Queens commerce vs Western Ivey
Hi, I am an international permanent resident and I got into to Queens commerce and Huron for BMOS and have AEO status. I am stuck between the two. I enjoy Kingston and Queens campus much more. However I am worried that the club scene is too competitive at queens compared to Western and I feel that my chances are slim as I don't have connections at queens. Just wanted some opinions. Also my goal is investment banking in Toronto or New York.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a breakdown to help you decide between Queen's Commerce and Western Ivey:
Western Ivey (AEO Status)
Queen's Commerce
Key Considerations for Your Goals
Recommendation
Given your goal of investment banking in Toronto or New York, Western Ivey with AEO status is the stronger choice. The school's reputation, alumni network, and recruitment opportunities provide a significant advantage for breaking into high finance. While you may prefer the Queen's campus, the long-term career benefits of Ivey likely outweigh this preference.
Sources: Here are the Target Undergraduate Schools in Canada, Here are the Target Undergraduate Schools in Canada, Canadian vs USA vs International unis, McGill Desautels vs. Queen's Commerce
QCOMM for sure
Western Ivey is a dumpster now
Also, clubs are more competitive at Western, given that there are only two main ones (WIC, IPC) and not many unique spots (~73% of WIC is on IPC this year, so there are 15 unique spots throughout the entire class (~700 AEOs + more non-AEOs going for clubs))
There's a rule at Queens where you can't be on more than one investment banking club, so out of the 4 - QUIC, Lime, Trillium, QCAP- there are 38 unique spots (21 spots from QUIC and Lime, which is already more than Western). Not to mention, the class size at QCOMM is ~400, so it's actually a lot less competitive than you think.
Western Ivey is a bloodbath, and I don't know any non-club person who'd say otherwise
This does not include the fact that UWO has a 2+2 program where you only get a CHANCE to start the business program in your third year (Quite a few AEOs don't make it) and the fact that there's a new limit on online courses for AEO progression.
Ivey grad here. Save yourself the stress of getting into the program and go to Queens.
I would have had a lot more fun with less burnout if I was in from the start and went to Queens (had an offer but turned it down).
Thanks for the reply. From what I understand there is a recruiting process in Queens in first year to enter clubs while in Western its pretty easy but then hard to get executive positions in later years. Is this actually the case for western or is it hard to get in the first year aswell.
Do you regret Ivey even having experienced being part of a section?
There’s pros and cons. Here’s a few just off the top of my head:
Despite the “prestige” the program has on campus, there are plenty of idiots at Ivey (a good chunk of your section in reality) that will drag down your groups performance for certain projects which can be frustrating. If you have any shred of type-A in you, you will force yourself to pick up the slack for these freeloaders which sucks.
Like it or not, the school and student body are super woke. If you show any sign that you aren’t woke with your opinions when contributing in class, you’ll just get shit on by everyone in the class while they score their hero points rebutting you.
Looking back I didn’t really fit into the corporate goober culture. It was filled with a whole bunch of people who thought they were on some world changing path but in reality they are for the most part average insecure people trying to overcompensate with their job titles.
That being said, I did make a few good friends while I was there and some of the professors are actually good.
Interesting take, thank you for sharing. I’ve found whenever I speak to Ivey grads whether recent or from a decade ago, everyone looks back so fondly on their time in Ivey and I think it’s part of what makes the alumni network so powerful. Can definitely see the other side though and I’ve heard it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.
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