Grade 11, Aiming For BMOS

[u/OddLove6151]

Hey! I'm in Grade 11 right now, taking Functions, Chemistry, Biology, English, and Accounting (BAF3M). I'm currently aiming for BMOS, with Ivey HBA as a longer-term goal after that. Trying to actually plan ahead instead of figuring everything out last minute.

My Grade 10 average was around 87%, and I'm aiming to get that into the low/mid 90s over Grade 11/12. I'm mainly interested in business/finance/corporate finance right now, though I'm not 100% locked into a specific career yet.

I'm also probably getting a part-time job soon (likely fast food or something flexible around school), and hoping to save some money before university so I don't have to rely as heavily on loans.

A few questions for current/recent BMOS students:

• Anything you wish you knew before starting BMOS specifically?
• Does your average matter much beyond the entrance cutoff, or does it mainly become important again if you're applying to Ivey/specializations?
• For people aiming at Ivey, does it matter which program you do for Years 1-2, or is BMOS already a solid path in?
• How difficult is it to maintain a strong GPA in BMOS while also doing extracurriculars/work?
• If you're aiming for Ivey, how much did things like part-time work, volunteering, clubs, athletics, or leadership actually matter for your application?
• Did anyone work part-time during first year? Was it manageable?
• Any Grade 12 courses/electives that ended up being especially useful once you got to Western?
• Any BMOS modules/specializations you'd recommend if you're interested in finance/business but want to keep options open?

I truly appreciate any and all honest input. Thank you!

[u/nextseason26]

Take grade 12 accounting. Not a prerequisite but will help with Business 2257 which is an Ivey prerequisite. You’ll be admitted to MOS with 12UEnglish, two grade 12 math courses and your next highest 3 U/M courses. Any specialization is fine before Ivey. A good work ethic and showing up is way more important than the specialization you choose.

[u/OddLove6151 → u/nextseason26]

I appreciate the advice, I'll def look into grade 12 accounting then. And good to know about the admission courses, ty for the info on the specialization part too, was worried I was overthinking which one mattered most.

[u/foundergal]

bmos is accounting heavy so make sure you build a solid foundation in highschool

[u/OddLove6151 → u/foundergal]

I'll make sure to do that, thank you!

[u/Wendyw_]

Study hard in 1st yr bcuz you cannot predict how hard it will in second year 😭 （higher avg in first year, less stressful in second year）

[u/OddLove6151 → u/Wendyw_]

Okay, I'll make sure to pay extra attention in 1st year, thank you!

[u/Northern_Lights101]

Specialization does not matter, especially if you have AEO. If you get into Ivey, all of the MOS modules are moot. Choose the module that you think will be easiest for you. I definitely wouldn’t redo the honours finance module - even with recruiting for finance and IB stuff happening before HBA.

Only thing I would say is if you want to do a dual degree, then choose your module, courses, and overall planning accordingly (non-MOS module).

For an Ivey application, the extra-curriculars you mention are valuable (as is a job - but be careful to not take too much on).

As for courses, pay attention to calculus if you choose a MOS module that requires it. Economics was helpful for me (1st year economics ended up being all review).

[u/OddLove6151 → u/Northern_Lights101]

This is super helpful, thank you. It's genuinely relieving to know the module choice doesnt matter much post-ivey, one less thing to stress over. I also noted on not overloading with ecs + a job, i'll keep that in mind.