ubc undergraduate application essay

UBC Personal Profile: Examples, Question Samples & Prep Tips 2023/2024

If you’re looking for UBC Personal Profile questions, examples, and prep tips, then you’ve come to the right place. 

Before you dive in, it’s important to understand that UBC admissions committees receive thousands of applications every year. To help you stand out from the crowd , you need to demonstrate a clear sense of self , strong life experience , and exemplary communication skills .

Our ‘full student’ coaching process will help you improve in all these areas (and more!). 

If you’re not working with a coach, be sure to read the Self-Awareness , Goal-Setting , and Narrative Communication & Deductive Communication Skills Guides. All of these resources will empower you with the skills you need to show the admissions committee who you are , what you want to accomplish , and why you’d be a great fit for the University of British Columbia .

COACH’S TIP: You’ll also notice that all our Personal Profile templates use the Narrative/Deductive Approach (DON’T FORGET to access your FREE blank template) so you can see an effective general structure for your essays. We’ll provide a breakdown and example for each UBC Personal Profile question below. You can choose EITHER the Narrative OR the Deductive approach for your UBC Personal Profile essays. The Narrative Approach is usually for Arts/Business programs , or for personal questions where you want to tell a memorable story that creates an emotional connection with the reader. The Deductive Approach is typically used for STEM programs , where you have to provide an argument in a logical and structured way. 

DON’T feel like you have to stick to this model — it’s just a guideline so you can learn to communicate in a way that’s most familiar to you. Just choose the approach that you’re most comfortable with (and get in touch with us if you need some help deciding which is best for your application). 

REMEMBER : This guide offers GENERAL guidance for the Personal Profile and is NOT PROGRAM SPECIFIC — some questions might be added, removed, or different depending on which program you’re applying to. Make sure you do you research and complete the ENTIRE application for your program. 

If you’re serious about getting into your top-choice program at the University of British Columbia and reaching your fullest post-secondary potential, connect with a Youth Coach™ . It’s never too early to receive coaching.

Table of Contents

• UBC Personal Profile Overview : What is the Personal Profile?; Why do you need to write it?; How is it evaluated?; How to use this guide; and More.
• 2022/2023 UBC Personal Profile : Questions; Templates; Examples; Prep Tips; and More.

UBC Personal Profile Examples – Overview

In this section, we’ll go through all the must know information for your UBC Personal Profile.

What is the UBC Personal Profile?

The Personal Profile is mandatory for ALL high school students applying to any degree on UBC’s Okanagan or Vancouver campuses .  

If you are applying to Bachelor of Design in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and/or Urbanism, you do not need to submit a Profile. 

The UBC Personal Profile is made up of up to 8 short written essays (depending on the program you’re applying to). Keep reading for a full list of the questions, as well as essay templates and examples for each question.

You can access and submit the Personal Profile on EducationPlannerBC . 

COACH’S TIP : Write your essay responses BEFORE you start your online application, so that you have time to rewrite, edit, and polish your answers. When you sign in to EducationPlannerBC, you will have to upload your answers immediately, so if you have them saved in a separate doc, you can simply copy and paste them.  

IMPORTANT: The application opens on EducationPlannerBC in early October 2022 and the deadline to submit your application (including the Personal Profile) is January 15, 2023 at 11:59pm PST for regular admission.

Why Do You Need to Submit the UBC Personal Profile?

The UBC Personal Profile allows the program(s) you’re applying to get a better sense of who you are beyond your grades . 

Without it, you’re just a name on a page, and it’s really hard to differentiate you from other applicants, especially when everyone is a competitive applicant. 

The UBC Personal Profile asks you to talk about things like your:

• Experiences
• Leadership Potential
• Achievements 
• Challenges you’ve overcome
• Extracurriculars (across multiple years)
• …and all the valuable lessons you’ve learned along the way!

The evaluators use all these details to see if you’d be a good fit for the program you’re applying to and UBC more generally. They will also use this information to see if you will receive an entrance scholarship.

Put simply, they want to figure out what makes you, you , as well as the experiences and lessons that have helped in this process.

The Profile can also help make your application more competitive (especially if your average is a bit lower) because you can emphasize the fact that you’re a well-rounded student who has the drive, skills, and passion to succeed in the program . 

Keep reading for explanations for each question, as well as templates and examples to help you write the best Personal Profile possible.

How is the UBC Personal Profile Evaluated?

The UBC Personal Profile is evaluated by readers who have been trained and are familiar with the area of study you’re applying to. 

While there are no right or wrong answers , the Profile evaluators don’t want you to simply list a bunch of activities you’ve done and things you have accomplished. 

Instead, they want to understand what you’ve learned from doing all these things and that you can articulate deep personal insight in all your answers. They also want you to use specific examples .

Strong essays will answer questions like these:

• What did this experience teach you about yourself?
• What did this experience teach you about others?
• How did this experience change your outlook of the world?
• How did it impact your goals and plans for the future?
• What skills did this experience help you improve? 
• Did this experience start/intensify your passion in your chosen field?
• What did the challenges that arose during this experience teach you?
• How has this experience changed you as a person and as a leader?

UBC Personal Profile Evaluation Rubric

Reviewers evaluate each essay in your Personal Profile according to 4 criteria : 

1. ENGGAGEMENT AND ACCOMPLISHMENT:

Using specific examples, your answers should outline the activities, initiatives, causes, accomplishments, etc. that you’re most proud of and care most about, and the accomplishments you’ve had in those areas. 

You should detail what you’ve learned because of these experiences, and how they’ve made you a better person both inside and outside the classroom. 

Here are some things to think about to help you get started:

• What you care most about
• The people who are most important in your life 
• How you manage your time and responsibilities
• Hobbies, volunteer work, or other interests you’re passionate about 
• Community involvement and specific accomplishments you’ve achieved 
• A goal or project you’ve set for yourself and achieved (and how you’ve done that) 
• How you develop your passions and interests in various areas of your life

Using specific examples, your answers should discuss experiences/accomplishments where you became a stronger leader and developed leadership skills , like responsibility, reliability, resourcefulness, time management, accountability, and initiative. 

2. LEADERSHIP: 

Leadership can come in many forms , so don’t feel intimidated if you haven’t had much experience with it. It can be something as simple as a group project where you took the lead, or an extracurricular activity where you stepped up and went above and beyond the call of duty. 

Leadership can also be individual, like managing your own time or setting a specific challenge/goal for yourself and making a plan to achieve it.

• A specific experience where you showed exceptional leadership (and how you managed it)
• What being a leader means to you
• How you handle responsibility and accountability
• How you use diverse opinions, experiences, and backgrounds to the advantage of the group you’re leading 
• Effective strategies you’ve learned that help address specific challenges you’ve faced while leading
• How your activities and accomplishments have benefited your peers or community
• How have your leadership experiences influenced how you interact with others 
• What are the lessons you’ve learned (including effective leadership strategies) that you will use in the future 

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3. SUBSTANCE: 

The evaluators want to see that EVERY example, detail, and learning outcome you write about in your answers has a purpose and is meaningful . 

They want to see that you’ve really thought about your answers and taken the time to prepare them.  

Uniqueness is a HUGE factor here — you don’t want your answers to be basic and the same as everyone else’s. They need to dig beyond the surface and give relevant and interesting insights that other students might not have thought of. 

The evaluators also want to see that you’ve built self-awareness and have asked yourself big questions like who you are , what you value , where you want to go , and how you’ll apply the lessons you’ve learned to get there . 

If you have filled out our Student Identity Blueprint then this pulling out substance and deep personal insight in your essays will be a lot easier (if you haven’t filled out your Blueprint yet, click here to get started or connect with a coach ). 

The evaluators want to see that you can communicate your ideas in an authentic and memorable way , using storytelling, emotional connection, and character development . 

They want to see your personality and voice jump off the page — NOT the same generic essay over and over.

This might seem obvious, but a lot of students don’t know how to articulate their ideas in a genuine way that showcases who they are and explains what makes them different . 

Once your Profile has been evaluated according to these criteria, it is compared with other students’ Personal Profiles . Then this score is applied to your overall admission average as well as other admission criteria (e.g. video interview), if applicable. 

How to Use this UBC Personal Profile App Prep Guide

In this guide, we will provide breakdowns, templates, and examples for all 6 Personal Profile Questions. 

IMPORTANT : The program you’re applying to might not ask you to answer all 6 questions (or some of the questions might be slightly different) or it might have some slight variations on the questions listed below. Make sure you read the ENTIRE application to make sure you aren’t missing anything for your program. For program-specific guidance, connect with a coach any time for support. 

As mentioned above, all our templates use our Narrative Communication & Deductive Communication Approaches, so you can see what an effective structure looks like for the answers. We will use both approaches throughout this guide. Choose whichever approach you’re most comfortable with (or connect with a coach for support ).

We will use UBC Personal Profile templates and examples from the UBC Sauder BCom Personal Profile to show you what essays using the Narrative Approach look like. We have adapted these essays into the Deductive Approach structure so that you can see examples for this communication style as well.  

Ace your UBC Personal Profile.

UBC Alumni & Youth Coach™

2022/2023 UBC Personal Profile Questions & Examples 

Here are the UBC Personal Profile questions , as well as answer examples. 

REMEMBER : The program(s) you’re applying to might include some or all of these questions (or some questions with slight variations). Make sure you read the entire application carefully to make sure you don’t miss anything! You can also connect with us for program-specific guidance .

UBC Personal Profile Answer Examples – Question 1

“Explain how you responded to a problem and/or an unfamiliar situation. What did you do, what was the outcome, and what did you learn from the experience? (Maximum 1,500 characters)”

UBC Personal Profile Question 1 – Breakdown

As the first question in your Personal Profile, this is where you have the opportunity to make a strong first impression .

This question prompts you to discuss a meaningful experience , where you were required to address a challenge or uncomfortable situation. The important thing here isn’t so much what the situation was, but how you handled adversity and what you learned from it . 

Maybe you learned a new strategy for being a leader, or you saw the benefits of getting outside of your comfort zone, or you learned something about yourself.

Go beyond the surface and try to think of a problem/unfamiliar situation that will allow you to provide deep insight and self-awareness. Be as unique as possible, drawing out a learning outcome that is unexpected and memorable. 

COACH’S TIP : Paint a vivid and detailed picture as much as possible, showing who you were before this problem and/or unfamiliar situation happened, and then what your initial reaction was, and how you resolved it. Let your personality shine through, while taking the reader on the journey with you. 

Choose only experiences where you have a clear learning outcome that has changed who you are and how you view the world . You want to make sure that your answer has substance. 

The reviewers want to see that you’ve really thought about why this learning outcome is important and how it can be applied to your life today (and in the future). If you can do this, we guarantee that your essay will stand out from other applicants.  Not sure how to communicate your personal growth and learning in essay questions like these? Our Narrative Communication Guide and Deductive Communication Guides are a great place to start, and you can also connect with a coach to take your essay response to the next level.

UBC Personal Profile Question 1 – Template

Our template doc has BOTH the Narrative Approach (starting on p.1) and Deductive Approach (starting on p.9) templates listed below.

REMEMBER : There is a 1,500 character limit for this answer. 

Here’s a template that follows our Narrative Communication Approach :

• Quickly capture the reader’s attention and set up the essay so they know what to expect.
• Set the scene with who you were before this problem/unfamiliar situation happened using the 5Ws (Why, What, When, Where, Why). If you can, focus on explaining who you were before this problem/situation occurred, like what you believed in, valued, etc.  
• Describe the problem/unfamiliar situation and exactly what happened. Paint the picture vividly with your words and try to give enough detail so the reader feels like they are there with you. Briefly describe your emotions when this problem/situation occurred. 
• Discuss how you responded to this problem and/or unfamiliar situation, how you solved it, and what the end result was (this is the ‘after’ scenario that you introduced in the Context section). 
• Provide deep insight into some specific learning outcomes that occurred during this experience. Focus on 1-2 themes, while providing specific examples of the impact this experience had on your life today. Finally, write 1-2 sentences about how this experience will help you as a UBC student. 

Here’s a template that follows our Deductive Communication Approach :

• State what the problem and/or unfamiliar situation was, and briefly how you responded to it initially. 
• Explain why you had the initial reaction you did, and how you solved the problem and/or address the unfamiliar situation. Paint the picture vividly with your words, and give enough detail so the reader feels like they are there with you. 
• Provide examples of what happened as you were working to resolve the issue, such as any roadblocks you faced, skills you used to make things easier, how you addressed them, and what the final outcome was.  
• Provide deep insight into some specific learning outcomes that occurred during this experience. Focus on 1-2 themes, while providing specific examples of the impact this experience had on your life today. Finally, write 1-2 sentences about how this experience will help you as a UBC student.

UBC Personal Profile Question 1 – Example

Here are some examples of how to answer this question, using BOTH of our communication approaches.

REMEMBER : This is an EXAMPLE ONLY and is NOT meant for you to copy. Why? First and foremost, this is plagiarism and is a serious offense . Plagiarizing these essays will result in immediate disqualification from the admissions process . This can be easily detected using technology and application reviewers are usually trained and/or able to spot when an application isn’t original and does not align with an applicant’s background, personality, values, etc.

Example 1: From UBC Sauder Personal Profile Prep Guide, following the Narrative Communication Approach :

Example 2: Here’s an example of the same essay, but following the Deductive Communication Approach :

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UBC Personal Profile Answer Examples – Question 2

“Give us an example of how the pandemic has changed your involvement in the community or group most important to you. What have you learned from this experience? (Maximum 1500 characters)”

COACH’S TIP : Last year, the second question in the UBC Personal Profile was: “Give us an example of how the pandemic has changed your involvement in the community or group most important to you. What have you learned from this experience? (Maximum 1500 characters)”. If you come across this question and need some help with it, check out our breakdown, template, and example in our UBC Sauder App Prep Guide here .

UBC Personal Profile Question 2 – Breakdown

Our society is by no means uniform — and that’s what makes it so amazing. 

Whether you’re walking around downtown Toronto or taking a day trip to your favourite neighborhood in Vancouver, you’ll see people from all different backgrounds, cultures, religions, sexual orientations, economic standings, etc. 

This is exactly what a ‘diverse society’, as outlined in this question, means. A diverse society is a society that’s made up of all types of people with different ethnicities, races, genders, languages, religions, etc., as well as in thought processes, opinions and ideas, life experiences, values, and more. 

Diversity also extends far beyond your community or city . 

When you scroll through Instagram or Tik Tok, you’ll see posts and videos of people from all around the world showcasing their unique culture, experiences, and interests. In this way, social media has created a ‘global society’ that connects us all. More than ever before, we have access to other ways of life, and this can help us learn, grow, and contribute to this connected society.

A key part of diversity is also inclusion , or accepting everyone’s differences and making an effort to ensure that each person is valued and respected for who they are . 

Now that you have a good understanding of what this question means by a global and diverse society, try to think about some ways that you’ve seen diversity (and inclusion) in action.  

During your extracurricular involvement in your community, you’ve undoubtedly come across all types of people with difference backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, culture, ideas, language, sexual orientations, etc. And you’ve probably had the chance to share yours as well. 

When writing this essay, we recommend choosing one extracurricular experience you had in your community within the last couple of years, when you worked or interacted with a diverse group of people. Maybe it was a fundraiser where you had to work as part of a team or an initiative you joined to help a part of your community that was in need. 

You also want to choose one that was particularly meaningful — it should be one that initiated personal growth and changed your view of the world and the people living in it. 

Maybe you realized that diverse perspectives actually make a team stronger because they open up various avenues of interpretation when dealing with setbacks and conflict. Or, perhaps you were part of a community project that initiated meaningful dialogue about an important issue or equipped you with the tools you needed to become a responsible global citizen. 

Pick an experience where you challenged your views of yourself , and one that taught you something about the world you live in. 

The key here is to think about how your community involvement has opened your eyes to new perspectives and will inform your views on diversity going forward. Focus on 1-2 key takeaways (or themes) that you can use as tools in the future to help you become a better person, global citizen, and leader. 

Need some help figuring out which community involvement experience to choose? Connect with a coach for support.

UBC Personal Profile Question 2 – Template

REMEMBER : There is a 1,500 character limit for this answer. Here’s a template that follows our Narrative Communication Approach :

• Quickly capture the reader’s attention and set up the essay so the reader knows what to expect.
• Describe how you are active in your community, and how this involvement has allowed you to work with a diverse group of people. Use the 5Ws (who, what, when, where, why) to provide the reader with enough information that they get a good sense of this activity and your involvement. 
• Talk about a situation, conflict, or experience where diversity played a significant role, and discuss exactly what that role was. Be as specific as possible and describe your emotions as much as possible here to create a memorable connection with the reader. 
• Discuss how the situation you described in the Catalyst section turned out. Describe how you (and/or your team) used diversity to your advantage to generate a positive outcome. Use qualitative data (e.g. money raised, hours volunteered, people helped, etc.) as proof for the big impact your efforts had.
• Talk about 2-3 ways that your community involvement and the experience you discussed above have influenced you and changed your outlook on the world and your place in it. Describe how these learning outcomes have impacted you going forward and will help you navigate this complex world in the future and as a student at UBC Commerce.
• Briefly discuss ways that you (and/or your team) used diversity to your advantage to generate a positive outcome. Refer to specific qualitative data (i.e. exactly what you did, hours volunteered, money raised, etc.) to communicate the impact of your efforts.   
• Give 2-3 examples of how taking part in this activity has prepared you for the future in this complex world, and how your view of diversity and a global society has changed as a result of you taking part in this activity. 
• Talk about 1-2 ways that your community involvement and the experience you discussed above have influenced you and changed your outlook on the world and your place in it. Describe how these learning outcomes have impacted you going forward and will help you navigate this complex world in the future and as a student at UBC.

UBC Personal Profile Question 2 – Example

Here are some examples of how to answer this question, using both of our communication approaches.

REMEMBER : Please note that all of the examples in this guide are EXAMPLES ONLY and are NOT meant for you to copy.  

Example 1: From UBC Sauder Ap p Prep Guide, following the Narrative Communication Approach :

Need some help choosing an extracurricular experience to focus on in this essay? Connect with a coach for support.

UBC Personal Profile Answer Examples – Question 3

Tell us about who you are. How would your family, friends, and/or members of your community describe you? If possible, please include something about yourself that you are most proud of and why. (Maximum 1500 characters)

UBC Personal Profile Question 3 – Breakdown

This question is asking A LOT, in a REALLY limited space. 

With so many topics to address, things can get pretty disjointed and chaotic if you aren’t careful. 

To help you make an organized and articulate answer , we recommend tackling this question in the following way. 

First, identify 1-2 themes that will unify the entire essay . This can be anything from a hobby or research interest, to a skill/value , extracurricular activity, or an audacious goal you’ve set/achieved. 

Next, answer each of these 3 components , highlighting your theme(s) wherever possible:

• Introduce Yourself : Think of this component as your pitch to convince the evaluators why you’re a standout applicant who is the PERFECT fit for UBC. 🙂 Limit yourself to 1-2 memorable and unique facts that can be used to differentiate you from other applicants. You can talk about things like notable achievements and/or hobbies, unique experiences, things you value, skills you’ve worked on, etc.  
• How People Describe You : Provide 1-2 adjectives that best describe you, providing direct quotes, feedback you’ve received, etc. wherever possible. This can be from friends, family, role models, a teacher, a coach — anyone whose opinion you value.
• Something You’re Proud of and Why : State a unique accomplishment that highlights the facts/adjectives you mentioned above in action, as well as the skills it took to get you there. Then, answer why you’re so proud of it and what you learned because of it.

Remember that your theme(s) is the focus of the entire essay , while the details in the 3 components listed above (e.g. facts about you, your experiences, personal anecdotes and insight, and lessons you’ve learned) give more details about how the themes relate to you and why they’re an inseparable part of who you are.  

For example, say the overall theme of your essay is perseverance/determination, as well as your interest in entrepreneurship and software development. 

You would start with the first component (i.e. introduce yourself) and talk about how you are a resourceful and independent person, who does whatever it takes to reach a goal once it has been set. You could say that this determination comes from your parents, who immigrated to Canada when you were 2 years old, and always taught you the value of working hard and going after what you want. After being inspired by their success as small business owners, you decided to pursue your interest in entrepreneurship. 

Then, in the second component (i.e. how people describe you), you might say that your friends and family describe you as being very sure of yourself and confident in your abilities, which they saw when you started your own cyber security entrepreneurial venture. After seeing the struggles you went through, as well as all the late nights and trial and error, they realized how determined you were to go after your dreams. 

Finally, for the third component (i.e. something you accomplished), you could say that the thing you’re most proud of is taking your small business from nothing to having over 20 clients and generating over $10,000 in sales in just a few months. You learned that a big part of perseverance/determination is learning to receive constructive criticism, while maintaining authority as a leader, and being open to evolve. 

Here, you can see that the student provides a ton of details about himself (e.g. his family, immigrating to Canada, his interest in business, his organizational and leadership skills, etc.), while answering every component of the question. The theme of perseverance and entrepreneurship unifies and creates a focus for the entire essay, so that all the details are clear and organized. 

We know that such a complex question might seem a bit intimidating at first, but if you break it down into smaller sections it’s much more manageable. We also recommend that you connect with a coach to help you choose unique and authentic themes, and help you articulate your interests, skills, experiences, and goals in a memorable way. 

UBC Personal Profile Question 3 – Template

Here’s a template that follows our Narrative Communication Approach : 

THEME(S): 

• Capture the reader’s attention and give a quick preview of what’s to come.
• Briefly answer the question “Tell us who you are”, listing 1-2 notable facts that are an inseparable part of who you are (remember to use your theme as a focus). Provide 1-2 short sentences for each fact, giving enough detail that the reader can get a clear sense of who you are and your personality. You can start the essay with a statement like “I am…”, “I enjoy”, “I am passionate about”, “I value”, etc. 
• Discuss how your friends and family would describe you, using 1-2 adjectives (which also relate back to your main theme). Use direct quotes or feedback you’ve received from people here as evidence. 
• Describe an experience or two as evidence for why people would feel this way about you (e.g. volunteer work, social initiatives, extracurriculars, etc.), and make it an accomplishment you’re particularly proud of. Describe the outcome of the experience you noted above, using quantifiable facts (e.g. money raised, hours volunteered, people helped, etc.), as well as the skills it took to get you there. If you don’t have a specific experience in mind, mention another achievement or accomplishment or are particularly proud of, as long as it relates to the theme of your essay.
• Discuss what you have learned about yourself (and others) as you’ve explored your personal and academic interests and taken part in the activities you mentioned above. What have your experiences taught you about yourself? How have you evolved as a person? Finally, conclude your essay with a brief statement about how you will use the details you mentioned above to make you successful at UBC.
• Briefly answer the question “Tell us who you are”, listing 1-2 notable facts that are an inseparable part of who you are, while introducing the theme as the focus of your essay. Provide enough detail about your memorable facts that the reader gets a clear sense of who you are and your personality. You can start the essay with a statement like “I am…”, “I enjoy”, “I am passionate about”, “I value”, etc. 
• Discuss how your friends and family would describe you, using 1-2 adjectives (which also relate back to your main theme). Describe an experience or two as evidence for why people would feel this way about you (e.g. volunteer work, social initiatives, extracurriculars, etc.). Use direct quotes or feedback you’ve received from people here as evidence. 
• Describe the outcome of the experience you noted above, using quantifiable facts (e.g. money raised, hours volunteered, people helped, etc.), as well as the skills it took to get you there. If you don’t have a specific experience in mind, mention another achievement or accomplishment or are particularly proud of, as long as it relates to the theme of your essay.

UBC Personal Profile Question 3 – Example 

Example 1: Here’s an example of this essay question, following the Narrative Communication Approach :

Need some help tackling tough UBC Personal Profile questions like this one? Remember — you aren’t alone! 

Our Youth Coaches have helped hundreds of students create unique and authentic essay responses that showcase their skills, experiences, and strengths. Connect with a coach for all the support you need!

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UBC Personal Profile Answer Examples – Question 4

What is important to you? And why? (Maximum 1500 characters)

UBC Personal Profile Question 4 – Breakdown

Unlike Question 3, this question seems pretty straightforward. But don’t be fooled — it’s still asking a lot.

By finding out what is most important to you (and how it became important), the evaluators get a lot of insight into what makes you, you (and whether you’d be a good fit for UBC).

This question is left intentionally broad so you can discuss a wide range of topics like:

• Hobbies and interests
• Extracurriculars 
• Competitions 
• Community activities
• Social causes 
• Role models 
• Influential things/people in your life
• Transformational experiences 
• Concepts and ideas (e.g. leadership, work/life balance)

When thinking about what you want to discuss, reflect on something that you’re genuinely excited and motivated about , and articulate this passion in your answer. The goal here is to make the evaluators as excited about it as you are. 

Perhaps more important than the actual thing you discuss is WHY it’s so important (and how you communicate that). 

Think about where you’d be if you hadn’t discovered it, and what life would look like without it. 

Take the reader on a journey of how you have pursued this interest over time, the formative experiences you’ve had while doing so, and the positive things that have resulted from it. 

Remember that an important part of the UBC Personal Profile evaluation rubric is focusing on learning outcomes, so you should always list around 2-3 life-changing things you’ve discovered about yourself along the way. 

Finally, think about how this interest will ultimately make you a better student, and how you will continue to explore this interest at UBC. Do some research about specific clubs, programs, courses, etc. that will allow you to continually explore this interest and contribute to the UBC community as a whole.

Need some help deciding which topic to discuss for this essay question? We can help!

UBC Personal Profile Question 4 – Template

• State what is important to you. Answering the 4Ws (who, what, when, where) as much as possible so you provide enough information that the reader knows exactly what you are talking about. Discuss how it became so important to you (i.e. was there a specific event, time, or person where your interest started?).
• Describe what happened as a result of you pursuing it, such as skills you built, people you met, a career path you discovered, a goal you achieved, etc. Focus on 1-2 ways that it has impacted your life, and think about what your life would look like if you hadn’t discovered it. Briefly discuss any plans you have in the future to continue to pursue this area of interest. 
• Talk about 1-2 learning outcomes that have occurred because of this interest. Answer questions like: How have I changed over time? How has it influenced my life? How has it changed my worldview and values? Conclude by briefly stating how this interest (and your learning outcomes) will help you succeed as a student at UBC.
• State what is important to you. Answering the 4Ws (who, what, when, where) as much as possible so you provide enough information that the reader knows exactly what you are talking about.
• Describe what happened as a result of you pursuing this interest, such as skills you built, people you met, a career path you discovered, a goal you achieved, etc. Focus on 1-2 ways that it has impacted your life, and think about what your life would look like if you hadn’t discovered it. Finally, draw on your experiences cultivating this interest and how your interest has grown or changed over time. Briefly discuss any plans you have in the future to continue to pursue this area of interest. 

UBC Personal Profile Question 4 – Example 

Example 2: Here’s an example of this essay question, following the Deductive Communication Approach :

UBC Personal Profile Answer Examples – Question 5

List up to five activities or accomplishments in one or more of the following areas:

• Creative and performing arts
• Family and community
• Service to others
• Volunteering 
• Work or employment
• Other 

UBC Personal Profile Question 5 – Breakdown

UBC wants to see a broad range of activities in your Personal Profile, both inside and outside of school.

Choose extracurricular activities (like volunteer work or being a President of your school’s debate club), hobbies (like learning a new language), interests (like competitive swimming at your local community center), and/or general activities you enjoy doing with your family, friends, or members of your community (like playing tennis). 

COACH’S TIP : As mentioned above, the evaluators DON’T want you to simply list a bunch of activities you have done. Instead, they want you to talk about activities and experiences that have created learning outcomes that have profoundly shaped who you are as a person, while communicating these lessons in a unique, authentic, and memorable way (this will be especially important for the next question, which we will discuss more below). 

Choose up to 5 activities that will show the depth and breadth of your experiences. We call this the T Model (learn more about it here ).

Here, you have 1-2 big activities that you’ve put a lot of time and effort into (this is the depth, or the vertical part of the ‘T’). For example, this could be a non-profit you started in your community, a fundraising event you organized to help address homelessness in your community, or giving a TEDx talk on an issue you are passionate about. These are BIG accomplishments that you’re super proud of. These should be the first ones in your Personal Profile, so you can wow the committee from the beginning. 🙂 

Next, you’ll have 2-3 activities that take less time and effort, but are still super important for helping shape who you are (this is the breadth, or the horizontal part of the ‘T’). For example, these could be an online course you took that ignited your interest in finance management or a summer internship you did that helped you develop your communication and leadership skills. 

Structuring your activities in this way will show the evaluators that you have well-rounded experience in many areas.

We know that identifying (and participating in) activities like this can be difficult, especially if you don’t know where to start. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Our unique approach will help you and your coach identify and execute audacious and authentic goals (we call these AYA goals) that are perfectly aligned with your interests and passions , so you can accomplish what you want (and have amazing experiences to talk about on your application). Connect with a coach to get started and check out our Goal-Setting Guide now.

UBC Personal Profile Question 5 – Template

REMEMBER : There is a maximum of 300 characters per activity .

For this question, you will be asked for the following information: 

• Activity Type : State what this activity is, using the list above. If your activity isn’t mentioned in that list, write a 1-2 word description.
• Start Date : State when you began this activity (month/day/year) 
• End Date (optional): State when you completed this activity (month/day/year). If you are still doing it, leave this blank.
• Ongoing (optional): If this is an ongoing activity, check this box.
• Frequency: Select from the dropdown menu how often you participate in this activity (for example ‘Regular Weekly Activity (5-10 hours per week).
• Short Description (max 300 characters): Briefly describe your role in this activity and what it was for (e.g. President of your school’s economics club). Then, describe what you did, as well as what quantifiable outcomes (i.e. money earned, hours dedicated, etc.) and what you learned as a result of taking part in this activity (if you have space).

COACH’S TIP : On the EducationPlannerBC site, you will have to add each activity individually to your profile. Our template will ensure that you have all the correct information beforehand so you can have everything prepared and proofread.👍

UBC Sauder Personal Profile Question 5 – Example

Here’s an example of a list of activities for this question : 

Find the mentor you’ve been looking for.

UBC Personal Profile Answer Examples – Question 6 

Tell us more about ONE or TWO activities listed above that are most important to you. Please explain the role you played and what you learned in the process. You will be asked for a reference who can speak to your response. (Maximum 2100 characters)

UBC Personal Profile Question 6 – Breakdown

This question gives you the chance to discuss further insight into the impact your experiences have had on you and how the lessons they taught helped shape who you are .

We recommend choosing 1 activity to write your essay on so that you can provide enough detail and create a memorable and unique story. 

However, if you have two activities that both helped you discover a similar learning outcome , then you can write about 2. 

For example, if you volunteered to help organize a fundraising event for Alzeheimer’s research and awareness, you could talk about why you took on this role, and then the leadership skills, time management, team work, and problem solving skills you developed along the way. Talking about this one activity using the template below is perfectly fine. However, let’s say you with the help of your Youth Coach you took your goals to the next level and started your own non-profit to continue the journey to fund research for this disease. This would be a great opportunity to discuss two activities because it shows your dedication and your evolving leadership and interest in entrepreneurship and business.

It’s also important to choose an activity that you genuinely care about , so that you can convey your passion to the evaluators, along with what you learned. Your experiences make up what you value and what you care about. If you completed your Student Identity Blueprint™ , it will be really easy to choose activities that align to your Nurtured Values and communicate these values in your Personal Profile. If you haven’t filled out your Blueprint, connect with a coach to get started.

COACH’S TIP : Make sure you give your reference a heads up that UBC might contact them. Discuss the activity you were involved in, as well as your role, responsibilities, and what you learned as a result of that experience. You can even email some talking points for them to use if they’ve contacted. You don’t want your essay to give one learning outcome and then your reference to give another, so take the time to make sure the messaging is aligned.

Finally, when discussing what you learned in the process, make sure you really focus on the qualities that UBC looks for in its students , like leadership, community involvement, team work, and a passion for the field you’re applying to. 

If you need help deciding which activity from Question 5 to choose, connect with a coach for support. They can help you write an authentic and memorable response that will help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of admission success.

UBC Personal Profile Examples Question 6 – Template

REMEMBER : There is a 2,100 character limit for this answer. 

• State the activity that you are discussing from the list you gave in Question 5. Describe what you did in that activity (i.e. your role, responsibilities, etc.). Try to answer the 5Ws (who, what, when, where, and why). 
• Describe who you were before you started this activity and how your interests, values, etc. evolved while you were doing it. This can be a specific event that occurred while you took part in this activity or change over time. State some quantifiable outcomes that occurred as a result of your participation in the activity (e.g. money raised, hours devoted, etc.).
• Describe how this experience allowed you to learn and grow as a leader and student (this is the ‘after’ picture that you started in the Catalyst section). Provide deep insight and a unique learning outcome. Focus on 1-2 themes, while providing specific examples of the impact this activity had on your life today. Finally, briefly state how you will use this learning at UBC.
• State 1-2 activities that you listed in Question 5. Describe what you did in that activity (i.e. your role, responsibilities, etc.). Try to answer the 5Ws (who, what, when, where, and why). 
• Describe how this experience allowed you to learn and grow as a leader and student (this is the ‘after’ picture that you started in the Main Reasons section). Provide deep insight and a unique learning outcome. Focus on 1-2 themes, while providing specific examples of the impact this activity had on your life today. Finally, briefly state how you will use this learning at UBC.

UBC Sauder Personal Profile Question 6 – Example

Example 1: From UBC Sauder Personal Profile Prep Guide, following the Narrative Communication Approach . This example is from the list of activities in Question 5, from a student who was the President of their school’s economics club.

Need some help writing essays that describe your extracurriculars and what you learned? Connect with a coach for support.

UBC Personal Profile Answer Examples – Question 7

Additional Information (Optional): You may wish to use the space below to provide UBC with more information on your academic history to date and/or your future academic plans. For example: How did you choose your courses in secondary school? Are there life circumstances that have affected your academic decisions to date? What have you done to prepare yourself specifically for your intended area of study at UBC? (maximum 600 characters)

UBC Personal Profile Question 7 – Breakdown

So far in your Personal Profile, you’ve given the admissions committee some insight into your experiences and achievements inside and outside of the classroom with volunteer opportunities, extracurriculars, and various other activities.

All of these questions show how you undertake responsibilities , deal with setbacks when they arise, and have grown as a person along the way. Think of this as the development of your interests and passions through the activities you are involved in.

Question 7, on the other hand, focuses less on extracurriculars and other activities, and looks inside the classroom . Here, the reviewers want to know how your academic journey has developed your interest in business and led to you applying to UBC. 

This question is very open-ended so that you can focus on basically any area that has impacted your academic choices and performance. 

If you aren’t sure what to write here (if anything at all), have a look at your Student Identity Blueprint™ to help you identify why your interest in your chosen field began, your achievements thus far, and the skills/values that helped shape this interest (and who you are more generally). If you haven’t already completed your Blueprint, connect with a coach to get started on one.

The most important things to focus on for this question is how your courses in high school helped you develop your interest in your chosen field (and how you’ll continue to explore this at UBC).

You can discuss a gradual development over time or a specific event that changed academic choices/plans, and what you learned about yourself as a result.  

Focus on courses that are applicable to the program you’re applying to as much as you can here. 

Think about such questions as:

• What made you want to take this course?
• What challenges did you face when you did?
• How did this evolve your interest in your chosen field more generally?
• What skills, like leadership, communication, team work, and problem solving, did you develop along the way, and how? 
• How will these skills and experiences you developed help you at UBC, and how?

COACH’S TIP : Use specific details and talk about the emotions you experienced as much as you can. This will help create a unique connection with the reader and transport them into exactly what you felt during the situation/experience you are talking about. 

If you are unsure how to approach this question, connect with a coach to find an authentic angle that will emotionally connect with the reviewers while communicating your journey. 

UBC Personal Profile Question 7 – Template

REMEMBER : There is a 600 character limit for this answer. 

• Provide a brief description of your academic experience, including details like courses you’ve taken, skills you’ve built, and your experiences in high school. Briefly mention how these contribute to your interests and plans for the future (e.g. future studies, career, etc.). 
• Describe any experiences, challenges, or setbacks (academic or personal) and discuss how these affected your academic decisions in high school and while applying to university. Emphasize the uniqueness of your experiences and the emotions you felt so that you can be as authentic as possible. 
• Talk about what you learned as a result of this experience. How did it help you evolve as a person and student? Provide specific examples that show how what you’ve learned will help you excel at UBC. 
• Provide a brief description of your academic history to date and/or your future academic plans. 
• Provide some details and examples, like courses you’ve taken, skills you’ve developed, and your experiences in high school. Briefly mention how these contribute to your interests and plans for the future (e.g. future studies, career, etc.). 
• Talk about what you learned as a result of your experiences, and how they’ve helped you evolve as a person and student. Provide specific examples that show how what you’ve learned will help you excel at UBC. 

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UBC Personal Profile Question 7 – Example

UBC Personal Profile Answer Examples – Question 8

Please submit the names of two referees who know you well and can comment on your preparedness for study at UBC. Examples of referees include an employer, a community member, a coach, a teacher/instructor, or anyone who knows you well. One of the referees you select MUST be able to speak to one of the activities / experiences described in one of your long-answer responses above. For applicants who are currently attending a high school, one of your referees MUST be a school official (e.g. grade 12 or senior year counsellor, teacher, or IB Coordinator). Neither referee should be a friend, family member, or paid agent.

The purpose of this question is so that UBC can verify the activities, experiences, and learning outcomes you discussed in the previous questions. 

Before listing the names and contact information for your references, make sure that you ask your references for permission first , so that if they get a call or email from UBC then they’re not surprised. 

UBC Personal Profile Question 8 – Template

You will need the following information:

• Relationship
• Email Address
• Phone Number

UBC Personal Profile Question 8 – Example

Here an example of the information for this section:

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Our coaches have a strong success rate supporting students as they apply to the University of British Columbia, among other top universities.

Our 1-on-1 Youth Coaching fills that gap that most high schools miss. We can help you build self-awareness through probing questions and assessments, set bigger goals to elevate your extracurriculars and future career plans, and improve skills that matter on supplementary applications, such as interviewing, written communication, critical thinking, and creativity.

We use a coaching methodology, called ‘full student’ development, that’s been proven to increase your chances of admission to top-tier universities and obtaining competitive jobs/internships.

So, what are you waiting for? Fulfill your post-secondary potential with the mentorship and coaching you’ve always wanted!

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Personal Profile Overview

• What is the Profile?
• Why submit the Profile?
• Evaluation Rubric
• How to use this guide

Personal Profile Q1 & Q2

Personal Profile Q3 & Q4

Personal Profile Q5 & Q6

Personal Profile Q7 & Q8

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How to Write Your UBC College Application

Applying to college can be tedious. What differentiates a candidate that is accepted to one that is declined, is a great college application essay. The essay is the most complex component of the application process, and is what remains between you and admission to your dream colleges.

Here are some tips to write a great college application essay to stand out from the crowd:

1.      Plan your application

Think about how you would string your points together in a cohesive flow. At this point you can further organize your thoughts into an outline format that can help to gather your thoughts and the argument of the essay as a whole to convince the university admission office to accept you. It is important not to get into too much detail – writing keywords and phrases are the best solution. Highlight your strengths.

2.      Choose a topic that highlights your story

Share your personal story and thoughts in your personal statement . It is useful to take a creative approach and highlight areas that aren’t covered in other parts of the application, like your high school records. It may help to treat the college application like a job application, and writing your cover letter.

3.      Create a compelling introduction

Condense what you’re trying to say into a short introduction. Your first few sentences should be an ‘Elevator Pitch’ style summary of your essay. should be interested in it. Your introduction for your essay should sell the idea of it to a reader, leaving them wanting to read the essay in question.

4.      Be original

Top competitive colleges are looking for originality and quality . The application essay is an opportunity to impress an admissions officer with your determination and knowledge of your chosen subject. It should reflect your skills and ambitions , and highlight how your chosen program will help you achieve future goals. Don’t rely on phrases or ideas that people have used many times before. Statements like “I am passionate about helping people in poverty” are generic and should be avoided. If you are passionate about this, delve into why, or your own personal experience that brought you on this path. Whilst you want to maintain originality and showcase your own personal flair, avoid formal language as it can begin to sound monotonous.

5.      Proofread your application and ensure that it flows well

Check the order of your paragraphs and ensure that your strongest points and ensure that your paragraph order makes sense. Reread your essay and check to see if it makes sense. Make sure that sentence flow is smooth and add phrases to help connect thoughts or ideas. On the other hand, remove sentences that do not add value to your application – you want to demonstrate the ability to hold-back. Finally, check your application for grammar and spelling mistakes.

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Although the college application process can seem challenging, good preparation will ensure you have the best chance at receiving an offer from your dream university. Good luck!

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Find your place with us.

Whether you are exploring undergraduate or graduate studies, searching for information on tuition and scholarships, or ready to start your future at UBC, we are here for you. Your decision is very important to us. We want you to be successful, so please explore the resources below to find your path and place at UBC.

Undergraduate Admissions

Undergraduate programs.

Search UBC’s undergraduate programs by programs, faculties, and degrees.

Undergraduate Programs >

Learn how to apply to UBC. Find out about UBC’s admission requirements, how UBC makes admissions decisions, and important dates and deadlines in the application process.

Undergraduate Admissions >

Tuition & Scholarships

At UBC, we recognize the significant contribution you and your family make toward your education. We’re here to support you through financial advising, scholarships, bursaries, and other assistance programs.

Tuition & Scholarships >

Ready to Apply?

Apply to UBC >

Graduate Admissions

Learn about the unique offerings from our two major campuses:

• Grad Studies in Vancouver
• Grad Studies in Okanagan

MA, MSc, PhD? DMA, LLM, LLMCL, LLMT, MAAAPS/JD, MAP, MARCH, MASA, MASc, MASLIS, MBA, MED, MEng, MF, MFA, MFRE, MFS, MHA, MHSc, MJ, MLA, MM, MMEd, MMUS, MN, MOT, MPH, MPH/MSN, MPT, MRSc, MSCP, MSN, MSW? -->

Find the UBC grad program that’s right for you:

• Vancouver Programs
• Okanagan Programs
• Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies in Vancouver
• College of Graduate Studies at UBC Okanagan

Aboriginal Students

• Indigenous Portal (Vancouver)
• Aboriginal Access Studies (Okanagan)

Continuing and Distance Education

• Extended Learning
• Distance Learning — Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT)
• Professional Development & Community Engagement (PDCE)

ESL Students

• English Language Institute (Vancouver)
• English Foundation Program (Okanagan)
• UBC Vantage College

• Academic Calendar
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• UBC Directory

How to Apply

We invite you to apply to UBC to be part of an incredible community of problem-solvers and innovators. Even as undergraduates, our students are making a difference in the world – through their involvement in student engineering design teams , contributions as co-op students and innovative capstone projects . 

We'd love for you to join us. Here are the steps involved in applying to UBC to study engineering as an undergraduate student.

Step 1: Admission Requirements

Step 2: Application Process

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Step 4: Tuition and Scholarships 

Step 1: find out if you meet our admission requirements.

If you want to study engineering at UBC, you will be applying to the Bachelor of Applied Science (Engineering) degree. The admission criteria vary and depend on factors that include: 

• If you attended high school in Canada or  internationally .
• Whether you want to study at UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan .
• If you self-identify as an Aboriginal person .
• If you are transferring from one of our Engineering Transfer Programs .
• If you are transferring from another UBC Faculty or post-secondary institution .

Check if you meet our admission requirements:

• Read What courses do you need to get into engineering ? to learn about some of the high school credits we’re looking for.
• Head to UBC Admissions   for details on courses you need to have completed, general grade point averages, English language requirements and more.

What to do if you don’t meet our admissions requirements

If you don’t meet our admission requirements and you would still like to study engineering at UBC, you can pursue a few options. Depending on your circumstances, these could include:

• Applying to our Engineering Transfer Program and completing first year at one of nine partner universities and colleges.
• Upgrading your high school courses to get the credits you need in Physics, Chemistry, Math or English.
• Applying to Vantage One Bachelor of Applied Science if you don’t meet the  English language competency requirement.

Next steps if you meet our admission requirements

If you think you meet our admission requirements, great! Check out the steps below to learn what’s involved in applying to UBC. 

Step 2: Familiarize yourself with the application process 

UBC has a centralized application process. That means that no matter what Faculty you are applying to, you will submit your application to UBC Admissions. 

You can find all the information you need to know about applying to UBC on the UBC Undergraduate Programs and Admissions application instructions page.

Here are a few things to keep in mind about the application process:

• Applications will open in October of the fall before you wish to begin at UBC. 
• You can start the application before the deadline . Simply save your application while it is in process and return to it later.
• You will be asked to submit transcripts and other documents after you submit your application, so you do not need to have final grades for your current courses.

As part of your application, you will be asked to:

• Answer a series of questions about yourself and list your top two choices for what degree you want to study and where you want to study (UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan). If you definitely want to pursue engineering, you should indicate Bachelor of Applied Science (Engineering) for both options and then either UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan as your first choice (with the other campus being your second choice).
• Submit a  personal profile , which requires short essay responses. 
• Share the names of two references .
• Pay a non-refundable application fee
• High school transcripts
• International Baccalaureate results
• Advanced Placement exam results
• Proof of English language competency
• Post-secondary transcripts      

These details are explained step by step on the UBC Undergraduate Programs and Admissions application instructions.  

Learn more about UBC Engineering

You likely have some questions about UBC Engineering. A great way to learn more is to sign up for our annual open houses   or one of our many events . These events cover a wide range of topics, from learning more about what engineering is all about to insider admissions tips!

More about UBC Engineering

Learn more about our foundation year program , which sets you up to make an informed choice about which engineering specialization is best for you.

Explore the 14 programs on offer at UBC Vancouver and four programs at UBC Okanagan . You will apply to your specialization at the end of first year.

Chat with a student about their experience.

Follow our Engineering Stories Team on TikTok, Instagram or YouTube to see what life is like as an engineering student.

Step 3: Keep track of deadlines and submit your application

The online application portal for UBC for the Winter Session (September to April) opens in early October. Remember that you can start your application and save it while it is still in process. Just make sure you submit before the deadline !

Application Deadlines

The deadline to apply for September entry is January 15 . However, you need to apply earlier if you want to be considered for scholarships and awards or for first-round offers of admission.

Early October: Online application open

November 15: Award application deadline for international applicants who want to be considered for the  UBC International Scholars Program awards .

December 1 application deadline for: 

• International applicants up for a UBC International Scholars Program award 
• Canadian citizens and permanent residents to be considered for the  Presidential Scholars Awards and  UBC Centennial Scholars Entrance Awards .
• High school students studying a Canadian curriculum who want to be considered for a  first-round offer of admission .
• Canadian post-secondary applicants who want to be considered on the basis of interim transcripts.

January 15 : Application deadline.

You can find all the important dates on admissions deadlines at Dates and deadlines . 

Document deadlines

After you’ve submitted your application, UBC Admissions will email you to let you know which documents you are required to submit and when. The documents required will vary depending on your level of studies, location and program. 

• Review the Dates and deadlines page for the important dates to keep in mind.
• Select the category that best describes your education background to learn how to submit your documents .

Step 4: Learn about tuition and scholarships 

Your tuition fees will depend on whether you are a canadian student or international applicant, as well as how many courses you are taking:.

• Find out more about tuition fees
• Estimate your total fees with the cost calculator    

Want to learn about scholarship and funding opportunities? Learn more about: 

• University-wide scholarships, bursaries and awards
• Engineering-specific scholarships  

Remember that you will need to submit your application ahead of the December 1, deadline for admission to the upcoming    school year if you want to be considered for certain scholarships.

As a student, you can also earn while you learn by:

• Participating in Applied Science Co-op , where you will benefit from paid, relevant work experiences with leading employers.
• Pursuing other work experience opportunities, including Work Learn and undergraduate research .

A UBC Engineering degree is an investment in your future. Unlike other professional degrees, you can start working in your field immediately after you finish your undergraduate education without having to complete additional post-secondary studies. Find out why engineering might be the most versatile undergraduate degree and how UBC Engineering sets you up for success .

Want to know more about UBC Engineering?

Sign up to receive emails from us, and every few weeks we’ll keep you up to date on topics to help you learn more.

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Latest Why Engineering Articles

Discover how UBC Engineering can set you up for success and a versatile, practical and rewarding career.

Engineering is one of the most rewarding careers

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Prospective student events, ubc engineering: everything you need to know, take your next steps.

• Discover our programs
• How to apply
• Chat with a student

UBC Supplemental Essays | Essay Examples & Samples

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Ultimate Guide To Writing UBC Supplemental Essays | Essay Samples _ It’s cool that so many students are currently working on their online application process to applying into UBC . Beginning an early application implies that you’ll have enough time to reflect on your UBC application requirements starting from the personal profile section down to the UBC supplemental essays which is a crucial part of UBC’s admissions decision.

With the right information and guide on how to go about the UBC essays , you have no cause to worry as you automatically gets an upper Chance of getting into UBC.

So Welcome Abroad! (In Addy)

The UBC’s supplemental essays gives you the avenue to share your story and the opportunity to tell the admission committee what your passion is. They will use your supplemental essays to get more details and a full insight about your capabilities and to know how you would be of benefit to complement the UBC community.

Does UBC have supplemental application?

Yes! All high school candidates and some transfer applicants are expected to submit a personal profile while submitting their application to UBC. Depending on the degree you are going for, a supplemental essay application, student portfolio, or audition may be also be required.

Do I need to write an essay to apply to UBC?

Absolutely!

Each of these essays and personal profile questions Needs you to submit short essay responses (which ranges from 50 to 200 words) , so you’ll have to think about your answers before you begin your online application, this article will also provide an ultimate guide to your UBC supplemental essay writing.

You may like Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay Solutions 2023 | Georgia Tech Tuition Fees

How many essays do I need to write for UBC? university of british columbia supplemental essays?

The UBC personal profile essays are some kind of unique essays that are written by Candidates who are applying to the University of British Columbia. The essay kinds will depend on the faculty you apply to, you will be asked to write up to SIX to EIGHT short essays in your personal profile.

UBC Supplemental Essay Examples By Categories and How to Answer Them [PART 1]- UBC application example

Ubc supplemental essays for the bachelor of education personal profile only:.

• Why do you want to become a teacher?

They expect you to Describe the kind of teacher you dream to become. Give instances. Give an example from the experiences you have gained which illustrates your eligibility for the teaching profession. For example, you could tell them a story of how you were able to solve a challenging situation, or how you overcame a problem in a professional related manner, or stories on how you learned from your past mistakes etc. Make sure to use simple English and try to be straight to point, no long stories please!

Check NU Bound Acceptance Rate 2022 | NU Bound Vs NU. in

UBC Supplemental Essays For the Bachelor of Commerce personal profile only:

• Explain how you reacted to a challenge and/or how you have reacted to an unfamiliar situation. You have to tell them What you did, what the outcome was, and what you learned from the experience? This is a global and wide society. So it will have to explain how your community involvement gets you ready for the future in this multiplex world.

How Does UBC Assess your Profile and Essays?

When your applications are evaluated, two trained UBC readers will search out for the four core qualities in your personal profile which are your #engagement and accomplishment, #leadership, # substance, as well as your voice. This is an opportunity for UBC to find out more details about you and your experiences outside of the academic world. They want to get more details about your life and achievements. All have you learned, and how your moments have allowed you to grow? Please Be authentic enough, and focus on what you wish to say about yourself and how you wish to say it, rather than to pen down what you think UBC want to hear.

You may Want To Check How to Study & Pass UK Civil Service Exam | Is it hard to get into the Civil Service UK?

UBC Supplemental Essay Guide | Ultimate Guide to UBC Short Essays [ PART TWO]

Ubc essay prompts with ubc application example.

The first part of your application or Personal Profile is writing a few short essays! Which depends on which program(s) you are applying into, you are expected to answer two to four of the application prompts. Once you kick off the application process you’ll find more details;

Here are the 4 UBC essay question examples and their guide (including tell us who you are UBC)

• Explain how you responded to a challenge/problem and/or a how you have responded to unfamiliar situation. What did you do about them, what outcome , and tell them what you learned from the experience? ( It should be 200 words maximum)
• Explain Briefly the culture of your school community and your individual involvement within it. What positive/negative impacts has the school culture had on you? And How would you enhance it or possibly change it? (It should be 200 words maximum)
• Tell UBC about who you are. How would your family, your friends, and/or the members of your community describe your personality? If possible, please make sure to tell them something about yourself that you are so much proud and give them your reasons. (It should be 250 words maximum)
• What is important to you? And tell us why? ( It should be 250 words maximum.) To let them know how you can approach these UBC supplemental essays, we’ll have to go into depth on these difficult questions:

Steps to Answering “tell us about who you are” Supplemental Essay Prompt

Step one: hook.

You have to make sure you stand out the right away with a hook. What is A hook? It is one to two sentences at the beginning of your essay that gets the reader’s attention and tells him or her to keep reading. This could be your personal story or any kind of powerful statement. Give the UBC team a snapshot of your character and tell them that specific event, person or experience that has kept you motivated to be who you are presently.

STEP TWO: Give examples

Try not to answer these questions directly from the directive with your hook. Instead, you are to Give the answer with a very tangible example while writing your essay. Don’t just tell the UBC evaluation committee about your qualities, go a long way to demonstrate and embody how you acquired the traits. You have to check for a volunteer or leadership example of yours that shows key elements of your character.

STEP Three: Conclusion

As you recount the experiences of yours, be sure to recall and connect back to the best qualities that well describes you to round-up your response. This strategy can be used to answer all of these short essay questions in your UBC supplemental essay Personal Profile ; A powerful one to two sentence hook, A leadership/volunteer example described , one to two sentences clearly connecting back to the prompt

Does UBC require letters of recommendation?

A minimum of 3 references are needed for application into the graduate programs at the UBC admission . References are to be requested from the academics who are prepared to write a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Frequently Asked Question

The essay kinds will depend on the faculty you apply to, you will be asked to write up to SIX to EIGHT short essays in your personal profile.

How would your family, your friends, and/or the members of your community describe your personality? If possible, please make sure to tell them something about yourself that you are so much proud and give them your reasons. (It should be 250 words maximum)

Essay Prompts are opportunities for UBC to find out more details about you and your experiences outside of the academic world. They want to get more details about your life and achievements. All have you learned, and how your moments have allowed you to grow? Beginning an early application means that you’ll have enough time to reflect on your UBC application requirements starting from the personal profile section down to the UBC supplemental essays which is a crucial part of UBC’s admissions decision.

The UBC’s supplemental essays also gives you the avenue to share your story and the opportunity to tell the admission committee what your passion is. They will use your submitted supplemental essays to get full insight about your capabilities and to know how you would be of benefit to complement the UBC community.

• Online application process : https://ssc.adm.ubc.ca/sscportal/apply.xhtml
• UBC Admission : you.ubc.ca/admissions/how-to-apply/how-to-submit-documents/
• Personal Profile: https://you.ubc.ca/applying-ubc/how-to-apply/personal-profile/
• https://grantme.ca/how-to-get-admitted-to-ubc/

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How UBC grades your broad-based admissions essays

UBC is looking for leaders and with a strong sense of self and community who take initiative, according to its marking rubric for admission essays.

The university has refused to comply with the BC Supreme Court and Information and Privacy orders to release the rubric, which The Ubyssey requested via the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act four years ago. It was provided to the paper by a person who wishes to remain anonymous due to the confidential nature of the document.

Read the rubric in its entirety here.

The rubric asks graders to mark essays based on how well they display certain attributes. In approximately 1,000 words, the ideal applicant would have a sense of self and community, problem solving and resilience, intellectual readiness and expression, leadership and initiative, and achieving goals.

Each attribute gets its own page to let graders know exactly what to look for in applicants’ essays. For example, the leadership page lists complimentary adjectives that could describe a leader — e.g., “focused,” “confident,” “influential” — and some examples of situations that could demonstrate leadership ability — e.g., “ability to motivate and inspire others.”

To grade the application, each of the listed attributes are ranked on a scale from 0 to 5. Detailed descriptions of how answers might exemplify each rating can be found on each attribute’s page of the document.

Among other considerations, markers are told to take into account each applicant’s age and potential access to opportunities, and to flag areas of concern, such as mental health or other circumstances which may require additional support. Flagging an application, according to the rubric, has no effect on the chances a student will get in.

UBC admission stats 2016/17: Averages, acceptance rates and more

Markers are instructed not to take grammar, punctuation and spelling into account when grading an applicant’s submission.

“You should be focused on the thoughts and intentions of the applicant’s responses. For instance, you should not penalize applicants for using an incorrect verb or tense,” the rubric says, noting that English dialects vary between Canadian and worldwide communities.

According to UBC Director of Undergraduate Admissions Andrew Arida, the rubric is updated on a yearly basis “as the university seeks to enhance the process.”

Arida said that an average of 75 to 80 per cent of the decision to admit someone to UBC is still solely reliant on grades. Somewhere between one in five and one in ten students would not be admitted without the broad-based admissions process.

“It depends on the faculty and how competitive the program is and the introduction of other admission policies,” he wrote in an emailed statement.

UBC’s opinion vs. the BC Supreme Court’s

The Ubyssey has pursued UBC’s rubrics for how broad-based admissions (BBA) are graded for the past four years .

One of the initial reasons the university rejected our freedom of information (FOI) request cited the section of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act that deals with “disclosure harmful to the financial or economic interests of a public body.”

Implementing broad-based admissions cost UBC about $1.76 million, according to Arida.

“There would be cost associated with amending the system to ensure it remains viable if the rubric is released. The cost of returning to grades-only would be substantial. However, the cost to the student body, to its diversity and to those who might not otherwise have a chance to pursue their studies has an impact that cannot be measured in dollars. There is a huge lost opportunity cost because it would reduce access to UBC,” he said.

Judge Loryl Russell, in the section of her BC Supreme Court decision that dealt specifically with that claim, wrote that “it is clear that the BBA process is not like an exam where a student must demonstrate their knowledge of the concepts taught by an educational institution, and where maintaining the secrecy of the questions and answers is essential to the fairness and integrity of the testing.” UBC appealed this decision.

“Even if it were reasonable to conclude that disclosure of the rubrics necessitates abandoning the BBA process ... UBC did not provide information that satisfies me that this could reasonably be expected to harm its financial or economic interests,” wrote Russell.

UBC Director of Public Affairs Susan Danard wrote in an emailed statement that “releasing the BBA application scoring guides would allow prospective students to tailor their answers and exaggerate or misrepresent their experiences to meet UBC’s requirements, which would seriously harm the ability of the university to evaluate applicants fairly.”

The email also noted that The Ubyssey is publishing these documents “at [our] own risk.”

Russell wrote: “Given the nature of the information in these rubrics, I am not convinced that disclosure would make exaggeration, misrepresentation or false information any more prevalent or harder to detect than they currently are. Therefore, I do not accept that it is reasonable to believe, as UBC does, that disclosure of the rubrics would significantly diminish the predictive value of the BBA process, and that the only alternative is to abandon the BBA process.”

This article has been updated to clarify the fact that flagging an application, according to the rubric, has no effect on the chances a student will get in.

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Apply to Science One

If you're ready for an interdisciplinary, community-based first-year science experience at the University of British Columbia, you're ready to apply to Science One.

Science One has a separate application process from UBC undergraduate admission. Start by creating an account and application on the UBC undergraduate admissions site . You can then simultaneously work on that application and the separate Science One application. To start your Science One application, click on the link on the right. To log in you can use your EPBC credentials or your CWL if available, or you can request a one time link using your email address and student number. Admission to the Faculty of Science at UBC (Vancouver Campus only) is a prerequisite for admission to the Science One Program.

Enrolment in Science One is limited. Admission is based on your demonstrated interest in science, our assessment of your essay, as well as your academic record. The Science One online application system will open December 1 .  Students are encouraged to submit their Science One application early as applications are reviewed by the Science One Committee in the order that they are received.  Early admission may be offered to outstanding applicants before April 30, provided their applications was received no later than April 15. Applications received after April 30 may be considered but will not be evaluated on the same basis or with the same priority as those received before April 30. Students accepted into the program will be contacted by Science One via email. Students receiving an offer of admission should confirm acceptance via their Science One application.  

Students applying from outside Canada

AP and IB programs are globally recognized. If you attended an AP or IB program please enter your grades with your application. If you attended school (Grades 11 and/or 12) outside of Canada and outside of an AP or IB systems, you are not required to record any grades on the Science One application. You may submit your Science One application with an approximate 600-word essay along with any other information. We will refer to the UBC system for your courses and grades once they have been evaluated by the UBC Admissions office for BC equivalency with your Application for Admission to UBC. 

As part of completing the online application for Science One, all applicants must provide an approximately 600 word essay (575 - 625 words) addressing one of the following questions:

• Does knowing science make you a better person?
• Which scientist - past or present - would be most helpful if both of you were stranded on a deserted island?
• Can mathematics be more beautiful than art?
• Does the value of science depend on its practical applications?

Your essay will be judged on content, imagination and creativity, style, and clarity of exposition. This is where your curiosity, maturity, personal views and interest in science can shine! Your text should be original. Please do NOT send us additional materials, references or research papers.

Admission Requirements

At least 75% in English 12 or English Literature 12 (or equivalent) is required.  Students who have not achieved this minimum English requirement may still apply for the program. They may be asked, however, to provide writing samples that will be evaluated by Science One professors. 

Completion of Physics 11 and Chemistry 11 (or equivalent). Completion of Biology 11 or 12, Physics 12 and/or Chemistry 12 (both are highly recommended for success in Science One, but those in AP or IB programs may only have to take one), Pre-Calculus 12 or Principles of Mathematics 12, and Calculus 12, each with a minimum of 80%. If you are missing either Chemistry 12 or Physics 12, please contact us.

IB-HL or AP studies in the subject areas above also satisfy the requirements to Science One. IB-HL Mathematics or AP Calculus (AB or BC) provides the necessary calculus background. IB-SL Mathematics with a grade of 5 or better is also suitable. It is to your advantage to have taken one or more of the core subjects (Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Calculus) at the AP or IB level. However, transfer credits (including those based on AP or IB studies) will not exempt you from participating in any part of Science One.

Attaining a grade of at least 80% on the Cambridge O-levels satisfies the English 12 requirement for Science One. 

Applications from students studying outside of Canada who will have completed the prerequisites are also welcomed. The preparation of these students for Science One will be judged on a case-by-case basis. International students entering Science One are expected to complete UBC Jump Start in August. JUMP START is a first-year transition program for new international and Aboriginal students.

Your admission to Science One is based on preliminary information provided by you and your school. A drop in high school marks after application may indicate a weakness in your background. If any of your marks dropped by more than 2-3%, or if you have not met all of our requirements after marks are finalized, we should be contacted immediately to discuss strategies for academic success.

Missing Requirements

Are you missing calculus 12 (or bc equivalent).

• Are you going to miss the minimum 75% in English 12 or English Literature 12?

Are you missing Biology 11 or 12 (or BC Equivalent)?

Are you missing physics 12 chemistry 12 (or bc equivalent).

Historically the majority of incoming Science One students have had an introductory course in calculus (Calculus 12 or a locally developed equivalent course). This subject is now a requirement for admission to Science One. The syllabus for Science One has been prepared assuming that the students will be completely at ease with the fundamental ideas of Calculus and will have master key computational skills. Self-study will not be sufficient in this case. Therefore, if you are not currently taking this course, you must complete it through summer school or distance education before classes start in September.

Are you possibly going to miss the minimum 75% in English 12 or English Literature 12 (or BC Equivalent)?

Since writing skills are an important aspect of Science One, you must have at least 75% in English 12 or English Literature 12 (or equivalent) for admission to Science One. This Science One requirement is the higher of the school or provincial examination mark in BC and other provinces with similar government examinations. If there is any doubt that your mark will not be 75% or higher, please contact us and we will arrange you to submit writing samples to the admissions team.

Students in the Cambridge system who do not achieve at least 80% on their O-level English must contact Science One.  If there is any doubt that your mark will not be greater than 80%, please contact us and we will arrange you to submit writing samples to the admissions team.

The Faculty of Science has a Communication Requirement. Students admitted directly from secondary school are required to take at least one of the ENGL courses or WRDS 150B in their first year if eligible to do so. For more information on the Faculty’s requirement, click here .

Biology 11 or Biology 12 (or BC Equivalent of either) is acceptable to meet the Biology Requirement for Science One. If you lack both, you must complete either Biology 11 or Biology 12 (or BC Equivalent) through summer school or distance education before classes start in September. The syllabus for Science One has been prepared assuming that the students will be completely at ease with the material usually covered in these courses and self-study will not be sufficient in this case. Acceptance to Science One is on the condition that a grade of at least 80% is achieved. 

To be properly prepared for Science One students are expected to have Physics 11, Chemistry 11, and both Physics 12 and Chemistry 12 (or equivalent courses). Science One has been designed assuming that the students will have exposure to the material usually covered in these subjects. However, with the prevalence of IB and AP course, and the increased number of course offerings in high school, we are aware that some students might not be able to take all of Biology 12, Calculus 12, Physics 12 and Chemistry 12. In some cases we will consider waiving either Chemistry 12 or Physics 12 and recommend self-study. More commonly, we will recommend to meet this requirement by completing these courses through summer school or distance education before classes start in September. If you are missing one of the courses, please contact Science One. 

Step One: Apply to UBC

Start by making sure you've applied to UBC  in the Faculty of Science. UBC Application for Admissions opens in early September and closes on January 15.

Step Two: Apply to Science One

Science One online application opens  December 1 . Students are encouraged to submit an application early. Applications received after  April 30  may be considered but not with the same priority as those received before  April 30 .

Musqueam First Nation land acknowledegement

UBC Science acknowledges that the UBC Point Grey campus is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm.

Learn more: Musqueam First Nation

Science One

Faculty of science.

How to apply

Before you apply, please read this general information about what's required to apply to the program . What type of applicant describes you?

• I am applying to UBC from high school  
• I am applying to UBC CS with a first-year standing in UBC Science  
• I am applying to UBC CS with a second year standing in UBC Arts   
• I am a current UBC student  in another program  
• I am transferring to UBC from another college or university  
• I am a current UBC CS student and wish to change my specialization  

I already have a degree and wish to apply for a second degree in CS   Note well :  The UBC Faculty of Applied Science's Computer Engineering Degree is NOT associated with the Department of Computer Science. List of our department's Degree Programs and application procedures

What average is required for admission?

Historically, we have required an average in the low 80's. But every year is different! There are many factors to consider, such as course availability, number of seats, number of applicants and other factors. For a competitive average, we generally recommend hitting at least the high 80s to increase your chances of getting into UBC Computer Science. To ensure you’re at a good academic standing, develop good study habits, and learn to organize your time! Essentially, do your best. Current deadlines for application

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Take a deep dive into English literature in the honours literature program.

The honours in English literature exposes you to a wide-range of critical theory, literary history, textual analysis, and contemporary and cultural studies. Our program emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of the discipline of literary studies with opportunities for focused, independent research.

As an honours student, you’ll receive an intensive educational experience where you’ll work closely with your peers and faculty members as you participate in small-group seminars and write a graduating essay.

The 48 credits required in the honours program provide breadth and depth through area requirements exceeding those of the major. You can also combine your English honours with majors and minors or even double-honours degrees in other disciplines.

Many of our honours literature graduates work in law, communication, journalism, education, media, and publishing or pursue graduate studies, including top programs in North America and the UK.

Program Requirements

You can enter the Honours in English, Literature Emphasis in one of two ways:

(1) apply to enter in second year and then take ENGL 210: Introduction to English Honours, a small, full-year, cohort-building course introducing students to the full range of literary studies they will explore further in the program;

(2) apply to enter in third year, having completed ENGL 200, our seminar-based introduction to literature studies, team-taught by some of the best faculty in the business, and 3 additional credits of 3 credits of one of our second-year literature courses, ENGL 220-249. Here we cover graphic novels and comics, science fiction and fantasy, film adaptation, contemporary media, Indigenous literature, plus literature of Great Britain, Canada, the United States, and around the world.

In your third and fourth year, you will embark on advanced studies into the literature of the English-speaking world and beyond. You will take ENGL 300, an introduction to critical theories used in English literary studies and required of all honours students. You will take a suite of courses from our literature course groups in historical and contemporary areas, plus theory, media studies, or genre. You will also take 4 seminars (ENGL 491) working in small courses with specialist instructors working on texts from their particular fields and covering topics of significant contemporary interest. You will also write a graduating essay, working closely with a faculty supervisor on a topic of your choosing. To graduate with an Honours degree in English, students must complete 48 upper-level credits from ENGL 304 and above.

Students who entered English Honours prior to the 2022 academic year and who are still enrolled at UBC during the 2022 academic year may elect to complete either the old requirements in place when they entered the program or the new requirements as listed below. Honours students who choose to follow the new requirements but who have completed ENGL 211 do not have to complete ENGL 300. For more information, please contact the undergraduate assistan t.

Literature course groups

A. Medieval and Renaissance literatures: ENGL 343 to ENGL 350

B. 18th- and 19th-century literatures: ENGL 351 to ENGL 364

C. Modern, contemporary, transnational, and Indigenous literatures: ENGL 365 to ENGL 379

D. Media, theory, genre, and special topic:  ENGL 332 to ENGL 339; ENGL 380 to ENGL 397

100-level requirements

6 credits of one of the following options:

• 100-level English
• 6 credits of ASTU 100
• 3 credits of ASTU 100 or 101 and 3 credits of 100-level English
• WRDS 150 or 350 and 3 credits of 100-level English

200-level requirements

• 6 credits of ENGL 210
• 3 credits of ENGL 220 and 3 credits of ENGL 220-249

300-level requirements

Students must complete 33 credits of courses numbered 304 and above including:

• 3 credits of ENGL 300: Introduction to Critical Theory
• 24 credits comprising 6 credits selected from each of Group A, B, C, and D above
• 6 credits of additional ENGL courses number 304 and above. A Language course is recommended.
• 3 credits of Canadian Literature selected from ENGL 222, 360, 371, 372, 373, 394 – the selected course will also account toward Group B, C, or D as required.

400-level requirements

Students must complete 15 credits of 400-level courses including

• 12 credits of ENGL 491: Honours Seminar
• 3 credits of ENGL 499: Honours Essay

Apply to the Honours Program

Start your application.

Application for the honours in English literature and the honours in English language and literature follow the same requirements and procedures. See below how to apply.

Application Process

Students may enter the honours program either in their second or third year of study.

• 3 credits of first-year English literature and 3 credits of first-year writing
• or in UBC's Arts One program.

Students who receive UBC English credit for Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs may count those credits toward the major's first-year English requirement. Students with 6 AP or IB credits can take 200-level English courses; if you need help registering, contact the English undergraduate programs assistant.

Students who have received transfer credits for first-year English courses may count those credits toward English honours' first-year English requirement.

Second-year honours applications

The English honours program accepts applications for second-year (ENGL 210). All applicants should submit:

• The application form
• One writing sample from a literature course
• A short letter explaining their choice of this program and their expectations
• One confidential letter of reference

The honours committee will allocate spaces to new applicants in early May. We will notify interested students of our decision early in June.

The English honours program accepts third-year applications from students not enrolled in ENGL 210 during their second year. All applicants should submit the following:

If accepted, applicants will need to have fulfilled the requirements for second-year English: ENGL 200* plus 3 other ENGL credits. Students may also show that they are planning to take the relevant credits in the summer.

*In 2019/20 only, ENGL 220 may be substituted for ENGL 200.

Once you are accepted into the program, make an appointment with an advisor during the advising period to discuss your specific schedule for next year. We will notify interested students of our decision early in June.

The English honours program accepts applications for third year students who have already completed ENGL 210.

Continuing applicants should only submit an application form and may disregard the other documents listed on the form.

Once you have been re-admitted, make an appointment with an advisor during the advising period to discuss your specific schedule for next year. We will notify interested students of our decision early in June.

Students not currently registered at UBC must apply for admission to the university.

Applicants registering at UBC for the first time should also provide the Department of English Language and Literatures with a transcript of their university or college work to date.

Combined Honours Programs

Students may combine honours programs in the Faculty of Arts but only after careful consultation with the separate programs' chairs. Typically, such a combined program involves waiving some specific requirements in each program to accommodate your particular interests.

Combining English honours with theatre and film or creative writing involves all the senior requirements in both programs for what is, in effect, a double degree.

Course Planning

Frequently asked questions.

You have two options:

• Option A: You can apply to honours at the end of your first year; if admitted, you will take ENGL 210 in your second year as introductions to honours English.
• Option B: You can apply to honours at the end of your second year, after taking (ideally) 6 credits of second-year English, including ENGL 200 (required).

Can I use courses taken outside the Department of English Language and Literatures to meet my upper-level English requirements?

Only in exceptional circumstances.

You should design your schedule to meet upper-level English requirements with upper-level English courses.

For advice related to your English program requirements, contact the English undergraduate office.

Do I have to take upper-level English courses in a particular order?

Generally no.

All 300-level courses have the same prerequisite, and you can meet your program requirements in whatever order makes the most sense for you.

That said, we encourage literature program students to complete the required course ENGL 200 in their second year or as early as possible; the same is true of ENGL 229 if it is required for your program in English language or language and literature.

Honours students should take ENGL 491 and 492 (4 sections) across upper-level terms. The graduating essay (ENGL 499) is usually completed in the final year.

The goal of this arrangement is to make sure that students take a variety of courses while also following their interests. The credit requirements in each course group may be taken in any order. Honours students may also count ENGL 491 or 492 seminars covering particular areas as meeting those area requirements. For instance, a section of ENGL 491 on "Beasts in Medieval Romance" would count as 3 credits of medieval literature. Students still need the same number of total ENGL credits, but your 4 seminars can count toward area requirements. Students wishing to specialize in one of these areas can use their remaining elective credits in one group; students looking for greater variety and coverage can distribute their electives across the groups.

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Start preparing your Bachelor of Education program application

September 25, 2023

Whether you’re interested in applying for the Bachelor of Education program this year, or in the future, here are a few tips to guide you along the way.

• Start reviewing the admission requirements early!

The most often asked question is ‘what courses do I need to get into the program?’

The admission requirements are listed on our  Bachelor of Education page .

As part of your application and to assist you in reviewing (and checking off) the academic admission requirements for your chosen pathway, there are self-assessment worksheets:  Teaching Children   and  Teaching Adolescents . You will submit these self-assessments during the application process. There is a guide available to help you complete these assessments and it includes examples eligible UBCO courses for Canadian Studies and Lab Science.

If you have questions about whether or not your course meets the course requirements, please contact Academic Advising, please visit the  Student Advising Services webpage to contact them or book an appointment.

• Gain experience working with the age group you think you want to teach

A minimum of 75 hours of practical experience (volunteer or paid) working with children or youth is required. We recommend you work/volunteer with the age group that you wish to teach. You will be asked about your experience when you submit your Supplemental Application Form.

On this form, you will also be asked to write a personal essay: Becoming an educator opens doors to many opportunities to teach, learn, and contribute in a variety of contexts including but not exclusive to schools. What are your goals as an educator? Highlight and provide examples of the qualities and experiences you bring to the challenge of becoming an educator.

TIP:  We understand you might change your mind about what you’ve written. We do allow you to re-submit a Supplemental Application Form. However, you must resubmit as a fully completed application. We recommend you save copies of your written answers in a word document, so if you wish to modify your answers, you don’t have to re-type everything.   

TIP: Once you have submitted your summary of experience (up to three experiences can be listed), and moved on to the next experience or Personal Essay question, you will not be able to go back to edit your experience on the supplemental application form.

A range and variety of instructional experiences is encouraged to better prepare for the program. Typical experiences for applicants include but are not limited to working in school classrooms as a volunteer or assistant, teaching dance, coaching team sports or working as a summer camp counselor.

TIP:  Not sure where to go for experience? You can contact your local school district, recreation/community centre, youth group, art gallery or museum to see if they have any opportunities. 

You will need two professional references from individuals who have personally observed you working with children and/or youth in a face-to-face or online instructional capacity, either in a group or with an individual.

References must be credible authorities who can speak to your abilities, experiences and interests relevant to the teaching profession. They cannot be a family member or friend.

Examples of  appropriate  references:

• An individual who has personally observed you in a face-to-face (as opposed to an online) context where your primary role was to instruct or interact with children and/or youth
• School administrator (e.g., principal, vice-principal)
• Teacher at an elementary, middle or secondary school
• Camp director
• Daycare program coordinator
• TA-supervising professor

You will send each of your references the link to the Confidential Report on Applicant, your student number and name as provided in your BEd application, the pathway you are pursuing and email address. Once your reference has submitted their confidential report, you will receive a confirmation email.

This form is confidential and is only used for admission purposes. As the applicant, you should not see the completed form.

Interested in teaching French?

You’ll need to meet the admission criteria for either the Teaching Children or Teaching Adolescents Pathway, in addition, you’ll need to submit one  of the following as proof of French competency:

• Successful completion of the  Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF) and/or Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF)   (additional information below) OR
• A written assessment by faculty of the French Department of a Canadian university that you have demonstrated knowledge  of the French language to indicate you are capable of conducting all French language teaching OR
• Demonstration of  completion of all of your education in the French language OR
• A letter from a Francophone Education Authority indicating your proficiency (i.e. CSF, SD 93) OR
• Completion  of a minimum of 4 year post- secondary   degree  in an institution  where  French  is  the  language  of instruction .  

French Pathways Information Session

We’re hosting two online sessions: Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 and Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 for prospective French Pathways applicants.

• Sending in transcripts if you are not currently a UBC student

Submit your official transcripts for any post-secondary studies at institutions  other than  UBC by mailing them to:

The University of British Columbia Undergraduate Admissions 2016 – 1874 East Mall Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z1

For more information on sending transcripts visit you.ok.ubc.ca

If you have questions about your application or need assistance please visit the  Student Advising Services webpage to contact them or book an appointment.

Applying to UBC Vancouver

If you are applying to the UBC Vancouver Teacher Education program, you will need to submit two references and your personal essay to them directly.

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Everything you need to know about UBC’s Campus-wide Login

By Crissy Campbell on April 22, 2024

Every UBC student needs to create a Campus-wide Login (CWL) once they’ve accepted their offer of admission. UBC’s CWL gives you access to UBC’s websites for the duration of your studies (including Workday Student, UBC Library , Canvas , and others), enabling you to use the same username and password across all websites.

When do you need to create your UBC CWL?

The first time you’ll need a CWL will be to log into Workday Student, UBC’s student information system, to register for your courses. Before then, you can use your EducationPlanner BC (EPBC) username and password to log into:

• The Education Planner BC website (EPBC) to apply to UBC.
• The Applicant Service Centre (ASC) to check your application status, see next steps required to complete your application, upload documents required by UBC, and accept or decline your offer of admission.
• The Housing website ( UBC Okanagan | UBC Vancouver ) to apply for student housing, check the status of your housing application, and make payments to your residence account.

UBC will email you when it’s time to prepare for registration – providing you with your registration date and time. When it’s your time to log into Workday Student to prepare to register for your courses, that’s when you’ll need to create your UBC CWL.

How do you create your UBC CWL?

You need an active student number to create a CWL Student Account. This is why you should not create a CWL before you have accepted your offer of admission to UBC .

Once you’ve accepted your offer of admission, find out how to create your UBC CWL Student Account by reading the “Student Accounts (CWL Account Upgrader)” section on the UBC CWL website. You’ll use your EPBC username and password to log into the CWL Account Upgrader . Then, simply follow the steps to create your CWL.

Do you need a CWL to apply to UBC, check your application status, or apply for housing?

No, new undergraduate students do not need a CWL for these websites. Simply use the EPBC username and password that you created to apply to UBC via the EducationPlanner BC website .

If you created a CWL before accepting your offer of admission to UBC your CWL might not work. Why?

If you created a CWL before accepting your offer of admission, your new UBC CWL will not be properly connected to your application to UBC. You’ll likely find that you aren’t able to log into the Applicant Service Centre with this unconnected UBC CWL.

If this happens to you, you can use your EducationPlanner BC username and password to log into the Applicant Service Centre .

But you’ll need to contact UBC so we can connect your UBC CWL with your application. This process can take a week or two.

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