 88-92%
- First-year integration - Common first year
- Strong alumni network - Engineering society since 1897
Arts and Science
Popular Programs
- Life Sciences, Psychology, Economics
- Political Studies, Computing
Concurrent Education
- Combined BA/BEd or BSc/BEd
- Graduate as a certified teacher in 5 years
Scholarships
Major Awards
- Chancellor's Scholarship: $36,000 ($9,000 x 4 years)
- Principal's Scholarship: $20,000 ($5,000 x 4 years)
- Excellence Scholarship: $4,000 (one-time)
Application Tips
Commerce: The PSE is everything - start early
Be authentic: Queen's values genuine personality
Show leadership: Impact, not just participation
Visit if possible: Kingston's charm is best experienced in person
Sources: Queen's Admission, Smith School of Business