University of British Columbia

How to apply to University of British Columbia

Basis for admission: Grades + personal profile (short essays) — one of Canada's few holistic reviews.

Deadlines: Jan 15 typical.

Application route: UBC online application (EducationPlannerBC).

What you write for University of British Columbia

Personal Profile — required for everyone: four written answers of 500–2,100 characters each, an optional fifth, plus two referees.

1. Personal Profile — Q1 Who you are≈350 (500–2,100 chars)

   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. (500–2,100 characters, about 100–350 words.)

2. Personal Profile — Q2 What is important to you≈350 (500–2,100 chars)

   What is important to you? And why? (500–2,100 characters, about 100–350 words.)

3. Personal Profile — Q3 Up to five activities≈350 (500–2,100 chars)

   Describe up to five activities that you have pursued or accomplishments achieved in one or more of the following areas: club, family/community responsibilities, creative or performing arts, work/employment, athletics, volunteer, service to others, other(s). For each, say what you did and what you got out of it. (500–2,100 characters total.)

4. Personal Profile — Q4 One or two activities that matter most≈350 (500–2,100 chars)

   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 one of the activities/experiences you've listed. (500–2,100 characters, about 100–350 words.)

5. Personal Profile — Q5 Additional information (optional) (optional)≈350 (500–2,100 chars)

   Additional information: you may wish to use the space below to provide UBC with more information on your academic history, course selection, life circumstances or preparation for your intended studies, if it is not already addressed elsewhere. (Optional. 500–2,100 characters.)

6. Sauder (BCom) — two extra questions≈350 each (500–2,100 chars)

   Commerce applicants answer two more Personal Profile questions: (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? (2) How are you positively impacting your community? Same 500–2,100 character range each. Delete this essay if you are not applying to Commerce.

   Bachelor of Commerce (Vancouver)

The Personal Profile is read for every degree and for major entrance scholarships. You also name two referees (one a school official, one who can speak to an activity) — line them up before you submit. Deadline: Jan 15.

Strong for

Sciences · Engineering · Sauder business · Arts