University of British Columbia Application Guide

Introduction To University of British Columbia

Located in the beautiful Canadian province of British Columbia, the University of British Columbia is a public institution home to over 20,000 undergraduate students. UBC is broken up into two campuses: Vancouver, and Okanagan. Vancouver is the much more prominent of the two, home to 85% of UBC students. This campus is in close proximity to the city of Vancouver, surrounded by temperate rainforests, and only a short walk away from the ocean. The Okanagan campus on the other hand is located in a semi-rural area just outside the picturesque city of Kelowna, 

For over 100 years, UBC has been recognized around the world as a renowned research and teaching institution, offering a wide variety of distinctive pathways tailored to the students’ interests. Although admission into UBC can be competitive, by better understanding the application process explored in this blog, acceptance into UBC can become significantly more manageable.

UBC Admissions Process

Each year, the University of British Columbia admits and welcomes over 5,000 undergraduates. Before admission, each of these applicants must first complete the entire application process, which is a relatively straightforward process, and is as follows:

The first decision a prospective student must make is which program they will apply to. Between both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses, there are 41 different degrees open for application. When applying, you are given the choice to apply to two degrees. These degrees do not have to be at the same campus, or in a similar or related field of study. For example, someone may choose to apply to the Bachelor of Science degree at the Vancouver campus as their first choice, and the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Okanagan campus as their second choice. Once admitted, students will choose a more specific program of study within their degree in their second or third year. 

The next decision prospective students must make is when they wish to apply. While the official deadline to submit an application is January 15, if you are a Canadian citizen or resident, you may submit an application prior to December 1 in order to be considered for scholarships, and to receive your admissions decision at an earlier date. Generally, those who apply with the December 1 deadline will receive a decision in late January, with those applying by January 15 receiving a decision anytime from late January to early April. UBC typically offers rolling admissions decisions, so not all applicants will receive a decision on the same day. 

After these decisions have been made, an applicant must then complete the primary component of the UBC application— the Personal Profile. This will serve as the all-encompassing method to display why you are a great candidate for admission. The personal profile will include information regarding extracurricular activities, employment, awards, academics, and most importantly, supplemental essays. 

Each Personal Profile will be carefully read by admissions officers who will compare applicants based on four criteria: demonstration of leadership, engagement, substance, and voice. While there are no right or wrong answers throughout the application, admissions officers are looking for candidates who are strong in these qualities, and who have a clear path to continue and grow their stories at UBC. Be sure to take your time and make sure that you completely answer each question to the extent of the prompt!

UBC Supplemental Essays & Examples

Each prospective applicant will be required to complete at least three short essays, with a few additional short answer questions. Depending on which program to which you are applying, you will be asked to answer a number of the following questions in around 250-400 words:

• 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?
• 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?
• 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.

Example Response (250 Words):

When I was four years old, I watched my first American football game. I instantly took interest in the game and bombarded my parents with questions about what I was seeing. I wanted to understand every last detail, and before long I did. 

This instance is one of many childhood examples of my insatiable curiosity and unstoppable passion for learning. Throughout my youth, both inside and outside of my academics, my parents encouraged this curiosity, encouraging me to ask questions, think for myself, and explore life through inquisitive eyes. Consequently, I have found myself regularly exploring new ideas and uncovering new passions. 

Most recently, I combined a budding interest in computer science and data analytics with a lifelong passion for sports and immersed myself in developing a mobile application for sports analytics. I have explored numerous programming languages and devised an algorithm for interpreting and analyzing these statistics with the end goal of creating a functioning app. Although this project has been full of setbacks, I am proud of the progress that has been made. 

I am excited to continue applying this curiosity to all aspects of my life, exploring the world through the eyes of a curious young child, refusing to accept the obvious explanation or superficial understanding, and striving for something more. Rooted in my identity, I hope not only to be known for being passionate or intellectually curious, but also for applying these traits to drive the action and ultimately to make a difference. 

• What is important to you? And why?

Example Response (250 Words):

I’ve grown up in a bubble.

Home to 25,000 people, Bainbridge Island is far from diverse. Eighty-nine percent of residents are white. The poverty rate sits below 5%. From statistics alone, Bainbridge Island seems like a place of privilege. The reality is more complicated. On an island dominated by a majority, the practice of active ignorance and marginalization of minorities, both racial and economic, results in minorities on the island having a difficult time developing an identity. Rather than being celebrated or honored, they are often overlooked and tend to lack equal opportunities.

Discovering a role for myself within our tight-knit island community, my goal was to impact this shortcoming. During my freshman year, I began volunteering with local community agency Helpline House, initiating and implementing special projects that benefit minorities. Through the Kids Pantry program, which ensures that underserved children have nutritious food, and Project Backpack, which offers kids free school supplies each fall, I have ignited positive change. 

Through this involvement, I have discovered the importance of my community in my life. By making tangible progress, I have learned that a strong community relies on commitment, connection, and creativity—values that I strive to reflect within myself. I am grateful to have been raised somewhere that encouraged these values. I recognize my efforts are only a small step, but changing the narrative, shattering the dichotomy between minority and majority, and ultimately, popping the bubble that is my community, is what is truly important to me. 

• Describe up to five activities that you have pursued or accomplishments achieved in one or more of the following areas. Please outline the nature of your responsibilities within these activities (50 words per description):
• 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.

Example Essay (350 Words):

I attended my first Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club meeting as a timid 15-year-old freshman, excited at the promise of free snacks. Quickly drawn in, I started as a general member—attending meetings, participating in fundraisers, and competing in local competitions. 

Sophomore year, I registered for my first speaking presentation event in the category of Sports Management. I was given a prompt, 20 minutes to prepare a business plan, then 7 minutes to present in front of judges. Miraculously, I took home first place and experienced a turning point in my involvement within the club. A wave of confidence had crashed onto me—I had found something that piqued my interest and triggered my creativity. 

I started taking on more responsibility and leadership, becoming the club treasurer in 10th grade, tasked with fundraising and managing a strict budget. At the end of that year, I was elected president and given the reins to improve it in any way possible.

My first goal was increasing membership. After our local chapter membership doubled, I explored ways to enhance the member experience. I brought in guest speakers, led informative meetings, and organized fundraising events. One facet of my involvement that I was proud of was the partnership I helped facilitate with local organization Bainbridge Youth Services (BYS). After reaching out to leadership within BYS and working with my fellow FBLA officers, I was able to create and bring to action a detailed business plan aimed at increasing and enhancing opportunities and involvement for minorities in our community.

Meanwhile, I continued participating in FBLA competitions. Working my way from local to regional to state level competitions, I experienced success in events I would not have dreamed of participating in previously. Last summer, I had the opportunity to travel to San Antonio, Texas where I competed in the event of Business Calculations at the FBLA National Leadership Conference. 

At the end of the day, I have FBLA to thank for transforming an apprehensive freshman into a confident business student excited to explore opportunities in leadership and business in the future.

Additional Overview

After you have completed the Personal Profile, you are free to submit your application and await an admissions decision. Good luck!

Here is some more information about UBC - 

What are the most popular majors?

The most popular majors/programs at UBC are:

• Psychology
• Economics
• Forestry
• Mechanical Engineering
• Biology

For US and international students, what do they need to do to prepare for UBC?

The application process for US and International students is generally quite similar. Both Canadian and International/US students will be required to complete the Personal Profile. 

There are a few small differences in the General Admissions Requirements:

For Canadian High School Students:

• English-Language Competency
• Graduation from High School
• A grade of 70% or higher in all Grade 11 and 12 English
• At least six academic courses during Grade 12 (recommended, but not required)

For US & International High School Students:

• English-Language Competency
• Graduation from High School

Outside of these baseline requirements, each major specific program may have particular requirements they are looking for in applicants. For example, if you are applying as a US or other International student applying to the Engineering program at UBC, it is expected that you have completed at least:

• Senior-level pre-calculus
• Senior-level physics
• Senior-level chemistry

For basic major specific requirements, more can be read here.

What is the fee for US students?

For the 2022-2023 academic year, the application fee for students from the United States was $125.25 CAD ($99 USD). However, if you attend high school in the United States, but are a Canadian Citizen, the fee is only $74.25 CAD ($59 USD). Although this is more expensive than many other colleges in the US, UBC does offer fee waivers for qualifying students. 

What is the tuition for US and Canadian students?

If you are a legal resident of Canada or a Canadian citizen, the total cost of attending UBC for one full year without aid is $9,079 CAD ($7,178 USD), without including housing. With housing, it becomes roughly $24,609 CAD ($19,458 USD).

For a United States resident, the total cost of attending UBC for one full year without aid is $46,153 CAD ($34,494 USD), without including housing. With housing, it becomes roughly $61,983 CAD ($49,011 USD).

What is the application like for US students?

Although UBC does not use the Common or Coalition Application process popular in the US, it does require many of the same elements. In addition to the Personal Profile, UBC also requires all prospective students to submit accompanying documents that support their application. 

This includes the necessity of a high-school transcript and three recommendation letters. The letters of recommendation must be submitted by the application deadline of January 15, whereas the high school transcript is due by March 15. While in 2022 it was not required, students are also able to submit their AP test scores and an ACT/SAT test score—both of which are also due by March 15. It is undecided at this point as to whether UBC will continue to be test-optional in future years. 

When does the semester start and end?

The University of British Columbia operates on a two-term system, similar to the widely used semester system in the United States. The first term runs from early September through mid-December, with the second term running from early January through the end of April. 

Outside of these two terms, students are also able to take courses during two summer sessions, either from early May to June, or early July to late August. 

What are the differences between US and Canadian universities?

While there are many similarities between US and Canadian universities, there are also many differences to watch out for. 

Price:

One of the major perks if you are a Canadian citizen is that attending university in Canada will be significantly cheaper. While the average cost of university in the United States for all colleges is $35,676 USD, it is only $6,653 USD for Canadian citizens. 

Housing:

Generally, there is less of an emphasis on student housing at Canadian universities. While most schools—including UBC—offer first-year on campus housing, after that most students move off campus into houses or apartments. 

Admission:

It is generally well-known that Canadian universities prioritize students’ high school grades over all other elements of the application. Though they still require supplemental essays, and recommendation letters, admissions offers will predominantly look at your high school grades to see if you are a good fit for the strong programs at UBC. 

Social:

While Greek Life is a large part of the social scene in the US, it is less prominent at many Canadian universities. Although it still exists in many schools, there is a greater emphasis on clubs and other student organizations.

Considering UBC?

If UBC seems like a good fit for you, schedule a free consultation with a PathIvy counselor today to get started on your application!

Written by Owen Rector, PathIvy University Ambassador