Western Ivey MBA Video Questions & Assessment Guide

What to Expect from the Ivey MBA Video Assessment

Ivey’s current MBA application requires two written essays and two video essays. Ivey does not publish the exact question pool, timing, or platform instructions on its public admissions pages, so applicants should follow the directions shown in their current application portal. See the official Ivey MBA application page.

What makes Ivey unique is its deep commitment to the Case Method. In an Ivey classroom, students are expected to speak up early, defend ideas, and respond in real time as the discussion evolves. The video assessment is essentially a preview of that environment—the Admissions Committee is looking for presence, clarity, and comfort with that kind of pace.

Ivey is not only reviewing what you’ve achieved on paper. They are trying to understand how you show up in discussion and teamwork situations—whether you naturally contribute, challenge ideas, and help move conversations forward. To explore the program in more depth, visit our dedicated Western Ivey MBA overview or compare it with other top Canadian MBA programs.

The video essays are completed as part of the application. Applicants who advance in review may later be invited to a separate live MBA admissions interview.

Ivey MBA Video Essay Format: What Is Confirmed

Current official information confirms the required components, while portal-specific mechanics can change:

• Written essays: Two required questions
• Video essays: Two required questions
• Platform, timing, and attempts: Follow the instructions in your current Ivey application portal

ARINGO Insight: Ivey values conciseness and structure. In a case-style environment, you rarely have long to make your point—so practice answering in a direct, “headline first” way.

How to Succeed: 4 Practical Tips for Ivey

1. Think Like a Case Classroom Participant
Ivey is built around live case discussions. Don’t just narrate your experience—show how you think. Take a position early, explain it clearly, and sound comfortable being challenged.

2. Focus on “Class Contribution”
A strong Ivey answer often answers an unspoken question: *What will you add to the room?* Share perspectives, lessons, or industry insights others can learn from.

3. Use a Compressed STAR Structure
Use Situation, Task, Action, Result, but keep it tight. The majority of your time should be on the Action and Result. You can practice this using our common MBA interview questions guide.

4. Treat the Written Answer Like a Work Memo
Think of it as a short internal message to a manager. Be structured, direct, and clear. This is not the place for storytelling—clarity wins.

Small nuance: Many candidates underestimate the pressure of recording concise answers. Practising under a timer can help you organise your thoughts without memorising a script.

Ivey MBA Video Essay Practice Questions

The prompts below are ARINGO practice questions, not a claimed reproduction of Ivey’s current question pool. They are designed to help you practise leadership, judgment, motivation, and concise communication. For more structured preparation, visit our MBA interview questions by school database.

Leadership & Teamwork

• “Tell us about a time you had to influence a team decision without formal authority.”
• “Describe a situation where you worked with someone whose working style was very different from yours.”
• “Tell us about a time you led a team through an unexpected challenge.”

Personal Growth & Motivation

• “Why is an MBA from Ivey the right next step for you right now?”
• “Tell us about a time you failed to meet a goal and what you learned.”
• “What perspective will you bring to an Ivey case discussion that others may not have?”

Spontaneous / Pressure Questions

• “How would you explain a complex project to someone outside your field?”
• “What is the most important quality of a strong leader today?”
• “If you could change one professional decision, what would it be and why?”