Frequently asked questions:

• What is the PSE and Supplementary Essay?
• Do I have to submit a PSE and Supplementary Essay?
• When is my PSE due?
• How do I submit my PSE?
• Do I need to submit more than one PSE?
• What if I have extenuating circumstances that affected my grades?
• Can I submit my PSE after the deadline?
• Can I submit reference letters and resumes?
• How will I know if Queen’s has received my PSE?
• What should I include in my portfolio for the Bachelor of Fine Art program?
• How do I submit my portfolio for the Bachelor of Fine Art program?
• How do I book my audition for the School of Music?
• What are the audition requirements for the School of Music?
• E-mail other questions.

The Personal Statement of Experience (PSE) is a required document for all applications to undergraduate programs at Queen’s. The PSE allows an applicant to provide information regarding academic distinctions, extra-curricular activities, work and volunteer experiences. All applicants are asked to complete a single PSE that will suffice for all program applications, though certain programs require the completion of a Supplementary Essay, in addition to the PSE.

Programs requiring  a Supplementary Essay:

• Concurrent Education
• Commerce
• Kinesiology/Physical Education

The PSE  and Supplementary Essay are completed and submitted online on your SOLUS Student Centre, which is accessed through MyQueen's.

Information regarding extenuating circumstances which may have affected your grades should not be submitted on the PSE; please see information on extenuating circumstances below.

The PSE and Supplementary Essay should be submitted by February 15 to be considered for early offers of admission and no later than March 1.

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Yes. In order for us to consider your application, you must submit a PSE online by the PSE deadline. Students who do not submit a PSE will not be considered for an offer of admission. Please note that we do not accept late PSEs, unless under extenuating circumstances.

In addition to your PSE, you need to submit a Supplementary Essay if you have applied to one of the following programs:

• Concurrent Education
• Commerce
• Kinesiology/Physical Education

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The PSE and Supplementary Essay are due at the same time, by February 15 to be considered for early offers of admission and no later than March 1. Please note that you will access and submit your PSE and Supplementary Essay online through the your SOLUS Student Center on MyQueen's.


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The PSE  and Supplementary Essay are completed and submitted online on your SOLUS Student Center, which is accessed through MyQueen's.

Please note that the PSE and Supplementary Essay are due sooner than supporting documentation.


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No. You are asked to complete a single common PSE that will suffice for all program applications; however, the following programs require the completion of a supplementary essay:

• Commerce
• Education
• Kinesiology and Physical and Health Education

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If there are any factors that clearly demonstrate significant extenuating circumstances beyond your control, which have affected your academic performance over the past two years, please submit a separate letter along with your supporting documentation (e.g. doctor's notes, letter from a guidance counselor).

If the circumstance may have an effect on your studies and experience at Queen's, we encourage you to forward a copy of the documentation to the Health, Counselling and Disability Services Office to ensure proper resources are available for your arrival and experience on campus.

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If you have extenuating circumstances which prohibited you from submitting your PSE and Supplementary Essay before the deadline, please contact Undergraduate Admission by email at and provide your reason(s) for not submitting your PSE and Supplementary Essay in time. The decision to allow a late PSE to be submitted will be made on an individual basis.


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Please note that Undergraduate Admission will not accept or consider reference letters, resumes, etc. If there is information which you believe could affect your application, please include this information in your PSE.


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You will receive a confirmation email from Queen's when you successfully submit your PSE and Supplementary Essay. You will also notice that the requirement of a PSE will not appear on your 'To-Do' list on your SOLUS Student Center.

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All applicants to the Bachelor of Fine Art program are required to submit a portfolio, as well as a PSE.

For more information on portfolio requirements, please refer to the information sheet in your acknowledgment or visit the Fine Art website.

**Please note that the Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) enrolment has been suspended for the 2012-2013 academic year.

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All applicants to the Bachelor of Fine Art program are required to submit a portfolio, as well as a PSE. You should submit your digital portfolio by the PSE deadline; however, you are encouraged to submit your portfolio as early as possible.

For more information on portfolio requirements, please visit the Fine Art website.

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All applicants to the School of Music are required to audition. For more information on booking your audition, please refer to the information sheet in your acknowledgment or visit the School of Music website.

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Please visit the School of Music websitefor specific audition requirements and sample repertoires.


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Email us with the subject heading "Question from FAQ Web Page". Please include your full name and OUAC reference number in the email to help us respond promptly.


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